XLR-K1M Questions

J

JacobBarkey

Active member
Hey there,

Any chance someone can give me their thoughts on the XLR-K1M module for Sony cameras? Can you confirm that it splits the inputs into two mono tracks (left and right channels)? I'm debating between it and the Wooden Camera A-Box for my A7s as the preamps are actually (fairly) decent. If they both do the same thing - with the exception of audio control on the actual XLR-K1M device - then I'll take the A-Box for sure.

Thanks!
 
The K1m is very different from the A Box. The A-box is passive and has no volume button.
The k1m is active and has physical volume buttons. I think it's pretty expensive but still ordered it today because it is closest to have a camera with real xlr inputs.
 
I know the physical differences, but I was wondering how they differentiated in the way they handle sound. Any idea how you will rig up your K1M?
 
JacobBarkey said:
I know the physical differences, but I was wondering how they differentiated in the way they handle sound. Any idea how you will rig up your K1M?
Click to expand...

Two of my 3 A7s cameras have the K1M on it. It sounds great. Not sure exactly how it compares to others. Seems like it's pretty clean. Nice having XLRs and physical audio dials for sure. As far as rig goes. I put it on top of my Walimex Adjustable Rig. It took a bit of creativity and my solution is not done yet. Right now the K1M sits on top of the rig and there's a bit of space for the shoe mount to connect to the camera (with the Walimex extension I'm able to make it big enough to fit my vertical grips too for extra battery life). I rigged something underneath the space between the shoe mount and the under-side of the top of the rig to keep the rig from bending and moving. It's a temporary solution but works okay for now.
 
Thanks TRex! Any chance you can post some photos of the rigs? I'm excited to hear that you have two of them and you're happy. I pulled the trigger and purchased the K1M, but I think I'm holding out for the Movcam cage coming out in two weeks.

I'm definitely a fan of the Walimex stuff though, so you have me interested. I took a look at the Aptaris cage for the Olympus EM-5, and I thought I might be able to squeeze an A7s in it and keep the hot shoe open for the K1M. Some folks at B&H are trying it out for me now.
 
JacobBarkey said:
Hey there,

Any chance someone can give me their thoughts on the XLR-K1M module for Sony cameras? Can you confirm that it splits the inputs into two mono tracks (left and right channels)? I'm debating between it and the Wooden Camera A-Box for my A7s as the preamps are actually (fairly) decent. If they both do the same thing - with the exception of audio control on the actual XLR-K1M device - then I'll take the A-Box for sure.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I've used the xlr-k1m for sometime now, first with a VG900 and now with my AX100. You can set it to record only from input one in which case it records the same audio on both the left and right channels, or you can set it to record from both input 1 and 2 in which case it records input one to the left channel, and input 2 to the right channel. I use a $10 bracket that I got from amazon to use it with my AX100 via tripod:

20140818_175505_Android.jpg

When I record handheld I use a scorpion handle like this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Opteka-Professional-Camcorder-Stabilizing-Handle-/dp/B003PBB4ME
 
I will send picture when I got it. I expect to get it today. The active and passive thing indicates that the K1m gives a much better signal since it powers the xlr input. I think that the passive signal out of the a-box will have more noise.
I expect the audio input on the k1m to a7s will be just like any other professional camera and you can choose input 1 or 2 left and right simultaneous, or just left or right, stereo and switch it. I expect the a-box is only able to get 1 xlr input to one channel.
 
A updated model of the xlr-k1m is been developed, no cable just the main unit with the multi-interface shoe.
 
Hey Joost,

Thanks for the insight. I think you're correct.

Xenogears, I know they showcased one at NAB, but I have no idea wen that's coming to market. Do you?
 
Newshooter expect it to be announced at IBC next week.
I would like it more than the current one because it gives some problems with the center of gravity.
You have to place it high-up or to the (far) side. Here is my current set-up. I will try to place it on the left just in the corner above the headphone input for better ballance. But for now this is fine.
a7s rig.JPG
 
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