NOERML Posted March 29, 2020 Share #1  Posted March 29, 2020 Advertisement (gone after registration) As I am currently stuck home (like most of us), I began toying around with some video. Now, the internal microphone is obviously not all that great, but for some reason my external microphone, when connected to the microphone plug, does not work at all. It works perfectly well on my Sony, but doesn't record a single ping with the SL2. I digged through the manual, but other than the noise cancelation settings, there is not even a single mention of any specifications for external microphones. Am I missing anything here? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 29, 2020 Posted March 29, 2020 Hi NOERML, Take a look here External Microphone Leica SL2. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Photoworks Posted March 29, 2020 Share #2 Â Posted March 29, 2020 I just plugged in my Rode mic in the mic port and it works perfectly after switching the mic on. In the video screen the is a mic icon to change the levels, but if you are not getting anything there must be a connection issue . I suppose you are using a powered mic that does not need phantom power since you where using it on the Sony ? 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photoworks Posted March 29, 2020 Share #3 Â Posted March 29, 2020 sadly the options are very limited, a Limiter is totally missing from this camera. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOERML Posted March 29, 2020 Author Share #4 Â Posted March 29, 2020 vor 3 Stunden schrieb Photoworks: I just plugged in my Rode mic in the mic port and it works perfectly after switching the mic on. In the video screen the is a mic icon to change the levels, but if you are not getting anything there must be a connection issue . I suppose you are using a powered mic that does not need phantom power since you where using it on the Sony ? Yep, using a little attachable mic with it's own power source. Do you think that's the problem? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott kirkpatrick Posted March 29, 2020 Share #5  Posted March 29, 2020 If your mic is powered you don't have the problem of needing phantom power But test it by recording with it plugged into your phone to make sure it's working. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photoworks Posted March 29, 2020 Share #6  Posted March 29, 2020 1 hour ago, scott kirkpatrick said: If your mic is powered you don't have the problem of needing phantom power But test it by recording with it plugged into your phone to make sure it's working. hummm , not sure what phone you are using ;-) , my phone has removed all the plug options Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photoworks Posted March 29, 2020 Share #7 Â Posted March 29, 2020 Advertisement (gone after registration) 4 hours ago, NOERML said: Yep, using a little attachable mic with it's own power source. Do you think that's the problem? what mic are you using? there is nothing scientific about it, just turn on and plugin. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott kirkpatrick Posted March 29, 2020 Share #8  Posted March 29, 2020 It's hard to make suggestions without seeing the actual mic. Mics with 1/8" plugs would not have phantom power. The on-camera mics are not bad if the camera is isolated on a tripod, and for a better mic I use a preamp and even an external recorder, which lets me see on the VU meter if things are working. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOERML Posted March 30, 2020 Author Share #9  Posted March 30, 2020 vor 11 Stunden schrieb scott kirkpatrick: If your mic is powered you don't have the problem of needing phantom power But test it by recording with it plugged into your phone to make sure it's working. Well..here's the thing. It is powered! It works on my pc, it works on my sony, it doesn't work on my phone and neither on my SL2. I just kind of hate the guesswork. The name of the microphone is "PLOTURE Lavalier-Mikrofon". It's a cheap piece of gear I still had around. I don't mind buying a new one, but I don't even know where to start. I'd asumed a simple lavalier mikrofon with its own power source would do the job and there's no big science around it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott kirkpatrick Posted March 30, 2020 Share #10  Posted March 30, 2020 22 minutes ago, NOERML said: Well..here's the thing. It is powered! It works on my pc, it works on my sony, it doesn't work on my phone and neither on my SL2. I just kind of hate the guesswork. The name of the microphone is "PLOTURE Lavalier-Mikrofon". It's a cheap piece of gear I still had around. I don't mind buying a new one, but I don't even know where to start. I'd asumed a simple lavalier mikrofon with its own power source would do the job and there's no big science around it. I'll try with my SL2. I have some good lavaliere mics, but they are in my office and I can't get there until we loosen our lockdown rules. I have recorded into the SL using a preamp from Sound Devices, whose output goes into a 1/8" plug (and then into the SL's audio adapter cord. I'll have to see if it works on the SL2 as well. At least this gives me the ability to hear the microphone signal both before and after it reaches the camera and is recorded into the video. You really should report this to Leica Customer Service and let them tell you if there are any recommended microphones or other characteristics to look for.  Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted March 30, 2020 Share #11  Posted March 30, 2020 21 hours ago, Photoworks said: I just plugged in my Rode mic in the mic port and it works perfectly after switching the mic on. In the video screen the is a mic icon to change the levels, but if you are not getting anything there must be a connection issue . I suppose you are using a powered mic that does not need phantom power since you where using it on the Sony ? Did the same this week when I wanted to try some video - not what I usually do.  Plugged in a Rode Stereo VideoMicv Pro Rycote I just happened to have lying around. Worked really well.  So much better than the built-in microphone in the SL2. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photoworks Posted March 30, 2020 Share #12  Posted March 30, 2020 (edited) Looking at your Lav mic PLOTURE Lavalier-Mikrofon, it looks like the issue is the plug. you are using a TRRS plug, and you should be using TRS. I assume the last contact is occupied by something else like cable release Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Edited March 30, 2020 by Photoworks 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/307947-external-microphone-leica-sl2/?do=findComment&comment=3942660'>More sharing options...
NOERML Posted March 30, 2020 Author Share #13  Posted March 30, 2020 vor 14 Minuten schrieb Photoworks: Looking at your Lav mic PLOTURE Lavalier-Mikrofon, it looks like the issue is the plug. you are using a TRRS plug, and you should be using TRS. I assume the last contact is occupied by something else like cable release Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Thx for that. Where did you find the info about the trs plug? My (german) manual only says "Audio-Out 3,5 mm" Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOERML Posted March 30, 2020 Author Share #14 Â Posted March 30, 2020 The funny part: Just called leica support and they couldn't tell me either, but apparently I'll get an e-mail soon with an answer. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photoworks Posted March 30, 2020 Share #15 Â Posted March 30, 2020 18 minutes ago, NOERML said: The funny part: Just called leica support and they couldn't tell me either, but apparently I'll get an e-mail soon with an answer. I tested both plugs and the TRRS always fails 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOERML Posted March 30, 2020 Author Share #16 Â Posted March 30, 2020 vor 1 Minute schrieb Photoworks: I tested both plugs and the TRRS always fails Thx for that help. just don't understand why they don't provide that simple information in the user manual. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott kirkpatrick Posted March 30, 2020 Share #17  Posted March 30, 2020 (edited) For unbalanced stereo audio gear, the usual pinout is the TRS, even for a mono device like a lav mic. Cables that I have for mixer/preamp/recorder to camera are all TRS. Did your mic come as part of some more complicated control system that would have used the extra ring? Audio capture is a real afterthought on the SL2. There is no entry under "audio" in the manual's index. Under sound there are two entries, one of which sets the loudness of the shutter sound. The other describes touch input to set sound levels. There are nice sound level meters at the top of the info screen when you are in video. For the plug it just says "3.5 mm stereo." Edited March 30, 2020 by scott kirkpatrick Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photoworks Posted March 30, 2020 Share #18 Â Posted March 30, 2020 2 hours ago, NOERML said: Thx for that help. just don't understand why they don't provide that simple information in the user manual. the TRRS became popular for phones like the iPhone , adding the last ring for the remote control on the headphones. you probably got a mic that is multi use, mostly for mobile devices. The standard mic is a TRS Solution is to get a TRRS to TRS adapter. https://www.amazon.com/Rode-SC3-3-5mm-TRRS-Adaptor/dp/B00L6C8PNU Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOERML Posted March 30, 2020 Author Share #19 Â Posted March 30, 2020 vor 2 Stunden schrieb Photoworks: the TRRS became popular for phones like the iPhone , adding the last ring for the remote control on the headphones. you probably got a mic that is multi use, mostly for mobile devices. The standard mic is a TRS Solution is to get a TRRS to TRS adapter. https://www.amazon.com/Rode-SC3-3-5mm-TRRS-Adaptor/dp/B00L6C8PNU Yeah. I ordered that already as soon as you gave me the trs hint. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOERML Posted March 30, 2020 Author Share #20  Posted March 30, 2020 vor 2 Stunden schrieb scott kirkpatrick: For unbalanced stereo audio gear, the usual pinout is the TRS, even for a mono device like a lav mic. Cables that I have for mixer/preamp/recorder to camera are all TRS. Did your mic come as part of some more complicated control system that would have used the extra ring? Audio capture is a real afterthought on the SL2. There is no entry under "audio" in the manual's index. Under sound there are two entries, one of which sets the loudness of the shutter sound. The other describes touch input to set sound levels. There are nice sound level meters at the top of the info screen when you are in video. For the plug it just says "3.5 mm stereo." Well obviously the SL2 wouldn't be my prime choice for video and I'm aware that, as you say, it's merely an aftethought for this camera. Just am playing around with a bit of video cuz of the lockdown. And I willingly admit, I know nothing about it as well. But that's probably why I expected a tiny bit more details. Anyways, guess it's solved now Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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