MA-100 XLR audio adapter questions

Thijo van Beek · March 11th, 2007, 05:36 AM

Hi Jack,

The settings were as you wrote,
exept the bit setting was on 12 bit, not on 16.
Could that have made the difference?

By the way: I think I found a reason why I had so much noise.
I can't test that idea yet, as the mic is in use somewhere else at the moment.
But I found out the headphones volume was wide open for some reason.
I never filmed with the mic, as I thought the noise was terrible through the headphones.
But that might (?!) have been a reason.
Maybe if I would have filmed a few shots, it would have been better then I thought.
Right?

Thijo

Jack Smith · March 11th, 2007, 11:19 AM

The headphone volume would not having any affect the recorded sound.

I think if you had the audio 1 set to line as I had indicated in the previous post, that is the problem.The MA100 outputs MIC level.
I had made the same mistake.
Basically, the switch behind the door sets the input source and the menu sets the input level sensitivity.So setting the menu to LINE would be for a CD or vcr or line level from a mixer.(using RCAs)
Setting the menu to MIC is for the MA100 or other MIC level sources.
The MA100 will not accept a line level input.

Don Palomaki · March 12th, 2007, 03:29 AM

As Jack says, the head phone level setting will not effect the recorded sound, either level or noise floor. However, it can effect the subjective impression of noise level, especially hiss. Using headphones make hiss much more apparent to a listener.

And Jack is spot on with respect to the MA-100. It is intended for mic level signals. Line level signals sent to the MA-100 will clip at about around -10 dB. The level range (MIC, MIC ATT, LINE) for the audio 1 and Audio 2 input is selected from the menu.

Using 12-bit vs. 16-bit would not have any effect on record level. It mainly effects frequency response (due to different sample rates) and perhaps a slight effects on distortion. 16-bit mode is better quality, but limits you to two recorded channels. 12-bit is approximately FM broadcast quality potential

Simon Duncan · May 29th, 2007, 07:46 AM

I have a Canon XL1 and have just bought Beyerdynamic M58 microphone for Interviews. I have a mini jack to XLR adapter which I plug in where the On camera mic goes and guess what it don't work. So I have been informed at I require and additional adapter.

I am also looking at the Canon MA-100
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...e_Adapter.html

My question is will this unit power my new mic?
Meaning will I get audio working correctly?

I have been really happy with the picture of this camera for the age of the camera and price but the audio has always been a problem.

So people will the Canon MA-100 adapter work?

Thanks

Cole McDonald · May 29th, 2007, 08:23 AM

my MA-100 works like a champ. It provides an XLR interface as well as phantom power. Should run whatever you throw at it. Although, I didn't design it, so I'm not the end all, be all authority on saidsame adaptor.

Simon Duncan · May 29th, 2007, 08:53 AM

Thanks for your reply Cole,

Just a quick question.

With the MA-100 there are 3 connection cables?
IE 1 red RCA, 1 white RCA (these are the actual audio cables?) and a small mini jack cable?

Is the small mini jack cable for Phantom power?

Is this how the microphone used is able to access power?

Sorry if these questions are really basic but I have just bought a good mic and I want to make sure it will work with this adapter.

Thanks
Simon

Greg Boston · May 29th, 2007, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cole McDonald

my MA-100 works like a champ. It provides an XLR interface as well as phantom power.

Sorry Cole, that's incorrect. The MA-100 DOES NOT provide phantom power. The little connector that plugs into the camera provides power for the pre-amp built into the MA-100.

So, whatever mic you plug in, must either be a dynamic, or one that can provide its own phantom power like the K6 module does on my Sennheiser ME66 shotgun.

Using wireless lavs would work okay.

-gb-

Simon Duncan · May 29th, 2007, 09:17 AM

Thanks also Greg,

Currently I will be using a Beyerdynamic M58 which according to the Product Information booklet it is a Dynamic Microphone.

So it should work fine with the MA-100 Adapter?

Thanks
Simon

Greg Boston · May 29th, 2007, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon Duncan

Thanks also Greg,

Currently I will be using a Beyerdynamic M58 which according to the Product Information booklet it is a Dynamic Microphone.

So it should work fine with the MA-100 Adapter?

Thanks
Simon

Yes, a dynamic mic will work fine as they do not require a power source.

-gb-

Cole McDonald · May 30th, 2007, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg Boston

Sorry Cole, that's incorrect. The MA-100 DOES NOT provide phantom power. The little connector that plugs into the camera provides power for the pre-amp built into the MA-100.

So, whatever mic you plug in, must either be a dynamic, or one that can provide its own phantom power like the K6 module does on my Sennheiser ME66 shotgun.

Using wireless lavs would work okay.

-gb-

I sit corrected. Good info, thank you.

Don Palomaki · May 31st, 2007, 06:45 AM

A dynamic mic, such as the Bayerdynamic M58 should work OK with the MA100. BTW, the MA100 does provide about 6 dB gain, which will be helpful with dynamic mics (because they typically have lower output than condenser mics).

I am surprise that it did not work when plugged into the XL1 mic jack. It should have worked OK, but with lower audio level than the Canon stock mic. The adapter you had may not have been wired properly, or it was the wrong type of adapter.

Simon Duncan · June 1st, 2007, 02:23 PM

OK so I am really totally confused now. I have a brand new Beyerdynamic Mic (Dynamic Mic) and a new Canon MA-100 adapter just arrived from B&H. Now when I connect the MA-100 to my camera - connect the 2 RCA audio cables and the 3rd small power cable to the camera - plug in my shiny new Beyerdynamic Mic I get no sound what's so even.

When I look in the cameras menu setup I have the following:
Sensor ... ON
Tally Lamp ...OFF
Audio Mode ... 16 bit
Audio 1 In ... ---
Audio 2 In ... ---
Rec Mode ... SP

So guys what am I doing wrong not to get any audio out of my shinny new gear.

Just to repeat I don't get any audio whatsoever.

I have tried opening the white flap on the camera and under the AUDIO 1/MIC
setting change the input select to MIC or ATT or AUDIO 1 and the only time I get any change in the camera menu setting is when I select AUDIO 1 the camera menu setting AUDIO 1 in ... LINE

Remember I am using a Canon XL1 but this should work.

Any help???

Jack Smith · June 1st, 2007, 06:21 PM

Simon, if you are recording only from the Beyer mic, go into the menu ,vcr setup, set audio mode to 16 bit, go to audio 1 in and set to line,close the menu and open the audio door and set the audio 1/mic input to audio1.
make sure the ma100 is plugged in as you described( both RCAs and the MA100 power plug).That's it, it should work.
If your trying to do both the stock mic and the Beyer, it's a different process.
I see by your description
"When I look in the cameras menu setup I have the following:
Sensor ... ON
Tally Lamp ...OFF
Audio Mode ... 16 bit
Audio 1 In ... ---
Audio 2 In ... ---
Rec Mode ... SP"
the audio 1 is blank, so you have not set the audio1 in correctly.

Don Palomaki · June 1st, 2007, 07:10 PM

A common issue for new users who have not studied the manual carefully.

To use the MA100 - connected it to the Audio 1 input jacks and the power jack.

You have to set the input select switch to Audio 1 (switch behind the door).

For this mic, you have to set the audio one input level (from the menu) to MIC (it defaults to line, which is about 45 dB less sensitive, and any audio from the mic would be very faint)

With only 1 mic connected the sound will probably be in the left (or right) channel only. You can pan the audio to both channels in post.

Simon Duncan · June 2nd, 2007, 04:56 AM

Hi Jack,

I have had success with your set-up but it works with setting the Audio 1 In to MIC rather than LINE.

I then close the menu and open up the white audio door on the camera and under AUDIO 1/MIC under Input Select I switch to Audio 1 and I get sound.

What is the difference between MIC and ATT? Since ATT sounds clearer.

Thanks for all your help. But the real lesson for me is READ THE GOD DAM MANUAL SIMON!

March 12th, 2007, 03:29 AM	#303
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,487	As Jack says, the head phone level setting will not effect the recorded sound, either level or noise floor. However, it can effect the subjective impression of noise level, especially hiss. Using headphones make hiss much more apparent to a listener. And Jack is spot on with respect to the MA-100. It is intended for mic level signals. Line level signals sent to the MA-100 will clip at about around -10 dB. The level range (MIC, MIC ATT, LINE) for the audio 1 and Audio 2 input is selected from the menu. Using 12-bit vs. 16-bit would not have any effect on record level. It mainly effects frequency response (due to different sample rates) and perhaps a slight effects on distortion. 16-bit mode is better quality, but limits you to two recorded channels. 12-bit is approximately FM broadcast quality potential __________________ dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com

May 29th, 2007, 07:46 AM	#304
Simon Duncan Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Angers, France Posts: 181	Canon XL1 MA-100 Audio Adapter I have a Canon XL1 and have just bought Beyerdynamic M58 microphone for Interviews. I have a mini jack to XLR adapter which I plug in where the On camera mic goes and guess what it don't work. So I have been informed at I require and additional adapter. I am also looking at the Canon MA-100 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...e_Adapter.html My question is will this unit power my new mic? Meaning will I get audio working correctly? I have been really happy with the picture of this camera for the age of the camera and price but the audio has always been a problem. So people will the Canon MA-100 adapter work? Thanks

May 29th, 2007, 08:23 AM	#305
Cole McDonald Trustee Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Sauk Rapids, MN, USA Posts: 1,675	my MA-100 works like a champ. It provides an XLR interface as well as phantom power. Should run whatever you throw at it. Although, I didn't design it, so I'm not the end all, be all authority on saidsame adaptor. __________________ Web Youtube Facebook

May 31st, 2007, 06:45 AM	#311
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,487	A dynamic mic, such as the Bayerdynamic M58 should work OK with the MA100. BTW, the MA100 does provide about 6 dB gain, which will be helpful with dynamic mics (because they typically have lower output than condenser mics). I am surprise that it did not work when plugged into the XL1 mic jack. It should have worked OK, but with lower audio level than the Canon stock mic. The adapter you had may not have been wired properly, or it was the wrong type of adapter. __________________ dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com

June 1st, 2007, 02:23 PM	#312
Simon Duncan Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Angers, France Posts: 181	New gear and still no audio OK so I am really totally confused now. I have a brand new Beyerdynamic Mic (Dynamic Mic) and a new Canon MA-100 adapter just arrived from B&H. Now when I connect the MA-100 to my camera - connect the 2 RCA audio cables and the 3rd small power cable to the camera - plug in my shiny new Beyerdynamic Mic I get no sound what's so even. When I look in the cameras menu setup I have the following: Sensor ... ON Tally Lamp ...OFF Audio Mode ... 16 bit Audio 1 In ... --- Audio 2 In ... --- Rec Mode ... SP So guys what am I doing wrong not to get any audio out of my shinny new gear. Just to repeat I don't get any audio whatsoever. I have tried opening the white flap on the camera and under the AUDIO 1/MIC setting change the input select to MIC or ATT or AUDIO 1 and the only time I get any change in the camera menu setting is when I select AUDIO 1 the camera menu setting AUDIO 1 in ... LINE Remember I am using a Canon XL1 but this should work. Any help???

March 11th, 2007, 05:36 AM	#301
Thijo van Beek Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Holland Posts: 45	Hi Jack, The settings were as you wrote, exept the bit setting was on 12 bit, not on 16. Could that have made the difference? By the way: I think I found a reason why I had so much noise. I can't test that idea yet, as the mic is in use somewhere else at the moment. But I found out the headphones volume was wide open for some reason. I never filmed with the mic, as I thought the noise was terrible through the headphones. But that might (?!) have been a reason. Maybe if I would have filmed a few shots, it would have been better then I thought. Right? Thijo

March 11th, 2007, 11:19 AM	#302
Jack Smith Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: ontario Posts: 445	The headphone volume would not having any affect the recorded sound. I think if you had the audio 1 set to line as I had indicated in the previous post, that is the problem.The MA100 outputs MIC level. I had made the same mistake. Basically, the switch behind the door sets the input source and the menu sets the input level sensitivity.So setting the menu to LINE would be for a CD or vcr or line level from a mixer.(using RCAs) Setting the menu to MIC is for the MA100 or other MIC level sources. The MA100 will not accept a line level input.

May 29th, 2007, 08:53 AM	#306
Simon Duncan Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Angers, France Posts: 181	Thanks for your reply Cole, Just a quick question. With the MA-100 there are 3 connection cables? IE 1 red RCA, 1 white RCA (these are the actual audio cables?) and a small mini jack cable? Is the small mini jack cable for Phantom power? Is this how the microphone used is able to access power? Sorry if these questions are really basic but I have just bought a good mic and I want to make sure it will work with this adapter. Thanks Simon

May 29th, 2007, 09:17 AM	#308
Simon Duncan Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Angers, France Posts: 181	Thanks also Greg, Currently I will be using a Beyerdynamic M58 which according to the Product Information booklet it is a Dynamic Microphone. So it should work fine with the MA-100 Adapter? Thanks Simon

June 1st, 2007, 06:21 PM	#313
Jack Smith Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: ontario Posts: 445	Simon, if you are recording only from the Beyer mic, go into the menu ,vcr setup, set audio mode to 16 bit, go to audio 1 in and set to line,close the menu and open the audio door and set the audio 1/mic input to audio1. make sure the ma100 is plugged in as you described( both RCAs and the MA100 power plug).That's it, it should work. If your trying to do both the stock mic and the Beyer, it's a different process. I see by your description "When I look in the cameras menu setup I have the following: Sensor ... ON Tally Lamp ...OFF Audio Mode ... 16 bit Audio 1 In ... --- Audio 2 In ... --- Rec Mode ... SP" the audio 1 is blank, so you have not set the audio1 in correctly.

June 1st, 2007, 07:10 PM	#314
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,487	A common issue for new users who have not studied the manual carefully. To use the MA100 - connected it to the Audio 1 input jacks and the power jack. You have to set the input select switch to Audio 1 (switch behind the door). For this mic, you have to set the audio one input level (from the menu) to MIC (it defaults to line, which is about 45 dB less sensitive, and any audio from the mic would be very faint) With only 1 mic connected the sound will probably be in the left (or right) channel only. You can pan the audio to both channels in post. __________________ dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com

June 2nd, 2007, 04:56 AM	#315
Simon Duncan Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Angers, France Posts: 181	Hi Jack, I have had success with your set-up but it works with setting the Audio 1 In to MIC rather than LINE. I then close the menu and open up the white audio door on the camera and under AUDIO 1/MIC under Input Select I switch to Audio 1 and I get sound. What is the difference between MIC and ATT? Since ATT sounds clearer. Thanks for all your help. But the real lesson for me is READ THE GOD DAM MANUAL SIMON!