XA10/20 XLR Audio

[Don Palomaki]

Ran a quick measurement on the XLR audio inputs for clipping.

The MIC setting is OK for input voltages measured at XLR pins 2-3 up to about 8 mV. Above that the preamps saturate and clipping starts. 8 mV is about -42 dBV

The MIC ATT setting adds 20 dB of attenuation, so it is good for a max of about 80 mV before preamp clipping starts. 80 mV is about -22 dBV

Above 80 mV use the line inputs to avoid clipping in the preamps.

The built-in VU metering cannot be counted on to give evidence of input clipping. Use of headphones and good ears may detect it but that cannot be counted upon.

Note that the voltage at the input pins will depend in part on the source output impedance. Most mics are rated for their open circuit output at 1 PA (94 dB SPL) and output impedance. This can be used as a guide to predicting output to the camcorder if you know something about the venue sound levels.

[Jay Massengill]

Thanks for the detailed testing. I've been pleased with my audio results from the XA10 and the XA20 using a wide variety of sound sources.