View Full Version : can I use two mics with XLR connectors on a camcorder with 3.5mm stereo input?


Henry Corrilan
November 18th, 2008, 04:31 PM
can I use two mics with XLR connectors on a camcorder with 3.5mm stereo input?

I found this adapter:

"3.5MM (M) To Two XLR (F) Adaptor"
Hosa CYX-405F Right Angle 3.5MM M To Two XLR F Adaptor 5FT | BSWUSA.com (http://www.bswusa.com/proditem.asp?item=CYX-405F)

the XLR ends go to the mics and the 3.5mm end goes into my camcorder...
but I'm not sure if this will work or not...

any advice appreciated! :)

Andy Tejral
November 18th, 2008, 04:41 PM
can I use two mics with XLR connectors on a camcorder with 3.5mm stereo input?


The short answer is yes but it depends on the mics. The mics must be dynamic style or self-powered condenser--ie. not phantom powered.

Harm Millaard
November 18th, 2008, 05:24 PM
Look here: Studio 1 Productions | XLR-BP Belt Clip XLR Adapter with | XLRBP (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/247649-REG/Studio_1_Productions_XLRBP_XLR_BP_Belt_Clip_XLR.html)

Guy Cochran
November 18th, 2008, 05:45 PM
can I use two mics with XLR connectors on a camcorder with 3.5mm stereo input?

I found this adapter:

"3.5MM (M) To Two XLR (F) Adaptor"
Hosa CYX-405F Right Angle 3.5MM M To Two XLR F Adaptor 5FT | BSWUSA.com (http://www.bswusa.com/proditem.asp?item=CYX-405F)

the XLR ends go to the mics and the 3.5mm end goes into my camcorder...
but I'm not sure if this will work or not...

any advice appreciated! :)

That an interesting cable. I wonder if it mixes both the XLR inputs into one Mono signal or if it actually does keep them on separate channels. That would be cool.

I'd still recommend a BeachTek, JuicedLink or Studio 1 box. You'll get the benefit of attenuation control, impedance matching, and separate channels - ie Mic 1 is panned hard left and Mic 2 is panned hard right. That little cable most likely just mixes 'em all together.

Jim Andrada
November 18th, 2008, 06:50 PM
You really need to know if the mics need phantom power or not. Some Beachtek adapters have it, some don't. A simple cable certainly wont.

Henry Corrilan
November 18th, 2008, 09:25 PM
You really need to know if the mics need phantom power or not. Some Beachtek adapters have it, some don't. A simple cable certainly wont.

yes, my AKG mics require 9V batteries inside...
I assume this means they won't require external power?

Jim Andrada
November 18th, 2008, 10:59 PM
Yes, you're correct. Makes life simpler for what you're trying to do.

Marco Leavitt
November 19th, 2008, 09:22 AM
Y cables like that can be tricky. Some cameras apply voltage at their mic inputs (kind of like low level phantom power) that can cause problems with your mics. Also, they unbalance the connection. Better to use a quality adapter box like those from Sign Video or Beachtek. This would keep the connection balanced and feature a voltage blocking capacitor. Not crazy about Hosa in general to tell you the truth.

Ty Ford
November 19th, 2008, 06:05 PM
Or,

keep it simpler and use the cables Trew makes with a blocking circuit to keep those nasty camera voltages out of your mics.

Trew Audio - Cables, Connectors & Adapters - DV Cam Cables - DV Cam Stereo Input Cable (http://www.trewaudio.com/store/product.php?productid=147&cat=21&page=1)

Good stuff.

Regards,

Ty Ford