EDC Gear Guides: On Camera Microphone Adapter Kit

Overview

The Microphone Adapter Kit is great for cameras that don't have XLR inputs. Often time these cameras are smaller and lend themselves well to the type of shooting that you can get with a smaller camera: For example, shooting documentaries or live events may benefit from smaller cameras with professional audio only achieved by using a good microphone. 

Table of Contents

• Component Guide
• Quick Start Guide
• Troubleshooting
• Compatible EDC Accessories
• Tips & Tricks

Quick Start Guide

First Steps

Attaching the microphone

• • Attach the shock Mount, to the hot shoe of the camera/cage.
  • Slide the mic into the shock mount  

Attaching the cable  

• • Connect the XLR input (red) to the compatible microphone of choice. (Sennheiser MKE 600 is recommended for its internal battery operation)
  • Connect the 3.5mm audio jack (purple) into the camera
  • The mic will turn on automatically when it receives voltage. Shotgun mics require 48v Phantom Power: This is given through the mic itself, the recorder or direct from camera. Check that the option you're using can provide +48v. 

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Troubleshooting 

Q: There is no sound.

A:  The mic is a condenser mic and requires phantom power, make sure it is on.

A:  The recorder you're using might be muted. Turn up the level. 

Q: The sound is distorted

A: The recorder or camera is set to automatically adjust levels. Change to manual level adjustment.

A: The cable is damaged, try a different cable. If you need a new cable, please contact the EDC.

Q: The sound is very quiet/low.

A: The input sensitivity on the recorder or camera is set too low. Increase sensitivity.

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Compatible EDC Accessories

Access is dependent on class equipment allocations & availability 

• Sennheiser MKE 600 (internal phantom power)
• Sony PCM-D10 Recorder
• Fuji X-T3
• Canon R5-C 

Tips & Tricks

• The Microphone is directional:
  • • Make sure it's pointing in a direction to maximize the sound it can pick up, think about what direction a person might be facing and how the sound travels in the space, instead of just aiming generally at a subject mouth from any angle. 
• External audio recording:
  
  • • Some cameras are better with internal recorded sound than others. In many cases, getting an external recorder may offer better usability and overall sound quality.   

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