Thanks for your Help

C1000s
 

I use the C1000s for interviews and weddings. Doesn't have the gain I was accustomed to when using the Sennheiser ME66/K6 shotgun but I noticed that, in post when I normalized the audio, the signal is very clean and yield great results!

The C3000B is a good all-around mic with one drawback: no 9V on-board power which means that you must have phantom power ...no problem with most studio mixers but could be a problem for you in the field (ie: weddings) where you probably do not want to tote around extra gear to make the 3000 work.

I know of at least one successful audio production house and a couple of individual freelancers who use the 3000b with great results.

ME66 mono only?
 

Could someone please explain in depth about the ME66? Is it mono or stereo? If mono, what do I do if I want stereo? And I know it says for use in loud environments, but I need to use the mic in quiet places too. Is that ok?

Thanks,
Corey

Hello Corey,
Most mics (aside from those found on video cameras) are, indeed, mono by design. There are also stereo mics, such as the Audio-Technica AT822.

Producing 2 channels of sound from a mono mic is generally a simple manuever from within your editing software.

There's a tremendous amount of information already here on the ME-66 and the general principles and distinctions of various mics. Just do a Search on "ME-66".

Hey just a simple thing to save you one more step in post...

if you want stereo sound from a mono XLRmic and you are using the MA-100/200. Use a Female to 2 Male splitter between the mic and adapter. It will send the same signal to both the L&R channels in the camera. I know it isn't true stereo, but this way the sound is already recorded in stereo so you don't have to worry about remembering to do it in post

just my 2 cents
~Mike

XL1?
 

There is an ad in my local newpaper for an XL1 w/ 16x zoom lens. he price for it is $4000 Canadian(roughly about $2440 USD). My question is, is this a good deal for this camera or not?

That's a reasonable price for a local purchase used XL1 in Canada. Not a wicked deal by any means, but not over priced. I'd try and bargain them down to $3800cdn.

If it just the camera that's a reasonable price. Since it does not appear to include the accessories, the seller is pobably upgrading to newer cam.

Have it check over throughly before you buy and try the price Dylan recommends.

Lens Hood
 

Does the lens hood of Standard zoom lens connect onto filter thread or does it click or twist lock into 'lip' around the front of the lens as other cameras have.

So no problems using a filter with standard lenshood... Am I correct in assuming this?

Thanks

The lens hood actually attaches to a locking lip (sounds exotic, eh?) on the outer edge of the lens, not to the filter threads. So you are correct; there is no obstruction with screw-on filters.

Yeah nice and exotic....Locking Lip...that like a french kiss with a latin twist??? lol

But thanks for the info.....just waiting for my camera and trying to get gear as and when I can while waiting.

Audio Input ??
 

Can I use audio 1 RCA jacks on back of XL1s handle to input a live feed from a mixer board in a sound studio without damaging the camera? And do I put it on mike or line?

Thanks Dan

Generally you can, but using AC power supply with the camcorder might introduce power line induced ground loops or hum. The camcorder input level should be set to match the mixer output. The tape outputs of some mixers are a match for consumer line in (-10 dBV) and that is the input level you should use.

If you have +4 dB output from the mixer, you may want to pad it down.

If the mixer has mic level output, that is often balanced and a good option if you have a MA-100/200 and need to run cables more than 20 or so feet. Just be sure that the mixer output is set to mic output (i.e., -30 to -60 dBV output).

But best to check with the engineer at the studio. He should have the pads you need to get the proper level, and perhaps necessary adapters.

Thank You very much Don, the shoot went well, I switched to line in and using the RCA's on the back the sound was nice. Put it all together and copied to VHS and the sound was very clean and crisp.

Thanks again for your help, I had to be at the shoot in 2 hours so I posted the question and within an hour you gave me my answer. It's nice to know you guys (and girls) are out there!

Dan O'Bannon

XL1s training at IFP/West
 

Has anyone taken this class in LA? I figure it can't hurt and I may learn someting new. I'm curious if I should be more concerned with taking notes or taking my camera...