Cheap XLR adaptor? at DVinfo.net

Kevin King · October 22nd, 2003, 03:53 PM

I've got a GL2 and am seriously considering the purchase of a better mic. I'm leaning toward the Audio-Technica AT835B (if it matters for my question).

I need to convert the XLR to the stereo mini-plug on the GL2. Looks like I've got several options. I can use the Canon accessory hot shoe 2-XLR adaptor, or I could get one of the small belt clipable adaptors that do a similar function, or I could get a battery powered field mixer with XLR inputs and a stereo output. All of these options run in the $100-$200 price range and have various pros and cons.

Why is this so complicated I was asking myself.

Then I found a simple XLR to stereo mini in-line conector for dirt cheap. Why can't I just use one of these? Here is a link to the actual item at B&H:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=158476&is=REG

Is there some specific reason I can't use one of these connectors? The GL2 (unlike the GL1 as I'm aware) has manual level controls for each stereo sound channel. So I don't need dials on some box or mixer to adjust volume, I can adjust it right on my camera. Would this simple solution possibly damage my camera (something about 'phantom power') ?? The mic in question has its own power from a 'AA' battery inside, it should be fine?

I've also heard about the ME66 that the 'level is too high' for some cameras and must me 'dialed down' at the factory? Will I have this problem using the forementioned mic with my GL2?

Thanks. So much to learn, so little time. ;-)

Marty Wein · October 22nd, 2003, 05:56 PM

About your XLR question, please follow this post

ME66 vs. 835b: the output of the 835b is not so "HOT" and you should not experience any problem especially if used with an impedance matching transformer.

Bryan Beasleigh · October 22nd, 2003, 06:06 PM

There is absolutely no reason why this wouldn't work. I use one on my VX2K sometimes.

Marty Wein · October 22nd, 2003, 06:30 PM

Bryan,
Are you talking about the Cable or 835b?

While the cable may work and sound OK it is still recommended to use a transformer since the output of the 835b is about 600 Ohms vs 2.5K Ohms (+/-) on consumer camera mic input.

Bryan Beasleigh · October 22nd, 2003, 08:34 PM

There may be some loss due to the mismatch but the GL2 has clean audio and the gain can be adjusted up higher than my VX2K. I use the sennheiser me66 without a matching xfmr and the hosatech cable and it works fine. I'd have trouble using a quiet mic like the 835 on the VX2000., there shouldn't be a problem with the GL2.

Without a balanced adapter you may or may not get interference. The odds are against it for such a short run. It's going to cost $9.50 to find out.

October 22nd, 2003, 03:53 PM	#1
Kevin King Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 88	Cheap XLR adaptor? I've got a GL2 and am seriously considering the purchase of a better mic. I'm leaning toward the Audio-Technica AT835B (if it matters for my question). I need to convert the XLR to the stereo mini-plug on the GL2. Looks like I've got several options. I can use the Canon accessory hot shoe 2-XLR adaptor, or I could get one of the small belt clipable adaptors that do a similar function, or I could get a battery powered field mixer with XLR inputs and a stereo output. All of these options run in the $100-$200 price range and have various pros and cons. Why is this so complicated I was asking myself. Then I found a simple XLR to stereo mini in-line conector for dirt cheap. Why can't I just use one of these? Here is a link to the actual item at B&H: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=158476&is=REG Is there some specific reason I can't use one of these connectors? The GL2 (unlike the GL1 as I'm aware) has manual level controls for each stereo sound channel. So I don't need dials on some box or mixer to adjust volume, I can adjust it right on my camera. Would this simple solution possibly damage my camera (something about 'phantom power') ?? The mic in question has its own power from a 'AA' battery inside, it should be fine? I've also heard about the ME66 that the 'level is too high' for some cameras and must me 'dialed down' at the factory? Will I have this problem using the forementioned mic with my GL2? Thanks. So much to learn, so little time. ;-)

October 22nd, 2003, 05:56 PM	#2
Marty Wein Major Player Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 229	About your XLR question, please follow this post ME66 vs. 835b: the output of the 835b is not so "HOT" and you should not experience any problem especially if used with an impedance matching transformer.

October 22nd, 2003, 06:06 PM	#3
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	There is absolutely no reason why this wouldn't work. I use one on my VX2K sometimes.

October 22nd, 2003, 06:30 PM	#4
Marty Wein Major Player Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 229	Bryan, Are you talking about the Cable or 835b? While the cable may work and sound OK it is still recommended to use a transformer since the output of the 835b is about 600 Ohms vs 2.5K Ohms (+/-) on consumer camera mic input.

October 22nd, 2003, 08:34 PM	#5
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	There may be some loss due to the mismatch but the GL2 has clean audio and the gain can be adjusted up higher than my VX2K. I use the sennheiser me66 without a matching xfmr and the hosatech cable and it works fine. I'd have trouble using a quiet mic like the 835 on the VX2000., there shouldn't be a problem with the GL2. Without a balanced adapter you may or may not get interference. The odds are against it for such a short run. It's going to cost $9.50 to find out.