Topic: Max cable length for mics

[Graham Archard]

I have a canon XH A1 and the handbook states that external mics should not have greater than a 3 metre cable between XLR socket and mic. Is this only if camera power is used or is there another reason why I cannot use substantially longer mic leads?

[bdasilva]

"2 built-in XLR terminals with line level and phantom power"

Makes it sound like a balanced connection.. 10' sounds like a very short restriction... VERY short. For what its worth the nature group has members running 700 to 1000' with "no sonic or power problems"  Just try longer cables and I'll bet there are no problems. For most video guys 10' to thr mics is a long way.

[Church-Audio]

I have a canon XH A1 and the handbook states that external mics should not have greater than a 3 metre cable between XLR socket and mic. Is this only if camera power is used or is there another reason why I cannot use substantially longer mic leads?

If the mic jack is balanced and provides phantom power I would say that the mic inputs should be able to handle long cable runs.. Only one way to find out Get a long cable and plug it in... Do a test in a quiet room and see if your noise floor goes up at all between a short and long cable. Remember to run the cables out flat and dont leave them coiled for the test. You could also use resistors and create a dummy load on the cable but that's a lot of work.

Chris