MA-100 & phantom supply
 

Thank you. I happen to have a Mackie, but can you recommend a separate phantom supply mfr? And there wouldn't be any conflicts w/ camera DC?

I have an Audio Technica 4-channel, although I believe that there are several others out there. I got mine from B&H. Most of the time, unless I'm strapped for room, I use the Mackie. It gives me more control over the audio. I've also found that, when running 100+ feet of XLR cable, stray hum has been more of an issue with the A-T box than the Mackie. Best to experiment.

Phantom
 

Thank you again Vic. I'll check around. Also, looks like we can just yell across the lake!

You're welcome -- that's what these forums are all about, and you'll find an amazingly helpful, non-judgmental group here -- probably the best of all the boards.

Until you mentioned it, I didn't notice you were close -- these days, though, you'd have to yell loud to get through the damn snowstorm!

Cheers

I use the AKG C-1000S which requires phantom power. If power is not available from the mixer, a 9V battery can be placed inside the mic. Your model may not have that capability, but for those that want to use condenser mics connected directly to the camera without first going through a mixer, battery power is a simple alternative to external phantom power supplies.

MA100 questions
 

MA100 or Beachtek? best mic? lav? wireless?

I'm expecting my new XL1s to arrive this week and am looking int the sound equipment I should buy. I've had some experience using a Beachtek with both the XL1 and the Sony VX2000, but havn't even touched an ma100.

I'll be using the camera for a variety of purposes. I'll be shooting narrative shorts (maybe even a feature length in the future), documentary, music videos for local bands and (because I also have to eat) wedding and business/corporate videos.

I've followed several threads on this forum and have gotten a few insights (pluses on the Beachtek being more easily accepting line inputs, etc.) I had some bad experiences with the Beachtek on the VX2000 (hiss and a little hum - many people had the same problems), but since Im getting an XL1s, I wanted to get some input on which might work better for the types of videos I'll be shooting.

Also, what are some of the best mics (shotgun, lav, wireless) - and then - what are some of the best mic for someone on a budget (I don't want to sacrifice quality though).

Derrick

In addition to XLR inputs, the MA-100 also provides a better shoulder rest -- if that's not a concern, the Beachtek gives you more versatility. I've used both, and I've never experienced a hum issue with either. I suspect you had something external going on. Since the Beachtek is a passive device, it's not subject to overloading, as is the MA-100.

On the subject of microphones, there are entire books written about the subject. No one genre of mic will do it all. They need to be tailored to the situation. There is quite a bit of info on various adapters, mics, etc. on these boards, and in the articles on the XL-1 Watchdog pages. Search around a little -- there's a wealth of knowledge. In the audio arena, there is a good forum moderated by Jay Rose (DV Magazine audio editor) at the dv.com forums.

Enjoy spending the money -- these things absorb it like a sponge!

Second on Jay Rose
 

Jay Rose is well worth a cruise through.

Your VX2000 problem may well have been related to early problems with VX2000. That problem has been resolved.

You can spend lots of money on mics. Best thing is to stay with the brand names. Sennheiser, Audio-Technia, Lectsonics, etc all make great equipment.

Cruise through the threads here on mics and stuff and you will find loads.

Nathan Gifford

Using the XL-1's Mic and the MA-100
 

Does anyone have any tips on how to use a Wireless Mic and the XL-1's mic both going into the MA-100. You see I want to use the Xl-1's Mic in 16 Bit mode while still using the Wireless mic as well. The thing I hate is that if you only have one Wireless mic and you want to record in 16 bit you only get the one channel.

Thanks,

Mat Sutor

Your question is discussed in the following thread:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=502&highlight=xl1+mic

Thanks, Ed... I suppose this should be in a FAQ somewhere.

MA100 noise
 

Ok, I'm using a balanced "vocal" mic [not sure, but I think it's an EV @$150], about 30' cord and only one channel @48k. XL1S. Shortest cord that'll do the job.

I seem to have a good amount of noise (ie bad s/n) that is better with a pd150. Okay, I admit to using ACG on both. I understand this will pump up the gain during soft passages, but even at normal levels, the s/n is poor, IMO.

First with only one xlr input, should I connect both rca plugs? Is it possible I'm getting some noise because the open channel is causing the gain to pump up and it bleeds to the channel in use?

Isn't y-cording the one into two channels going to also cause some degradation of signal?

What do you recommend for a solo xlr input?

What model is the mic? Condensor or dynamic?

How are you connecting the mic to the XL1s?

How are you monitoring the noise level?
How is the nosie level in manual gain mode?

Is the noise in one channel more thtn the other?

Y-cording may result in some loss of level, whether or not this is serious depends on the precise configuration and impedances involved.

Azden 400 UDR too heavy for MA-100
 

I use my XL1S predominately for weddings where I put a cordless mic on the officiator and the groom. I have been using 2x Azden 400UDR's for about a year but they are extremely heavy, and my MA-100 finally broke (the little duck-bill like piece that is wedged in the back of the XL1 broke off).

I also find the weight too uncomfortable for longer periods of handheld work.

I've just ordered the MA-200 and 2x Samson UM32's.

Does anyone else use this combination - please share your experiences.

Is anyone else using 2x cordless mic's with the XL1/S - What brand and models?

thanks in advance,
Keith

Consider the VariZoom Media Pro (called the SP7 shoulder brace on the Watchdog). It's big enough and sturdy enough for all this plus an XLR adapter. www.dvinfo.net/xl1.htm > Articles Menu > Support Options > SP7 Shoulder Brace. Hope this helps,