Phantom Power for external mics at DVinfo.net

Steve Savanyu · May 31st, 2002, 08:14 AM

With more folks looking to use external mics (especially shot-guns) that requrie phantom power on an XL1s, has Canon considered adding a phantom power option to the MA100 or MA200 audio adapter?

I am looking to use an Audio-Technica AT835ST short stereo shotgun with my XL1s and would rather not have to add an outboard box to achieve phantom power.

Thanks for the input.

Jeff Donald · May 31st, 2002, 07:26 PM

Hi,

I have yet to find an external phantom power supply that I really like. I use an AT4071a shotgun that really like for my nature work. Shure, Rolls, Beachtek and others make external supplies. I've tried a good half dozen different ones over the years and have yet to find a really dependable unit. My next candidate is made by Sound Devices http://www.sounddevices.com/index.html It seems to have very high audio specs and it rugged enough to be used on Mt. Everest. The headphone monitor is a bonus. I'm going to buy one in the next week or so and I'll let you know what I think.

I agree that Canon should address this issue, but it's probably not high on their list.

Jeff

Steve Savanyu · June 3rd, 2002, 10:05 AM

Thanks for the input Jeff.

I am familiar with Sound Devices. They make some great field mixers, etc. I wrote to Canon and they told me there were no plans to offer an adapter with Phantom Power. Now I wonder if there is a way to modify an MA100 by adding a circuit to boost the +5V.

But, before I fiddle, I'll look into the Sound Devices solution.

Cheers

Jeff Donald · June 21st, 2002, 02:05 PM

I have been field testing the Sound Devices MM-1. WOW! It is great. The unit is built like a tank and the overall fit, finish and construction is outstanding. It can be internally powered by 2 AA's (Ni-Mh are OK) or externally. Phantom power is switchable 12v or 48v. It has a headphone out with a seperate volume control and also a monitor input. Perfect for boom operators. The monitor in, can be the output from a walkie talkie, so the boom operator can take direction. The literature said the peamp was "unclippable" , Right! However, try as i might it has proven to be unclippable which is great for digital. It is great with my AT4071 shotgun.

The only downsides so far are size ( 2" thick, 3 3/4wide and 6 1/2 long) and weight (almost 1 1/2 pounds).

Jeff

May 31st, 2002, 08:14 AM	#1
Steve Savanyu Boss Hog Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hudson, Ohio Posts: 51	Phantom Power for external mics With more folks looking to use external mics (especially shot-guns) that requrie phantom power on an XL1s, has Canon considered adding a phantom power option to the MA100 or MA200 audio adapter? I am looking to use an Audio-Technica AT835ST short stereo shotgun with my XL1s and would rather not have to add an outboard box to achieve phantom power. Thanks for the input. __________________ "Film is Art; Theatre is Life; Television is Furniture!"

June 3rd, 2002, 10:05 AM	#3
Steve Savanyu Boss Hog Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hudson, Ohio Posts: 51	Thanks for the input Jeff. I am familiar with Sound Devices. They make some great field mixers, etc. I wrote to Canon and they told me there were no plans to offer an adapter with Phantom Power. Now I wonder if there is a way to modify an MA100 by adding a circuit to boost the +5V. But, before I fiddle, I'll look into the Sound Devices solution. Cheers __________________ "Film is Art; Theatre is Life; Television is Furniture!"

May 31st, 2002, 07:26 PM	#2
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	Hi, I have yet to find an external phantom power supply that I really like. I use an AT4071a shotgun that really like for my nature work. Shure, Rolls, Beachtek and others make external supplies. I've tried a good half dozen different ones over the years and have yet to find a really dependable unit. My next candidate is made by Sound Devices http://www.sounddevices.com/index.html It seems to have very high audio specs and it rugged enough to be used on Mt. Everest. The headphone monitor is a bonus. I'm going to buy one in the next week or so and I'll let you know what I think. I agree that Canon should address this issue, but it's probably not high on their list. Jeff

June 21st, 2002, 02:05 PM	#4
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	I have been field testing the Sound Devices MM-1. WOW! It is great. The unit is built like a tank and the overall fit, finish and construction is outstanding. It can be internally powered by 2 AA's (Ni-Mh are OK) or externally. Phantom power is switchable 12v or 48v. It has a headphone out with a seperate volume control and also a monitor input. Perfect for boom operators. The monitor in, can be the output from a walkie talkie, so the boom operator can take direction. The literature said the peamp was "unclippable" , Right! However, try as i might it has proven to be unclippable which is great for digital. It is great with my AT4071 shotgun. The only downsides so far are size ( 2" thick, 3 3/4wide and 6 1/2 long) and weight (almost 1 1/2 pounds). Jeff