This post is a work in progress…
Getting good audio with the Sony FX6
Having the two XLR inputs on the handle, which can do phantom power makes rigging the FX6 for good audio easy. I have focused on some of the audio solutions I have worked with. I like Azdens mid-range line of shotguns and also some of the Sony solutions.
Azden shotgun microphones
Personally, I’m a big fan of Azden mics. Especially the SGM-250 line. The price seems right for my budget and they offer the mics in different versions.
The SGM-250CX is a short-length, condenser shotgun microphone that is ideal for mounting on compact digital cinema cameras, as well as DSLR and mirrorless cameras equipped with XLR adapters. Measuring at a mere 6 inches in length, the SGM-250CX can easily stay out of the way. Integrated in the microphone’s design is a hardwired, 13-inch XLR cable for convenient connection to camera microphone inputs. The microphone’s highly sensitive, condenser element is powered by standard 48 V phantom power, which most XLR microphone inputs can provide.
🛒 Amazon
If you want a step up from the SGM-250CX the regular SGM-250 is a good choice. It will also save your FX6 battery a little power since it can be powered by an internal AA battery.
The Azden SGM-250 is a Supercardioid polar pattern shotgun microphone that can be powered via one AA battery or phantom power for use with DSLR/mirrorless cameras (with an XLR to 3.5mm adapter cable) and professional cameras or recorders (with an XLR cable). Specifically tuned to preserve the natural qualities of a speaking subject, the mic provides video creators with a cost-effective solution for mobile journalism, run & gun, and documentary applications.
🛒 Amazon
Sony solutions
The Sony XLR-K3M is a dual-channel digital XLR audio adapter that allows you to connect microphones and other audio sources to cameras equipped with a Multi Interface Shoe. Released alongside the a7R IV, which benefits from its built-in digital audio interface, the adapter is able to produce its best quality by delivering a digital audio stream directly to the camera through the Multi Interface Shoe. Other Sony cameras with the standard MI Shoe can still make use of the microphone as there is a selectable digital/analog output.
The XLR-K3M features two XLR-1/4″ combo mic/line inputs with 48V phantom power, and a 3.5mm stereo input with plug-in power, all with individual level controls. Intuitive controls make the adapter easy to use right out of the box. An ECM-XM1 shotgun is included in the kit. Personally, I am not a fan of having the K3M on top of the camera. It seems fragile and adds bulk to the camera, especially in a run-n-gun situation. But if you need additional inputs it can be a good solution.
🛒 cvp.com
The Sony XLR-K1M will work with the FX6, however, it will only give you analog audio. Good to know especially if you have one around from an earlier FS7 or alpha 7 setups.
The kit features an ECM-XM1 shotgun microphone and an XLR-A1M adapter, allowing connection of your camera to professional-level microphones, mixing consoles, and sound studios. The adapter features two XLR channels with separate controls, providing recording level adjustment, attenuation, and wind noise reduction. Mic/Line input switching for each channel is also provided to simplify post-shooting editing.
🛒 Amazon
The Sony UWP D21 kit will work with the FX6, either via XLR or via the optional SMAD 5 adapter for the MI-shoe, which will feed the audio in digital. You can also use the Sony UWP-P03D dual receiver with either XLR or Smad-P3D adapter for the MI-shoe. The P03D is analog though, but the only solution for dual audio. The P03D is the solution that I have and it works great. Rumors say that Sony is working on a digital dual receiver… fingers crossed!
🛒 cvp.com (UWP-D21 – kit on the left) 🛒 cvp.com (UWP-P03D – dual receiver on the right)
External recorder?
If you really want to go all-in with location sound then Sound Devices Mixpre II offers an affordable price and some great features, including an Internal LTC timecode generator, awesome ultra-low-noise Kashmir microphone preamps, and several powering options. You can feed audio out to Your FX6 or record with the internal microphone to have something to sync within post.
Work in progress…
I will keep adding to this blogpost as I go along with the Sony FX6. So come back once in a while. If you have any tips you think I should include, please use the contact form below. Thanks in advance.
