Ext mic low volume. at DVinfo.net

Stephen Boss · November 29th, 2011, 12:05 AM

Ok, I'm trying to figure out why my external mic volume is so much lower than the built in camera mic on my 60D. I have magic lantern installed, and even with the gain set to 23db the audio from the ext mic still seems low. The mic is batter powered... so I'm wondering if this could be affecting things, but it works just fine on my other (non-dslr) cam. Anyone have any ideas as to what may be going on here?

Gerry Gallegos · November 29th, 2011, 08:43 AM

It depends on how the mic is connected to your other video cam versus the DSLR.

are you using the same cables to connect to the Canon as you use for your other camera?

It could possibly the way it is adapted to plug into a 3.5mm mic in on the camera, because not all 3.5mm adapters are wired the same and the one you need to go from XLR to 3.5mm can be wired in several different configurations. if the 3.5 is wired pin to pin then your right signal will be out of phase with the left, appearing to be considerably lower in level. and a mono XLR to 3.5mm to be used with a stereo input will be wired pin 1 to shield (sleeve) pin 2 to both tip and ring and pin 3 either left off or shorted to pin 1.

with out knowing more information this is where I would look at first.

hope this helps.

November 29th, 2011, 12:05 AM	#1
Stephen Boss Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 52	Ext mic low volume. Ok, I'm trying to figure out why my external mic volume is so much lower than the built in camera mic on my 60D. I have magic lantern installed, and even with the gain set to 23db the audio from the ext mic still seems low. The mic is batter powered... so I'm wondering if this could be affecting things, but it works just fine on my other (non-dslr) cam. Anyone have any ideas as to what may be going on here?

November 29th, 2011, 08:43 AM	#2
Gerry Gallegos Major Player Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 262	Re: Ext mic low volume. It depends on how the mic is connected to your other video cam versus the DSLR. are you using the same cables to connect to the Canon as you use for your other camera? It could possibly the way it is adapted to plug into a 3.5mm mic in on the camera, because not all 3.5mm adapters are wired the same and the one you need to go from XLR to 3.5mm can be wired in several different configurations. if the 3.5 is wired pin to pin then your right signal will be out of phase with the left, appearing to be considerably lower in level. and a mono XLR to 3.5mm to be used with a stereo input will be wired pin 1 to shield (sleeve) pin 2 to both tip and ring and pin 3 either left off or shorted to pin 1. with out knowing more information this is where I would look at first. hope this helps.