L & R level controls on channels 3 & 4 only. Why?
 

I have never used the 3rd and 4th audio channels on the XL-1 because of the lower bit rate required to use them. I don't understand why Canon would not have at least given channels 1 and 2 those seperate manual level controls like the Sony and Panasonic cameras do. I know that for 1 and 2 there is a balance (panning) control that can be used but that's just turning one channel at a time up or down which seems useless if you have two people wired and need to set levels seperately. Why has Canon never figured this out and continued to include all successors of the XL-1 with the same bass ackwards design?

Thought Canon changed from vol/bal to just gain controls for each channel with the XL2.

Vol/Bal is probably is OK for most users with the standard on-camera stereo mic, although the pits if using separate external mics.

Oh definitely. The master level control is great when using both channels whether it's the camera mic or external mics. It's almost as if Canon refuses to admit its a design flaw at our expense or inconvenience.

Happily, the XL2 has this design fixed with separate controls for each channel. The dust gasket on the tape door is also nice. Among many other improvements...

Well, that is good to hear. I didn't realize that. That proves that Canon knew there was a logistical problem. Now, they should replace all of my cameras and give me new XL-2s for my inconvenience and frustration.