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How can I get an external microphone to work with Panasonic PV-GS180 Camcorder?

• I bought this camera specifically because it has an external mic jack, which is a hard thing to find with consumer camcorders these days. I know the mic needs power, so I bought a mic pre-amp that also supplies phantom power. With all my settings at max levels, I can get a WEAK, super quiet audio recording using the mic jack. With my TV turned all the way up, I can just sort of hear the audio that was recorded. I have searched online for hours, and even talked to a guy from Panasonic, and I have found almost no information at ALL. I really need to use an external mic with this camera and I am desperate to find a solution.

• Answer:

  The Panasonic PV-G180 has a 3.5mm mini-stereo audio input, so it should be able to accept mini-stereo microphones without a problem. And as far as I know, there are no mini-stereo mics that require phantom power, so you shouldn't need that pre-amp thing. The only problem I could see would be if you were using pro quality XLR mics on the consumer quality 3.5mm jack. If that's the case, and if you're using an XLR female to mini-male adapter, then you cannot use XLR mics that are phantom powered. Some XLR mics are battery powered, so it's not a problem, but if you were to use a phantom powered mic, you'll need a better adapter, like the Beachtek XLR adapter that goes for about $180....they are phantom powered. Hope that helps! Good luck :)