How to connect a wireless microphone to a camcorder

Step 1: Turn the wireless mic on

• The Rode is digital, so the signal is very good.
• Hold the button a few seconds to turn it off; press it again to turn it back on.
• Turn on both the transmitter and the receiver.

Step 2: Read the receiver screen: signal, meter, battery

• The screen shows the signal between the two units.
• The level meter moves as the mic picks up your voice.
• You can check the battery of both the receiver and the transmitter there.

Step 3: Plug headphones into the camcorder to monitor

• Find the camcorder's headphone output.
• Plug in headphones, e.g. an iPhone headset.
• The camera operator can check the audio while you talk 6–10 feet away.

Step 4: Plug the receiver into the red MIC jack

• Connect the receiver to the red port marked MIC.
• On Sony camcorders it usually looks like this. Computers use the same colors: green for headphones, red for mic.
• Plug it in and you are ready to go.

Step 5: Wear the transmitter, or add an external lavalier

• Clip the transmitter on your chest.
• This model also accepts an external mic. Plug a lavalier in and keep the transmitter in your pocket.
• That hides the transmitter's lights, which can be distracting on camera.

Step 6: Avoid interference: keep one device on battery

• Rode said the mic is made to be used on its battery. DJI reported the same issue.
• With a Sony AX100, the camera and the mic on external power together gave interference. The AX53 barely showed it.
• Power the mic or the camera from the wall, not both.

Caution: Charging the mic while you use it, with the camera also plugged in, can cause interference.

Step 7: Know the battery limitation

• No screws are visible on either kit; they look glued.
• When the battery dies you may have to throw it away and buy a new one.
• Even if you open it, a replacement battery may not be available to buy.

Step 8: Alternative: a DJI kit that also connects to phones

• The DJI has a better look and feel than the Rode.
• Its advantage: it plugs into a phone, using the Lightning adapter for iPhone and USB-C for Android.
• For the phone setup, see how to connect a wireless microphone to an iPhone or Android.