How To Use The Sony FX3 / FX30 Audio Handle (XLR-H1)

Learn how to use the Sony XLR-H1 XLR Audio Handle. I describe how to set the XLR-H1 audio handle for use with both xlr mics and 3.5mm mics on the FX3 and FX30. Look out for another video coming soon where I'll show how to set up the audio handle to record 4 channel audio.
My FX3 Rig
----------------------------------------------
Sony FX3 - geni.us/Mc4njM
SmallRig half cage - geni.us/No7EPwh
Sony 16-35 GM Lens - geni.us/uTyE0W
SmallRig handle extension - geni.us/uenOVz
Sony mic spacers - geni.us/LChTC6B
SmallRig 6" carbon rods - geni.us/EheyP
SmallRig 4" carbon rods - geni.us/tnQgRS2
SmallRig rod clamp - geni.us/iNBIW
Nitze monitor mount - geni.us/VIGVG9
Atomos Shinobi monitor - geni.us/AllxdBw
Kit used making the video...
----------------------------------------------
Sony FS5
Sony 35mm f/1.8 - geni.us/4q4LaB
Sennheiser MKH416 mic - geni.us/WeoR8
Tiffen Black Promist Filter 1/8 - geni.us/0yLR5
Table of Contents:
----------------------------------------------
00:00 - Intro
00:10 - Left Side Layout
00:18 - Input 1 Controls
01:50 - Input 2 Controls
02:20 - Low Cut Filters
02:52 - Input 3 Controls
03:10 - Handle Audio Switch
03:35 - Input Select Switch
04:49 - Using 1 XLR Mic
06:19 - Auto 2nd Channel
07:15 - Manual 2nd Channel
08:10 - Channel Selection in FCPX
08:42 - Using 2 XLR Mics
10:10 - Using a 3.5mm Mic
11:08 - Look out for Part 2
Links
----------------------------------------------
Supporting Blog Post - www.pauljoy.com/2021/11/how-t...
HashTags
----------------------------------------------
#SonyFX3
#FX3
#FX30

[@cjstevens8984]

Thanks Paul. My FX3 arrived the other day and I’m figuring bits out 👍. This was super helpful, in-depth but also straight to the point.

[@PaulJoy]

Thanks for letting me know, have fun with the new camera.

[@GeraldBertramPhotography]

Great video! One of the best explanations I've seen for the FX3 XLR audio. Just got my FX3 and your videos have been super helpful! Looking forward to more!

[@PaulJoy]

Thanks Gerald.

[@quasiguy]

Hey Paul. I really enjoy your videos. Very thoughtfully constructed and easy to follow. I especially liked your suggestion about how to use the second channel as a safety by choosing either auto gain or a lower level. Brilliant! I would not have thought of that on my own. I also like the tip about linking the channels on a stereo mic to simplify level adjustments. So helpful! Watching your videos is certainly time well spent! Kudos to you!

[@PaulJoy]

Thanks for taking the time to reply to them all, it's very much appreciated. Happy shooting.

[@cynthiahanna]

This was so helpful, straightforward, and very well explained. Thank you so much!!

[@PaulJoy]

You're very welcome, thanks loads for letting me know.

[@RezaAliMN]

This is awesome. I just got my FX30 and this tutorial is very easy to follow and understand. Thanks for the effort.

[@PaulJoy]

Your welcome, enjoy the new camera.

[@LeboMakesFilms]

Thanks Paul. This is very helpful and has helped make my mind up about whether to get the XLR-H1.

[@PaulJoy]

Thanks for letting me know, I hope it works well for you.

[@tutomedia5715]

Great video Paul, clear and concise! Thank you

[@PaulJoy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TAMINO.]

Extremely helpful! Thanks so much for this video, very well made and perfect to understand!

[@PaulJoy]

Thanks, really pleased it helped.

[@AaronMullFilms]

INCREDIBLY HELPFUL THANKS

[@PaulJoy]

Glad it helped Aaron, thanks for letting me know.

[@csmvideoproductions7359]

Excellent breakdown of the many options with this audio handle. This video demonstrates why Sony charges and extra $400 for the audio capability that the FX-3 comes standard with.

[@PaulJoy]

Pleased it helps, thanks for letting me know.

[@PrestonMonoc]

This is super helpful I'm shooting an airshow this weekend and this will really help me save my butt when the jets get loud!

[@PaulJoy]

Hope it went well.

[@mauricemarcus6885]

Awesome, thanks for posting this audio handle, it helps me!

[@PaulJoy]

You’re welcome, glad it helped

[@alanandrews7403]

Awesome video! Exactly what I was looking for, thanks so much!!!

[@PaulJoy]

Glad it helped Alan

[@jimbo4723]

Thank you. Excellent explanation. Incredibly helpful.

[@PaulJoy]

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated.

[@truth7416]

Excellent teaching! Thankyou

[@PaulJoy]

You're very welcome!

[@bolddiamond]

THIS WAS EXCELLENT!!! Thank you for making this video, just subscribed :)

[@PaulJoy]

Glad it helped, thanks for the sub.

[@rainmwhop]

Great video! Very helpful

[@PaulJoy]

Glad it helped, thanks for letting me know.

[@SuperCleary]

This was so useful. Thank you

[@PaulJoy]

Thanks for letting me know.

[@weezypeasy]

Really helpful. Thanks, Paul!

[@PaulJoy]

You’re welcome, pleased to help.

[@hvtv93]

Thanks Paul ! very helpful

[@PaulJoy]

You're welcome, thanks for letting me know :)

[@vegardpedersen]

Thank you, great and easy to follow, exactly what I needed, Thanks a lot for the amazing way of showing in an easy way :-)

[@PaulJoy]

Thanks loads for letting me know.

[@vegardpedersen]

@@PaulJoy yeah it realy saved me from messing up my sound here this week lol

[@LarsWaltherFilm]

Thank you, this was very informative!

[@PaulJoy]

Thanks for letting me know Lars.

[@camnatale-miles2542]

So useful, thank you.

[@PaulJoy]

Really pleased it helped, thanks for letting me know.

[@directorkkang]

Thank you for the good video! It helped me a lot 👍

[@PaulJoy]

Great, glad it helped

[@Kevlexicon]

Helpful and quick. Thanks!

[@PaulJoy]

You’re welcome, thanks for letting me knowz

[@mattliller]

Very helpful! You’re living in the year 3000, as I’ve never seen someone do a Final Cut tutorial using their actual footage…great idea!

[@PaulJoy]

Ha, it seemed like a good idea at the time but it did add a few challenges :)

[@felixhannappel]

Great Video!!

[@AJMac1]

Great Job man, Thanks.

[@PaulJoy]

Glad it helped

[@adventureStaley]

Great info pal.

[@PaulJoy]

Thanks for letting me know. :)

[@MegaShowmaster]

It was very useful! :) thnk you! :)

[@PaulJoy]

You're very welcome, thanks for letting me know.

[@ZamoraChristian]

thank you this was really usefull

[@PaulJoy]

Glad it helped, thanks for letting me know

[@Arsene_Lupin.]

Thank you sir..

[@PaulJoy]

Most welcome

[@edugranadosreguilon2519]

excellent

[@ShervinShares]

my sennheiser mic doesn't fit inside - how do you fill the large gap? isn't it made only for Sony mics?

[@PaulJoy]

You have to use a rubber spacer, check the video description for a link.

[@whatsmineandyours]

Thanks for the video. How about the configuration of Input1 and Input3?

[@PaulJoy]

Try this... kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5WwfX2vds6EfKs

[@sylvestrisstudios]

Nice one mate. Maybe set your AF to lock on and transition speed to 1 or 2. Save it hunting while you're moving.

[@colestudios]

Thanks for a great video, one thing I don’t understand is when you talk about the input selector on the end of the audio handle, what do I set it to to record all of the inputs so I want to record both of the XLR inputs as well as a 3.5 mil stereo input, giving me four channels? What do I set that to then?

[@PaulJoy]

Look in my other videos for one about 4 channel recording, it’s all covered in there.

[@doylelacrua]

Splendidly created video. I was wondering, how to do feel about the mic-in on the camera itself? I feel like it's not very good and will likely only use the handle when I need to worry about audio. It's unfortunate cuz I feel like the handle is also the camera's weakness.

[@PaulJoy]

Hi Doyle. I haven't actually used the in camera input yet so I'll make a point of comparing it the next time I'm doing some recording. I know what you mean about the handle, it does feel a lot better with the SmallRig handle extension on it but it's still not as tough and solid feeling as a metal handle.

[@philvfilms]

Really great info thanks. I’ve just ordered an xlr mic for mine and also use the wireless go 2. What settings work to enable me to have the xlr handle mic audio and the 3.5mm for the wireless go 2 at the same time ?

[@PaulJoy]

Hi Phil. You need to use 4 Channel recording for that, see this video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5WwfX2vds6EfKs

[@tobefilms5365]

Hi Thank you for your informative and useful videos. I’ve learned a lot! There is one thing however that I couldn’t figure out. How can I get the audio channels level displayed as is shown on your video. I’ve switched to 4 channels recording but I can’t display them large on the center of the screen to adjust them properly. I can only view them on the upper left side of my screen. Thank you and keep doing the good that you do

[@PaulJoy]

This video was filmed when the FX3 had an earlier firmware that showed bigger audio meters. Sadly these are not available anymore.

[@tobefilms5365]

@@PaulJoy Sadly indeed! I'm going to write to Sony about it. Awfully difficult to adjust sound levels this way. Thank you.

[@crs.rojas90]

Amazing :) thank you. A question though. What if I want to record audio from xlr mic + input 3 rode wireless go lav?

[@PaulJoy]

You’re welcome. To do that you need to use 4 channel recording… 4 Channel Audio on the Sony FX3 / FX30 - Full Setup Guide kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5WwfX2vds6EfKs

[@colestudios]

What my plan is, I want to record for inputs, I have two Hollyland Lark Max kits and I want to be able to record for separate transmitters at the one time on separate channels for each one

[@PaulJoy]

This might help… 4 Channel Audio on the Sony FX3 / FX30 - Full Setup Guide kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5WwfX2vds6EfKs

[@fabtus]

Hi Paul, thank you for your video. I use the Fx3 with the Rode ntg4. But when I touch the camera and handle it is too loud in the audio. So now I hold the camera like a raw egg. Do you have that problem too? And how did you solve it? I would be very happy about some advice. Greetings Fabian

[@PaulJoy]

Hi Fabian. I’ve not had to do much shooting using the built in mic holder but it’s a fairly common problem with these Sony mounts as they are not the best at isolating the mic from handling noise. I’ve used various mic mount adapters in the past to try and solve that problem however with the FX3 you don’t really have any other mounting points. There’s a device by rode called the NTSM5 that converts the mic holder to a better suspension mount, something like that might help.

[@LilFlash]

Does this work for a7iii as well. I wna hook it up in that with the cage

[@PaulJoy]

Not sure, that might be one to put to Sony.

[@cameragod1]

Great video but when you set the handle to IN3 the 3.5 goes to track 1 and 2 and the XLR's got to track 3 and 4 so you can record to 4 tracks... which I do a lot :)

[@PaulJoy]

Yes that’s true, I have another video on 4 channel audio which covers that.

[@filbilly]

Hi Paul, When using the handle I'm assuming the internal audio level on the FX3 are bypassed so this setting doesn't matter. Thanks!

[@PaulJoy]

Hi John, yes that’s correct, you can’t use the internal audio level when the handle is connected.

[@lindagacsko566]

Hi Paul. I purchased a small wireless mic and transmitter. Its input is a mini pin that I have inserted into the side of the FX3. I'm trying not to use the Audio handle for a specific reason. I keep hearing the mic on the camera as well as the wireless and I can't seem to just select the external mic in the menu. Any suggestions? Fantastic videos! Well done!

[@PaulJoy]

Hi there. If you’re using the 3.5mm mic socket on the FX3 then it should automatically stop using the built in mic so I’m not sure what could be happening there. Which mic are you using?

[@lindagacsko566]

Hi Paul. I'm using a wireless Comico mic (lav). I found that if I turn down the sensitivity on the Camera mic in settings, it works much better. I was getting both the wireless lav and the on-camera mic. Thank you so much for your reply. Your videos are really well done and very informative. @@PaulJoy​

[@MANGO-FILM]

Hi Paul, I am confused with the display of the audio level. With my FX3 it is shown only with the inbuild mic. If I use another mic or use the handle and more different mics it is shown only very small in the left corner, hardly to be seen. I have got the firmware 3.0 .....Do I miss anything? Thanks Bernd

[@PaulJoy]

Hi there. Since firmware 2.0 the audio meters have been small on top left corner so that’s normal.

[@grovermcdiarmid8109]

Is that seamless ability to switch audio tracks in FCPX also a thing that you can do in Premiere Pro (select the specific audio track)

[@PaulJoy]

I don’t use Pr but yes you will be able to choose the audio tracks to play and adjust them individually.

[@flooxstudio91]

Great video ! Can I do 1 Xlr mic + 1 mic in jack? Thx

[@PaulJoy]

Yes but you have to use four channel audio for that. 4 Channel Audio on the Sony FX3 - Full Setup Guide kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5WwfX2vds6EfKs

[@flooxstudio91]

@@PaulJoy great! Thanks for the link ^^

[@tigerwittman]

When you use one xlr mic and you set the 2nd channel to auto how do you view both channels when you are in your video editing software?

[@PaulJoy]

It depends on the software you use but for me in Final Cut Pro you can see the channels in the audio inspector. If the software is showing it as one stereo track you should be able to change it to dual mono.

[@Superjeanmarc]

I'd love to see how to use a pair of DJI Mic with the handle. In order to be able to set the levels individually for each mics, it better to connect the receiver to the XLR input using an adapter ? Or will the problem be the same?

[@PaulJoy]

That's how I would do it, just use two 3.5mm to XLR adapters and use the handle. I've not tried the DJI Mic so can't offer any advice to the noise levels etc.

[@Superjeanmarc]

@@PaulJoy Thanks for the reply! I tried using only one adapter, but then there is no way to split the signal... When connecting to the mini-jack input of the handle, it does a great job to split both signal on channel 3 and 4, but without the option to set the gain indivualy on the XML module of the FX3 (Although I guess i can use the touchscreen from the DJI receiver).. To split the signal into both XLR input, do you use a special cable?

[@Superjeanmarc]

@@PaulJoy To clarify my previous comment, if you want to use the DJI Mic (or Rode Go II, same concept) and connect the receiver to the XLR input, instead of Input 3 (3.5mm), could you use a Stereo female to dual mono male cable? The 3.5mm jack coming out of the dual receiver would be splitter into two separate male jacks that you could plug into XLR adapters. Would that allow to get to separate signals on channel 1 and 2, with the benefit of having a full control over gain, Att and low cut via the butons on the XLR module of the FX3?

[@PaulJoy]

@@Superjeanmarc I see, so if I understand correctly, the DJI Mic is a dual transmitter to single receiver that splits the two signals in to the left and right channels of the 3.5mm output? If so then yes you should be able to use a cable like this to send the signal to the two XLR inputs and set the levels independently... amzn.to/3Dq99v0

[@ekphotography]

Awesome, helped a lot. Newbie Audio guy here with the FX3... Thank you!. I imagine there is no way to use an XLR Rode NTG4+ and a Lavalier with 3.5 mm at the same time or am I wrong. Since input options are Input 3 or 1+ 2 or just 1? Correct?

[@PaulJoy]

That’s great, have fun with the FX3 and feel free to leave more comments if you have any questions.

[@PaulJoy]

Yes you can, you’ll need to enable 4ch audio and then you can use both. Here’s a video I made showing how to do it../ 4 Channel Audio on the Sony FX3 - Full Setup Guide kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5WwfX2vds6EfKs

[@ekphotography]

@@PaulJoy Thank you, saw that right after I commented..LOl. Thank you, subscribed.

[@PaulJoy]

@@ekphotography No worries, welcome to the channel :)

[@ekphotography]

@@PaulJoy DO you know if there is a way to have the handle record when attached and also the 3.5 on the camera at the same time? I was using a B1M the other day and tried attaching a 3.5 Lavalier into the camera body, but it would only pick up the audio from the B1M for some odd reason. Thanks

[@Nice-music585]

I want to plug in the Wireless go ii and still use the on-camera shotgun. Is there a way to use Input 3 and 1 together? Thanks!

[@PaulJoy]

Yes, you just need to switch to 4 Channel Audio… kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5WwfX2vds6EfKs

[@Nice-music585]

@@PaulJoy , I actually went searching on your channel and found it. The shoot went perfectly! Thank you!

[@adischenker1851]

is there any way to use the Handle inputs but still control Levels in Camera?

[@PaulJoy]

No, if the handle inputs are switched on then they can only be controlled with the handle itself.

[@vladislav8416]

Hello! Can I record sound directly to the built-in microphone FX3 and ECM-B1M hotshoe mic?

[@PaulJoy]

No, unfortunately if you connect something to the MI-Shoe it disables the built in in mic.

[@vladislav8416]

@@PaulJoy Thank You!

[@marketing-bmbeauty3314]

Hi, Paul. Is there a way I can record all 3 chanels at the same time?

[@PaulJoy]

Yes, look for my video called 4 channel recording.

[@kingmuhu]

how is it my dials does make my sound pan left or right and not as as a DB gain?

[@PaulJoy]

You likely have the audio settings in the camera set to send one channel left and one channel right. All you need to do is change it back so that both channels are going to both left and right.

[@daltonbrowne7980]

Have you recorded anything into input 3? I cannot get any levels with the XLR unit on, but if I plug into the 3.5mm on the body it records after I switch handle audio off. I also have the input selected to input 3 so I know that is not the issue.

[@PaulJoy]

Yes, check out my video on 4 channel audio where I show that being done. You should still be able to record input 3 in 2 channel recording though. If you have selected IN3 and the handle is switched on then Input 3 should be recording to channels 1 & 2. The only thing I can think of is that you might have something connected to the mic input on the side of the camera, if you do that it will disable the handle.

[@daltonbrowne7980]

@@PaulJoy thanks for the reply! I do not have anything in the side 3.5 jack, I think it's just an issue with my model. I also have random issues with my focus point not being adjustable so I've reached out to sony support. Thanks again!

[@Tim-Miller-]

Is there a way to monitor audio via headphones?

[@PaulJoy]

Yes there’s a headphone 3.5mm output on the camera

[@Vitaphone]

Ive been wondering if this handle can be used with any legacy sony cameras? still on an a7sii and seen these occasionally on the 2nd hand market.

[@PaulJoy]

I'm not sure as I no longer have my a7sII to test it but I'd suspect not as the FX3 handle doesn't have the digital/analogue switch that the XLR K3M adapter has and according to Sonys website that needs to be switched to analogue to work with the a7sII. The a7sII also doesn't have the threaded fitting points so you couldn't lift the camera by the handle anyway.

[@Vitaphone]

@@PaulJoy I had suspected the threading issue could be circumvented by mounting the handle to a cage and then just using a Mi shoe port extension cable… however the no digital analog switch seems like it may be a deal breaker.

[@PaulJoy]

@@Vitaphone I'm not sure if the default with the FX3 handle is digital or analogue so it's hard to say without trying it. It would be interesting to know though so if you find any more info please post an update.

[@Vitaphone]

@@PaulJoy my guess would be digital, as all of the modern cameras that are fully compatible with the K3M supported both digital and analog, whereas the legacy camera only supported analog.

[@LivingLife972]

i'm a bit confused. i didn't see it, but is that handle somehow hooked on to the FX3? how is the electronics? is there a cable connecting them?

[@PaulJoy]

The handle uses the electronic connectors in the hot shoe mount (MI Shoe) and yes it’s locked to the camera using bolts that are part of the handle assembly

[@LivingLife972]

@@PaulJoy thanks!!

[@siskoDE]

is the fx30 xlr handle the exact same to the fx3 handle?

[@PaulJoy]

Yes it’s the same handle.

[@GentryTradingCo]

Question, is the XLR-H1 1’d XLR-K3M the same?

[@PaulJoy]

If you mean do they offer the same functionality then yes I believe they do, however the H1 has the built in handle and connection points for the FX3 and FX30 whereas the K3M connects direct to the MI Shoe without a handle and also offers the ability to be placed remotely with the use of an extension cable. I must stress though that I haven’t tried the K3M myself so this is only based upon information I’ve read elsewhere.

[@TW-iu9zy]

… the only main difference is the missing digital/analog switch.

[@seancloutier2577]

I believe I found a difference between the FX30 and the FX3. On the FX30 the channel display on the screen is super tiny on the top left. I notice that on the FX30 the 4 channels are larger and clearly displayed. Not sure why Sony made them so small on the FX30 can barely see them.

[@PaulJoy]

I think it’s the same on the FX3 after update to version 2 firmware. They did it to keep the info away from the image area.

[@user-et8nr8kn6j]

Is the XLR-H1 just a XLR-K3M with the handle?

[@PaulJoy]

Kind of, it’s the handle that comes with the FX3 and FX30. It’s the same functionality as the K3M I believe but in a handle format.

[@user-et8nr8kn6j]

@@PaulJoy Thank you!

[@sam78882]

My dear friend I tried every possibility with my Sony FX30 and Sony microphone ECM-MS2 and nothing wORKS WHATAM I DOING WRONG ! My red cable is to the right and the white to the left . Will arriviste if you can help . Connecting ninjas v+ to my camera

[@PaulJoy]

Have you enabled Phantom Power?

[@sam78882]

@@PaulJoy where do I do that on my Ninja V Plus or the camera

[@Visethelegend]

Why can’t I combine xlr and input 3? Makes it very annoying since I have to use another camera to sync audio

[@PaulJoy]

You can, you just have to use 4 channel recording… 4 Channel Audio on the Sony FX3 / FX30 - Full Setup Guide kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5WwfX2vds6EfKs

[@Visethelegend]

@@PaulJoy thanks for the headsup!

[@TheLordcasio]

RE: Low Cut Filter. One thing to keep in mind, is that low frequencies can build up and over-modulate (fancy way of saying "distort") your input signal. The low frequencies added energy eats up headroom and is useless for most mic situations (a board feed from a musical performance would be the exception). The human voice does not operate below 100Hrz, You are sacrificing audio headroom by not attenuation the low frequencies. "Bass is a bitch". On another note, in multi-cam situations, the 1/8" input on this MI shoe adapter is perfect for "time code-as-audio"....a Tentacle Sync would be ideal for this style body. ::casio//16-year vet of multi-cam reality sound

[@PaulJoy]

Great info, thanks for posting.

[@elena_berlant]

Can I connect my condenser mic to pc with this audio handle?

[@PaulJoy]

Hi Elena. I think I'd need a bit more info. How does your mic connect to the handle ie, xlr / 3.5mm? And what are you hoping to do with the pc? You could certainly send audio out via the headphone jack if you have the ability to connect it to your pc.

[@elena_berlant]

@@PaulJoy Thank you so much, my mic is sennheiser mkh 416, xlr. I want to use this mic for voiceover on my pc too, add I hope that there is no need to buy any more adapters :)

[@PaulJoy]

@@elena_berlant As far as I know the camera doesn't do that. Thats a nice mic, it deserves a decent interface :)

[@elena_berlant]

@@PaulJoy Thank you :)

[@CinematographyLischkaChannel2]

its time to lean about all those wheels and buttons

[@PaulJoy]

Have fun.

[@RelaxingWalks]

If it was 32 bit, wouldn't have to worry about peaking.

[@PaulJoy]

Yes I read something about that. It seems like it should be taken up ASAP.