Mic question for GL2 at DVinfo.net

Stewart McDonald · February 21st, 2004, 05:34 AM

I'm planning on getting a Sennheiser ME66 mic, I know i need a K6 power module with it, but will I need anything else for it to work well with the Gl2? I've read things about xlr adapters but am not sure whether i need one. I'm on a bit of a budget you see.

Thanks

Chris Hurd · February 21st, 2004, 09:22 AM

A little bit of research into the mics you're interested in will reveal whether they require XLR inputs or not. The Senn. ME66 is in fact an XLR mic, for instance. There are cheap ways to get around an XLR adapter, but they usually involve monkeying around with various converter plugs and jacks and whatnot. In the long run, an XLR adapter keeps the signal clean and the cables dressed and ultimately is the best way to go. If you're looking at using a professional mic, I think it's a good idea to also budget for an XLR adapter for the GL2. Hope this helps,

Graham Bernard · February 21st, 2004, 10:19 AM

Chris is correct. All my audio kit, apart from the XLR adaptor - Canon MA300, is Senni. And XLR throughout:-

1 x Senni 66

1 x K6 power module

1 x Evolution Wireless Set

1 x HD280 pros Headphones [ non-XLR ]

. . .and yer know what? The audio is clean and clear .. having this coming into the two separate XLR Canon MA300 adaptor channels is a pure joy to hear. It is a sweet, clean sound . . If you can stretch your budget try and do the initial outlay of XLR throughout . . The make? Did I mention Sennhiesher - no? . . . . ;-) . . .and no, I don't work or have any relatives working for them. My Bank manager will back me up on that one!!!

Grazie

Stewart McDonald · February 21st, 2004, 11:43 AM

Can't I just put the me66 directly into the GL2?

Thanks

Ken Tanaka · February 21st, 2004, 11:57 AM

No. As noted above, the ME 66 is a professional mic that uses an XLR connection, not a mini plug.

Don Palomaki · February 21st, 2004, 02:47 PM

You could use an XLR-to-MiniPhone (mono - not stereo) adapter cord and connect directly. It would work, but you would lose the benefits of balanced connections (usually not an issue with very short cables). The audio will be mono, on the left channel.

The issue with a simple adapter using stereo miniPhone (pin 2 and 3 to tip and ring) is that the left and right channels will be out of phase, a potential issue for thelinear track if copied to VHS.

Alan Craven · February 22nd, 2004, 04:46 AM

I use an ME67/K6 combination using a 6 inch long XLR (R/A Neutrik) to stereo phono jack to connect to the camera. At this length there is no problem with noise pick up. If you want to use longer cables you can get Balanced/unbalance adaptors from companies like Composite Video (www.compositevideo.co.uk) in the UK.

I have tried both mono and stereo phono jacks, and despite the impedance implications there is no audible difference that I can detect. I use studio monitors and high quality headphones in my editing set up. If you want to play safe, with Premiere, and I guess other editing programs, you can duplicate the single channel during editing

Diane Bogosian · February 24th, 2004, 06:15 PM

The Evolution Series---the 100 is not XLR, correct? I also want it to be camera-mountable, so does that rule out the 300 series as well?? (research was done on the Northern Lites site)

I have a GL2 and am shopping for a wireless system. I am curious if anyone has heard about the Sennheiser G2 and WHEN it will be available.

And should I wait, or go for something that will be "older" and cheaper, like the
EW512P (500 series). Best price found so far is around $650.

Also I assume I can buy mics seperately to add to my wireless system. I understand I can only use one transmitter at a time, but can I interchange transmitters (have one trans and switch out lav or handheld, for ex)?

Thanks for your help
d

Alan McCormick · February 25th, 2004, 12:27 AM

Diane,

Just bought the above radio mic set.
1. You get an XLR cable with it now which can plug into your XLR accessory (MA300/Beachtec).
2. It is supplied with velcro strips (strong grip) that can be attached to your Cam for the RX.
3. "Also I assume I can buy mics seperately to add to my wireless system"
Yes, have a look at www.sennheiser.co.uk for possibilities.
4. "can I interchange transmitters (have one trans and switch out lav or handheld"
You probably could as long as TX & RX are on the same frequencies. The other day I went on a shoot with a friend and we "swapped" receivers, ie: I had my TX and his RX and vice versa. The original "pair" of each set had to be different frequencies and we used them to talk to each other.
Similar for your mic swap, it is easy to change the frequencies quickly.

Graham Bernard · February 25th, 2004, 12:34 AM

2 Points here:

1 - "The Evolution Series---the 100 is not XLR, correct? " - Diane XLR is a method of connection. It does not include or exclude any particular device per se. You may want to research this site for "definitions" I've found it very helpful http://desktopvideo.about.com/librar.../bldef-XLR.htm. OKay, that said, my Senni 100 series wireless kit came with an XLR connector as part of the kit. One end is the standard mini jack and the other is the big and beefy XLR. Easy!

2 - "I also want it to be camera-mountable, so does that rule out the 300 series as well?? (research was done on the Northern Lites site) " I can't answer fr the models you speak of, but getting the Rx part of the Senni 100 to "sit" somewhere on the cammie was, well, "creative". Here is a link to a bracket type thingy: http://www.bracket1.com/wireless_microphone/bracket.htm you could consider. I've actually made my own. This used some "plastic" epoxy putty and an old "cold-shoe" extender - HAH! The kit comes with 4 strips of male and female Velcro and I've use this to fix to my "bodge". It works, it's secure . . and looks kinda kool too! I've also elected to mount the Rx in an horizontal position. I haven't found that the ariel is hampering the Rx quality being attenuated in this horizontal position - seems fine to me.

Regards,

Grazie

Graham Bernard · February 25th, 2004, 12:36 AM

. .Alan . .think I'll give up . .you're too quick for me . . Have fun today with The Man!

Grazie

Alan McCormick · February 25th, 2004, 02:36 AM

OT - Just off now Grazie, will let you know how I get on

Diane Bogosian · February 25th, 2004, 11:56 AM

Thanks gentlemen for your replies. Let me try to clarify my question (I should just go to the guitar store and look: I can hear you thinking) I own an XLR adapter and want to use ONLY XLR, period, for sound. I already hate that my camera does not have XLR "ports" or "connectors" or whatever you call them.

The 100 Series mic it's got a mini jack that you adapt with an XLR cord, right? Then I run it to my XLR adapter which is plugged into my camera with a mini jack.

Maybe I'm just suspicious because I don't have a lot of experience:I always imagine it's like that game telephone: the more different parts required to get the info from beginning to end, the better chace you have for something to screw it up.

So if I want a wireless Senn mic that is "born" with XLR (i.e. you'd need an adapter to plug it into an 1/8' plug camera) I need to NOT get the 100.

I already have my XLR adaptor mounted on my camera via the tripod mount. When I mount the receiver I am guessing its a system similiar to my ZOOM COMMANDER, which came with cool stuff to mount on the tripod handle.

Fine. I am catching on that this is an industry full of proud Dr. Frankensteins!

Graham Bernard · February 25th, 2004, 12:28 PM

LOL! I like your attitude to this stuff .. . I can't agree with you more .. As to calling me a Gentleman, steady on there! Don't wanna looose what Street Cred I've got left . . ha ha ha ..

Okay, I'll come clean! I've had to research what on Earth this all means too. 18 months later I think I gotta handle on most of what I think I need . ..

Okay, I see what yer mean. You've got an audio adaptor that has to be connected to the Camie via a mini jack - yes? I've got the Canon MA300. this sits in the Hot Shoe and makes a connection directlly to and within the Cammie .. so whatyou are implying .. I think .. why should you go "momentarily" XLR .. the "Sound-Heads" will come back with the answers .. .

As to Mary Shelly's part in all this . .. . "It Lives! .. It Lives!" . .When I ve got most of the "other" stuff bolted onto my cammie, it looks like a christmas tree . ..

Cheers, Grazie

Jan Heugel · February 27th, 2004, 09:02 AM

don't forget about the beyerdynamic MCE72 CAM. it's a stereo condenser microphone, and uses a xlr-> 3,5 'adapter-cable'. the cam version comes around with a "hot shoe" to mount the mic on your camcorder. I plan to buy it within the next month (have to do some fundraising actions;)

add: datasheet link:
http://www.beyerdynamic.com/com/product/pdf-Datasheet/mce72.pdf

jan

February 21st, 2004, 05:34 AM	#1
Stewart McDonald Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: UK Posts: 130	Mic question for GL2 I'm planning on getting a Sennheiser ME66 mic, I know i need a K6 power module with it, but will I need anything else for it to work well with the Gl2? I've read things about xlr adapters but am not sure whether i need one. I'm on a bit of a budget you see. Thanks

February 21st, 2004, 09:22 AM	#2
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	A little bit of research into the mics you're interested in will reveal whether they require XLR inputs or not. The Senn. ME66 is in fact an XLR mic, for instance. There are cheap ways to get around an XLR adapter, but they usually involve monkeying around with various converter plugs and jacks and whatnot. In the long run, an XLR adapter keeps the signal clean and the cables dressed and ultimately is the best way to go. If you're looking at using a professional mic, I think it's a good idea to also budget for an XLR adapter for the GL2. Hope this helps, __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

February 21st, 2004, 11:57 AM	#5
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	No. As noted above, the ME 66 is a professional mic that uses an XLR connection, not a mini plug. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

February 21st, 2004, 02:47 PM	#6
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,487	You could use an XLR-to-MiniPhone (mono - not stereo) adapter cord and connect directly. It would work, but you would lose the benefits of balanced connections (usually not an issue with very short cables). The audio will be mono, on the left channel. The issue with a simple adapter using stereo miniPhone (pin 2 and 3 to tip and ring) is that the left and right channels will be out of phase, a potential issue for thelinear track if copied to VHS. __________________ dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com

February 24th, 2004, 06:15 PM	#8
Diane Bogosian Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 55	Ev100 XLR? Sen G2 due date? The Evolution Series---the 100 is not XLR, correct? I also want it to be camera-mountable, so does that rule out the 300 series as well?? (research was done on the Northern Lites site) I have a GL2 and am shopping for a wireless system. I am curious if anyone has heard about the Sennheiser G2 and WHEN it will be available. And should I wait, or go for something that will be "older" and cheaper, like the EW512P (500 series). Best price found so far is around $650. Also I assume I can buy mics seperately to add to my wireless system. I understand I can only use one transmitter at a time, but can I interchange transmitters (have one trans and switch out lav or handheld, for ex)? Thanks for your help d

February 21st, 2004, 10:19 AM	#3
Graham Bernard Old Boot Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London UK Posts: 3,633	Chris is correct. All my audio kit, apart from the XLR adaptor - Canon MA300, is Senni. And XLR throughout:- 1 x Senni 66 1 x K6 power module 1 x Evolution Wireless Set 1 x HD280 pros Headphones [ non-XLR ] . . .and yer know what? The audio is clean and clear .. having this coming into the two separate XLR Canon MA300 adaptor channels is a pure joy to hear. It is a sweet, clean sound . . If you can stretch your budget try and do the initial outlay of XLR throughout . . The make? Did I mention Sennhiesher - no? . . . . ;-) . . .and no, I don't work or have any relatives working for them. My Bank manager will back me up on that one!!! Grazie

February 21st, 2004, 11:43 AM	#4
Stewart McDonald Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: UK Posts: 130	Can't I just put the me66 directly into the GL2? Thanks

February 22nd, 2004, 04:46 AM	#7
Alan Craven Major Player Join Date: May 2003 Location: York, England Posts: 518	I use an ME67/K6 combination using a 6 inch long XLR (R/A Neutrik) to stereo phono jack to connect to the camera. At this length there is no problem with noise pick up. If you want to use longer cables you can get Balanced/unbalance adaptors from companies like Composite Video (www.compositevideo.co.uk) in the UK. I have tried both mono and stereo phono jacks, and despite the impedance implications there is no audible difference that I can detect. I use studio monitors and high quality headphones in my editing set up. If you want to play safe, with Premiere, and I guess other editing programs, you can duplicate the single channel during editing

February 25th, 2004, 12:27 AM	#9
Alan McCormick Major Player Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Chatham, UK Posts: 282	Senn EW100P Diane, Just bought the above radio mic set. 1. You get an XLR cable with it now which can plug into your XLR accessory (MA300/Beachtec). 2. It is supplied with velcro strips (strong grip) that can be attached to your Cam for the RX. 3. "Also I assume I can buy mics seperately to add to my wireless system" Yes, have a look at www.sennheiser.co.uk for possibilities. 4. "can I interchange transmitters (have one trans and switch out lav or handheld" You probably could as long as TX & RX are on the same frequencies. The other day I went on a shoot with a friend and we "swapped" receivers, ie: I had my TX and his RX and vice versa. The original "pair" of each set had to be different frequencies and we used them to talk to each other. Similar for your mic swap, it is easy to change the frequencies quickly. __________________ Alan McC

February 25th, 2004, 12:34 AM	#10
Graham Bernard Old Boot Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London UK Posts: 3,633	2 Points here: 1 - "The Evolution Series---the 100 is not XLR, correct? " - Diane XLR is a method of connection. It does not include or exclude any particular device per se. You may want to research this site for "definitions" I've found it very helpful http://desktopvideo.about.com/librar.../bldef-XLR.htm. OKay, that said, my Senni 100 series wireless kit came with an XLR connector as part of the kit. One end is the standard mini jack and the other is the big and beefy XLR. Easy! 2 - "I also want it to be camera-mountable, so does that rule out the 300 series as well?? (research was done on the Northern Lites site) " I can't answer fr the models you speak of, but getting the Rx part of the Senni 100 to "sit" somewhere on the cammie was, well, "creative". Here is a link to a bracket type thingy: http://www.bracket1.com/wireless_microphone/bracket.htm you could consider. I've actually made my own. This used some "plastic" epoxy putty and an old "cold-shoe" extender - HAH! The kit comes with 4 strips of male and female Velcro and I've use this to fix to my "bodge". It works, it's secure . . and looks kinda kool too! I've also elected to mount the Rx in an horizontal position. I haven't found that the ariel is hampering the Rx quality being attenuated in this horizontal position - seems fine to me. Regards, Grazie

February 25th, 2004, 12:36 AM	#11
Graham Bernard Old Boot Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London UK Posts: 3,633	. .Alan . .think I'll give up . .you're too quick for me . . Have fun today with The Man! Grazie

February 25th, 2004, 02:36 AM	#12
Alan McCormick Major Player Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Chatham, UK Posts: 282	OT OT - Just off now Grazie, will let you know how I get on __________________ Alan McC

February 25th, 2004, 11:56 AM	#13
Diane Bogosian Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 55	clarification and new question re camera mountable Thanks gentlemen for your replies. Let me try to clarify my question (I should just go to the guitar store and look: I can hear you thinking) I own an XLR adapter and want to use ONLY XLR, period, for sound. I already hate that my camera does not have XLR "ports" or "connectors" or whatever you call them. The 100 Series mic it's got a mini jack that you adapt with an XLR cord, right? Then I run it to my XLR adapter which is plugged into my camera with a mini jack. Maybe I'm just suspicious because I don't have a lot of experience:I always imagine it's like that game telephone: the more different parts required to get the info from beginning to end, the better chace you have for something to screw it up. So if I want a wireless Senn mic that is "born" with XLR (i.e. you'd need an adapter to plug it into an 1/8' plug camera) I need to NOT get the 100. I already have my XLR adaptor mounted on my camera via the tripod mount. When I mount the receiver I am guessing its a system similiar to my ZOOM COMMANDER, which came with cool stuff to mount on the tripod handle. Fine. I am catching on that this is an industry full of proud Dr. Frankensteins!

February 25th, 2004, 12:28 PM	#14
Graham Bernard Old Boot Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London UK Posts: 3,633	"It Lives! .. It Lives!" LOL! I like your attitude to this stuff .. . I can't agree with you more .. As to calling me a Gentleman, steady on there! Don't wanna looose what Street Cred I've got left . . ha ha ha .. Okay, I'll come clean! I've had to research what on Earth this all means too. 18 months later I think I gotta handle on most of what I think I need . .. Okay, I see what yer mean. You've got an audio adaptor that has to be connected to the Camie via a mini jack - yes? I've got the Canon MA300. this sits in the Hot Shoe and makes a connection directlly to and within the Cammie .. so whatyou are implying .. I think .. why should you go "momentarily" XLR .. the "Sound-Heads" will come back with the answers .. . As to Mary Shelly's part in all this . .. . "It Lives! .. It Lives!" . .When I ve got most of the "other" stuff bolted onto my cammie, it looks like a christmas tree . .. Cheers, Grazie

February 27th, 2004, 09:02 AM	#15
Jan Heugel Tourist Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Germany Posts: 1	beyerdynamic is an alternative don't forget about the beyerdynamic MCE72 CAM. it's a stereo condenser microphone, and uses a xlr-> 3,5 'adapter-cable'. the cam version comes around with a "hot shoe" to mount the mic on your camcorder. I plan to buy it within the next month (have to do some fundraising actions;) add: datasheet link: http://www.beyerdynamic.com/com/product/pdf-Datasheet/mce72.pdf jan