| value of xlr inputs over converters (beachtec etc) to xlr
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 | value of xlr inputs over converters (beachtec etc) to xlr
by mus man on Apr 29, 2002 at 4:55:38 am |
i was thinking of buying a gl1 and adding an adaptor to use xlr mics. i read that this method will work and i could use better mics that way, but it wouldn't be as good as a camera with built in xlr inputs. something about balanced versus unbalanced sound and the size of the inputs.
so, is it worth it to buy a better camera, like the xl1s or pd150 to get more acceptable sound? i just saw a documentary shot on an xl1 and it was still quite hard to hear at times. i'm affraid anything less would be really bad.
thanks for any help.
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• | | | |  | Re: value of xlr inputs over converters (beachtec etc) to xlr
by Peter Perry on Apr 29, 2002 at 2:14:11 pm |
If you saw a doc shot on an XL1 and the sound was poor, then I would say that that is more a function of poor micing technique and less a function of the camera itself.
If price is not an issue, then why not go with the XL1? It seems to me to make more sense to get the camera with more features included than to buy a camera and a bunch of adapters to get the same thing.
Having said that, you should be able to get perfectly acceptable sound with the GL1 and a Beachtek.
Balanced vs unbalanced refers to the connecting cable, not the sound itself. A balanced cable is more able to reject interference (hum, buzz) and can run a longer distance without problems. XLR cables are balanced.
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• | | | |  | Re: value of xlr inputs over converters (beachtec etc) to xlr
by Ed K on Apr 29, 2002 at 2:34:03 pm |
XLR cables are balanced if all three lines are utilized properly.
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• | | | |  | Re: value of xlr inputs over converters (beachtec etc) to xlr
by Dan Anon on Apr 29, 2002 at 2:52:48 pm |
We have a Beachtek adapter on a Panasonic EZ1, and sonically the device is fine...it allows us to use our "pro" lavs on quick projects.
The end result is MUCH better micing, and FAR superior audio compared to the camera's built-on mic. All in a small package,
Dan
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• | | | | | Re: value of xlr inputs over converters (beachtec etc) to xlr
by Brooke on May 2, 2002 at 7:34:53 pm |
Isn't the XLR adapter on the XL1s still unbalanced, like the XL1? When I saw the RCA jacks on the camera, I assumed it was unbalanced, like the older XL and the GL (which have never been a problem for me). I think the bigger audio issues would be the manual level controls and meters on the XL, for better monitoring, or in case you wanted to set level with tone from an external mixer.
That said, I've got an XL and GL, and I think the choice really depends on the application more than the cost. I like my XL, but I LOVE my GL because it offers greater portability in a minimally acceptable, almost professional camcorder. With a folding rubber hood, I can squeeze the GL, 4 tapes, 3 batteries, a Contax TVS with film and even my pack rod into a 9 x 13 leather LowePro bag that doesn't look like a camera bag. The XL, on the other hand, looks like and occupies the space of a professional camera, but has greater flexibility. Each serves a somewhat different purpose, so I think it's a matter of deciding on the best compromise, rather than finding the "best" camera.
Brooke
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