Sony A6500 external microphone wont work

[BWG1970]

Hi, I just got my Sony A6500, When I record video the internal microphone works good. When I plug an external mic to the jack, I get no sound. I have tried two different microphones. What am I missing?

[LiveShots]

Check the audio level, it may be too low.

[BWG1970]

LiveShots -  I tried that also. I have been searching around internet. Seems to be a Sony mic jack problem. I should have checked this as soon as I got my camera.

[Chrissie]

38 minutes ago, BWG1970 said:

Seems to be a Sony mic jack problem.

I would call this a premature conclusion.

There's a whole variety of different microphone types for different uses around. Unfortunately neither did you specify which microphone(s) you have tried, nor could I find any specification in the technical data ("audio" section) of your camera which type of microphone your camera requires.

Note however, that Sony does offer several microphone adapters to connect external microphones to your camera, which are "sold seperately".:

Quote

Built-in stereo microphone or XLR-K2M/XLR-K1M/ECM-XYST1M(sold separately)

Just because a plug is mechanically compatible, i.e. 3.5mm minijack, doesn't guarantee that plug and socket are electronically compatible as well. For instance, 3.5mm jacks come in varieties of 2, 3, 4 or even 5 contact surfaces.  See this for more details.

51 minutes ago, BWG1970 said:

I should have checked this as soon as I got my camera. 

How true. Maybe you can still go back to your dealer and ask for advice.

[tinplater]

I rarely shoot video but did encounter some problems with recording.  In terms of original post, make certain your microphone plug has TWO stripes, not three (I use the little Sony hot shoe microphone and a Rode).  I couldn't see the audio display while shooting...discovered I had precluded it with my lcd disply options.  You have to be in movie mode to adjust audio.  I suspect the best solution may be to take your microphones and camera into a shop and let them try and sort out whether it is a camera, microphone, or user problem.  In my experience it is usually the latter!

[Uber Mick]

Ok, I to am having issue with external mic. I'm running the Rode video mic, with compatible stereo plug, that is the 3.5mm plug with 3 different contact points. I know this mic is compatible, as I've seen youtube audio test vids using this exact same combo. I tried clicking my fingers around it, nothing. Talking normally, nothing. Then cupped my hand over the mic and spoke loudly, it came through, albeit with distortion and audio static. I found a setting for audio play back, turned that up, but I dont think thats the issue, as audio playback level is not an issue using the inbuilt cam mic. There must be a setting for recording audio levels using an external source? I cant find it tho, am I blind? r could it be a jack issue? Ahh yes, I also know the Rode mic and cable wrk fine, as I als use them with my GoPro's (using the GoPro external mic adapter box).

[tinplater]

In Movie Mode?

Camera Tab2 page 2/9 Movie2     Audio Recording On?

Camera Tab 2 page 2/9   Audio Rec Level  selected?

Microphone, of course, may have an on/off switch and most importantly a gain level selector that adjusts the volume of the microphone as well.

Edited June 3, 2019 by tinplater
addition

[BWG1970]

Hey all! It definitely was the microphone jack plug! There are some with 2 stripes or three.  

[duncanbur1111]

Hey @BWG1970 - did you fix this issue by using an adapter with two stripes, not three? Thanks! 

[BWG1970]

Yes

[syakilazop]

I was having a problem with "Wind" noise ruining my videos. After doing some research, I bought I the Rode VideoMicro to try to improve my outdoor videos in the wind. It does help significantly, but it has created another problem and I don't know what to call it or what is causing it.

When the microphone is attached to the a6500, when I first start recording, the volume is like super loud. Even in a totally quiet room with no noise, the audio captured is really loud with white noise. 

[tinplater]

Do you have the gain turned up on the microphone?

[syakilazop]

yea i've did it, roblox tutorials get-mobdrovip.com

[TheJungleExplorer]

Check your audio cable.  A lot of modern microphones you may purchase come with a TRRS cable.  This cable will go into the Sony camera just fine, but you will get no audio. TRRS cables are not compatible with Sony cameras. You must use a TRS audio cable. 

Here is a photo.  TRRS connectors have three black bands. TRS have two black bands. 

[DenverSteve]

With this being a 4+ year-old question, I’m sure it’s been resolved. 

[FunWithCameras]

15 hours ago, DenverSteve said:

With this being a 4+ year-old question, I’m sure it’s been resolved. 

But the follow-on question from syakilazop is only 4 months old.