I am considering purchasing the HDR-SR11 very soon to shoot some local events, especially live music. I have searched but have not found any accounts of good quality microphone options for the HDR-SR11/12 series cams that can be shoe mounted.

I know there is a powered accessory shoe and Sony is just now releasing a new shotgun mic (ECM-HGZ1) for this hot shoe. But this really looks like a consumer cheapy add-on mic.

I would like to hear from any of you who have successfully adapted a good quality microphone to the SR11/12 cams.

Also I would like to know if is it possible to adapt the mic input to accept a line output from a sound board?

Thanks, Rick

SR11 has a standard 1/8" mic input, lots of options, though you'll need either a shoe adapter or a bracket for mounting. There are adapters such as Beachtek <sp?> to go from XLR to 1/8" miniplug.

Also interested in a nice external for the SR11/12. I used to have an HV20 with the DM-50 and I really liked that size. The proprietary sony mics don't sound very exciting unfortunately. I plan on having a Raynox 6600 mounted on the front, but I need something smaller than say a RODE mic.

The rode stereo looks big on my SR12 but so what its the sound that matters and its great
for me,i had to trim the muff a bit though.

So Martyn, You are getting good quality from the Rode?
Have you tried it with live music?
What shoe adapter are you using for mounting the Rode?
Also, how are you adjusting the levels, with an external box?
Which model Rode are you using?

Dave, thanks for the tips. The Beachtek looks pretty good.
I noticed there's both a powered and passive Beachtek unit.
Any advice on which is the best to go with?

Thanks, Rick

So Martyn, You are getting good quality from the Rode?
Have you tried it with live music?
What shoe adapter are you using for mounting the Rode?
Also, how are you adjusting the levels, with an external box?
Which model Rode are you using?

Dave, thanks for the tips. The Beachtek looks pretty good.
I noticed there's both a powered and passive Beachtek unit.
Any advice on which is the best to go with?

Thanks, Rick
Keene Electronics (http://www.keene.co.uk/electronics/multi.php?mycode=SSA)That is the adaptor.
this is the model of mike but i did not purchase from here .the only adjustment i have needed is to switch on the -10db level cut switch for very loud bagpipe type type music http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/shop/flypage/product_id/15241I have not used it on live music with the sr12 exept a brass band once ,but with my other cams several times.