MA-100 XLR audio adapter questions

Joji Minatogawa · March 8th, 2002, 06:38 PM

Thank you. I happen to have a Mackie, but can you recommend a separate phantom supply mfr? And there wouldn't be any conflicts w/ camera DC?

Vic Owen · March 8th, 2002, 06:51 PM

I have an Audio Technica 4-channel, although I believe that there are several others out there. I got mine from B&H. Most of the time, unless I'm strapped for room, I use the Mackie. It gives me more control over the audio. I've also found that, when running 100+ feet of XLR cable, stray hum has been more of an issue with the A-T box than the Mackie. Best to experiment.

Joji Minatogawa · March 8th, 2002, 10:42 PM

Thank you again Vic. I'll check around. Also, looks like we can just yell across the lake!

Vic Owen · March 9th, 2002, 01:33 AM

You're welcome -- that's what these forums are all about, and you'll find an amazingly helpful, non-judgmental group here -- probably the best of all the boards.

Until you mentioned it, I didn't notice you were close -- these days, though, you'd have to yell loud to get through the damn snowstorm!

Cheers

Ed Frazier · March 9th, 2002, 07:34 AM

I use the AKG C-1000S which requires phantom power. If power is not available from the mixer, a 9V battery can be placed inside the mic. Your model may not have that capability, but for those that want to use condenser mics connected directly to the camera without first going through a mixer, battery power is a simple alternative to external phantom power supplies.

March 10th, 2002, 03:09 PM

MA100 or Beachtek? best mic? lav? wireless?

I'm expecting my new XL1s to arrive this week and am looking int the sound equipment I should buy. I've had some experience using a Beachtek with both the XL1 and the Sony VX2000, but havn't even touched an ma100.

I'll be using the camera for a variety of purposes. I'll be shooting narrative shorts (maybe even a feature length in the future), documentary, music videos for local bands and (because I also have to eat) wedding and business/corporate videos.

I've followed several threads on this forum and have gotten a few insights (pluses on the Beachtek being more easily accepting line inputs, etc.) I had some bad experiences with the Beachtek on the VX2000 (hiss and a little hum - many people had the same problems), but since Im getting an XL1s, I wanted to get some input on which might work better for the types of videos I'll be shooting.

Also, what are some of the best mics (shotgun, lav, wireless) - and then - what are some of the best mic for someone on a budget (I don't want to sacrifice quality though).

Derrick

Vic Owen · March 10th, 2002, 03:33 PM

In addition to XLR inputs, the MA-100 also provides a better shoulder rest -- if that's not a concern, the Beachtek gives you more versatility. I've used both, and I've never experienced a hum issue with either. I suspect you had something external going on. Since the Beachtek is a passive device, it's not subject to overloading, as is the MA-100.

On the subject of microphones, there are entire books written about the subject. No one genre of mic will do it all. They need to be tailored to the situation. There is quite a bit of info on various adapters, mics, etc. on these boards, and in the articles on the XL-1 Watchdog pages. Search around a little -- there's a wealth of knowledge. In the audio arena, there is a good forum moderated by Jay Rose (DV Magazine audio editor) at the dv.com forums.

Enjoy spending the money -- these things absorb it like a sponge!

Nathan Gifford · March 13th, 2002, 09:37 AM

Jay Rose is well worth a cruise through.

Your VX2000 problem may well have been related to early problems with VX2000. That problem has been resolved.

You can spend lots of money on mics. Best thing is to stay with the brand names. Sennheiser, Audio-Technia, Lectsonics, etc all make great equipment.

Cruise through the threads here on mics and stuff and you will find loads.

Nathan Gifford

April 18th, 2002, 04:47 PM

Does anyone have any tips on how to use a Wireless Mic and the XL-1's mic both going into the MA-100. You see I want to use the Xl-1's Mic in 16 Bit mode while still using the Wireless mic as well. The thing I hate is that if you only have one Wireless mic and you want to record in 16 bit you only get the one channel.

Thanks,

Mat Sutor

Ed Frazier · April 18th, 2002, 05:22 PM

Your question is discussed in the following thread:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=502&highlight=xl1+mic

Chris Hurd · April 18th, 2002, 05:30 PM

Thanks, Ed... I suppose this should be in a FAQ somewhere.

John Klein · June 8th, 2002, 10:30 AM

Ok, I'm using a balanced "vocal" mic [not sure, but I think it's an EV @$150], about 30' cord and only one channel @48k. XL1S. Shortest cord that'll do the job.

I seem to have a good amount of noise (ie bad s/n) that is better with a pd150. Okay, I admit to using ACG on both. I understand this will pump up the gain during soft passages, but even at normal levels, the s/n is poor, IMO.

First with only one xlr input, should I connect both rca plugs? Is it possible I'm getting some noise because the open channel is causing the gain to pump up and it bleeds to the channel in use?

Isn't y-cording the one into two channels going to also cause some degradation of signal?

What do you recommend for a solo xlr input?

Don Palomaki · June 8th, 2002, 10:44 AM

What model is the mic? Condensor or dynamic?

How are you connecting the mic to the XL1s?

How are you monitoring the noise level?
How is the nosie level in manual gain mode?

Is the noise in one channel more thtn the other?

Y-cording may result in some loss of level, whether or not this is serious depends on the precise configuration and impedances involved.

June 11th, 2002, 04:27 PM

I use my XL1S predominately for weddings where I put a cordless mic on the officiator and the groom. I have been using 2x Azden 400UDR's for about a year but they are extremely heavy, and my MA-100 finally broke (the little duck-bill like piece that is wedged in the back of the XL1 broke off).

I also find the weight too uncomfortable for longer periods of handheld work.

I've just ordered the MA-200 and 2x Samson UM32's.

Does anyone else use this combination - please share your experiences.

Is anyone else using 2x cordless mic's with the XL1/S - What brand and models?

thanks in advance,
Keith

Chris Hurd · June 11th, 2002, 06:09 PM

Consider the VariZoom Media Pro (called the SP7 shoulder brace on the Watchdog). It's big enough and sturdy enough for all this plus an XLR adapter. www.dvinfo.net/xl1.htm > Articles Menu > Support Options > SP7 Shoulder Brace. Hope this helps,

March 8th, 2002, 06:38 PM	#61
Joji Minatogawa New Boot Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 14	MA-100 & phantom supply Thank you. I happen to have a Mackie, but can you recommend a separate phantom supply mfr? And there wouldn't be any conflicts w/ camera DC?

March 8th, 2002, 06:51 PM	#62
Vic Owen Major Player Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 540	I have an Audio Technica 4-channel, although I believe that there are several others out there. I got mine from B&H. Most of the time, unless I'm strapped for room, I use the Mackie. It gives me more control over the audio. I've also found that, when running 100+ feet of XLR cable, stray hum has been more of an issue with the A-T box than the Mackie. Best to experiment. __________________ -- Vic Owen --

March 8th, 2002, 10:42 PM	#63
Joji Minatogawa New Boot Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 14	Phantom Thank you again Vic. I'll check around. Also, looks like we can just yell across the lake!

March 9th, 2002, 01:33 AM	#64
Vic Owen Major Player Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 540	You're welcome -- that's what these forums are all about, and you'll find an amazingly helpful, non-judgmental group here -- probably the best of all the boards. Until you mentioned it, I didn't notice you were close -- these days, though, you'd have to yell loud to get through the damn snowstorm! Cheers __________________ -- Vic Owen --

March 9th, 2002, 07:34 AM	#65
Ed Frazier Major Player Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Las Cruces, NM Posts: 343	I use the AKG C-1000S which requires phantom power. If power is not available from the mixer, a 9V battery can be placed inside the mic. Your model may not have that capability, but for those that want to use condenser mics connected directly to the camera without first going through a mixer, battery power is a simple alternative to external phantom power supplies. __________________ Ed Frazier

March 10th, 2002, 03:09 PM	#66
dtnelson66 Posts: n/a	MA100 questions MA100 or Beachtek? best mic? lav? wireless? I'm expecting my new XL1s to arrive this week and am looking int the sound equipment I should buy. I've had some experience using a Beachtek with both the XL1 and the Sony VX2000, but havn't even touched an ma100. I'll be using the camera for a variety of purposes. I'll be shooting narrative shorts (maybe even a feature length in the future), documentary, music videos for local bands and (because I also have to eat) wedding and business/corporate videos. I've followed several threads on this forum and have gotten a few insights (pluses on the Beachtek being more easily accepting line inputs, etc.) I had some bad experiences with the Beachtek on the VX2000 (hiss and a little hum - many people had the same problems), but since Im getting an XL1s, I wanted to get some input on which might work better for the types of videos I'll be shooting. Also, what are some of the best mics (shotgun, lav, wireless) - and then - what are some of the best mic for someone on a budget (I don't want to sacrifice quality though). Derrick

March 10th, 2002, 03:33 PM	#67
Vic Owen Major Player Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 540	In addition to XLR inputs, the MA-100 also provides a better shoulder rest -- if that's not a concern, the Beachtek gives you more versatility. I've used both, and I've never experienced a hum issue with either. I suspect you had something external going on. Since the Beachtek is a passive device, it's not subject to overloading, as is the MA-100. On the subject of microphones, there are entire books written about the subject. No one genre of mic will do it all. They need to be tailored to the situation. There is quite a bit of info on various adapters, mics, etc. on these boards, and in the articles on the XL-1 Watchdog pages. Search around a little -- there's a wealth of knowledge. In the audio arena, there is a good forum moderated by Jay Rose (DV Magazine audio editor) at the dv.com forums. Enjoy spending the money -- these things absorb it like a sponge! __________________ -- Vic Owen --

March 13th, 2002, 09:37 AM	#68
Nathan Gifford Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Tickfaw, LA Posts: 1,217	Second on Jay Rose Jay Rose is well worth a cruise through. Your VX2000 problem may well have been related to early problems with VX2000. That problem has been resolved. You can spend lots of money on mics. Best thing is to stay with the brand names. Sennheiser, Audio-Technia, Lectsonics, etc all make great equipment. Cruise through the threads here on mics and stuff and you will find loads. Nathan Gifford

April 18th, 2002, 04:47 PM	#69
MatJSutor Posts: n/a	Using the XL-1's Mic and the MA-100 Does anyone have any tips on how to use a Wireless Mic and the XL-1's mic both going into the MA-100. You see I want to use the Xl-1's Mic in 16 Bit mode while still using the Wireless mic as well. The thing I hate is that if you only have one Wireless mic and you want to record in 16 bit you only get the one channel. Thanks, Mat Sutor

April 18th, 2002, 05:22 PM	#70
Ed Frazier Major Player Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Las Cruces, NM Posts: 343	Your question is discussed in the following thread: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=502&highlight=xl1+mic __________________ Ed Frazier

April 18th, 2002, 05:30 PM	#71
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	Thanks, Ed... I suppose this should be in a FAQ somewhere. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

June 8th, 2002, 10:30 AM	#72
John Klein Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 182	MA100 noise Ok, I'm using a balanced "vocal" mic [not sure, but I think it's an EV @$150], about 30' cord and only one channel @48k. XL1S. Shortest cord that'll do the job. I seem to have a good amount of noise (ie bad s/n) that is better with a pd150. Okay, I admit to using ACG on both. I understand this will pump up the gain during soft passages, but even at normal levels, the s/n is poor, IMO. First with only one xlr input, should I connect both rca plugs? Is it possible I'm getting some noise because the open channel is causing the gain to pump up and it bleeds to the channel in use? Isn't y-cording the one into two channels going to also cause some degradation of signal? What do you recommend for a solo xlr input? __________________ < >< . . . . . < >< . . . . . < ><

June 8th, 2002, 10:44 AM	#73
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,489	What model is the mic? Condensor or dynamic? How are you connecting the mic to the XL1s? How are you monitoring the noise level? How is the nosie level in manual gain mode? Is the noise in one channel more thtn the other? Y-cording may result in some loss of level, whether or not this is serious depends on the precise configuration and impedances involved.

June 11th, 2002, 04:27 PM	#74
kasteede Posts: n/a	Azden 400 UDR too heavy for MA-100 I use my XL1S predominately for weddings where I put a cordless mic on the officiator and the groom. I have been using 2x Azden 400UDR's for about a year but they are extremely heavy, and my MA-100 finally broke (the little duck-bill like piece that is wedged in the back of the XL1 broke off). I also find the weight too uncomfortable for longer periods of handheld work. I've just ordered the MA-200 and 2x Samson UM32's. Does anyone else use this combination - please share your experiences. Is anyone else using 2x cordless mic's with the XL1/S - What brand and models? thanks in advance, Keith

June 11th, 2002, 06:09 PM	#75
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	Consider the VariZoom Media Pro (called the SP7 shoulder brace on the Watchdog). It's big enough and sturdy enough for all this plus an XLR adapter. www.dvinfo.net/xl1.htm > Articles Menu > Support Options > SP7 Shoulder Brace. Hope this helps, __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!