MA-100 XLR audio adapter questions - Page 24 at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > Canon EOS / MXF / AVCHD / HDV / DV Camera Systems > Canon HDV and DV Camera Systems > Canon XL and GL Series DV Camcorders > Canon XL1S / XL1 Watchdog

Canon XL1S / XL1 Watchdog
Can't find it on the XL1 Watchdog site? Discuss it here.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old August 21st, 2007, 01:57 PM   #346
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 28
One by one:

Yes, if I disconnect the right with the left still squeals.

Yes nothing was connected to the MA-100.

Correct, no squeal if I disconnect MA-100.

I don't have an AC adapter. I was powering it with a BP-945 "FOR CANON" (it's a generic brand). By DC adapter I meant the MA-100's adapter.

The squeal is steady. I don't know what frequency it is.

I was monitoring it with headphones, but I was also running my camera straight to my laptop and monitoring with quicktime pro.
Daniel Lynn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old August 22nd, 2007, 07:04 AM   #347
Wrangler
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 4,487
Can you record other sources connected directly to the Audio1 inputs without squeal?

Can you try it with a different battery? Do you still get the squeal?

If so, and if the squeal records to tape with head phones disconnected, you may well have a defective MA-100. Quite possibly an internal short between the input and output. The MA-100 contains active circuits that provide about 6 db gain per channel, so it could go into oscillation on its own.

If you have some technician skills, you could test the MA-100 off the camcorder by connecting a +5 volt DC source to the tip of the power lead, and DC ground to the shield (NOT the tip) of one of the RCA plugs, and look for a signal at the RCA outputs.
__________________
dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com
Don Palomaki is offline   Reply With Quote
Old August 22nd, 2007, 02:59 PM   #348
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 28
Update:

I've tried three different batteries, and yes other things input fine into the audio 1. Something I just noticed as I was messing around with it. If I let it power down completely, then power it back up, through monitoring and testing I discovered that at first the sound is fine, then the squeal occurs and builds upon itself until it's steady. This sound like an oscillation to me. I'm sending it back to B&H asap. Thanks for the help. I'll post a follow up when I receive a new MA-100.
Daniel Lynn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old August 23rd, 2007, 07:10 AM   #349
Wrangler
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 4,487
Builds up over time - hmmmm, sounds like defective component in the MA100, possibly a bad capacitor or open circuit trace.

Sending it back sounds like the right thing to do.
__________________
dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com
Don Palomaki is offline   Reply With Quote
Old August 23rd, 2007, 08:29 AM   #350
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 28
Don,

If issued an exchange for the MA-100 through B&H, but if that doesn't work and it's my cameras DC socket that's the problem, do you know of any other comparable substitutes for the MA-100. I was looking at the Beachtek DXA-4P or the Beachtek DXA-6 with phantom power. I'm skeptical, however as to how long the DXA-6 lasts with just a 9volt battery. Are there any other decent adapters? Hopefully the new MA-100 works just fine.
Daniel Lynn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old August 24th, 2007, 11:56 AM   #351
Wrangler
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 4,487
The common XLR adapters include models from Beachtek (http://www.beachtek.com), Sign Video (http://www.signvideo.com), and Studio 1 Productions (http://www.studio1productions.com). Each has advantages and disadvantages, and you can probably find users more than willing to share their opinions about them here and in other forums. One possible issue as you evaluate them is cable dress/management and control positions. Will they be convenient and/or in the way for what you are doing.

But I've not used them (can't speak to battery life) - I've been quite satisfied with the MA-100. And it provides the nice shoulder mount and accessory mounting platform to boot which none of the others have. But if doing 4-channel sound, a second adapter is nice to have.
__________________
dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com
Don Palomaki is offline   Reply With Quote
Old September 4th, 2007, 11:25 AM   #352
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 28
Still no solution

I received the replacement MA100, but the problem remained. Still a high-pitched hiss/squeal. It sounds like someone blew up a balloon and is squeezing the tip to slowly let the air out. I'm sending the replacement back to BH today.

I think I'm going to go with either a Beachtek DXA-6 or a DXA-4P. My big questions now is "how important to me would it be to buy an adapter with phantom power?" My microphone can be powered by a battery and as far as I know Beachtek has a decent preamp, so why would I need phantom power?

Is it just because in the future I may find myself with a battery that requires phantom power... and then I'll wish I spent the extra $70?

Is there another advantage to phantom power that I am over looking?
Daniel Lynn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old September 4th, 2007, 11:37 AM   #353
Wrangler
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 4,487
The primary advantage to phantom power is the wider selection of microphones. A second potential advantage is that some microphones have somewhat better output characteristics with phantom power than with battery power; e.g., a wider dynamic range, lower output impedance, or higher sound pressure levels for same level of distortion. But you will have to read the mic specs carefully to see if it applies to the mic you are considering.

Only you can answer whether or not it is a worthwhile benefit to you.
__________________
dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com
Don Palomaki is offline   Reply With Quote
Old September 27th, 2007, 04:07 PM   #354
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Posts: 54
How to replace phantom power plug on MA-100

It appears that the phantom power plug for my MA-100 is shot. Wiggle that puppy up at the flexible part right by the plug and the mic goes on and off. But I can't find a replacement plug anywhere. Tried Fry's, Radio Shack, etc, Any suggestions where to get a new plug? I tried a search in the threads and came up empty. Need this solved ASAP as I have a shoot this weekend! Argh!

Jim
Jim Ross is offline   Reply With Quote
Old September 27th, 2007, 04:12 PM   #355
Wrangler
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: DFW area, TX
Posts: 6,117
Images: 1
Just for clarification, that's not phantom power for the mic, it's dc power for the mic pre-amps in the MA-100.

Nevertheless, you might have to go with a more robust electronics store. We have a couple like that in Dallas with a lot more variety than the typical RS.

Look to see if Arrow Electronics or Allied Electronics might have what you need and a location that's local to you.

-gb-
Greg Boston is offline   Reply With Quote
Old September 27th, 2007, 05:41 PM   #356
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Posts: 54
Thanks, Greg.
Any idea how I describe this thing over the phone? Like "It's a 1/8th inch whosieewhatsie blah blah blah?" Everyone keeps trying to sell me a mono or stereo mini audio plug to replace it and I hold it up side by side and you can clearly see the difference.

Jim
Jim Ross is offline   Reply With Quote
Old September 27th, 2007, 07:21 PM   #357
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand
Posts: 3,682
Images: 18
Hi Jim.

What is the difference? (I ask as I've never seen a MA100 or associated connectors). Any chance of a piccie?


CS
Chris Soucy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old September 27th, 2007, 11:11 PM   #358
Wrangler
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: DFW area, TX
Posts: 6,117
Images: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Ross View Post
Thanks, Greg.
Any idea how I describe this thing over the phone? Like "It's a 1/8th inch whosieewhatsie blah blah blah?" Everyone keeps trying to sell me a mono or stereo mini audio plug to replace it and I hold it up side by side and you can clearly see the difference.

Jim
Sorry Jim, I know it's smaller than the standard 1/8 (or 3mm) mini-phone jack. There is a slightly smaller size plug which IIRC is a 3/32 phone plug. I believe that's the size of the LANC connector (same size as many cell phone head sets). I haven't had my XL-1 for awhile so I can't check it out. I looked in my old Owner's manual and it doesn't say what size either.

-gb-
Greg Boston is offline   Reply With Quote
Old September 28th, 2007, 07:25 AM   #359
Wrangler
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 4,487
It is a 2.5 mm sub-mini mono phone plug. (aka 3/32" mono phone plug).

Some Radio Shack stores do carry them: part #274-290
__________________
dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com
Don Palomaki is offline   Reply With Quote
Old September 28th, 2007, 12:06 PM   #360
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Posts: 54
Quote:
Originally Posted by Don Palomaki View Post
It is a 2.5 mm sub-mini mono phone plug. (aka 3/32" mono phone plug).

Some Radio Shack stores do carry them: part #274-290

That's a little vague, Don. Could you be a tad more specific? LOL! Thanks! The only way you could have been more helpful is to have knocked on my door, part in hand!

Jim
Jim Ross is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > Canon EOS / MXF / AVCHD / HDV / DV Camera Systems > Canon HDV and DV Camera Systems > Canon XL and GL Series DV Camcorders > Canon XL1S / XL1 Watchdog

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:21 PM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network