XLR cables for camcorder question.

[ingeborgdot]

I have never used camcorders that use XLR connectors before and am not sure of the quality process. I know with HDMI there is no difference as it either works or it does not. With XLR is that the case because I know here we are working with audio. Thanks.

[turk690]

The XLR connectors on those camcorders are for connecting professional XLR mics. There are lots of these mics out there in terms of cost and performance. What I'd give consideration to is, does the intended mic require phantom power (48V)? Most professional condenser mics (including, but not limited to shotgun mics that are wont to be used with these camcorders) require that you turn on the mic phantom power on the camcorder. Depending on the mic, camcorder, and the shooting conditions, this increases demands on camcorder battery, leading to shorter shooting times. I sidestep this matter by using a shotgun mic that has its own battery (which may or may not have better SPL handling & frequency response than its phantom-powered counterpart).
As for quality, this is as analogue as it gets so you can go as dirt cheap as MXL mics, or go to the other end of the scale with Rode or Sennheiser. In between, there is Azden, for example.

[ingeborgdot]

Thanks.

[Hoser Rob]

There's an incredible amount of snake oil out there regarding audio cables. XLR/balanced lines really are better though. Unless the receiving device doesn't have actual balanced inputs, just xlr inputs which it converts to unbalanced. That happens sometimes and kinda negates the advantages.

What balanced lines do is cancel out noise picked up by the cable. If you want to geek out on the subject, look up "common mode rejection". For long cables this s a big advantage. For shorter ones, are you in an electrically noisy environment?

Now, does this matter to you enough to buy a receiving device with real balanced inputs if you don't have one already? Maybe, maybe not.

[ingeborgdot]

All of my audio will be going into and out of a Mackie 1402-VLZ3. I am just learning all of what it can do. Now, does that change anything?

[Hoser Rob]

I'm not going to look up the specs for you. Does it have balanced xlr input? It should, it's a company that makes gear for the pro market. As such, they should have good info and support on their site.

[ingeborgdot]

Yes, the XLR inputs are balanced.

[julitomg]

I have never used camcorders that use XLR connectors before and am not sure of the quality process. I know with HDMI there is no difference as it either works or it does not. With XLR is that the case because I know here we are working with audio. Thanks.

As mentioned, XLR (also known as canon) connections will give you better quality in general terms (not that it ´ll magically improve your audio, but good XLR cables and connectors are less prone to pick up hum or strange signals and are better with longer distances)

All of my audio will be going into and out of a Mackie 1402-VLZ3. I am just learning all of what it can do. Now, does that change anything?

Your setup would be something like this:
Microphone (or microphones) with XLR connector (phantom powered or not, your mixer will supply the power if needed)---> Mackie mixer--->Mixer´s line output (it can have either male XLR, 6.35 mm."phone plugs" or RCA)----> camera microphone inputs with "Line level" selected, phantom power "OFF"), carefully set the proper output levels on the mixer, and after that set level on the camcorder (of course choose MANUAL over AUTO)
or do you plan to feed directly the Tricaster from the audio mixer?, what inputs does it have?

[turk690]

Your setup would be something like this:
Microphone (or microphones) with XLR connector (phantom powered or not, your mixer will supply the power if needed)---> Mackie mixer--->Mixer´s line output (it can have either male XLR, 6.35 mm."phone plugs" or RCA)----> camera microphone inputs with "Line level" selected, phantom power "OFF"), carefully set the proper output levels on the mixer, and after that set level on the camcorder (of course choose MANUAL over AUTO)
or do you plan to feed directly the Tricaster from the audio mixer?, what inputs does it have?

It's awesome that these camcorder can accept line level XLR audio. But I, for one, have never gone beyond the testing phase. In the multi-cam events I get into, one camcorder is often handheld, and running all over the place. The fixed, tripod-mounted main center camcorder would be a good candidate to accept mixer line outputs, except that it can be as much as >100' from the FoH mixer, even using XLR cables may or may not be a stretch; same with the performer-perspective camcorder onstage.
But they are very good at getting audience reactions and applause and lots of other ambient ersatz, perfect for populating the L & R rear surround channels in a DD5.1 track for the blu-ray or DVD. Other than that, what audio the camcorders pick up is just as guide for syncing up separately-recorded multi-track audio in post NLE.