Canon XH A1 Quick Manual page 10

The Canon XH A1 HD camcorder
10
Quick Guide
Menu > audio setup > mic sensitivity > Normal or High
Normal setting is for typical conditions
High setting records at +6 decibels. Don't use unless you have to. Best to set
levels higher by using the record level dials on the camcorder.
Audio Auto Levels
Auto levels vs. Manual levels
Look at levels on the Power Dial and also on the LCD screen or viewfinder
Audio levels to A for auto or M for manual
Set to A and camcorder will adjust mic levels based on audio being recorded
Set Audio levels manually
Recommended to get best audio
Audio levels at side of camera. Set to M for manual settings and use the dials
above to set your audio record levels
Set levels to a little bit above -12db. - 6db is a good audio record setting. Digital
audio will distort above 0db.
Set levels according to proper levels for the loudest thing you are recording
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EXTERNAL MICS
Lavalier mic – a clip-on mic for interview situations
Shotgun - uni-directional and picks up what is directly in front of it, good for field
recording
Cardiod - also uni-directional but picks up some of what is to the side of the mic,
good for voices, field recordings
Omni - omni-directional picks up in a 360 pick-up pattern
Dynamic mic - for recording bands and instruments
Hooking up an external mic to the mic terminal
1/8" mini plugged into mic terminal on the handle, under the mic holder. Uses
only a mini plug
If connecting external mic using a mini connector, you will need a battery-
powered mic
Turn on the mic
Record levels appear in the LCD viewfinder and on the display on the Power
wheel
Using XLR inputs rather than 1/8" mic terminal