Hello All,
My camera is the XL1s with a Mackie 1202-VLZ. As a new guy to the audio world my question is, should I listen thru the mixer or the camera? What is my true and final way of monitoring/testing audio for other than playback? Also when I feel comfortable with my levels in the camera (headphones to camera) my audio seems lower thru the mixer. So far I have been going thru the camera to rec/playback my audio that I find acceptible. I hope I am making some sense here.

Any info would greatly helpful!

Thank
Alex

Forgot to mention I am also using the MA200.

Again thank for any help.
Alex

Alex, when connecting the Mackie to your camera through the MA200, it is best to set the output switch on the back of the mixer to the Mic position. The MA200 is designed to accept microphone levels, not line levels.

It is best to monitor your audio at the camera. The mixer can sound fine and still be overdriving the inputs to the camera, especially if the output switch is in the +4 position.

Ed,
Thank you for your reply. Ok so let me see, by pushing in the button it becomes MIC, which is what I want right, the other way it is in+4? Is that right? Thanks on the monitoring from the camera it makes the most sense.

Again thanks for the help,
Alex

Also can I use a headphone extension in case I need to be a distance from the camera with out losing any whatever I would lose in doing this?

Thanks
Alex

Yes, you want the button pushed in, that is the Mic position. As for using an extension cable, that might depend on which headphones you use. The headphone amp in the XL1S is not particularly loud.

Having said what I did about monitoring audio at the camera, I have to admit that I often monitor the mixer, primarily because I need to hear two channels on the mixer that do not go out to the camera. The led display on the Mackie is accurate and can be used to monitor levels, provided the mixer is properly set up (adjust trim) and you keep out of the yellow. If the output switch is in the Mic postion, you should be OK. Wouldn't hurt to check the camera whenever you get a chance though.

Ed, If I push the button to MIC it cuts the audio way low.

Hmm
Alex

<,Ed, If I push the button to MIC it cuts the audio way low. >>

Sounds like it's working!

Are you in Auto or Manual record mode. In the menus, do you have Audio 1 set to Mic, Mic ATT or Line? It should be set to Mic.

As a starting point try this:

Adjust Mixer Trim
Set Main Out levels to peak no higher than +6 on the Mackie
Set Output Switch on mixer to Mic
Set Camera to Audio 1 (Switch behind door)
Set Camera Rec Level to Auto
Set Audio 1 in menu to Mic

Your camera levels should be good. Camera led display should be full scale peaking just under 0. If you switch Rec Level to Maunal, you'll have to pay close attention to the camera levels to avoid clipping.

Some mic outputs tend to be around -30 dBV. If this is the case with the 1202-VLZ, you may find it better to use the MIC ATT setting.

Don, the Main Output Level switch on the Mackie is marked +4/Mic. The Owners Manual indicates that when the switch is engaged the "switch pads the balanced XLR Main Outputs by 30dB".

How does this relate to -30dBV? Given the above information, do you think Mic ATT would be a better choice? Thanks!

MIC ATT is probably the better setting. But try both and see which works best for you.