Alright I'm getting a AT897 shotgun mic pretty soon, but because it has an XLR connection I have to get one of those XLR to mini jack connectors. I read some where, however, that to achieve balanced audio I would need an attenuator and a dual XLR adapter, which would cost me like 150 dollars more. My question is, would I be ok just buying the XLR to mini jack converter or do I really need to go through the hassle of getting the other things too?

All "balanced" means is that it's noise-cancelling, which still isn't important if the cable from the mic to the camera isn't longer than 50-80 feet, and even then you won't get too much noise. You're fine with the plug adapter, basically.

... but be careful that the adapter is wired correctly. Many of the off-the-shelf adapters send the two balanced leads to individual stereo channels, which is not correct. I'm sure there's other places, but equipmentemporium.com is a great place to consult (and buy) xlr-phono cables. You also need to be aware of that 6 volt dc voltage some cameras send though the line. It could distrot some low impedance mics.

Man getting good audio is a nightmare. There never seems to be a simple solution.

Check this adapter out:

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/category...INI-1&source=froogle


You have the option of adding a DC blocking cap so the 6 volts doesn't go through. Also, you can choose your wiring and plugs. Cool ain't it?

LOL, yeah Bruce, audio is as important and often times nearly as expensive as video. Unfortunately, it's often an afterthought in the Microbudget realm.

Thanks for all the help, since I won't be needing to exceed 50 feet, so I'm going to start out on that adapter Ben posted. Thanks again.

Bruce, if you need help to clean the audio recordings, let me know...

quote:

Originally posted by Manuel Marino:
Bruce, if you need help to clean the audio recordings, let me know...

LOL, that's what I was thinking.

Adobe Audition --> Effects Menu --> Noise Reduction.

Great, another program to buy.

Are those quotation marks I'm sensing around the word "buy"?

Just to be PC, I'm kidding.

wait, so lemme ask a question. I just bought an Azden SGM 1X mic and i have a GL2 camcorder. I bought the canon made adapter for it, but you can only record on L or R, not both at once! so i said, screw that, and sent it back. Are you telling me all i need is an adapter cord that lets me put XLR into that little 'mic' pin? i'm so lost. please help me out so i don't make another bad purchase!

Hey I really hate to bug people like this, I just don't want to get screwed. Anyway, with the AT 897 will I also have to buy another XLR cable? And if so should I just get like 25ft one (to keep a balanced sound) or get like 50? 100?