Best Shotgun Mic for XL1-S with MA200? at DVinfo.net

John C Heid · December 28th, 2003, 08:11 PM

I am looking for a premium quality stereo shotgun mic, for connection to the MA200 on a XL1-S. I ordered an AT835ST today from B&H. Great specs, light weight, 9 1/2" long.

Then I learned it requires phantom power, which is not supplied on the MA200. I do not want to add another "box" for phantom power, so I plan to regrettably return the AT835ST.

What shotgun mics exist that can operate off either an internal battery, or the onboard 5 volt Canon supply? I want a very high quality sound.

Don Palomaki · December 31st, 2003, 05:24 AM

No high quality shotgun mics can operate of the Canon internal power or its 5-volt MA-100/200 power supply. There were some Canon mics that operate of the 5 volts supply that had a shotgun mode, but they were more modest quality in the world of mics and intended for the consumer/prosumer market, not prpfessional use.

If you need shotgun and stereo, consider a pair of ME66, or perhaps a pair of the AT-835 (mono version) that can be battery powered, or consider buying an extenal source of phantom power.

If shotgun is not essential but stereo is, check the AT-825 or AT-822 for decent moderate priced stereo mics. The AT-822 does not need the MA-100/200, can plug directly into the mic jack.

John C Heid · December 31st, 2003, 07:41 AM

Thanks for your in depth suggestions. At this time, I plan to ditch stereo regrettably, and go with AT897, a relatively new battery / phantom powered shotgun microphone. (Check out its specs). I can always add a second AT897 for stereo, although I am not sure how you would install 2 mics. What is the best way to mount 2 mics on the XL-1S?

The MA200 is due from B&H today. I want the shoulder pad, and chose the MA200 over the MA100 for future flexibility. There should not be a huge weight difference between the MA100 and MA200... hopefully!

I also ordered additional Lightwave products to evaluate: Mini-Mount for microphone, Mini Screen, Windmaster, and System Isolator. These are great products conceptually; however I am not sure how usable the System Isolator is in combination with the MA200. It may put the MA200 pad too far rearward for shoulder mounting...

Jim Forbes · December 31st, 2003, 12:59 PM

As I'm considering all of the same - and planning on adding the LightWave trio of products - I'll be very interested in what you find John.

thanks,
Jim

Tim Louie · August 24th, 2004, 07:36 AM

Do you guys have any updates on your usage of the Lightwave trio? I'm questioning the need to purchase the System Isolator when using the Mini Mount. The Mini Mount is a forseeable purchase so I can see if I can mount the MM without the SI. I'll post updates on that later on a seperate thread.

December 28th, 2003, 08:11 PM	#1
John C Heid Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 54	Best Shotgun Mic for XL1-S with MA200? I am looking for a premium quality stereo shotgun mic, for connection to the MA200 on a XL1-S. I ordered an AT835ST today from B&H. Great specs, light weight, 9 1/2" long. Then I learned it requires phantom power, which is not supplied on the MA200. I do not want to add another "box" for phantom power, so I plan to regrettably return the AT835ST. What shotgun mics exist that can operate off either an internal battery, or the onboard 5 volt Canon supply? I want a very high quality sound.

December 31st, 2003, 05:24 AM	#2
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,489	No high quality shotgun mics can operate of the Canon internal power or its 5-volt MA-100/200 power supply. There were some Canon mics that operate of the 5 volts supply that had a shotgun mode, but they were more modest quality in the world of mics and intended for the consumer/prosumer market, not prpfessional use. If you need shotgun and stereo, consider a pair of ME66, or perhaps a pair of the AT-835 (mono version) that can be battery powered, or consider buying an extenal source of phantom power. If shotgun is not essential but stereo is, check the AT-825 or AT-822 for decent moderate priced stereo mics. The AT-822 does not need the MA-100/200, can plug directly into the mic jack. __________________ dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com

December 31st, 2003, 07:41 AM	#3
John C Heid Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 54	AT897 Microphone, MA200, Lightwave System Isolator, Mini Screen, and Mini-Mount Thanks for your in depth suggestions. At this time, I plan to ditch stereo regrettably, and go with AT897, a relatively new battery / phantom powered shotgun microphone. (Check out its specs). I can always add a second AT897 for stereo, although I am not sure how you would install 2 mics. What is the best way to mount 2 mics on the XL-1S? The MA200 is due from B&H today. I want the shoulder pad, and chose the MA200 over the MA100 for future flexibility. There should not be a huge weight difference between the MA100 and MA200... hopefully! I also ordered additional Lightwave products to evaluate: Mini-Mount for microphone, Mini Screen, Windmaster, and System Isolator. These are great products conceptually; however I am not sure how usable the System Isolator is in combination with the MA200. It may put the MA200 pad too far rearward for shoulder mounting...

December 31st, 2003, 12:59 PM	#4
Jim Forbes Tourist Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 4	XL1s/MA200 shotgun As I'm considering all of the same - and planning on adding the LightWave trio of products - I'll be very interested in what you find John. thanks, Jim

August 24th, 2004, 07:36 AM	#5
Tim Louie Tourist Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 2	Do you guys have any updates on your usage of the Lightwave trio? I'm questioning the need to purchase the System Isolator when using the Mini Mount. The Mini Mount is a forseeable purchase so I can see if I can mount the MM without the SI. I'll post updates on that later on a seperate thread.