Panasonic GH5 XLR Microphone Adapter DMW-XLR1 Review
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- Panasonic DMW-XLR1 Microphone Audio Adapter for the GH5 Camera: bhpho.to/2nOD9It
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 is an incredibly capable little camera for video and filmmaking. It’s imaging capabilities are impressive given its size and price. But one thing it lacks for producing high quality film is inputs for XLR microphones. This is where the DMW-XLR1 audio microphone adapter comes in. The XLR1 allows you to record one or two XLR based microphones or wireless microphone systems directly to your Panasonic GH5. So you won’t need to sync audio in post like you would with a separate audio recorder and the sound quality is very good with shotgun or other boom microphones. Let’s have a listen!
If you’d like to learn how to record and post process your sound, be sure to have a look at my sound for video courses at school.learnlig...
Visit us at learnlightands... for more updates on how to improve your lighting and sound for video. Also be sure to subscribe to get new episodes every week!
Gear used to record and featured in this episode:
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Panasonic GH5 (talking head shots)
Amazon: geni.us/POEv7
B&H: bhpho.to/2oIdG7o
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Panasonic DMW-XLR1 Microphone Audio Adapter (All audio in this episode recorded to the GH5 with this adapter)
Amazon: geni.us/RkJwPj
B&H: bhpho.to/2nOD9It
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Sanken CSS-50 Stereo Shotgun Microphone (Used to record talking head and voiceover audio for this episode)
B&H: bhpho.to/2ohNlIL
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Blackmagicdesign Ursa Mini Pro Digital Film Camera (all product shots)
B&H: bhpho.to/2nRgYER
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Audio Technica AT4053b Hyper Cardioid Boom Microphone
Amazon: geni.us/9b3ZD
B&H: bhpho.to/2lIMLCz
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RODE NTG4+ Shotgun Microphone
Amazon: geni.us/de9wbIh
B&H: bhpho.to/2mLD0rr
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Zoom F8 Audio Recorder
Amazon: geni.us/IOF9en
B&H: bhpho.to/2ovPHou
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Tascam DR-60DmkII Audio Recorder (Good budget option)
Amazon: geni.us/B6vWH2
B&H: bhpho.to/2miXZzv
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Sound Devices 633 Mixer/Recorder (with automix)
DVeStore: www.dvestore.co...
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Aputure Light Storm COB120t LED Light (Key Light)
Amazon: geni.us/7PAh5Q
B&H: bhpho.to/2mDOUoi
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Aputure Light Dome Soft Box (for COB120t key light)
B&H: bhpho.to/2lIDfj0
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Panasonic Lumix 12-35mm f/2.8 Lens
Amazon: geni.us/2QNLid
B&H: bhpho.to/2k9dmg2
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Copyright 2017 by Curtis Judd
Ethics statement: Some of the links above are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, or other affiliate links.
the best channel on youtube to learn about audio ever
Thanks Muhammad!
Totally!
This is the go to guy when you're looking at recording great audio. Good work Curtis!
Thanks!
As a long time musician, with a strong sound recording background, who is just now getting into video production, I really appreciate your opinions on audio options for video.
Thanks, much appreciated!
Thank you! You are the go-to guy for all things audio. I've learned a lot from you and appreciate your generous offerings here.
Thanks Jonathan!
I am soooo glad you did this review. I've been waiting for someone to test the preamps. Thank you so much! Excellent!
You're welcome and thanks for the feedback!
Just what I needed way after your recording date in November 2024, thanks Curtis!
👍
Hey at 4:20 you mention the XLR does not a safety track feature. If I use an XLR splitter and set one channel lower, will that be possible without any negative side effects?
You could definitely do that!
Thats a great idea Tokyo.
oo stealing that, thanks!
I just picked up a GH5 yesterday and I am heavily thinking of picking up this XLR Mic adapter.
Thanks for the awesome video Curtis!
Congrats on the new GH5 Todd! I hope you enjoy it! I'm liking it a lot so far. The XLR1 is pretty impressive.
The blue backdrop light is looking good, matches your collar as well. Would love to see the behind the scenes setup on how you achieve such good lighting. Wouldn't hurt to see your audio setup as well as I'm not hearing any type of noise.
Thanks, two great ideas to add to the list, thanks!
@@curtisjudd would you suggest getting this over lets say a zoom h5 or h6? What about if you know you're going to upgrade one day?
@@zataraadventures It is ok, if you use a very clean microphone with a strong output level.
@@curtisjudd what shock mount do you use to mount your shotgun mics onto this?
@@zataraadventures I don't mount microphones to camera. But if I were going to do that, I'd look at Rycote shock mounts.
Really good video - Cheers Curtis. Awesome lighting and audio on this video alone, just adds to your credibility and production values.
Thanks Kevin.
Great video. FYI - if you’re using a dynamic mic and need a lower noise floor, consider checking out the cloud lifter or a similar cheaper alternative. You’ll power it with phantom power and it’ll boost the line so you don’t have to strain the DMW-XLR1 preamp.
Thanks Alex.
the quality of your videos is fantastic. Thanks for all the effort put into this.
Thanks Yann!
Was waiting for this! Thank you. Also, thanks for making well-segmented, clean, neatly explained videos.
Thanks Drew! I hope it helps you find the right device for you projects!
This is a very interesting video. I am a journalist and sometimes I had to record audio and video by my own for I did not have any film maker with me. Chirs suggestions saved my work a couple of times. Thanks a lot! If one day I can afford a Gh5 I may manage to buy that device. To me sound is a little more important than video. I salute you all from Italy. Chris keep on with your excellent and passionate work... Marco Milioni
Thank you Marco! Best wishes!
@@curtisjudd I beg you pardon Curtis... not Chris. It's late in Italy, my mind's already in bed
Finally got one and it works great for me. BTW the way it uses a little slide locking mechanism to lock into the hot shoe is so great. So many other accessories should work that way.
Congrats! Hope it makes your shoots just a little easier. :)
You are awesome, u r helping me out a lot. I am just getting started from drones to photography and I think I know you thank you very much Curtis
Thanks Andy! 👍
On the lack of a safety track, which I use all of the time. You can use a Y cable that allows a single mic XLR output to be split into two signals, which can be routed into two inputs on the mixer or adapter. I use one on my Zoom H4n pro which is my back-up recorder. You have to baby the cables, but they work pretty well.
Good point!
A very useful and informative review. Thank You.
Spot on as always, Curtis, thank you! You file "powered by camera - reduces camera battery time" under "not so good." For me this is actually a feature, not a bug. I have other audio recorders (and external video recorders, like the Sound Devices PIX-E 5 with audio module), yet I keep coming back to the DMW-XLR1 in solo shooter, run and gun scenarios, precisely because it is one set of batteries less you have to pay attention to. GH5 battery life is pretty good (I only need more than three batteries on a 10 hour shooting day when they are worn out third party batteries) Sometimes I need a minimalistic setup, then you have to keep an eye on wireless mic transducer and receiver battery, and camera battery. Three I can do on my own and in these situations I go without external monitor/recorder for the single reason of having less different batteries to babysit.Makes any sense? Just my usage scenario, love you content!
Totally makes sense and good point. Thanks for that!
Curtis thank you for your response. Let me be clear by saying I'm not hating on your video. I love your content. I just found the comparison a bit polarised. Having said that I can see what your trying to achieve.
there is a saying in audio ... you chose the right microphone for the job -and in "real life" that noise floor wouldn't be an issue with a dynamic microphone like In your example due to environment it's designed to be used in.
the bit depth being 24 is an option that beats budget tascam recorders therefor the dynamic range captured is already a plus point.
Ps keep up the good work i have learned a massive amount in video from your channel.
keep up the good work
+David Scott thanks David, appreciate the feedback and insights. You make another good point regarding the use case for dynamic microphones. I appreciate the dialogue here, I'm learning from you and others every day! Thanks!
Really great Chris. You videos are the best and most professional as you are. I've been watching for some time and subscribed but never weighed in. Thank You, Tom
Thanks Tom!
Big thanks once again! Excellent quality in so many ways!
Thanks Mikko
I can count on you to put together a nice presentation. Thank you.
Thanks MR PWD
Thanks again Curtis for your review! I was expecting your expert opinion about this small but useful piece of gear.
Thanks Ignacio!
I love this device! It makes using the GH5 more professional. I only wish it included a top handle like the C100.
That would be cool - a mini C100!
Hi Curtis, when we connect the XLR unit, the menu settings for XLR Mic adaptor only show 48/16, none of the others are selectable.. Any advise?
I would check to see that you're using the .MOV format. I believe that the other formats may not handle 24 bit.
yep, that did the trick, thanks a lot!
+sashidemedia 👍
Cloudlifter can help with the dynamic microphones sig/noise by adding 25db gain. Way less noise!
Yes, but then another box to attach to the camera…
Curtis - Thanks for your review. I can always count on your reviews for comprehensive and fair information. I was hoping the DMW-XLR1 had a headphone amp. The headphone amp in the GH4 is so-so, and I presume it is the same with the GH5.
Regarding the line level, I would expect noise floor would be lower than using mic preamps. Thus, I suspect some of the noise you find is self noise from the dynamic mic, not the DMW-XLR1.
Yes, every component in the signal chain contributes to the self-noise floor, I was musing on whether the XLR1 actually bypasses the preamp when you set it to line level or does what some other lower-end recorders do; still send the signal through the preamp, just reduce the gain or attenuate its output. In the latter case, you have the drawback of potentially picking up a bit more noise.
I would expect the XLR1 to bypass the preamp for line level, as there is no need for that and it introduces unnecessary noise.
BTW, the XLR1 has a feature that gangs one input to both outputs. Can you set one output to a lower level as a safety to guard against volume spikes?
+Dave Patterson unfortunately no, I didn't see a way to do that
I'm wondering if the two level knobs will send different levels when one input is ganged to both. That is how it works on my FS5. Worth a try...
I tried it. Unfortunately, no luck.
Great video, greetings from Chile 🇨🇱!!
Thanks Alonso, greetings from the Rocky Mountains in the USA!
Hey Curtis! Do you think you could do a video explaining the difference between line and mic in and what's happening technically? When to use mic, when to use line, and how to avoid damaging equipment? Thanks!
Sure, good idea, will do. Thanks!
In the meantime, I do cover that in my production audio course over at school.learnlightandsound.com :)
For the Rode NTG3B plugged into this, would it need to be on the +48V? Also I'm a bit confused as to the difference between audio level and gain
Yes, the NTG3 needs +48V phantom power. Audio level vs. gain can be different on each device but in this case, you can think of them as the same thing.
Thanks for always helping me! Lol, I usually film interesting shops in Japan and want to attach my Mic and just get quick, informal interviews from the shop owners with this setup (no time to setup a pin mic etc)
I'll leave my GH5 at -12DB. Should I set the XLR Gain to +20, Low cut to 16HZ, and leave the audio level alone in your opinion?
+TOKYObrah is start with the gain at 0dB. The GH5’s input is pretty hot so +20 is likely to clip. Happy shooting!
Great in depth video; thanks so much!
👍
Workaround: When you plug your mic (mine is a mini shotgun) into a splitter and both ends of the splitter into the XLR1, you can set levels separately for both audio channels. I had the gin on ch1 set at +20 and the gain on ch2 at 0. Allows me to choose the track in post.
Clever idea.
@@curtisjudd Thanks to you inspiring me! I :)
Do you set the input to 1/1 or 1/2 when doing this?
Thank you for the video I think I will buy it for my S5. Would you still recommend it?
It’s ok for condenser mics.
Hi Crtis! Great review... Have you ever tried the RODE Reporter? It's an amazing mic for the pice and the sound is very rich. Havve used them live when we've taken the show on the road... :) See you soon...
Hi Rick, good to hear from you! Yes, just got the RODE Reporter in and will be using it at NAB this year.
Very helpful…just got one of these. Thanks.
🙏 happy recording!
Nice review curtis.
Can you make a video on how to choose a Camera for a beginner next time?
It would help them a lot.
+Ya Mi thanks and good idea!
My favourite accessory!
Handy!
Your videos are fantastic, thank you so much.
Thanks!
Thx Curtis! Great info. Looks like a choice although a bit pricey. For the money I bought the battery grip instead!! The down side is for me, you're limited to using Panasonic cameras which is good for now, however... down the road might not be the best choice or investment as a Zoom or Tascam would be :)
Good points Richard. How do you like the battery grip so far?
I really like it. My background is photography first and grown use to my Nikon F & D series cameras, so the added grip is very natural for me. It makes the GH5 much better balanced with the longer lenses especially in the portrait position with the addition controls. I must mention the battery life is twice the time, so I'm good for most days :)
Sounds like a nice addition! Thanks!
Thaks Curtis!
Problem with this thing is, like you have mentioned, that you have to mount the adapter onto the hotshoe for providing it with energy. No way to use it on a rig. So, that makes it useles for many kind of shootings, sadly.
This is all too fragile. The hotshoe is not stable enough to take some tension.
Also it would move the camera while shooting. For wireless it might be okay. Still, I don´t like the balance point to be higher than the camera.
Fair points, thanks Mata.
Thank you!!!
Thumbs up - You are thorough
Thanks Carsten.
Hi Curtis
Thank you for a very nice test of the XLR adapter.
I have som issues using the Sennheiser AVX ME2 with my Panasonic DMW-XLR1 XLR Microphone Adapter mounted on the GH5. From time to time the audio gets distorted. And I have tried everything. I have been messing around with the settings - adjusted the reciever up and down, adjusted the XLR adapter up and down. I have also tried moving the lavalier away from the subject. Have tried in in both channels on the XLR adapter. The distortion sounds very much like the distortion that you made in this video - like the input is too high, but I have the feeling it also occurs even when it is absolutely not to high and it looks fine on the meters. The mic seems fine. And if I test it at home it sounds great with my voice. I have only experienced it in the field, but it almost happens everytime I am shooting and it is very frustrating. It is mostly very subtle, but it is audible.
I guess it must be some of my settings that is not right? Any clues? Another thing - even if I set the headphones level to 15 I sometimes find it hard to hear what is coming from the mic. It would shurely be nice with a bit more gain to the headphones as well.
Hi Morten, I'm sorry, I'm not sure what is going on there. You might need to get in touch with Panasonic support. I assume the AVX works fine with other recorders/cameras?
Curtis Judd Thank you. I have found out that a lot of people have the Phantom power enabled on the XLR adapter. I have not enabled it. So it might be what is causing the issue?
Hmm, I don't think the AVX receiver needs phantom power but it shouldn't hurt anything to try it. Best wishes.
Thanks for all the work you obviously put into teaching us! :-) Best regards Søren
Thank you Søren!
Been waiting to hear your review on this... I now know to cancel my order and just stick with my juicedlink and sound devices PIXE5-PIXLR. Thank you Curtis!
Ah yes, this is sort of in the same category as the PiXLR but my sense is that the PiXLR has analogue limiters and that SD sound!
At Lindos Electronics we make cheap interface adapters for the GH5 that correct the rather bad low frequency roll-off of the mic input down to 20Hz and attenuate to allow standard line level inputs. Also a mic preamp and omni mics. You can see these at the Lindos Electronics website and also see test results on the 'test sheet database'.
Interesting. Care to send one our way for testing and review?
I founded Lindos and did the designs but my son now owns it. I'll mention this site to him. However, theres' not much you can do that we haven't done and put up, and to use it seriously you have to know what you want to do and buy the right items from Lindos. To feed line levels (pro XLR or single ended -6dBu) you will need some sort of mic preamp (I feed from my Tascam 8-track to get a backup recording on the camera which is almost as good as the Tascam apart from more noise). Or you can buy the Lindos Preamp and electret mics, which are excellent for singers, music etc, but not directional so not so good for film work. There is not much you can show that we haven't already put up on UA-cam. Search for 'Lindos Minisonic microphone demo and you will see one I made, which begins with some impressive orchestral sound I recorded in one of the best concert halls in England at Snape Maltings, plus several others that my son has on his site. They demonstrate classical, rock, singers, and speech - all pretty impressive. Though they were made on a GH2, the results will be identical but with 3dB lower noise on the GH5. It's only by the measurements that you can know these things properly. Perhaps you need to buy the little MS20 test set, only £800! Take a look at the 'Test Sheet Database ' to see all the equipment we have measured with it, including the very best A-D convertors etc.
Ok, I see...
Great and informative video. Thanks.
Thanks!
Hi Curtis, much as I appreciate Panasonic effort to improve on their previous audio interface, the new SD Mixpre3 kinda knocks this one out of the park. But I guess it addresses a certain subset of users. I'm very seriously considering swapping my 552 for the Mixpre6! I think they will sell like hot cakes.
Yes, I'm very excited to have a look at the MixPres next week at NAB and hopefully review very soon!
Several positives stand out on any SD device for me. Very readable displays, essential in a fast moving environment. Nice chunky controls, again no fiddling around in a stressful production. Lot's of connection options. When I saw these MixPre's announced, my first reaction was 'made in china' but no, made in the USA, second was 'how can they do it for the price' well somehow they did. Oh, I forgot, ANALOGUE LIMITERS!!! where would we be without them...
Yes, they look great on paper and I'm betting they sound very good as well. The one thing that sort of makes me scratch my head is the headphone encoder (dial) on the side of the unit (seems that would make it difficult to use in a bag but I suppose that's not the market they're going for here) and the output is 3.5mm stereo unbalanced (which may be reasonable given the market they're aiming for as well).
That aside, those are very small oddities which are likely easily offset by top-notch sound quality. Can't wait to work with the MixPre!
Great review, very informative.
Thanks
Great vid! Extremely useful. But why did you use the European sound standards? Are they more stringent than the ones we use in the United States?
Hello Mr. Tommy Badger! These are TV standards and the European TV standard is 1 Loudness Unit Full Scale louder than the US standard. The reason I use it is that it allows me to standardize the loudness from one episode to another and is not quite as big a difference between typical web content loudness levels (which often are -18 to -12 LUFS) and the European standard and the US standard. Also, it is about the loudest I can normalize without having to do any compression, which I prefer to avoid so that people can hear the audio directly out of camera/recorder. I hope that makes sense.
Thanks Curtis! Considering that Panasonic still promotes this adapter, I was wondering if it is possible to record into the camera's Mic Input simultaneously with the XLR inputs of the DMW-XLR1, for a '4 channel' output. [Eg of setup: Rode Wireless Go II into Mic Input + XLR 1 - Deity S Mic 2 + XLR 2 - Rode Wireless Go with XLR adapter - 3 lavs + 1 boom]
I don’t believe so but I no longer have the XLR1 on hand to confirm. Probably best to contact Panasonic tech support. Best wishes!
Does this have worse sound quality and more noise than a mix pre 3? I plan on recording externally to a mix pre 3 and syncing in post. I can hear static noise at 5:58 with my beyerdynamic dt 770s. Edit: What about connecting a mic > mix pre 3 > lumix s5 II? Would bypassing the xlr adaptor give less quality?
Yes, there is a big difference between this and the Sound Devices MixPre recorders. I don't have an S5 II to test that, but you'd lose the analogue limiter of the MixPre if you bypass it.
Informative video. Do you notice any drop off in the headphone monitoring level when you turn on the XLR adapter versus not having the adapter on? I noticed I had to increase the headphone volume quite a bit with the adapter on.
Unfortunately I no longer have the XLR1 on hand to double check. But that's an interesting observation, thanks for sharing!
Very helpful thanks Curtis. I've had mine out on the first (test) shoot of a new doc and was trying to figure out how to get the best out of it and my setup. Tried a smaller AT4041 condenser but had terrible results with it so gone back to my trusty AKG C480 B and seems to be handling it better with the new test shots. Only thing is now my rig looks ridiculous with this huge mic and rycote softie on it! lol But as long as it all works i don't care. Didn't think about the 160Hz cut for the wind (i have the 70hz cut on the AKG mic) and i've since bought a fethead to increase gain without noise (hopefully) so i might try this combo again with the 4041. Only thing is it was picking up more or less the same vol level behind it (my voice) as it was in front. Will keep experimenting...
Hi Sai, good luck with your setup!
Very comprehensive. Thanks very much
Thanks Jon!
Great video Curtis, thank you! How would a cardioid like the Octava fare w the DMW-XLR1?
Should be fine.
I just got mine and have tested it and it seems to work fine. What I'm not getting is good headphone volume. Keeping an eye on levels, the recorded audio is fine, but I'd like better volume response on my GH5S WHILE recording.
What is the impedance rating of your headphones. With an interface like this, lower is generally better.
Thanks Curtis, I have no idea, but I used them yesterday on a shoot and they were fine. I must have had something set up wrong when I tested the unit on Thursday. If anything they were VERY loud and I ended up turning them down!
Tascam DR-100 mkiii has separate batteries, studio quality preamps, 3 internal mics and 2 xlr inputs. It's also light enough to mount on top.
Yes, lots of other options if you're willing to manage the other things (batteries, cables). All legitimate options.
Curtis Judd I recently used my original Zoom h4n into my gx8. In the shoot it played back from the camera great but in post for some reason the noise level was stupidly loud, and I mean spoiled the recording loud. I think it was because the impedance miss match between the low volume headphone out of the zoom not matching the gx8 . (at least I am hoping this is the reason). The audio signal was clear and under unity on both devices inputs.
Do you have any advice for me on this?
Yes, I believe you'll want an attenuation cable to get the levels down to mic level for the camera. Here's one option: bhpho.to/2oypRA0
Thanks, that looks right but the GX8 has a micro TRS input (2.5mm). I will try to find one that comes with this converter (otherwise I will just lose it).
Thanks.
Good luck!
Hi Curtis, love the video. I was wondering if it is worth getting this in 2023 for a GH6? I thought about it and i don't see much of a benefit since i can get a zoom f3 for 32 bit float and a standalone field recorder. Only downside would be batteries and power.
And no time code and manually sync with the zoom f3. Now that I'm seeing this, I see the person right before me asked a very similar question! I should have checked lol.
Yeah, I'm not sure I'd opt for this in 2023.
Another great video, is it best to monitor the audio levels on GH5 screen or is there peaking lights on the unit itself, thanks.
Paz
Hi Paz, there are no meters on the XLR1 so you'd use the meters on the GH5 screen.
@@curtisjudd many thanks. Love your informative videos, it will help us all to make better decisions with audio choices👏👏👏
@@Pdogpaz Thanks Paz!
Great review! What is the difference in quality between the XLR and the internal GH5 preamps? Is there an actual noticeable difference in audio quality?
Thanks Shaka, that’s a tough one to say because one is 3.5mm, the other XLR. I’d say the GH5’s 3.5mm mic input is pretty decent as camera preamps go, but I sometimes find I can not adjust the gain to a low enough level. The XLR1 doesn’t quite have enough gain for dynamic mics or some of the budget condenser mics. I really see running audio to camera as a useful tool when convenience and quick turn around are the highest priorities. And in those cases, the GH5’s 3.5mm mic input and XLR1 adapter will get the job done with decent but not stellar quality.
Thank you Curtis!
The pleasure is mine, Carlos!
Ty for sharing :)
You're welcome!
Thanks a lot for your excellent videos. It's a pleasure to watch your channel. I discovered a lot of practical information thanks to your videos.
I bought the NTG-3 from Rode and I'm not sure if DMW-XLR1 is a right for me. Should I purchase a more professional mixer? I'm going to do some interviews, and it's crucial for me to have recorded a high-quality conversation.
Thank you Curtis!
Jacob
Hi Jacob, with a boom microphone, you can record great interviews with this XLR1. I think the answer comes down to whether you plan to actively mix while recording. If so, a proper mixer would be a better choice than this. But if you're going to set the levels prior to the interview and then just keep them there throughout the interview, the XLR can work very nicely with a good boom mic. I hope that helps!
PS - If you didn't already see it, we covered mixing in last week's episode: ua-cam.com/video/UZ0ygMdIICo/v-deo.html
Hello Curtis.
First of all : thank you for this very detailed review.
I am french speaking, but I understood all the content of this vidéo.
I do have a specific question about this Xlr adapter. I am a singer, and I am interested in purchasing this product in order to use it for some live improvised recordings (I have a Lumix GH6).
In most of the cases, I will be singing with a guitarist friend... In the street or on special filming locations. So we could use the two Xlr input to record those live sessions, with two dedicated microphones.
Do ypu think this could be a good option for me ? Because this could be a fantastic, easy and portable option when we want to record acoustic sessions without having to carry too much equipment and energy sources.
Thanks in advance for your opinion on the matter.
Yves (Brussel - Belgium).
It depends on which microphones you plan to use. This struggles a bit with dynamic microphones.
Hi Curtis, I have a gh5 and rode wireless ME. I am planning on buying FCP. Is a XLR 1 a noticeable/useful addition in the audio chain as for the end result, thank you.
Excellent video, just what Im looking for tonight!
getting ready to buy the GH-5, and this audio interface! Thank You!
Thanks! I hope you enjoy the GH5 as much as I have!
Audio is just important as video
I agree! Maybe even a tiny bit more important. ;-)
OzneroL Try watching a movie without sound and see if you understand what is going on. Then try watching the movie with your eyes closed only listening to the sound and you will get almost all of the story. A film without picture is radio, a film without sound is a security camera.
wow, never thought about that
Or a silent film
I've seen several of your videos, I'm a fan.
If I wasn't using XLR mic(s) but had a line-level source that I wanted to record on the camera and I I had access to the DMW-XLR1, would it be worth using it (set for line in)? Would that be better audio than just feeding the line-level source into the camera's mic input and setting the gain very low?
If you're using one of the GH or S cameras that support line level, then I would not bother with the XLR1.
@@curtisjudd Thank you for replying.
Great video (and videos in general!). Thank you! Having the GH5 and considering this against the Mix-Pre 3 - which would you choose for documentary and corporate type work? They both attach to the camera in some way and with the line out on the Mix-Pre it should also be pretty quick to set up and work with too. Two different devices, I know, but would really appreciate your recommendation :)
I very much prefer the MixPre for it's build quality, flexibility, and sound quality. But the XLR1 wins for convenience and simplicity. The XLR1 is not anywhere near as robust in terms of build quality and having it perched on top of the camera in the hotshoe is a little precarious when you've got XLR cables dangling from it. But it does make is MUCH easier to change batteries in the camera while that is a rather clumsy operation with the MixPre (you have to remove the QR plate from the MixPre, then remove the camera to change the battery).
Great video! Question for you, I used the DMW-XLR1 with two Wireless GO II's going into one XLR input on the "mic" setting. In post production, both audio tracks are on the same channel. I modified the audio channel to 2 Mono clips, but they come out identical. Is there anyway to separate the audio from each mic?
No, not once they are recorded to a single CLR input. They’re already mixed.
Thanks for posting this --- I was definitely curious to know more about this device. There are not many small yet capable on-camera pre-amps -- really like the concept, but it seems really expensive for what it is. We'll see if I bite.
Some potential other alternatives that come to mind, other than the zoom/tascam as mentioned:
Sound Devices MixPre (capable)
Juicedlink devices (small)
VideoMic Pro Plus (or such)
Saramonic XLR offerings (cheap)
ART USB Dual Pre (with mount mod)
Wireless XLR audio transmitter/receivers
Thanks Steve, yes, a bunch of other good options out there as well. I'm excited to have a closer look at the new Sound Devices MixPre 3 and 6. The XLR1 is good for people looking for a simple, well integrated option. It is not as capable as some others, not priced as aggressively, etc., but is a good option for someone who wants a simple, small, light device (no extra batteries) and will be shooting with good, clean condenser mics.
I'll be looking forward to your excellent Mix Pre 3 review. :)
Thanks so very much for the response.
Great quality video and review! Thx!
Question, I was thinking on buying the sennheiser MKH416 to go along with the adapter. Is there a cheaper version that will come close to its same performance?
How far were u standing from ur microphone during this video?
Thanks!
Hi Curtis. Nice review, as always!
Would you recommend this as an interface for a boom mic and Sennheiser G3 wireless mic into the GH5? I usually send audio to my MixPre6, or directly to my FS5 or EVA1 if I'm shooting on a cine camera. However, I would like to have two inputs into the GH5 and I'm thinking this might be a good option. I can attach the GH5 to the MixPre6 and achieve the same result, but I'm wondering if the XLR1 may be a bit less bulky and convenient without the extra cable. The big advantages of the MixPre6 are the superior preamps, limiters and amazing headphone amp. Your thoughts?
Hi Dave, given the option, I'd stick with the MixPre for all the advantages you listed. The XLR is lighter, but its attachment is a little awkward. So its advantages are few.
@@curtisjudd Thanks for the prompt reply and advice. I kind of thought that was going to be the case, so I'm glad I have the MixPre6 for this application. Cheers!
Hey Curtis, I am considering purchasing this unit but want to make sure it does what I think I need it to do and if I actually need it for my purposes. :) Most of my videos require a single audio source as I am recording only one person in mostly an interview style environment. When I do this my audio is pretty clean and even if it isn't perfect it will work. However, I am now needing to record audio from 2 people and invested in a wireless system that can send two audio signals to the same receiver. It takes the audio from reciever A as Left channel and receiver B as right channel in final cut pro. The device works ok but I am fearful that my setup will hiccup with static or interference may strike at a critical point. So, my question is... If I had this device, could I attach a shotgun microphone to one channel and my two-person wireless microphone to the other channel and would this allow me to essentially have a channel track that is strictly from my shotgun microphone and an independent second audio track that combines both Left and Right audio channels? This way if my wireless microphones fail I have a backup audio source that I could salvage in post? I plan on using a GH5s with FCPX. Thank you and I apologize for this seemingly confusing comment. :) . Ray
Hi - oh no! Looks like your question got cut off. But I think you were going to ask if the XLR1 would allow you to record 3 channels to the GH5 or GH5S. Unfortunately, no, just two channels. Also, there isn't an easy way to feed a 3.5mm connector into the XLR1, only XLR inputs. If I mis-guessed your question, please let me know.
@@curtisjudd I am using a wireless receiver called Pixel and it has an XLR jack and is capable of taking two audio feeds and make them a left and right. My shotgun micrphone also has an XLR jack. My question was:
1. Since I am basically recording 3 audio sources, how will that be shown in FCP?
2. Do you recommend this DMW-XLR1 for my situation? (As a backup using a shotgun mic to try to catch any audio that might be missed from my lapel mics or for those who speak who aren't mic'd up or if I experience interference)
Thank you!
You should do a video comparing the Zoom F4/8 to the new Sound Devices MixPre!
Its in the plans!
Curtis Judd I'm pretty excited about the analog limiters in the new mixpre.
Me too! 👍
Hi Curtis, thanks for the information on the details of the XLR1, really appreciative of your explanation into the subject matter.
However, I'll like to ask you with regards to your own opinion on this XLR1;
1. In contrast to cheaper pre-mixers, is the $400 worth it?
As in other than the compact size and phantom power setup of the XLR1, is it worth the extra cost over brands such as juicedlink/beachtek/tascam pre-mixers, which usually is around $100-150 price range?
2. Pardon me if I ask a silly question, but the XLR1 isn't universal like normal pre-mixers yep? As I run an a7sII for low light situations over the GH5, the thought of buying two different pre-mixers for the two cameras is, well, making my wallet cry.
Really want to get this audio beast for run and gun documentaries, but the price is putting me off sadly.
Hi Jecoal, 1) it can be for the right person. It requires no cables. It is tiny and works nicely with the GH5 because it is "tightly" integrated. If you just need to record 1 or two XLR condenser mics to camera, it is a good option. 2) if you need to be able to use audio with another camera, I would definitely look at JuicedLink or beachtek or other audio adapters instead.
Hmm, it's really a hard choice to pull off.
I think I might go along with other universal pre-mixers choice for now until there is a need for the XLR1 in the future.
Thanks Curtis, that was informative!
Thanks, very good video
Thanks!
Hi Curtis! Thanks for your great videos! 1 quick question: Does the GH4 record the same quality of audio through the DMW XL1 as the GH5 or GH5s? Thanks in advance
Hi Anthony, I don’t believe the XLR1 works with the GH4, only GH5 and GH5S but I’m not positive. Probably best to contact Panasonic to confirm. Best wishes!
thank you for this excellent video which was useful to us
I have a question I have a GH5 and I would like to know if I should invest in this XLR adapter or an H6 zoom do you think the audio quality will be the same in both cases as you say in your video
I am currently using the rode WIRELESS go wireless lavalier microphone system but I find the quality not clean enough and for that I wanted to work more with mics like the Sennheiser MKH 416 and wanted to know if the quality would be better on a zoom h6 or on the XLR adapter
Thank you in advance for your answer
Hi Mustafa, that's hard to say. The H6 is probably a tiny bit less noisy than the H6, but the microphone will make the biggest difference. The 416 will sound good on either. I'd choose the H6.
@@curtisjudd Thank you very much for your very quick response and now I understand why you have so many subscribers
I just subscribed to your channel that you manage very well
Another that you surely have mastered and that you have compared
I am looking for a quality of sound for my youtube channel especially when I make my video indoors what do you think of the SYNCO MIC D2 microphone I saw and appreciate a lot of video on this Chinese microphone would you recommend it?
and my second question which wireless microphone system do you recommend and with which microphone where I can have the least noise gate
Thank you very much and at the same time I wish you an excellent New Year's Eve
@@mustafagomen7084 I The D2 is an ok microphone, but the included foam cover is not good and the company, at least when they began first selling the D2, worked with a reseller which offered to give people a partial refund on the price of the microphone if they wrote a five start Amazon review. So while the microphone may be ok, I chose not to support this effort.
For wireless microphones in the consumer price range, I'd suggest you have a look at the RODE Wireless GO II: ua-cam.com/video/aD7LOYiqKE8/v-deo.html
@@curtisjudd Thank you maestro
Hello Curtis, thank you for being so resourceful and informative updates. It would be really appreciate if you can explain how I can feed audio from External recorder to GH5 through XLR adapter for having less mess in the post production. I am thinking of getting Mix-pre 3, which I have seen from Your channel. Thanks lots TC
Thumps up for you!!
Hi Tom Kee, if you go with the MixPre-3, you shouldn't need this XLR1 adapter. The MixPre-3 has a 3.5mm output that you would route directly into the GH5 via a 3.5mm to 3.5mm TRS cable. Good luck!
Thanks alots, will go with mixpre-3 as it seems more reliable as of its specs compare to xlr1 output. Will look forward to hear more from you thanks.
Hey great video. In your opinion would this provide enough clean gain for a shotgun such as the Rode NTG-2 with clean results? I know it’s not a very high output microphone.
Hi RisenMedia, it would be ok. Its hard to get super clean results with the NTG2, but definitely acceptable for most purposes.
That was great thanks. Considering the fact that the Tascam 60D MKII is about $150, this unit is over priced seems to me.
I have the 60D, but I could get this too, if it was not $400.
Makes sense, thanks Clayton!
How does the XLR1 compare with the mixpre's in fairly well contained home studio situations? I've been thinking about getting a mixpre, but just lucked into a great deal on a GH5 with one of these XLR adapters. I mostly make educational videos and do live streams on youtube. I like the compactness and hot-shoe ease of the adapter, but if the sound devices is head and shoulders above I could be convinced to try one of those out too. Thanks for all the great professional content you put out!
Hi Baron, the MixPre is in a higher league for sure. That being said, the results you'll get with the XLR1 depend heavily on the microphone you plan to use. What's the plan there? The MixPre can make any microphone sound its best. The XLR struggles with some microphones, especially dynamic microphones.
Thanks for the speedy reply! I am currently using Audio Technica AT4041's into a scarlett 2i2, but plan on getting some shotguns once I decide what direction to go (MKH 416, NTG-3, Deity s-mic 2s). Here's a specific example of a live stream if you have suggestions /watch?v=1D1FcoLjg3s . Have you considered starting a Patreon page? Id be very into that or some way to support your channel, and happy to talk patreon any time! Cheers!
Ok, yes, the XLR1 should work nicely with the AT4041s. The main concern is with some of the more budget microphones like the RODE NTG2 (the NTG3, S Mic 2 and MKH416 all have hot enough output signals that they should be fine). Best wishes! Oh, and very nice playing!
I have considered Patreon but I have a need for something a little different where I can have people pay to support a review of a specific piece of gear which I can then purchase and review without any ties to the manufacturer like when they give me the gear. Not sure whether Patreon can do that but haven't looked into it in enough detail yet.
@@curtisjudd u mentioned the mkh416 what about the Sennheiser mke600 ? does mke600 have a hot enough output signals to get good audio in this dmw xlr1
@@creativegreatsvisuals Yes.
I’m doing some research to make the best of the gear I already own and came across this video and have a couple questions: using the XLR1 and a shotgun mic (Rode NTG-2), would it be possible to retain high quality audio while using a simple XLR splitter so as to create a safety channel with lower gain recording in the second channel of the XLR1? And if so, you would only send phantom power through one channel, correct? I’m assuming sending power through both channels to the same mic would damage it? Thanks! Love your videos!
Hi Tyler, I must confess that I haven't worked with splitter cables like this before so I cannot say for sure, but I would assume you'd only need phantom power from one of the outputs. I have talked with guys who use splitter cables to get a feed of the microphones before they go into the mixer at live shows so splitter cables can be a good option.
@@curtisjudd To follow up, got my hands on an XLR splitter and it works with no discernible drop in levels or sound quality!
@@themustang181 Excellent, thanks for sharing Tyler!
First off, I truly appreciate your sound expertise. Always thorough and honest. Two quick questions...First, do you have a video that shows how one can test the noise floor of our own adapters? I have Audition but would love to know the steps you take and the levels you think are acceptable, good & great, etc. Secondly, have you ever tested Sony's XLR adapters? If so, what's the link? I have the original K1M and after 3 years of non-stop use it's really starting to sound noisy, more than I remember it being at the start and at levels that are unacceptable. We also have the K2M but the smart shoe mount just chipped a little which apparently stopped it from working (so now we're looking at alternative audio recording solutions for our sony cameras). Thank you Curtis!
Hi! Thanks! I don't have a specific video on "how to noise test your preamps/recorder" but one could follow the same process I show here. Ideally, when you record without a mic with the preamps set to either max or the level you plan to record at (first set the gain with the mic attached so that peaks hit -18 to -12dBFS), then remove the mic and cable and short pins 2&3 on the input, then record. Then bring the audio clip into an app and measure the RMS amplitude from a good portion of the clip.
I haven't tested the Sony adapters since I don't generally shoot Sony cameras. If you're noticing more noise, I'd trust your ears and get that checked out. I still prefer to use dual system recording to a separate, proper audio recorder and then feed the signal from that to the camera or use timecode and sync in post. The adapters are more of a special case tool, partly because they tend to be somewhat delicate.
Thanks for your reply. A few quick follow ups if you don't mind. I didn't understand the part about "short pins 2&3"...what were you referring to there? Secondly, have you ever tested the limiters on the line inputs of the Zoom H5 or H6 recorders? I have found them to be terrible so most of our audio recorded at weddings is using the Sony PCM-M10 audio recorder which has never failed us and the limiters are beyond fantastic. Thoughts? Finally, what's your initial thoughts on the upcoming Sound Devices Mixpre 3 & 6? Pretty great price point for top quality audio, no?! - Thanks again Judd
To short pins 2 & 3, I use the probe from an old multimeter and stick one end of the probe into the pin 2 on the XLR input, the other end of the probe into pin 3 on the input. Then record. This ensures you eliminate any environmental weirdness that could affect the recording.
The inputs on the Zoom Handy series and indeed most consumer grade recorders are rather poor. Sony and Sennheiser seem to use a more effective approach, though I don't know what they do differently.
WHEN USING Sennheiser XSW-D Vocal Set Plug-on Digital Wireless System with Dynamic Microphone: what should the input be set at ? line, mic, or +48? also if outdoors at a concert or with car sounds in background what should the gain be set at ? -20, zero or +20 ? and finally in the same "outdoor situations what should low cut be set at ? zero , 16hhz or 160hz ?
the wireless handheld mic in this kit is the sennhessier xs1 its a cardioid dynamic vocal microphone with XSW-D female XLR transmitter plugged into the camera . the XSW-D male XLR receiver plugs into this Panasonic dmw-xlr1.
Thank you! 🙏
👍
you know about another adapter like this but for canon or Nikon
There are generic audio adapters which are sort of similar like these: ua-cam.com/video/B_0od_f_QkQ/v-deo.html
Another great video! Coming from a newb, is there a definite advantage of using this vs. just plugging the shotgun mic directly into the mic port on the GH5 using a 25' 3.5mm cord? Also, my RODE shotgun mic doesn't have an XLR plug so I would need to use an adapter. Thanks!
If you're not getting any interference, then I'd stick with what you're using. The main advantage of balanced XLR is that you can run longer cables without a lot of risk of picking up interference.
Good to know. Thanks again!
Is it possible to use the adapter and at the same time use the 3,5mm regular audio output?
I assume you meant the 3.5mm microphone input? If so, I believe it is disabled.
Hi Curtis, thanks a lot for your invaluable advice and high quality videos ! I just ended shooting a documentary solo in a high school, on a GH5 +DMW-XLR 1. As you may guess, sound was a tricky one, I was always missing at least one audio track, as I often wired up two students with radio mikes but also wanted to have direct on camera sound. I often ended up fiddling between XLR's to switch out one lav in favor of the supercardioid on camera microphone, and then back. Not ideal. Here's my question : if I wanted to gear up in order to have at least 2 radio mikes plus a directional microphone that I could all monitor, which configuration woud make the most sense ? Triggering audio from the camera is a must. At this point, I am considering diving into the Mix pre 3 option as a replacement for the DMW-XLR1, but the additional weight, volume and inconvenience make me doubt, especially in solo situations. Any reasonable alternatives (besides a sound recordist) ? Thanks for your help !
Hi Marc, I understand the frustration. Honestly, I use a dedicated audio recorder and not one attached to my camera. So I use a MixPre or on the paid jobs, a Sound Devices 888. Sorry I don't have more to offer. 😞
@@curtisjudd Thank you for your reply Curtis. Do you mean you use a Mix Pre with your camera while operating solo ? May I ask you more precisely about the way you set audio recorder and camera up ? Are they physically separate ? In the situations I may encounter, i.e handheld documentary with lots of unpredictable moves, the mix pre would have to be rigged to the camera in the most compact way, and I would record all audio with it, except for sync audio from the camera. Is this something you do or would recommend ? Thank you in advance.
@@marcaderghal7058 Hi Marc, yes, they are physically separate - sound recorder in a sound bag, camera on a tripod. Unfortunately, I don't do "run 'n gun" work like you describe in my work so I do not have any experience building up that type of rig. Sorry about that.
@@curtisjudd Thanks Curtis. I have the feeling what I'm asking for is close to impossible to attain : video and 3 or 4 audio channels properly operated by one and the same person. I might get close to it, but a sound recordist is probably going to be needed if I commit to a similar project. It's more than a hardware question. Repeated thanks for your help on that matter, and for the great work you do !
@@marcaderghal7058 Understood. On the projects I've worked where we need to mic more than 2 people, we always have a dedicated person on sound. I just don't see a great way to work with more than 2 mics when operating camera AND sound.
Hey Curtis sorry to ask you about the same thing again. But would recommend this adapter over the Tascam dr60d. Based on the fact that the Dr,60d being routed back into the camera the GH5
Hi, no, it is convenient and keeps the camera rig small, but the audio quality is disappointing for its price.
@@curtisjudd thank you that saved me from making a very poor choice. Enjoying the video and as always thank you for the advice . Al the best jf
I like the idea of this for doc shooting, one-man band, but the price and quality worry me. I guess a less elegant solution would be to use a high-quality mixer inputted into the GH5. But that's ungainly. Better options?
Sound Devices MixPre-3 or Zoom F4. Or on the less pricey end of the spectrum, audio adapters: ua-cam.com/video/B_0od_f_QkQ/v-deo.html
Hi Curtis, I own the Panasonic DMW-XLR1 and am thinking of getting a sound devices mix pre 3 for on location short movie and interview sound. I know just the basics of sound and was wondering how much better will my sound be if I get the mix pre 3. I use a Sennheiser MKE-600 shotgun. Thank you for your time.
Hi Marvin, using the MixPre as a replacement for the XLR1 in the same way (i.e., feeding audio via the MixPre directly to camera) will make a little bit of difference but not a HUGE difference in audio quality alone. It will help manage transients and keep them from clipping, and the MixPre preamps supply a fair bit more clean gain, but if you're not having trouble with a lot of hiss at present, then you may be disappointed at the amount of difference you'll notice.
The bigger reason to consider a MixPre or any other high quality audio recorder has more to do with fine-tuned control and more sophisticated workflows (e.g., record audio to MixPre, sending timecode from GH5/5s to MixPre to simplify sync in post). It also has a much better headphone amp, easier to use controls for active mixing and the list goes on and on. I hope that helps!
Thank you Curtis.
Once again, thank you.
+Jeff Remas Photography 👍
Thanks Curtis. Do you know, if the minijack mic input on the GH5 can be used at the same time, as the DMW-XLR1? And is the real time monitoring still through the GH5?
Monitoring is still through the GH5. No, the 3.5mm input is disabled when you connect the XLR1.
Try a Cloudlifter for dynamic mics. Will raise volume 25db? without introducing noise, lowering noise floor. They have a 1 channel and two channel.
+Robert Burns good point, just a bit more kit to carry around.
Hi Curtis. What kind of on-camera XLR shotgun mic (under $500) would you recommend for this camera using this adapter? (run-n-gun situations). Finally, would said mic be a big upgrade from something like a Rode Videomic Pro?
Thanks so much for any advice you have here.
Hi Yousef, if mounting the microphone on camera, I would skip the XLR1 adapter and just go with a RODE VideoMic Pro+ or a Deity D3 Pro. Here are my reviews of each:
RODE VideoMic Pro+: ua-cam.com/video/gcMVSzVt-LI/v-deo.html
Deity D3 Pro: ua-cam.com/video/W9Sde3ey2kc/v-deo.html
One thing that bothers me about this is since communication happens through the hotshot, there’s no way to use this with a cage
Good point.
Hi Curtis - if I'm considering getting a Ninja Inferno for my GH5 then there's no point in getting the DMW-XLR1 is there as I'll have XLR inputs with phantom power etc anyways? Or is there something extra I'd be getting with this?