how does xlr figure into an xl-1s? at DVinfo.net

bokkus37 · December 18th, 2002, 01:40 AM

i'm close to buying an xl-1s and i was wondering about audio. i know there's an adapter for xlr, but what does the adapter going to? xlr to mini, or xlr to mini? and most important: does this have any downside to the quality of the sound? cause if it do, i might just go for the pd-150 with it's hardwired xlr inputs.

Don Palomaki · December 18th, 2002, 05:38 AM

The Canon adapters are the MA-100 and MA-200. They provide XLR/balanced inpout conversion to the RCA unbalanced inputs onthe XL1. And you get about 6 dB gain in the bargain. The MA-100 has 2 inputs, the MA-200 has 4 inputs, and both provide an improved shoulder rest as well, and a platform for mounting wireless mic receiver, etc.

The sound quality is good, but keep in mind that they are designed for mic level input, NOT line-level..

There are somethird party adapters as well, the Beachtek and Studio One products are the most commonly discussed.

Kevin Burnfield · December 18th, 2002, 09:33 AM

Is the only diff between the MA 100 and 200 the extra XLR inputs?

Vic Owen · December 18th, 2002, 09:05 PM

If you are using only mic inputs, the MA-100 or 200 is a good choice, as you also get a better shoulder rest. For line level, though, a device like the Beachtek is recommended. The MA-100/200 is very easy to drive into hard limit. Neither of the mentioned devices will provide phantom power, although that's a simple fix with an adapter.

Buying a camera just to get the XLR inputs is the *least* important consideration, since the adapters take care of the issue.

Don Palomaki · December 19th, 2002, 05:33 AM

The MA-200 also offers a BNC jack for composite video output.

As to line level sources, one can buy in-line XLR attenuators to step line level down to mic level. THe MA-100 (and probably the MA-200) will hard clip if the input signal peaks get much above -8 dBV (give or take a bit).

Vic Owen · December 19th, 2002, 06:27 PM

Yeah, there are lots of ways to skin the cat. I've had several instances where I managed to put the MA-100 into limit on large peaks, even with some attenuation. The big problem is, unless you are using a mixer with level indicators or something similar, you can't always be sure of the audio level feeding the MA-100. Watching the level meter on the camera keeps me busy enough.

I've never had a problem with the Beachtek when taking a feed from the house board, a feed from my Mackie, or just running mics into it through my phantom box. Due to the chance for overdriving, I only use the MA-100 with mics.

Maybe I need a sound guy!

Cheers

December 18th, 2002, 01:40 AM	#1
bokkus37 New Boot Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 20	how does xlr figure into an xl-1s? i'm close to buying an xl-1s and i was wondering about audio. i know there's an adapter for xlr, but what does the adapter going to? xlr to mini, or xlr to mini? and most important: does this have any downside to the quality of the sound? cause if it do, i might just go for the pd-150 with it's hardwired xlr inputs.

December 18th, 2002, 09:05 PM	#4
Vic Owen Major Player Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 540	If you are using only mic inputs, the MA-100 or 200 is a good choice, as you also get a better shoulder rest. For line level, though, a device like the Beachtek is recommended. The MA-100/200 is very easy to drive into hard limit. Neither of the mentioned devices will provide phantom power, although that's a simple fix with an adapter. Buying a camera just to get the XLR inputs is the least important consideration, since the adapters take care of the issue. __________________ -- Vic Owen --

December 19th, 2002, 06:27 PM	#6
Vic Owen Major Player Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 540	Yeah, there are lots of ways to skin the cat. I've had several instances where I managed to put the MA-100 into limit on large peaks, even with some attenuation. The big problem is, unless you are using a mixer with level indicators or something similar, you can't always be sure of the audio level feeding the MA-100. Watching the level meter on the camera keeps me busy enough. I've never had a problem with the Beachtek when taking a feed from the house board, a feed from my Mackie, or just running mics into it through my phantom box. Due to the chance for overdriving, I only use the MA-100 with mics. Maybe I need a sound guy! Cheers __________________ -- Vic Owen --

December 18th, 2002, 05:38 AM	#2
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,487	The Canon adapters are the MA-100 and MA-200. They provide XLR/balanced inpout conversion to the RCA unbalanced inputs onthe XL1. And you get about 6 dB gain in the bargain. The MA-100 has 2 inputs, the MA-200 has 4 inputs, and both provide an improved shoulder rest as well, and a platform for mounting wireless mic receiver, etc. The sound quality is good, but keep in mind that they are designed for mic level input, NOT line-level.. There are somethird party adapters as well, the Beachtek and Studio One products are the most commonly discussed.

December 18th, 2002, 09:33 AM	#3
Kevin Burnfield Major Player Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Princeton, NJ Posts: 363	Is the only diff between the MA 100 and 200 the extra XLR inputs?

December 19th, 2002, 05:33 AM	#5
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,487	The MA-200 also offers a BNC jack for composite video output. As to line level sources, one can buy in-line XLR attenuators to step line level down to mic level. THe MA-100 (and probably the MA-200) will hard clip if the input signal peaks get much above -8 dBV (give or take a bit).