How to Mount Shotgun Microphones to the Canon XH A1

The Canon XH A1 video camera is a semi-pro level digital camera that allows for use of both low-end 3.5 mm microphones and professional XLR microphones. This article discusses how to attach shotgun mics to the XH-A1.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Canon XH-A1 video camera
• 3.5 mm or XLR microphone
• Batteries for powered microphones
• Microphone mount
• Microphone cable

Mounting a Microphone With 3.5 mm Connector

1. Attach the microphone to the external microphone mount located just above the built-in microphone on the upper boom of the camera. Use the microphone clip that came with the microphone.

2. The 3.5 mm mic connector is located directly beside the microphone mount. You MUST use a mic with an outside power source (batteries) to use the 3.5 mm terminal. The camera will not power this type of mic.

3. Turn the external microphone on. The camera’s internal mic will automatically be disabled when the external mic is plugged in.

Microphone With XLR Connector

4. The microphone can be attached to the external microphone mount located just above the built-in microphone on the upper boom of the camera. To use this mount, you’ll need the microphone clip that came with the microphone.

5. To use the XLR terminals, you have to turn them on by going to the camera’s menu and selecting Audio Setup>XLR Input. Select “on” and close the menu.

6. There are 2 XLR terminals on the camera, located on the right side. If you are only attaching one microphone, use the CH1 input terminal. Plug the microphone into the terminal.

7. Set the LINE/MIC switch to MIC.

8. For one microphone, set the CH1/CH1*CH2 switch to CH1.

9. The XH A1 can use phantom microphones in the XLR terminals. If your microphone has an external power source such as batteries, set the +48v switch for CH1 to “off.” If it’s a phantom mic that uses the camera’s power, set the +48v switch for CH1 to “on.” Do the same for CH2 if using a mic in that terminal. Connect the mic BEFORE turning on the +48v switch and turn it back off before removing the mic.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a Mic cable no greater than 3 m in length (around 9 feet).
• In the menu's XLR settings, gain can be turned up if the XLR mic is not picking up enough sound.
• Be sure to only turn the +48v switch on AFTER you've attached a phantom-powered XLR mic to the appropriate terminal.
• When you're done using a phantom XLR mic, turn the +48v switch back off BEFORE detaching the mic.