6
External Microphones
While the camcorder has a built-in microphone, the more distance between the camera and the sub-
ject, the worse the sound will be picked up; the closer the microphone is to the sound source, the
better the sound will be recorded. Using an external microphone allows you to place the mic much
closer to the sound source and get better sound. When only background sound is being recorded, the
camera mic will work fine to record natural sound. However, an external mic should be used any time
you are shooting someone talking on camera.
We have two types of external microphones: clip-on (lavaliere) and handheld.
Usually, the clip-on mic is used for interviews. It should be clipped onto a lapel or
shirt placket no more than 10” below the chin, and made to look as inconspicuous
as possible by running the wire underneath clothing.
The handheld mic is a good all-purpose mic to use for
news conferences, standups (reporter talking directing into the camera),
meetings, musical events, etc. Again, the mic should be positioned as
closely as possible to the source. Both microphones have windscreens
that can be used to filter unwanted wind noise or strong breaths.
Connecting an external microphone to the camera
1. Mount the Beachtek mic adapter box onto the bot-
tom of the camera; use a coin to tighten the screw. Then
mount the tripod plate onto the bottom of the mic adapter.
2. Plug the small cable from the mic adapter box into the
camera’s MIC IN mini jack, located just behind the built-in
microphone.
3. Use an XLR cable to connect the microphone(s).
4. Set the switches on the mic adapter box. If you are only using one mic, set the front switch to
MONO, and plug the mic into the LEFT side. If you are using two mics, set the switch to STEREO. Set
both of the switches on the side to MIC.
At other times, you may be shooting an event at which an audio feed is available from the soundboard
controlling the PA system of the venue. Instead of setting up your own microphone(s), you can simply
tie into the existing sound system. This is done in the same fashion as connecting a microphone: plug
the cable supplying the sound feed into the mic adapter. BEWARE: the audio level coming off of a
soundboard will be much higher than the MIC level. Make sure to switch the mic adapter to LINE. Then
set the audio levels using the same method above.
It is usually best to set the volume knobs on the Beachtek to 10, then adjust the recording level on the
camera. Again, use headphones to listen to the audio.
