XLR Connection
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If you're using a portable recorder or a professional video camera, more than likely you'll encounter an XLR connection. This is the most common connection used for microphones. It's easy to identify by the three-hole pattern on the input made to receive the three-prong plug from the microphone cable. From there, it's just as simple as plugging it in.
XLR Plug Connection
(Male End)
Topic 4 - Input Settings
Learning about connections
Let's learn how to prepare your equipment for recording. First, you'll want to check what type of connections your recording device has.
XLR Input Connection
(Female End)
1/8" Input Connection
(Female End, Plugged In)
1/8" Plug Connection
(Male End)
1/8" Connection
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The other type of connection you might encounter is the 1/8" plug. This connection is more familiar than you might realize, though not in a microphone context. The 1/8" plug is the same connector that is on a standard pair of headphones, or your auxiliary cable that plugs into your car stereo. Some microphones, especially those designed for DSLR cameras like this Rode Shotgun mic, use this type of connection. You can identify it by the small, double ring plug about the size of your finger tip. Again, this just simply plugs in, but in this case to the small holes found on DSLRs and consumer level video cameras and audio recorders. They're generally under a rubber protecting flap label "Mic."
Phantom Power and Mic/Line​
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The next steps to prepare your equipment for recording involve setting the device. First to consider, if your microphone requires external power, like phantom power mentioned in the last topic, you need to activate it. This could be done through a menu or directly through a switch on the device itself. It may be labeled as +48v, which refers to the voltage amount sent to the microphone. Some microphones will not require phantom power, like this small DSLR shotgun microphone, as it runs off battery power. The next step isn’t on all devices, but is an important one to look for. Some cameras, like this professional video camera, have a mic/line input. Make sure this is switched to mic for a microphone or line for a direct line input from another audio source, like a sound board in an auditorium. More than likely, when you’re capturing interviews you won’t need to worry about a line input.
Phantom Power Switch
Phantom Power Menu
Learning about input settings
Mic/Line Switch
Setting Initial Audio Levels
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The final step is to set the initial audio levels. Engage your subject in a casual conversation and watch the meters bounce up and down. At 0 decibels, the audio will distort, and have an overloaded, static like sound, which is something you don’t want. You want the voice levels to jump between -12 and -6 db. It’s sometimes a good idea to initially set your subject’s levels slightly lower, because as they become more comfortable throughout the interview, their voice may tend to increase in volume. Turn the input level until you are within that range. Now you’re ready to monitor and record your interview!
Level Meters Reading