Camcorder with dual XLR inputs for stereo?

[N. Kentucky Bass]

Hi there - I am new to the world of digital camcorders and would like to buy one for making casual music-related videos. I don't need High Definition. But dual XLR inputs are essential to receive input from a stereo microphone, or dual condenser microphones used in a "Blumlein Pair" configuration for on-location recording of music performances. Can anyone please recommend camcorders that would fit this requirement? I studied a matrix of camcorders on the Consumers Reports website and fear my requirement for stereo inputs might be hard to meet. Here's to hoping I'm wrong! Thanks very for suggestions and/or workarounds.

 

[blondmix3]

Really, if you want something with stereo XLR'x, you'll probably be looking at a used Panasonic DVX100 (GREAT unit). Even the comparable Canon units have a stereo 1/8" jack. Lots of good people at dvxuser.com

Good luck!

Randy

 

[Interceptor]

Beach Tech (or is it tek) makes a preamp box with XLR on the input side and a mini plug output.

Better yet, just pick up a small mixer and then patched to the line input on the camcorder. That's what I do, even on simple interview shoots with professional cameras. That way you get decent monitoring and better preamps. I use a Mackie 1202.

 

[hunta]

I would recommend just getting the nicest camcorder you can afford, and spending a few hundred bucks on a zoom H4 which in addition to build in mics it has 2 XLR inputs with phantom power for whatever mics you like. Just record in 48 khz and sync it up to the video later. You can do this significantly cheaper if you don't get an all-in-one setup.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

I checked out the BeachTek adapters and that looks like an interesting low-cost option to the more expensive "prosumer" camcorders.

So here's a related "dummy" question: apparently camcorders have an Automatic Gain Control (AGC) to boost mic'd signals. Since I want to record music with a professional stereo mic or a pair of condenser mics, should I be looking for a camcorder that allows you to turn AGC off, which would then allow me to use external preamps and phantom power? Or is a camcorder's internal AGC good enough as a preamp? Just trying to understand quality of the signal chain...

This is all great stuff. Thanks for the advice!

 

[fretlessrock]

I wouldn't trust a camcorder input if you were going to try anything other than a X/Y mic setup. Even then camcorder preamps are not going to be all that good. You would be better off with a good stereo preamp, send a line to the camcorder, and then send a split or digital output to a good recorder. You might be able to get an integrated M/S decoder, or deal with it later in post processing. That way you have a decent audio track on the cam, and better audio to sync with it later. You will also have better quality phantom, better quality pres, more flexible post pro options...

If you really want the best setup and best results then separate the video and audio processes entirely. Get your mics in the best position, and then run video with the on-camera mic providing audio for verifying sync. Dub the good audio over the good video, and enjoy. it also means that you can walk around shooting video without having your audio sound like you are walking around.

The AGC question is a good one, and yes, if you are looing for fidelity then you do not want the camera's AGC engaged. They are meant to regulate volume for voiceover and narration work on the fly. IME, They all sound hideous for recording music.

 

[borisfan]

I've actually been looking into these XLR camcorder adapters. Here's a summary of what I've found:
www.beachtek.com - Mounts to camera. Various passive adapters. Some with phantom and audio meter. New unit with preamp (DXA6HD).
www.juicedlink.com - Mounts to camera. All include preamplifier. Options include phantom, 2-4 XLR inputs, audio meter.
www.studio1productions.com - Doesn't mount to camera, and no phantom or preamp option. Option for 3 XLR input. Plastic case.
www.signvideo.com - Mounts to camera. No phantom or preamp option. 1 and 2 XLR input options.


The juicedLink website has an interesting demo video, showing how a preamp can reduce camcorder hiss while recording fine audio detail:
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