GH5/GH5s INternal Sound Amplifier Question

H

Hugh DiMauro

Well-known member
Good Morning Forum:

Does the GH5/GH5s utilize the same internal audio amplifier regardless if I use the Panasonic DMW-XLR1 hot shoe adapter OR just plugging a mic directly into the mini jack on the side? The reason I ask is because my Panasonic DMW-XLR1 is acting a bit finnicky and I am toying with the idea of getting a Beachtek external XLR module that pluigs into the mic mini jack instead of the camera's hot shoe. Thoughts? Will I get the same audio quality using a good, Beachtek XLR product plugged into the mic mini jack versus using the DMW XLR1 connected to the hot shoe since both items have the same gain/limiter controls etc?

Thank you!
 
I don't have an XLR1, but my understanding is that any audio plugged into the XLR1 gets digitized within the XLR1. It then feeds this digital signal into the camera via the hot-shoe contacts.

This is what it says on Panasonic's web site regarding the XLR1: Output: Digital I2S format, Fs = 48 k or 96 kHz, Bit depth = 16 or 24 bit

In other words, the signal fed into the GH5 from the XLR1 is digital, and it can be set as high as 96kHz/24-bit. Panasonic's listing of specifications for the GH5 states "High-res audio recording: Yes with DMW-XLR1". To me, that means that you will get better audio quality using the XLR1 than with the 3.5mm jack.

I don't have an XLR1, so I always use the 3.5mm jack to record audio on my GH5, which I do often. I am not disappointed with the quality.

FWIW, I have a YouTube review of the Comica CVM-AX3 audio mixer, which I use occasionally. It is an under-camera device, probably similar to the Beachtek unit. The AX3 costs around $100. Here is my YouTube review:

 
I think the difference is using the DMW-XLR unit you are not constrained by the quality of the GH5 mic input. Aftermarket units have to convert to a mic input to connect to the GH5 mic input. The DMW-XLR unit has both mic and line inputs with padding ( up and down ) as well as the ability to combine input 1 to both channels if needed. The mic inputs have improved over time with the GH5S better than my GH5 and the GH6 even better. But the DMW-XLR is still better.
 
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