XLR cable question

[wan2no]

I was wondering if i can hook my camera into any device that handles sound through the xlr cable. Sorry if it's a stupid question. I just need clarification. I have already hook my camera into a 8 channel mixer board. I was just wondering if it makes a difference

[dnix71]

XLR carries "phantom power" (48volts) there may also be a bias voltage present (<9volts). If the mixer you jack into has phantom power output you risk damaging your camera.

http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/Products/us_pro_ea_phantom

If you have to use xlr inputs get an unbalanced xlr to 1/4" stereo adapter and hook your camera to it. If your camera is mono, you'll only get left or right (your choice when you wire the stereo adapter coming from the camera.)

http://www.fullcompass.com/product/339806.html or http://www.fullcompass.com/product/340738.html

[edDV]

I was wondering if i can hook my camera into any device that handles sound through the xlr cable. Sorry if it's a stupid question. I just need clarification. I have already hook my camera into a 8 channel mixer board. I was just wondering if it makes a difference

What camcorder do you have?
If consumer without XLR inputs, you need to learn a few things about matching impedance and levels.

[Cornucopia]

You also have to find out which pin the camera expects to be hot, which is cold, and which is ground (pins 1,2,3), as the wiring scheme varies with some manufacturers.

Way back in the day, phantom power added to a connection not expecting it might damage things, but I seriously doubt it could anymore.

Don't know what dnix71 is meaning about stereo/mono, as XLR is mono only. Unless wan2no, you're meaning your cam has something besides XLR and you want to hook up to XLR?
Then, seriously, you ought to get a pro <--> consumer matchbox converter of some sort (does the impedance, level, connector, & pin matching automaticly).

Would help alot if you just told us (specificly, clearly) what you had and how and why you wanted to hook something up to it...

Scott

[wan2no]

jvc pv500

[edDV]

jvc pv500

Do you mean GY-DV500? Be specific.