Camera operators in "one-man-band" situations can now be confident that the audio they are recording will be pro quality and at optimal levels. This gives these filmmakers working on unscripted projects the freedom to concentrate on composing the frame while knowing audio will be recorded properly.
In my video above, I have built the AVX in two formats. First, I attached the receiver to the Canon XC10. The XC10, like a lot of DSLR cameras, uses a 3.5mm input for audio. Conveniently, an XLR3 to 3.5mm cable is included in the kit. Power for the receiver is provided by an integrated lithium-ion battery with up to four hours of recording time, and LEDs on the side provide instant charge status. When the final LED indicator turns red, you have 15 minutes of power remaining.
In the second part of the video, I attach the receiver to a Sony camcorder with traditional XLR3 connections which provide mic, line, or phantom 48 power. The receiver can also detect phantom power from the camera to turn itself on and off, which can be a convenient feature for those doing run'n'gun work.
Both setups illustrate how the Sennheiser AVX system can provide pro audio at a great price while liberating the camera operator so they can concentrate on the story unfolding in the frame.
