Hi Rhett-- Please see inserts below. >Peavey PV-6 ..manual ... says "+48V Phantom".
The spec sheet I saw doesn't state a voltage; it lists it more generically as a feature. That doesn't seem to be the source of your problem, so we'll put that aside. >My first guess right now is that it's a question of the connection between > the camcorder and the mixer. I say that because, as I mentioned in my > previous email, I ran two tests-- > > (1) headphones plugged into mixer -- no noise > (2) headphones plugged into camcorder, camcorder plugged into mixer (any > output) -- noise, even when no mic is plugged in and gains are all down > > I don't know if it's a line level or a mic level input, The Panasonic PV-GS150's mic input is mic level. The mixer outputs you are using are approx line level and are not workable. > but off hand, I'd suspect it's a mic level input. The camcorder is >a Panasonic PV-GS150. > For the sake of argument, though, let's say that it is a matter of it > being a mic level instead of a line level. I already have a phantom > power source in this mixer, so is there something I could do that > wouldn't involve buying some new phantom power source? I'd just like > the feeling that my investment wasn't wasted. :) IMHO, there's no reason to use the mixer when a camorder only has a mic input (even if we were to determine that the mixer has a mic level output). The dealer did give you poor advice. If its new, they should accept it back. (BTW, the internet is often a much better place to research options and find expertise than retail salesmen and with audio this is probably more the case.) Aside from cost, the Rolls PB224 phantom power supply ($80) has several of advantages you may wish to consider: 1) Mimimum possible noise with a condenser mic and recorder (and most combinations for that matter) 2) portable (DC 2 9v or 12v coax input) 3) smaller The 3.5mm stereo input connector will accept the output from the Rolls with an adapter cable like the Hosa YXF247 Right Angle 1/8" Male to 2 XLR Female Adapter ~$15 http://tinyurl.com/2znndn One can make a variation of this adapter cable that is longer (~8') long and mount the Rolls on the boom. I put it in a fanny pack when I'm roaming with condenser mics. I know some people recommend the Beachtek for this, but I like the Rolls better for half the price. Another good unit for $50 is the Art Phantom III. Same quality, and a tad smaller. I like the Rolls' 9v battery drawers better. Conrats on moving up to better mics and they should help some. The only kind of micing I'm happy with when using a camcorder with automatic audio gain is close-micing-- usually with a lavalier mic 9" from the speaker's mouth because the levels are more consistent. Most electret mics don't require phantom powering either. In your long term planning, you might want to consider getting a camcorder with manual audio gain. Some of the older models like the Sony TRV 900 and 950 have it. When doing the research, be aware that some manufacturers are specifying manual gain (like a Panasonic model I tested) but it turned out to be a sensitivity setting-- not true fixed level control. Auto-gain makes the sound "pump" and feel agitated and unnatural. There are a couple of very useful camcorder audio websites on line, I'd start looking for camcorder model numbers with proven manual audio gain there. Good luck with the dealer. Rob D. > > Rhett. >> http://www.weatherlight.com/greentime >> http://www.weatherlight.com/freetime >> -- Rob Danielson Peck School of the Arts Department of Film University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
