XLR Adaptor Question...

[Bobby Abernathy]

I think you're right, but I'm not certain. I know a balanced cable has the TRS (tip, ring, sleeve) and a stereo 1/4" connector, so I guess that would essentially be a stereo cable.

For some reason, I thought unbalanced XLR cables existed, but that could be incorrect.

[Adam Sayovitz]

Right now, I have a home made XLR adapter for my GL 2. It technically works just fine. However, it is a hassle. There are many chords involved and it is quite cumbersome while filming; especially for handheld shots.


Now, is it worth it to buy the Canon XLR adapter for around $170? Is there a cheaper adapter/solution?

Will the canon adapter make it a lot easier to film, meaning, will the number of and amount of wire be reduced drastically?


Thank you...

[Ken Tanaka]

You should also consider the BeachTek DXA-4P XLR adapter. It's become a bit of a standard.

[Don Palomaki]

In addition to Beachtek, Studio One and Sign Video also offer similar adapters. Ads are in Videomaker, etc.

Each has its advantages and disadvantages,

[Nick Jushchyshyn]

I used the second wiring diagram on this web page to convert a spare XLR cable into an XLR->1/8" adaptor for my GL2. It works great with my Azden 1X.

The one drawback it has, though, is that the traditional XLR connector points back from the mic, making use of the top-handle buttons a bit of a challenge. If I get a chance, I'd probably re-do this cable with right-angle connectors for both the camera and mic ends.

Have fun.

[Rob Lohman]

We have an article about the MA-100 here on the site if you
are looking for some more information on it.

[Jeff Toogood]

I am now in the market for an XLR adapter for my GL2.
I really like the look of the Canon MA-300, but it seems to get mixed reviews for some reason (what are those reasons?? I can't seem to find them)

Is a beachtek unit like the DXA-4P better than the MA-300?
I really like the idea of not having to run a cable to the microphone jack.

Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks.

[Hank Freeman]

I own both. go with the beachtek for several reasons:

-accepts line level as well as mic level signals.
-routes single audio feed to both channels
-leaves the intelligent shoe available for VL3, as an example.
-perfectly balanced wieght distribution for tripod mounting.
-cables don't hang down from above, but rather from below
-has individual pots for signal control that are easier to adjust than those on the camera in a hurry.

however, if you are simply wanting to mount a mic to the camera the ma300 works fine.

be aware that i dock my camera often to a tripod.

[Robin Davies-Rollinson]

I agree with Hank,
-the Beachtek is better, especially with it being underneath the camera.
External cables running into the top of any camera is not a good idea...
The only facility you lose from Canon's own connector is the BNC video socket, but I just use a short av cable with a RCA to BNC adapter at the end - no problemo.

Robin

[Jeff Toogood]

Is anybody using the Beachtek DXA-6 or DXA-8 with the GL2?

How well does it fit on the camera?

The reason I ask is because I actually own a beachtek adapter, but it is for the sony TRV line and it functions fine with the GL2, but the tripod mounting is so far back that the whole adapter sits so far forward underneath the camera that I can't hardly adjust anything.

I was looking at the DXA-6 & 8 and they seem to have the mounting bolt in the same location as the Sony models, so I am assuming they don't fit the GL2 very good.

[Miguel Lombana]

That is why Beach makes several models, each is fitted with a top plate that has shifted mounting holes to better fit other cams.

Also consider the SignVideo XLR Pro, it's what I opted to choose over the Beach as it offered 2 line in's and not just 1. The other advantage that I found with the Sign was keeping the XLR in's on the right and not the left. I typically only use 1 XLR input (my boom mic) and I"m able to socket that unit in the rear position making it possible for my hand to comfortably in the strap and the XLR is not obtrusive.

The need to have 2 XLR based sources in at the same time however forced me to order 2 XLR cables with Right Angle Male connectors which I found a custom shop (AVCABLE.Com - Jim Woodier) that custom built my cables for about 20 bucks each.

I've toyed with the idea of getting the MA300, I think that I even shopped them on Ebay for about 150 and still said, no thanks. I have more control with the XLR-Pro, the MA might be a sexier and cleaner install however the flexibility of the XLR beats that hands down.

Hope this helps a little...

[James Duffy]

Which is recommended? Basically I need better quality audio, so I don't have to worry about poor audio transitions from on-board-mic static and such. Does Canon's hot-shoe mic do the trick, or does one have to purchase the XLR adapter to get high quality sound?

If the XLR adapter is recommended, what sort of microphone package would I need to take advantage of it?

I believe this belongs in the GL2 forum as opposed to the audio forum, because it's dealing with accessories specifically for the GL2, but if mods think I'd get a better response in that forum, feel free to move it.

[Jim Sofranko]

What do I need to use XLR mics on the GL2? Will the MA-100 work for this purpose?

Thanks.

[Trond Saetre]

For the GL2 you will need the MA-300, or one of the Beachtek adapters.

The MA-100 is for the XL1(s)

[Jim Sofranko]

Yeah...I have an MA100 so I thought I could use that somehow.
My real question is... does the signal use any amplfication like the MA 100 provides or is it mic-input so that all I need is a simple XLR to mini adaptor?

Thanks. Obvioulsy I'm no sound recordist.