Adding Lav mics to the RCA imputs
 

After purchasing the XL1S, my wallet is empty. I am trying to "add" two lav mics for sit down interviews that I will be conducting. I must confess that I am trying to do this as economically (cheap) as possible. I went to Radioshack and bought two stereo lav mics and plugged them into the audio 1 and audio 2 rca imputs. I was unsucessful getting them to work. I went throught the audio set up several times and was unable to figure it out. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am planning on getting the MA-200 adapter at a later time (as soon as I have some money)

several thoughts:
1. Radio Shack lavs need a battery and need to have the battery turned on

2.In the VCR menu of the XL1s, there is a place to choose which channel to use, mic, audio1 or audio2

3. behind the little door on the left side of the camera there is a switch to select mic, attenuate, or audio 1 jacks

I had forgotten to make the right selection in no. 2, myself.

Thank you for your speedy response! I was under the impression that I could use Audio 1 and Audio 2 at the same time. Im guessing by your response that is not possible. The battery was turned I must not have had the right settings in the VCR mode. One other question. Will the Audio monitor work using the Audio 1 imput?

I am trying to recall the selection switches from memory, not having my camera in front of me. In fact, the XL1s will allow recording from all 4 channels, audio1 and audio2, in the 12bit recording mode. Please read your manual.

But, I'm confused. If you have 2 lavs, why do you need audio 2?
Audio 1 has a left channel and a rt channel, sufficient for 2 lavs.

Yes, all 4 can be recorded at once. In the menus, just change the audio setting to Stereo 1+2.


Reason for audio 2: Record the two lavs into audio two and leave the on-camera mic on audio 1. That way you have TWO sources of audio - sometimes it is a nice backup!

Re: to
 

The lav mics that I bought have seperate left and right channels. That is the only reason that I would need both Audio 1 & 2. Again Thank you for all of your help!

HELP!
 

I just returned from Radio Shack. I returned the "stereo" lav mics and picked up the "mono" lav mics. I am still having problems using the Audio 2 inputs on the camera. Does the Meter pick up Audio 2 ?

Im about to give up!

I use 1 RS lav mic and one Sennheiser Me66 on mine...works fine, but, you do have to work thru the specifics of the setup. Best resource is the manual.

billravens
 

Do you have the RS lav and Sten mic going through Audio 2 or 1?

I am at my whitts end. I have tried everything that I can think of.

Thanks

I've used all three, but, never simultaneously.
Have you checked the ATT switch? One is located under the door on XL1s and another is located in the menu somewhere. This switch switches mic level to line level so that if it's on LINE LEVEL with a mic, it will attenuate most of the signal.

Also, can you connect your lav mic to an alternate amplifier to check to see if it's working. For example, try the mic input on your computer's sound card. Note: The LINE IN jack won't work without mic pre-amp, tho'.

Hi,

We've all been there, so don't give up, it's probably something obvious.

1. Use a new tape, so the record tab is closed.
2. Disconnect the stock mic.
3. Decide if your are doing 16bit (2 channel) or 12 bit (4 channel).
4. Set menu accordingly for 16 or 12 bit.
5. Assuming 16 bit for higher quality open camera menu select AUDIO MODE.
6. Set for 16 bit
7. Now it is time to decide if you are plugging the mics into the mini jacks (where stock mic was plugged in) or the RCA jacks.
8. If using the mini jacks open the side door, set AUDIO 1/MIC to MIC. Plug in mic. Test for sound by placing camera into record and check for levels on meter, adjust level by rotating level knob behind side door. To make adjustments set REC LEVEL to M and rotate knob. If level is distorted set to ATT.
9. If using RCA jacks change camera menu setting to Audio 1 > MIC
10. Open side door and set INPUT SELECT to AUDIO 1
11. Attach a mic to RCA jacks and start recording. Again, view levels on meter and make adjustments accordingly.

Please post back with results.

Jeff

Thanks for all of the help!

I was just looking at the stuff I got from RS and the RCA adapter the guy gave me is a (Stereo-to-mono Audio adapter "accepts 1/8" stereo phone plug Fits phono jack" ) I asked if this may be the problem since I can plug the lav mic directly into on board mic and it works fine.

I just looked at the Lav mic and the plug is a 1/8 diameter MONO type.

Could the RS guy be wrong? Is this what is wrong afterall?

P.S. IM SO GLAD I JOINED THIS GROUP!!! thanks for the help

Can't hurt to swap it out. Adapter could be defective, test with a volt/ohm meter if you have one.

Jeff

In my experience, those Radio Shack guys barely know how to tie their shoes. There's a good chance they provided erroneous info.

I didn't know they wore shoes.

Jeff

hehehehehehe

RS
 

FINALLY I got my Lavs to work. But heres what happened. I put my car on auto pilot and it took me to Radio Shack. I tried a different location this time (I dont think I could stand to see the same guy 3 days in a row.)

I questioned the RS guy about why my setup wasnt working. He flat out told me that It will not work because the mic is not "Line level" or something like that. My response "You dont know what type of camera I have, THIS CAMERA CAN DO ANYTHING. He went through all of the reasons why It wouldn't work, I blew it all off and . I brought up the stereo to mono question with the adapter and his response "hmmmmmmmmmmm"

I came home with a mono-mono 1/8 to phone adapter. Plugged the mic into the adapter, plugged in the mic and turned the audio monitor to 2, and wouldnt you know it. IT WORKED!!!!

For the headaches I went through I hope the quality doesnt stink. If it is ok, I have found an economical way to add lavs to my XL1s!

Thanks again for all of your help and suggestions.

Maybe Bill was right about the shoe thing.

I will post the setup for any interested as soon as I get done doing my victory dance!
Thanks again,
Jeff