Sennheiser Mic On The DVX100B

S

Splinky

Member
I have Sennheiser MKE 300 shotgun mic that I used to use with my Sony DCR TRV120 (consumer camera). It worked fantastically. I recently purchased the DVX100B. I bought an XLR audio adapter and plugged in the shotgun mic using a 1/4 phone jack on top of the mini plug (mini plug - I think that's what it's called?). The shotgun mic does not work as efficiently in the new camera. The audio has degraded quite a bit - even with the input level turned up.
Is there anyway to use this mic on this camera? Is there another type of adapter I should be using? Would anyone have another solution for this?
Any help is appreciated.

Jim
 
Check the little toggle switch on the DVX (in the front).
It will need to be set to LINE or MIC depending on the adapter you use.
Also, I assume the phantom power needs to be off? Not sure, but just another thing to check.
 
I tried that. Same result. I tried my lavelear mic (which is already XLR ready) and that works great.
What is the phantom power?

Thanks Jim.
 
There's switches inside (behind) the LCD: you can turn on phantom power for mics that require it. "Normally" if on (and not required) it won't hurt anything, and won't have a negative influence, but I don't know what kind of adapter you have. What kind of adapter do you have?
 
It's from Radioshack. Says Matching Transformer Audio Adapter. Has an XLR male end and a 1/4" phone plug. The mic does work. Just not as good as it should.
 
I checked on Radio Shacks website and hopefully you have the A3F XLR Jack-to-1/4" plug adapter (the other one is for a guitar). As your mike uses a 1/8" plug, that means you must have another adapter to go from 1/8" to 1/4". As the mike you are using is powered, you need to turn the Phantom Power off. (Phantom power is 48 to 12 volts supplied by the camera) Second thing is this for a balanced mike and yours isn't, but the sound should still be ok. Third thing is before you don anything else, you need to READ THE BOOK! If you ever hope to be able to use your camera properly, you MUST READ THE BOOK! Otherwise, you might as well go back to your old camera.
One more thing, do you have it set for mike or line? Should be mike.
 
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question. why dont you just connect the shotgun mic in using the XLR? using the XLR will give you a higher quality sound than the "Mini plug".
 
that mic was designed for lower end cameras with mini jacks. the dvx is designed for low impedence mics with xlr connectors. your mic will work with the right adapter but the level will be lower than you are used to with your old camera.

the phantom power is for condenser mics that require power to operate. your mic is a condenser but uses a 1.5v battery. phantom power is 48v.
 
cheezweezl said:
that mic was designed for lower end cameras with mini jacks. the dvx is designed for low impedence mics with xlr connectors. your mic will work with the right adapter but the level will be lower than you are used to with your old camera.

the phantom power is for condenser mics that require power to operate. your mic is a condenser but uses a 1.5v battery. phantom power is 48v.
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Thanks, I wasn't sure about the impedence issue so I didn't mention it.
 
Thanks Cheezweezl. Had a feeling that it might be something like that.

Safarjoe, I did READ THE MANUAl. I will READ THE BOOK when it comes in.
 
Splinky said:
I tried that. Same result. I tried my lavelear mic (which is already XLR ready) and that works great.
What is the phantom power?

Thanks Jim.
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Sorry but It didn't sound like it since phantom power is discussed in the manual.
 
Un no it's not discussed in the manual. It's mentioned and does not go into detail. Don't get on me for asking a question. Isn't that part of what this forum is for? I guess I should put some sort of disclaimer on every question I ask.

Disclaimer: Yes I did do a search and no I don't have the book yet (will arrive in 6 to 8 weeks. In the meantime forgive me if my questions are beneath you).
 
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