Cables From Off Camera Mic

M

mocaito

Member
Trying to decide which off camera mic to add to my XHA1.

If I add a mic like a Sennheiser K6 or something it has a single XLR connect.

Would I just plug it to one channel on the A1 and turn the record volume down on the 2nd channel? Or do you use a splitter and send the same mic to both channels?

I want to cover the mic with a good windscreen like the Rycote softie so I don't want the on camera mike to be left on, it picks up too much wind noise. I shoot outside mostly.

m
 
I don't know that camera specifically, but the general rule of thumb on prosumer cameras like the DVX/HVX are to send the audio from one xlr to both channels, then step the gain down 25% or so on the second channel to allow for possible blow-outs at regular volume. So, if your camera can handle that kind of set up go that way, otherwise leave the second audio channel on the internal mic as a backup. You can always throw it away in post. Just don't mix the two channels.

BTW, see many opinions (pretty much all negative) on the Senn. K6/ME66 combo. It is pretty much a terrible mic. For about the same money you can get an AT4073a (new) or a used Senn. 416.

Phil
 
Thanks, I'll have a look at those mics, I see you use the Octava's also, what do you think of them?

Sorry I'm new at this, when you say, "send the audio from one xlr to both channels" Do you mean with a split xlr cable that plugs the mic into both xlr inputs on the camera or does a DVX/HVX do that somehow with the camera control panel?

m
 
On the DVX/HVX it's done on the control panel. You plug in to one xlr input, and flip the switches to tell it that channel 1 and channel 2 both come from the same XLR input.

My Octava has gotten a lot of use, and I have been happy with the results. I recently picked up a Schoeps, which has for the most part replaced my Octava.

Phil
 
Oops...let me add though that the Octava is a hypercardioid, not a shotgun, which is what you are considering in the other mics. It's an apples to oranges comparison. I would not replace a 4073a with an Octava. I would buy both. :-)

And in all cases, don't forget wind protection (not the foam cover that comes with most mics, but a full on blimp/windsock unit like the K-tek K-zepp).

Phil
 
Ok I finally see what you mean, I'll look at my Canon and see if it can do that also, assign 1 mic to both channels, makes sense!

I shoot mostly outside, travel stuff, ambient sounds with some narration, so wind is always a problem. Do you think I am looking at the right kind of mic with a shotgun like the 4073?

The mic will almost always be on camera, I know not the best. I thought the Rycote softie windscreen looked manageable, the blimp is best though?

Mike
 
XH-A1 can send one audio feed to both channels, but, alas, you can not set the levels separatelly for each channel! For that you need a splitter cable, then the cam thinks it is getting two feeds...
 
Many have said the 4073a is the best bang for the buck against anything in it's price range. I have to agree--bright, clean and very sensitive. If money is an issue, check out the AT875r. Use good monitors or headphones and listen to it in Ken Stone's test #5 here. That one is a real surprise for a $200 price tag.
 
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