Mic Dilemma at DVinfo.net

Hugh DiMauro · December 8th, 2003, 08:44 AM

I own a Canon XL1s and the supplied mic gives nice, rich sound. But I could not figure out a way to boom it because the cord is too short. ALAS, I contacted a friend who made, from scratch, a 30 foot mic cable for my Canon-supplied stereo mic. It sounds fabulous.

Now for the dilemma: I have nothing to compare it to. Can anybody give me their comparison experiences between the Canon stereo mic and a Sennheiser, Azden or Audio Technica shotgun for independent film applications? I need to know if I should go through the added expense of an XLR adapter. I hope this question doesn't sound stupid.

Rob Lohman · December 10th, 2003, 05:22 PM

I think an XLR adapter is only of value when you are going to be
using different MIC's. The more professional ones generally use
XLR to the best of my knowledge.

Rob Wilson · December 10th, 2003, 06:20 PM

Hugh,

If you're running a 30ft long unbalanced (not XLR) mic cable, then you are at great risk for EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference). Not sure what your setup is but it sounds like you might be better off running 28ft of XLR cable to a mic from the cam. The shorter your unbalanced run is the less likely to pick up stray noise.

I just checked Canon's site and was surprised to find that the XL1s does not have XLR ins. Guess your best bet is either Canons MA100 or a aftermarket (BeachTec/Sign/Studio1) adapter.

December 8th, 2003, 08:44 AM	#1
Hugh DiMauro Trustee Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,207	Mic Dilemma I own a Canon XL1s and the supplied mic gives nice, rich sound. But I could not figure out a way to boom it because the cord is too short. ALAS, I contacted a friend who made, from scratch, a 30 foot mic cable for my Canon-supplied stereo mic. It sounds fabulous. Now for the dilemma: I have nothing to compare it to. Can anybody give me their comparison experiences between the Canon stereo mic and a Sennheiser, Azden or Audio Technica shotgun for independent film applications? I need to know if I should go through the added expense of an XLR adapter. I hope this question doesn't sound stupid.

December 10th, 2003, 05:22 PM	#2
Rob Lohman RED Code Chef Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Holland Posts: 12,514	I think an XLR adapter is only of value when you are going to be using different MIC's. The more professional ones generally use XLR to the best of my knowledge. __________________ Rob Lohman, visuar@iname.com DV Info Wrangler & RED Code Chef Join the DV Challenge \| Lady X Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Buy from the best: DVinfo.net sponsors

December 10th, 2003, 06:20 PM	#3
Rob Wilson Major Player Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Flagstaff, AZ Posts: 473	Hugh, If you're running a 30ft long unbalanced (not XLR) mic cable, then you are at great risk for EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference). Not sure what your setup is but it sounds like you might be better off running 28ft of XLR cable to a mic from the cam. The shorter your unbalanced run is the less likely to pick up stray noise. I just checked Canon's site and was surprised to find that the XL1s does not have XLR ins. Guess your best bet is either Canons MA100 or a aftermarket (BeachTec/Sign/Studio1) adapter.