Wireless Microphones at DVinfo.net

Alex Kamm · August 14th, 2004, 05:50 AM

Alright,

Every since i could not get my handheld microphone to work becuase i used an adapter from stereo plug to xlr, I have been doubtfull of ever using adapters again for my camcorder (pd150)

Now i'm looking to get a wireless system but i noticed that some dont' come with Xlr cables? Would a stereo/xlr adapter for wireless mic systems work? I have a PD150...? and what i'm refering to is using the adapter to plug into the camera's input.

Don Bloom · August 14th, 2004, 08:14 AM

Why not just spend the 10-15 dollars and buy an XLR cable?

Don

Christopher C. Murphy · August 14th, 2004, 08:24 AM

PD-150's can be a pain (or any on-board camera audio) to get working right. In my experience, you have to record audio before your real shoot at least for a 20-30 seconds (it's called a mic check) and play it back through headphones and make sure that the audio is working.

Also, on the PD-150 there are many menu options that need to be correct when trying to record seperate audio tracks. In addition, shut of the AGC for both channels unless your going to be shooting in a wild audio environment. There is also an option to record a certain "k" - it's 32k and I forget the other option, but you want the other option. The higher one.

Oh, and on the side of the camera make sure you have "Mic" or "Line" checked depending on the input source. There is a "Phantom" switch too, so make sure you have batteries in your mic (working batteries too) if you are not using phantom.

Murph

David Mintzer · August 14th, 2004, 09:29 AM

The Senheiser, a very popular wireless system for the PD-150 uses 1/4 (or maybe 1/8) to XLR cables. It works flawlessly.

Don Bloom · August 14th, 2004, 11:39 AM

Actually the 150 is fairly easy to set up once you understand it.

The other higher setting is 48-set up there.

Keep NR off- I have found it useless.

NOW (thanks to Mike R.) I use AGC on Ch1 and manual on Ch2 at about 50% on the chart. I never use the line setting (no reason too for me) depending on where I'm at I'll use MIC or MICATT for the shotgun-BTW, I never use phantom as my mic is powered-for most music at a wedding reception I use MICATT- for the ceremony I use the shotgun on CH1 on MIC and the wireless on CH2 on MICATT and keep the level at about 50%.
Even before using AGC on the shotgun I had good audio using this system now its even better than even. I have 2 good tracks to choose from I can boost it if need be but try bringing it down sometime. It can be a real pain.
Yes, I monitor with headphones ALL the time and everyonce in a while I use a PROCO10db attenuator instead of the MICATT switch on the cam. I've done inside and outside ceremonies and receptions as well as FD training videos and corporate run and gun this way and so far so good with the audio.

BTW, anyone that DOESN'T do a sound check prior to any event generally deserves what they get and it's usually bad. Shame on anyone that doesn't do at least a short audio check.

Don B

August 14th, 2004, 05:50 AM	#1
Alex Kamm Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: SANFRANCISCO, CA Posts: 74	Wireless Microphones Alright, Every since i could not get my handheld microphone to work becuase i used an adapter from stereo plug to xlr, I have been doubtfull of ever using adapters again for my camcorder (pd150) Now i'm looking to get a wireless system but i noticed that some dont' come with Xlr cables? Would a stereo/xlr adapter for wireless mic systems work? I have a PD150...? and what i'm refering to is using the adapter to plug into the camera's input. __________________ RACESAUCE DOT COM \|Equipment: PD-150\|

August 14th, 2004, 08:24 AM	#3
Christopher C. Murphy Trustee Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 1,707	PD-150's can be a pain (or any on-board camera audio) to get working right. In my experience, you have to record audio before your real shoot at least for a 20-30 seconds (it's called a mic check) and play it back through headphones and make sure that the audio is working. Also, on the PD-150 there are many menu options that need to be correct when trying to record seperate audio tracks. In addition, shut of the AGC for both channels unless your going to be shooting in a wild audio environment. There is also an option to record a certain "k" - it's 32k and I forget the other option, but you want the other option. The higher one. Oh, and on the side of the camera make sure you have "Mic" or "Line" checked depending on the input source. There is a "Phantom" switch too, so make sure you have batteries in your mic (working batteries too) if you are not using phantom. Murph __________________ Christopher C. Murphy Director, Producer, Writer

August 14th, 2004, 08:14 AM	#2
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	Why not just spend the 10-15 dollars and buy an XLR cable? Don

August 14th, 2004, 09:29 AM	#4
David Mintzer Rextilleon Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Pleasantville, NY Posts: 520	The Senheiser, a very popular wireless system for the PD-150 uses 1/4 (or maybe 1/8) to XLR cables. It works flawlessly.

August 14th, 2004, 11:39 AM	#5
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	Actually the 150 is fairly easy to set up once you understand it. The other higher setting is 48-set up there. Keep NR off- I have found it useless. NOW (thanks to Mike R.) I use AGC on Ch1 and manual on Ch2 at about 50% on the chart. I never use the line setting (no reason too for me) depending on where I'm at I'll use MIC or MICATT for the shotgun-BTW, I never use phantom as my mic is powered-for most music at a wedding reception I use MICATT- for the ceremony I use the shotgun on CH1 on MIC and the wireless on CH2 on MICATT and keep the level at about 50%. Even before using AGC on the shotgun I had good audio using this system now its even better than even. I have 2 good tracks to choose from I can boost it if need be but try bringing it down sometime. It can be a real pain. Yes, I monitor with headphones ALL the time and everyonce in a while I use a PROCO10db attenuator instead of the MICATT switch on the cam. I've done inside and outside ceremonies and receptions as well as FD training videos and corporate run and gun this way and so far so good with the audio. BTW, anyone that DOESN'T do a sound check prior to any event generally deserves what they get and it's usually bad. Shame on anyone that doesn't do at least a short audio check. Don B