Using an external mic on HDR XR260VE Handycam

[justpaul]

I have a XR260VE and Rode VideoMic Pro and I am having issues getting audio capture.

With the mic connected, I am picking up significant hiss from the mic, but no sound from the subject.  Without the mic, i'm getting normal sound recording with the camera. 

Also, i cannot make changes to the mic settings (Auto NR, etc) as the menu options are continually greyed out, regardless of what i have connected (or not) or the settings i seem to use.

I have this setup for doing video interviews, so need the external mic and am becoming slowly more frustrated!  Can anyone help rectify this?

[Mick2011]

Hi justpaul, welcome to the Sony Forums

Is the Rode a stereo mic? The camera will accept any mic with a standard 3.5 stereo jack plug (with two plastic rings on the plug) but won't work with mono mics.

Cheers

Mick

[justpaul]

Thanks for that Mick

Yes, the Rode is a stereo mic.  I'm getting considerable hiss through, but no sound.  If i change the db settings on the mic, i get varying levels of hiss, but still not picking up any actual sound.

[blaireau_photo]

Hello justpaul

To eliminate the possibility of mic problems, have you tried this external microphone with another piece of equipment to check that it is in full working order?

Thanks,

Simon

[katekap]

Hi I'm having the same problem, it's recording a hissing sound in addition to whatever I say into the mic

[Mick2011]

Hi katekap, welcome to the Sony Forums

It's possible the mic is not compatible with the camera; some mics use power from the camera ('phantom power') while others have an internal battery. Not all cameras are compatible with powered mics. Rode mics do have a reputation for hissing with non-professional cameras. If your mic is battery powered, you should check the battery isn't depleted.

However the hiss more likely due to the camera's AGC (auto gain control) which typically causes the 'noise floor' to raise in gaps between recorded speech, for example, as the mic amplifies ambient sounds automatically. It ofen cannot be switched off in the camera menu, in which case an external pre-amp is required.

Hope that's of some help.

Mick