I am using 2 new AG-HMC80 cameras (purchased by my university for a class my wife and I teach) that apparently have identical audio problems, or my inexperience creates the problems. First there is no headphone output signal. I've tried several different working HPs. I have never connected anything to them but the HPs. I purchased adaptors so I could use my Audio Technica mic that has mini plug with XLR cables and an XLR splitter so I can feed both camera XLR inputs, one set hot, one safe. But the connection is really flaky, intermittent at best and basically unusable. The XLR's fit tight, but the mini adaptors are questionable although not really loose. When I put the mic directly into the ext mic input, it works fine. If its an adaptor that fits poorly, why would it even be manufactured? Are mini plugs that variable? Has anybody experienced these problems? I appreciate any help as I am cut off from any quality tech help at my university. Rix
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HMC80 series of audio issues
- Thread starter Rix
- Start date
Greg Smith
Veteran
In the "other functions" setup menu, make sure you have "audio out" set to the channel(s) you're using for audio inputs so so you can monitor sound through the headphone jack. Also remember that the "monitor" knob on the side of the camera controls the headphone volume. What headphones are you using? Do they have a native 3.5mm plug, or are you using an adapter for a 1/4" headphone plug? Adapters are always a little suspect.
Are you seeing an indication on the audio level meters in the viewfinder, even though you're not hearing anything through the headphones?
If the microphone connection never worked at all, that would be one thing, but since you describe it as "really flaky," I assume that means you are getting sound at least some of the time, but it comes and goes. That does suggest to me that the adapter is likely at fault. Mini-plugs are not terribly reliable connectors under the best of circumstances, and it sounds (no pun intended) like you might have a loose or defective one.
Happy to help track this down further if you want to write back.
- Greg
Are you seeing an indication on the audio level meters in the viewfinder, even though you're not hearing anything through the headphones?
If the microphone connection never worked at all, that would be one thing, but since you describe it as "really flaky," I assume that means you are getting sound at least some of the time, but it comes and goes. That does suggest to me that the adapter is likely at fault. Mini-plugs are not terribly reliable connectors under the best of circumstances, and it sounds (no pun intended) like you might have a loose or defective one.
Happy to help track this down further if you want to write back.
- Greg
Greg you were right on the mark. Thank you so much. With the headphone working, I could figure out specifically when the adaptor was making connection, when not. This was a Rode adaptor meant for their own mic that has native mini. The question now is what can be done. I don't think the adaptor comes apart, at least I haven't been willing to apply so much force. I assume if it did, I could fiddle with the contact to tighten the fit. Can you suggest any other way to use this mic and XLR inputs? Am I right about being able to split the input to have hot and safe levels from one signal? I've seen others do this, but I've also read threads here that suggest splitting the signal may degrade it or cause the camera to amp it and noise, too. Thanks for your answers. Rix
Greg Smith
Veteran
It should work OK to split the microphone to both XLR jacks -- AS LONG AS you don't turn on phantom power on either input. Feeding phantom from one input into the other, or from both of them at the same time, could lead to anything from unwanted noise to possibly damaging the preamp or microphone. As long as you're using a self-powered microphone and are careful, I think the high/low level scheme ought to work.
Obviously, replacing the adapter would probably be the cleanest way to solve the loose contact problem. The only other idea I have, and it's just a thought, not a fully developed procedure, is that you might be able to shim the outside of the mini plug with something like copper or aluminum foil to make it a tighter fit in the adapter. The downside might be shorting out the whole thing by getting flakes of the metal in the wrong place inside, though. Another possibility would be to build a mini-to-mini adapter using a plug, inline socket and a bit of cable from Radio Shack or the like. But this would only help if the plug you buy fits tighter in the adapter than the one already on your microphone.
- Greg
Obviously, replacing the adapter would probably be the cleanest way to solve the loose contact problem. The only other idea I have, and it's just a thought, not a fully developed procedure, is that you might be able to shim the outside of the mini plug with something like copper or aluminum foil to make it a tighter fit in the adapter. The downside might be shorting out the whole thing by getting flakes of the metal in the wrong place inside, though. Another possibility would be to build a mini-to-mini adapter using a plug, inline socket and a bit of cable from Radio Shack or the like. But this would only help if the plug you buy fits tighter in the adapter than the one already on your microphone.
- Greg
Thanks again, Greg. I might look into modules so I can see and control the fit. In my guitar repair days, I could adjust the spring contact I assume must be the guts of the adaptor anyway. There must be components for this sort of thing although electronics shops in Houston have evaporated with on-line marketing. Thanks for the warning about phantom power. Rix