You Can Use Pro Mikes with Your Camcorder with Audio Converter Boxes 
by Mark Shapiro

How do you capture audio for your Internet videos? If you have been working with video for any time you  have probably discovered that the built-in microphones on almost any camcorder - consumer or prosumer - are not very effective at capturing high quality audio.

The first step that most videographers take is to purchase an external microphone  - a single wired mike or a wireless microphone system , and plug that into the mini-jack external mike connection found on most camcorders. That solution is light years better than simply using the built-in mike.

However, sooner or later you will want to make the move up to using professional mikes and professional cables. However, these XLR cables can't simply be plugged into your camcorder.  Not only are the connectors incompatible,  but the actual signaling  and cabling also differs.

Unlike mini-jack  microphones which use unbalanced, high impedance cables and connectors-  professional mikes and cables use shielded cables which utilize low impedance and balanced connections.  

There are various ways to connect pro mikes and cables to a camcorder that only has mini-jack inputs. 

The easiest and cheapest is to get a basic XLR to mini-jack connector. Sometimes this works but usually you will find some kind of phrase or impedance matching problem between the mike and the camcorder input. 

The next step up is to get an impedance matching adapter. Not only can you connect the 3 pin mike cable to one end of the adapter and the camcorder's mini-jack connection to the other, but it will also convert your professional mike's low impedance to the camcorder's high impedance.

In a pinch, this is a good solution. However, it is not an elegant solution.  In most cases, the adapter simply hangs there and the mini-jack can fall out or be ripped out of the camcorder's mini-jack connector. If you do go this route, and I have, it makes sense to gaffer tape the impedance matching transformer to your camcorder, or even better, to your tripod.

However, you are still not solving the balanced versus unbalanced problems. By using just impendence matching transformers, you are still just getting half the signal from your mike into your camcorder. 

The best solution, albeit the most expensive, but not ridiculous, is to use a customized box that provides the proper XLR connectors and mini-jack output, as well as volume controls, mic/line switches, impedance matching, etc. In addition, some of the top end converter boxes can even provide phantom power to power professional microphones that require it.

Two top suppliers of these converter boxes are BeachTek and Studio 1. Canon also makes a series of these customized for use with its prosumer XL-1 and GL camcorders.

One of the major differences between BeachTek and Studio 1 audio converter units is how they are used and mounted. Most of the BeachTek solutions are monuted on your tripods camera plate. The camcorder then connects to the BeachTek converter's tripod screw.

Studio 1's products are designed to be clipped to your belt or tripod. A lot depends on how you shoot. If you are mostly working from a tripod, using the BeachTek model makes the most sense. It is quite steady and solid.  If you are mostly mobile, running and gunning, a belt mounted adapter may make the most sense. Also, if your camcorder opens on the bottom to change tapes or batteries, a belt mounted converter will make a lot of sense.

Here are some direct links to the BeachTek, Studio 1 and Canon products.

for BeachTek  - The DXA-6 Dual XLR adapter offers 48 Volt phantom power on both inputs for use with condenser microphones, and is universally compatible with any camcorder. Two sources may be recorded simultaneously, and each input may be recorded on a separate audio track, making it possible to mix both channels individually during editing. The unit provides channel separation adequate for recording timecode and audio simultaneously and the shielding and XLR connectors are of a professional quality. Auxiliary Mini-Jack on right channel for wireless Mics. Dual MIC/LINE level switches for connection of Mics or CD and Cassette players and other line level sources. At B&H, you'll also find BeachTek audio converter units customized for specific camcorder and video camera models.

for Studio 1 - The XLR-BP 3 Pro XLR adapter includes features such as an auxiliary 1/8" jack that can be used as balanced or unbalanced input, a true ground lift switch, lightweight design and improved audio performance - better frequency response and more. All three inputs have audio level controls.  Inputs 2 and 3 are mixed together.  Input 1 can either be separate or mixed with inputs 2 and 3, depending on the Stereo/Mono switch setting. By offering three XLR inputs and one 1/8" input, you will have total flexibility in your audio connections.  You can use one, two or three inputs connections in any combination.  Each of the three inputs feature volume controls and inputs 1 and 2 feature mic/line level input selection.

for the Canon MA-100  microphone adapter/shoulder pad - In addition to letting you use a  microphone with balanced XLR connectors with the XL-1, it also converts the XL-1 body into a shoulder mount for more comfortable and steady handheld shooting. Can also be used as a mount/support for a wireless mic receiver or the optional CH-910 dual battery charger.