L & R level controls on channels 3 & 4 only. Why? at DVinfo.net

James Emory · August 26th, 2005, 04:24 PM

I have never used the 3rd and 4th audio channels on the XL-1 because of the lower bit rate required to use them. I don't understand why Canon would not have at least given channels 1 and 2 those seperate manual level controls like the Sony and Panasonic cameras do. I know that for 1 and 2 there is a balance (panning) control that can be used but that's just turning one channel at a time up or down which seems useless if you have two people wired and need to set levels seperately. Why has Canon never figured this out and continued to include all successors of the XL-1 with the same bass ackwards design?

Don Palomaki · August 26th, 2005, 04:34 PM

Thought Canon changed from vol/bal to just gain controls for each channel with the XL2.

Vol/Bal is probably is OK for most users with the standard on-camera stereo mic, although the pits if using separate external mics.

James Emory · August 26th, 2005, 05:32 PM

Oh definitely. The master level control is great when using both channels whether it's the camera mic or external mics. It's almost as if Canon refuses to admit its a design flaw at our expense or inconvenience.

Jimmy McKenzie · August 26th, 2005, 05:36 PM

Happily, the XL2 has this design fixed with separate controls for each channel. The dust gasket on the tape door is also nice. Among many other improvements...

James Emory · August 26th, 2005, 06:11 PM

Well, that is good to hear. I didn't realize that. That proves that Canon knew there was a logistical problem. Now, they should replace all of my cameras and give me new XL-2s for my inconvenience and frustration.

August 26th, 2005, 04:24 PM	#1
James Emory Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 1,892	L & R level controls on channels 3 & 4 only. Why? I have never used the 3rd and 4th audio channels on the XL-1 because of the lower bit rate required to use them. I don't understand why Canon would not have at least given channels 1 and 2 those seperate manual level controls like the Sony and Panasonic cameras do. I know that for 1 and 2 there is a balance (panning) control that can be used but that's just turning one channel at a time up or down which seems useless if you have two people wired and need to set levels seperately. Why has Canon never figured this out and continued to include all successors of the XL-1 with the same bass ackwards design?

August 26th, 2005, 04:34 PM	#2
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,487	Thought Canon changed from vol/bal to just gain controls for each channel with the XL2. Vol/Bal is probably is OK for most users with the standard on-camera stereo mic, although the pits if using separate external mics. __________________ dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com

August 26th, 2005, 05:32 PM	#3
James Emory Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 1,892	Oh definitely. The master level control is great when using both channels whether it's the camera mic or external mics. It's almost as if Canon refuses to admit its a design flaw at our expense or inconvenience.

August 26th, 2005, 05:36 PM	#4
Jimmy McKenzie Major Player Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Waterloo Ontario Posts: 721	Happily, the XL2 has this design fixed with separate controls for each channel. The dust gasket on the tape door is also nice. Among many other improvements...

August 26th, 2005, 06:11 PM	#5
James Emory Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 1,892	Well, that is good to hear. I didn't realize that. That proves that Canon knew there was a logistical problem. Now, they should replace all of my cameras and give me new XL-2s for my inconvenience and frustration.