Sony DCR-TRV-20 external mic impedance matching

[Larry Larson]

I want to run external mics into my Sony DCR-TRV-20 video camera. I'm using condenser mics, running them through a Tascam Digital Portastudio digital recorder for phantom power. I don't want to blow out any circuits in the camera because of mis-matched impedance. Here are the specs: camera: minijack, 0.388 mV low impedance with 2.5 to 3.0 V DC, output impedance 6.8 kilohms. Digital recorder output impedance: 1K (omega symbol). Nominal output level: -10dBV, maximum output level: +6dB. Will this work OK? thank you... Larry Larson

[Larry Larson]

Anybody out there know the answer to this, or where I could go to get some information? thanks....

[edDV]

For 1 600 ohm mic
http://store.shure.com/store/shure/en_US/pd/productID.104215400
http://www.sjmediasystem.com/a96f.html

For 2 600 ohm mics
http://www.beachtek.com/dxa2s.html

[Larry Larson]

OK thank you very much. What would happen if I didn't use a transformer? Would I blow out the camera audio circuit, or would I just have less than optimal sound quality?

[edDV]

OK thank you very much. What would happen if I didn't use a transformer? Would I blow out the camera audio circuit, or would I just have less than optimal sound quality?

You wouldn't hear it. The transformer boosts level and matches impedance.

The Shure A96F transformer connects microphones with an XLR-type connector to the 3.5 mm inputs found on camcorders and other recording devices. It increases the signal level from the microphone, provides a balanced input, and prevents distortion due to the DC bias voltage typically found in camcorder microphone inputs.

Balanced input 600 ohm would allow very long mic cable runs.