I have a pro high output dynamic mic with XLS lead that I wish to use with a consumer camcorder with no XLS input, just the mini stereo input. What adapter should I get?
First, I wouldn't recommend putting an adapter from XLR to 1/8” mini directly into your camcorder (even if there is such a thing) as the weight of something like that would surely damage the input jack.
The mini stereo input is most likely "line level" so plugging the mic directly into that wouldn't give you much of anything as far as levels. You probably want to consider plugging your mic into a mic preamp first, bringing it to line levels, and take the output from the preamp into your camera.
I agree with ScoriaMM Dont use anything that puts weight on your
jacks.
I have a Beachtek DXA-6 ($250) XLR adapter for the familiy's
camcorder and find it fantastic. The new version DXA-8 ($360) has
limiting built in. I put a shotgun on left channel and a wireless on right
(a 1/8" jack is built in) and post mix.
So you are saying I need a phantom power mic preamp to use in the field anyway IF using a min-stereo input. So I might as well just get the new camera with XLR inputs now - Agreed? A camera with XLR mic imputs would be just fine?
As you're using a dynamic mic you souldn't need phantom power and typically the minipin jack on consummer cameras are mic level in.
There's a number of suitable adaptors. Beachtec make several and there's another one called the XLRPro which should be cheaper as it doesn't have phantom power. We use both and they work equally well.
However a word of warning. You are adding yet one more thing that can fail into the audio chain with very bad results. The minipin plugs are not pro gear, they can very easily come out just far enough to loose contact on one or both channels but not far enough to engage the built in mic so NO sound.
If you've got a camera with XLR inputs you can still have the on camera mic on one channel and an external mic on the other. I know it sounds like belt and braces stuff but it can save you neck.