Hi guys,

I was just wondering, I have a SHURE SM58 mic that I was planning on using with my wireless receiver from my Sony URX-P1 to be able to record best wishes.

I plugged it in and the levels are very low. Also, when I use it plugged directly into the XLR input on my Z1, I notice it doesn't sound very loud, even after adjusting the levels on my camera. Is this due to a lack of voltage or power? Its a great mic, but I'm not sure how to get it working properly with my camera. Otherwise, what would people recommend using?

Thanks in advance,
Matt

Did you check to make sure your audio is set to mic level input, not line? Are you sure you have chosen XLR and not internal mic? Did you try boosting the Input Trim in the XLR Set menu?

Just a few ideas...

Oops, sorry. Just noticed you said plugged into your wireless.

You could check your phamtom power button as well.

Here's a link to the user guide:

http://media.zzounds.com/media/sm58-3096bfd7824436e3ff33b4e07b4b7a38.pdf

If I remember correctly, the SM58 does not need phantom. Its an excellent mic, and I doubt there is a problem with it that would cause this -- its probably an in camera issue. You were right to bypass the wireless, first solve the problem without it. I would check the sound input settings in the menu on the Z1. Chances are, there is an option to attenuate which was enabled. Or it could be mic vs. line level.

The SM58 is a dynamic mic, so as Patrick wrote, it doesn't need phantom power. I've used an SM58 with a wireless plug-on transmitter, a Sennheiser kit, though. Remember that there are two separate audio chains that you need to setup correctly - one from the mic to the wireless transmitter, and another one from the wireless receiver into the camera. Steve House did a very nice job explaining this in a related topic:
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showpost.php?p=832113&postcount=10

Bottom line: adjust the levels at the wireless transmitter, too. Make sure that when you talk at a normal volume, it transmits a useable level.

- Martin