HMC 150 / PreSonus Firestudio Mac Pro Mic?

D

Dean Papoutsis

Member
Hi All,

Can you guys point me in the right direction on a pair of mics that can be plugged directly into the HMC 150 and also work with the FireStudio Mobile (FireBox) Mac Pro recording system?

Ultimately I envision using these mics on booms for my first indie film project too (I am a novice film maker). I also hope to use these at my computer to add narration to projects too.

It would be nice if I could spend $100 to $200 max per mic.

I am really confused on HMC 150 compatible mics since the Panasonic manual says very little about compatibile mics and Barry Green's book does not say much more.

Anyone know if the HMC 150 provides "phantom power?" I get the impression it does not, so should the microphones have batteries in them? The FireStudio Mobile (pre-amp) can provide 48volt phantom power if I need it.

I've read I should stay away from shotguns, if I am doing "in studio" videography mostly and try to use a boom. I"ve also read they should be "balanced XLR's" but I don't seem to see "balanced" in the specs . . . help plz?

Thank you very much.

Dean
 
Well I cannot answer all your questions, but some I can.

HMC150 can provide phantom power. This means you can use mics without batteries. I use the non-battery version of the Rode shotgun...simply because its shorter and I like the way it fits on the camera. So, you can use battery or non-battery powered mics as the HMC150 does provide 48v phantom power.

As far as the balanced XLR thing...I think (emphasis added) that all XLR plugs are balanced. Its a function of being XLR. This as opposed to something like a 1/4 inch RTS plug which is generally unbalanced. So, if I read your question correctly, balanced XLR just means XLR, as I am not aware of any XLR being unbalanced.

Thats my take. If I am wrong, someone here will certainly correct me...which is good. There are a lot of super smart people here.

Regards,

G.
Unbalanced.
 
You're mostly right. Balanced refers to using a three- conductor connector. XLR's are standard for mics....TRS (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) are used for patch bays, mixers, etc.

Both are 'Balanced' or 'impedance-balanced lines'.
 
ZazaCast said:
You're mostly right. Balanced refers to using a three- conductor connector. XLR's are standard for mics....TRS (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) are used for patch bays, mixers, etc.

Both are 'Balanced' or 'impedance-balanced lines'.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the clarification...in addition to correcting my apparent dyslexia.

Regards,

G.
 
Thanks guys. Found a great website for mic/preamps for videography: http://www.juicedlink.com/index.htm This site thinks highly of the Audio-Technica U873R Handheld Hypercardioid Condenser Microphone which they sell for $200. I've read others think well of this mic. The datasheet states it is the output is "low impedance" which is required by the HMC 150. It requires 11V to 52V phantom power, and per ProAmateur above the camera can provide phanom power. Think this should be compatible with the Firestudio Mobile/Mac Pro setup too. Thanks a lot.
Dean
 
Also, even though a microphone doesn't have a battery doesn't mean it needs phantom power. I think, what... dynamic microphones 'just work' but condensers require phantom power?
 
yeah, think of a dynamic mic like a reverse speaker with a coil and magnet, it doesn't need any powering. An electret condenser mic, however has to have some kind of power from phantom or battery to bring the signal up to a useable level for the mixer's preamp.
 
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