Ch1 & Ch2 Independent Audio Controls? at DVinfo.net

Gabe Spangler · March 18th, 2009, 04:55 AM

I'm aware that with the A1 you can't control the Ch1 and Ch2 audio levels independently unless you have two mics plugged in. With one mic, the levels for Ch1 and Ch2 are linked, unfortunately.

But ... has anyone devised a cheat to have a single mic plugged into the Ch1 input and control the Ch1 and Ch2 levels independently so that one channel can be recorded lower to account for unexpected loud situations? Or any other advice that doesn't involve expensive mixers or using two mics?

I find it strange that Canon allows you to split out the mic to both channels but doesn't let you adjust the levels independently. Certainly not good for indie filmmakers.

Petri Kaipiainen · March 18th, 2009, 05:19 AM

Yes, a simple splitter cable from one mic to two mic inputs.

Mike Demmers · March 18th, 2009, 05:41 AM

Like this: Audiogear.com

Les Wilson · March 18th, 2009, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gabe Spangler

I'm aware that with the A1 you can't control the Ch1 and Ch2 audio levels independently unless you have two mics plugged in. With one mic, the levels for Ch1 and Ch2 are linked, unfortunately.

Maybe I don't understand what you are saying. Page 48 and 49 of the manual describe how to setup the audio block so that each input is recorded on separate channels (CH1). When in M mode, the volume of each is controlled by the individual volume dials on the camera.

Petri Kaipiainen · March 18th, 2009, 07:52 AM

In XH-A1 original non-s version one volume dial controls both channels when one input line is directed to both channels. Ch2 potentiometer is idle. For that reason ch1 -> ch1+ch2 switch can not be used if the levels need to be separatelly adjusted. Thus arises the need for a splitter cable from single microphone.

In XH-A1s this design oversight has been corrected.

Gabe Spangler · March 18th, 2009, 09:20 AM

I suspected a splitter cable would be needed. Thanks guys!

Gabe Spangler · March 19th, 2009, 06:19 PM

For those of you who are interested, an XLR splitter is about $20 and can be found tons of places on the internet if you do a search.

Simply plug your mic into the splitter, and then plug in the two splitter plugs into Ch1 and Ch2 of your A1. And voila - you can control Ch1 and Ch2 audio levels independently!

Peppo Wagner · March 20th, 2009, 01:26 AM

Hello,

a question for those of you who are using a XLR splitter cable...

What about the phantom power using 1 mic with a splitter on 2 channels? Do you switch on both phantom power supplies or only 1?

I am using a splitter cable with the mic battery powered, which works fine, but I did not use it with the phantom power yet being afraid to destroy anything on the Cam.

Any experiences with that?

thx
PW

Gabe Spangler · March 20th, 2009, 01:59 AM

I'm assuming that you would only have phantom power on Ch1 and not Ch2, but I can't answer that definitively, Peppo. But from what I've heard on here, it's best to power the mic with the mic battery and not the camera's phantom power, as this give you the least amount of hiss. It seems the A1's phantom power is not ideal for all mics. But I haven't had any issues as of yet.

Artur Smiech · March 22nd, 2009, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Petri Kaipiainen

In XH-A1s this design oversight has been corrected.

In XH A1s is the same :-(

March 18th, 2009, 04:55 AM	#1
Gabe Spangler Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 69	Ch1 & Ch2 Independent Audio Controls? I'm aware that with the A1 you can't control the Ch1 and Ch2 audio levels independently unless you have two mics plugged in. With one mic, the levels for Ch1 and Ch2 are linked, unfortunately. But ... has anyone devised a cheat to have a single mic plugged into the Ch1 input and control the Ch1 and Ch2 levels independently so that one channel can be recorded lower to account for unexpected loud situations? Or any other advice that doesn't involve expensive mixers or using two mics? I find it strange that Canon allows you to split out the mic to both channels but doesn't let you adjust the levels independently. Certainly not good for indie filmmakers.

March 18th, 2009, 05:19 AM	#2
Petri Kaipiainen Major Player Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Espoo Finland Posts: 380	Yes, a simple splitter cable from one mic to two mic inputs.

March 18th, 2009, 05:41 AM	#3
Mike Demmers Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Portland OR Posts: 159	Like this: Audiogear.com

March 18th, 2009, 07:52 AM	#5
Petri Kaipiainen Major Player Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Espoo Finland Posts: 380	In XH-A1 original non-s version one volume dial controls both channels when one input line is directed to both channels. Ch2 potentiometer is idle. For that reason ch1 -> ch1+ch2 switch can not be used if the levels need to be separatelly adjusted. Thus arises the need for a splitter cable from single microphone. In XH-A1s this design oversight has been corrected.

March 18th, 2009, 09:20 AM	#6
Gabe Spangler Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 69	I suspected a splitter cable would be needed. Thanks guys!

March 19th, 2009, 06:19 PM	#7
Gabe Spangler Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 69	For those of you who are interested, an XLR splitter is about $20 and can be found tons of places on the internet if you do a search. Simply plug your mic into the splitter, and then plug in the two splitter plugs into Ch1 and Ch2 of your A1. And voila - you can control Ch1 and Ch2 audio levels independently!

March 20th, 2009, 01:26 AM	#8
Peppo Wagner New Boot Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Austria Posts: 6	Hello, a question for those of you who are using a XLR splitter cable... What about the phantom power using 1 mic with a splitter on 2 channels? Do you switch on both phantom power supplies or only 1? I am using a splitter cable with the mic battery powered, which works fine, but I did not use it with the phantom power yet being afraid to destroy anything on the Cam. Any experiences with that? thx PW

March 20th, 2009, 01:59 AM	#9
Gabe Spangler Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 69	I'm assuming that you would only have phantom power on Ch1 and not Ch2, but I can't answer that definitively, Peppo. But from what I've heard on here, it's best to power the mic with the mic battery and not the camera's phantom power, as this give you the least amount of hiss. It seems the A1's phantom power is not ideal for all mics. But I haven't had any issues as of yet.