Excessive hiis; possible defective unit?
 

I've read through most of the sound-oriented threads, but my problem is still a head-scratcher.

The problem is "floor" hiss that is much worse than other people are describing -- and I've only been getting it for the past two weeks after owning my XH-A1 for six months.

I primarily use a Shure SM58 and a pair of A-T Pro 88Ws, plus Rode NTG1 and Sony NV-NV1 shotguns and some Nadys on stands for music work.

I get the hiss with all of them now, and with the internal mic when I turn XLR off.

I'd say that by now I've tested every possible audio setting combination.

(Hint re Rode NTG1: it's a "hotter" mic than the others, so I attenuate its channel vie the switch next to the XLR sockets. This makes AGC happy and also allows me better/easier balance with manual sound level settings.)

What makes me suspect a defect are two factors:

1) This is a recent problem; didn't use to have it.
2) These mics (and my headphones) are their happy old selves when hooked to my older Sony A1U.

The hiss comes through on my headphones and on tape in both Sony Vegas 8 Pro and Avid Liquid. Again, same time/place/software/mics, no hiss from Sony A1U.

I *can* take the hiss out in post but it's a pain and I don't like the sound quality reduction, especially with music.

How bad is Canon to deal with under warranty? And how long does their service take? Is this worth checking with them about?

I've not experienced this at all. Sounds like you need to send it for service. I sent my HV10 in for service last fall and it took about 3 weeks, ex. shipping. This was longer than I was initially told it would take and was caused by a part on back order. You can track the service progress from their Web site and when I called them to find out what was taking so long, the rep was very helpful. Other reports I've read indicate an equivalent level of service.

For comparisson, turn-around time from Canon UK service in Elstree was one week in the workshop plus two days delivery.