View Full Version : Phantom Power Conversion


Clint Grant
June 20th, 2006, 05:12 PM
Hello everyone,

I am looking to enhance my audio quality with my XL1s, and it's time to upgrade from the standard microphone. So, (in order to keep the budget down), I've decided to go with the Rode NTG-1 or NTG-2. If I could, I would prefer to use the phantom power of the NTG-1. This means I need a phantom power converter to attach to the XL1s. The only thing I've found is a Rolls PB23, which appears to do exactly what I need it to do....I think...... However, I am a little confused as to how the microphone will get its power from the converter and plug into the MA-100 on the XL1s. I knwo the converter has an "input" XLR, and an "output" XLR, but how would I connect the whole system to get it to work properly?

If anyone has any other suggestions, please feel free to suggest. Thank you very much for oyur assistance,
Clint Grant

David Ennis
June 20th, 2006, 08:38 PM
You need an XLR cable with a male female plug at one end and male at the other. This will connect the mic to the power supply. Then you another of the same kind of cable to go from the power supply to your camcorder. How long the cables should be is up to you. If you are going to plug into a 1/8" mic jack on the camcorder you'll also need this adapter:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=158476&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

A much better solution if you can afford $260 is to forget the power supply and get a BeachTek DXA-6 XLR adapter (beacktek.com). Besides providing phantom power, it offers additional controls and options and the ability to use two mics at once. You may not think that you need this versatility now, but if you're interested in better audio you'll soon grow into it.

Jay Massengill
June 21st, 2006, 06:34 AM
I agree with Fred, the DXA-6 works well with the XL-1 and is a very versatile solution that avoids all sorts of problems inherent in the MA-100.

Clint Grant
June 21st, 2006, 02:26 PM
Thank you very much for the tips, both of you. I figured the MA-100 would be a little restricting, so I'll definately look into the beachtek.