FZ2500 Audio adapter
 

Hello al!
I am teaching a high school news class. The students will be using FZ2500 cameras to gather the breaking news around campus! (Exciting??? not so much!)
I also have a number of old reliable Shure SM58 handheld mics. These are XLR mics, of course. I'm looking for the best, yet most inexpensive, way to connect the mic to the 3.5mm stereo input on the camera for on camera sound, interviews, etc.
Any ideas for me?
Thanks!

Re: FZ2500 Audio adapter
 

Er,
1 x Male XLR
1 x Male 3.5mm Jack 3 circuit plug
1x balanced or unbalanced coax cable that will fit in the 3.5mm plug

Wired XLR pins 1 + 3 to 3.5mm jack sleeve and XLR pin 2 to 3.5mm jack tip.

Re: FZ2500 Audio adapter
 

Hmmm...thanks!
Soldering is not my strong suit by a long shot. Also, high school kids will be using (abusing) this gear so I'd like something that "should" stand up to repeated use.
I treat my personal gear well but can't count on these kids having the same ethics when it comes to taking care of gear. I know, different issue entirely!

So, you're suggesting that I try a simple XLR-3.5 adapter? That "should" work for this application? I guess I'll check Amazon then. If it doesn't work, I'll send it back!

Re: FZ2500 Audio adapter
 

i would suggest a digital recorder that plugs directly into the XLR and provides phantom power to the mic. something like the Saramonic SR-VRM1...

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...2855/KBID/3801

i cant vouch for the quality of that particular item, just showing it as an example of what i mean. i've never used one of these myself but i feel pretty confident that the sound will be better than using the on-camera mic (which is what you're aiming for i presume).

the price is right and no matter what brand you choose, these things may not be the best sound quality, but it's convenient since it has no cables.

you'd have to sync the audio to the video after the fact, but that's not hard to do -- even if done manually (by ear).

Re: FZ2500 Audio adapter
 

SM58 does not use phantom power, BTW. I have used a similar cable to the one described previously on my FZ1000 with an XLR mike similar to the SM58 successfully. While there are xlr to mini plug adapters available, they will put a lot of strain and leverage on your mike terminal; a cable with a small plug would be a lot safer, I think. I purchased several of these cables (some time ago, but they are still there) from this company: https://www.soundprofessionals.com/c...P-XLRF3-MINI-1
and have been very satisfied with them. Cables of many types made to order as to length, type of plug, etc. You would want an xlr to mono device with a stereo miniplug (careful, I once bought one set up as stereo to a stereo plug and the two signals cancelled out!)

This said, the dynamic mikes like the SM85 have a relatively low signal output. You will probably have better results with a condenser mike using an internal battery, such as the Audio-Technica ATM33a (Cardioid) or ATM10a (omni) mikes, which, while designed for phantom power, run happily on an internal AA battery and in my experience have an excellent signal level for the Lumix. Or, for that matter, take a look at Sony's ECM-AW4 bluetooth wireless mikes, which work very well at a very reasonable price (much to my surprise; I picked up a set for my Tascam just for fun and was well pleased with how they work.)

Re: FZ2500 Audio adapter
 

Thanks, all for your input! I was also asked for a way that the students could record into their phones/mobile devices from the same mics and others for another class's podcasting activities.
Of course! Nothing should be simple!
I looked around and ordered a Saramonic SmartRig+. (https://www.saramonicusa.com/collect...rs-smartphones) It has a phantom power option, two XLR inputs and the 3.5mm output. It can also connect to mobile devices! I ordered one and tested it out. They work fantastically with the SM58 mics and the +48V phantom power handled my personal Sennheiser shotgun well. There was a bit of noise, but nothing really objectionable. It also worked with the iPhones and iPads in the podcasting class, so win-win! I ordered enough for my cameras and two for the podcasting class. That way I have a backup if needed! (Notice how I made my video class priority over the podcasting!)