Actually switching to digital is better if your camera has the firmware to directly communicate with the k3m. according to sony, digital gives you cleaner audio and with the new a7sIII you can record 24 bit audio with the digital switch whereas analog only does 16 bit when recorded into the camera.
Id love to hear more from chat if Digital option is really worth it? The Digital versions go for more in the used market but the older models are really appealing. I dont get why digital would be all that great other than the 24bit which is obviously main selling point.
Thanks for your review Tomas. One thing is missing in it, in my opinion: the unit is very tall. Look at what Panasonic did with their Panasonic DMW-XLR1: way nearer to the hotshoe. I don't understand why Sony built this unit with a little tower beneath it. This makes run and gun work much less convenient. How can we tell Sony to make a successor to the K3M more compact?
Simple - they have allowed for room to adjust the controls, buttons on the camera body. It if were lower, there would too cramped a space. With my big hands on my A7iii, I need all the room I can get.
I recently bought both a K3m and a Sound Devices MixPre 3. The sound quality difference between the Mixpre and K3m is nothing short of enormous. Granted I'm using the K3m with the switch set to Analog, because I'm still on the original Sony A7s, but I'm really shocked by how - EXTREMELY - noisy this unit is. I expect the K3m to do much better with cameras that accept the digital input. Especially the Sony A7SIII with it's 24bit audio capability but maybe the noise floor is also kind of noticeable. Recording 48V mics through my zoom H4n has definitely much better sound than the K3m 48v inputs, run through the A7s hotshoe.
You're definitely going to get a much more rich sound and quieter noise floor from a dedicated audio recorder like that from Zoom or Sound Devices. The K3M wins me over in the convenience area and helps me with quicker delivery. If I had time and energy I'd pick a dedicated recorder 10 out of 10 times, but I don't so I run this and it gets the job done with my MKH 416 and A7III.
@Thomas Villegas & @Whaever I absolutely agree with your comment and had to send the XLR-K3M back - because of the high noisefloor. :-( Using the K3M with my mid-side microphone Sennheiser MKH 418S was disastrous... 😞
Tomas, your comment @ 10:30 regarding single source/multi channel recording is incorrect as the K3M does allow one microphone input to be recorded onto CH's 1 & 2 simultaneously. No firmware or hardware upgrade is required as the wizards at Sony already offer the feature. However they kept it a secret only for those who take the time to read the manual. Per the manual the setting can be engaged by setting the following mode. "Set the audio input switch to “IN1.” The input audio from the INPUT1 jack is recorded to both the CH1 and CH2 channels on the attached camera" FYI this is a common feature found on other Sony cameras. Word of advice to all please read the manual first before using any piece of video or audio gear. Many of your technical workflow issues can be resolved or prevented simply by gaining the knowledge found in the manual not on TH-cam University.
I guess I should've been more clear. I know that it records onto a stereo track different levels if you set it up this way. The request I was making is in regards to having the camera with the K3M record separate channels, not just left/right. I get you're trying to make a point that I didn't read the manual, which I always reference if I have questions. Ultimately I'd ask that you try and be a little more civil, I appreciate and respect your insight. There's no need to come and have a demeaning tone in your comment though.
The mic holder not fitting other microphones than the one that came with it can easily be fixed. I just glued two pieces of foam between the holder shells and the rubber pads and now it snugly grips both the Sony mic and my thinner Schoeps.
Thanks for the vid - I believe you can simulate a safety channel by using an xlr splitter cable having the mic output go into input 1 and 2, and set the gain on input 2 lower than the gain on input 1.
I was wondering where you had been dude. Glad you are safe and creating content. I was interested in this device till I saw your review. Naw I am kidding I am more interested in it, thank you.
Can I plug a 3.5mm mic and stereo and get audio recorded same time from both? So I could make my video wearing a lapel and also xlr shot gun pointing at me?
I was going to ask this too. The mic input on the side of the body. Can we plug another mic into that and record simultaneously to the XLR K3M input Tomas? Or do you have to choose an audio input source on the camera menu? Cheers.
This looks like a must have for Sony shooters. Anyway to have audio and video in one file is a great time saver. Hey just wondering what kind of hit the camera battery takes when connected using phantom power? I may have missed you mentioning it, if so my bad
Tomas Villegas sane, If cannon made one I would jump at it. I keep thinking about going back to Sony so this video ain’t helping my wallet situation lol. Great work my man
Thank you very much for the video, I bought the same Sony XLR K3M system and watched your video, can you use 3 microphones at the same time? System has 3 inputs in1 in2 in3, but if you can select only IN3 or (IN1+ IN2) or only IN1, there is no possibility that all 3 select IN1 + IN2 + In3 together. I would be very grateful for your reply. Kind regards Farnoud
how tall is the XLR module from the hotshoe to the flat top of the device (not the shotgun holder)...I'm trying to figure out if a particular cage with a handle will work above it. If you can provide the measurements that would be great
Hey! Please see my comment. When I have analogue on, I just don’t see any movement of levels - I’ve tried it with another sennheiser xlr mic, and again, nothing. What could I be doing wrong? I have an A7Sii and have just bought both in the last week. The levels are all pumped up to 10/10 on the inputs.
Great detailed video as there are not many about. Thank you. Could you shed some more light about correct db settings? 0db 10db or 20db whilst setting the camera to around 5db? I have been setting to 20db on the k3m and I have been relatively happy but when I compare it to my external sound recording I find that the external sound has a much better tone, more bass in my voice etc. Am I missing something?
This thing is epic..I do have one question.. my battery life on my A7 RII isn’t all that great. How much more drain is this on the battery life of the camera? Great video homie!
With one mic that doesn't need phantom power you're probably sixes. Turning on phantom power would probably tax the RII about 10 percent faster. That's just my guess though. Time to get the A7III!
@@TomasVillegas ugghh.... I'm still holding out for the magical unicorn... the A7 S (Whatever number they use) LOL.... Actually my next upgrade might have to be a new iMac... This 2015 is getting a little long in the tooth..
Can the silly shock mount be easily removed? It can be on the previous model. Also, do you happen to know if the TRS connectors can be swapped out for 3-pin XLRs? Cheers!
Hey! Sorry for the rookie question: I’m not sure if I understand the whole functionality of the K3M… Is it main that is it an adapter to use XLR/phantom power mics with your Sony camera… Or does it also provide superior preamps and sound procesing?
Hi Tomas! Could you tell me what the part number is for that Sony hotshoe extension cable please? Very handy for rigging. Thinking it may be very handy for use with the Digital shot gun mic Sony also released too, not just this XLR K3M unit. Thank you.
Biggest advantage to digital audio is that it will always sound the same, using analog it can sound different on different cameras but digital will always sound the same no matter what camera you connect it to
I'm using the K3M with Sony Alpha 1. Issue I have is that it apparently will not display the audio levels even though they are switched on. Menu states it cannot display with this accessory. Am I missing something here? Apart from audio levels :)
Can't find an answer anywhere to this: if I'm using an A7iii, am I right to think that the K2M offers essentially the same features as the K3M? I understand the K3M comes with a slightly upgraded shotgun mic, but if I can pick up a K2M and a rode shotgun for the same price as the K3M, is that a better option for earlier Alpha models not compatible with digital audio recording?
Can I please ask you an audio question ? I am a newbie in general. I have a Sony A7Siii and enjoy recording video of streams, rivers and other nature scenes and want to increase the quality of the sound on my videos. Can I use two microphones with the K3M to create better quality stereo sound ? or should I use an H6 to add stereo sound to my nature videos ?
The best quality will come from the H6 in my opinion. If you're looking for good sound quality and convenience, I'd go with the K3M though. I love and use this thing all the time.
@@TomasVillegas Thanks. Can you think of the best mic I could use with the K3M that could be used to record sounds from rivers, streams and other nature sounds ? ( I guess I dont really understand the use of the K3M except as an adapter because it does not have preamps. Why is the K3M better than a Zoom F6? )
Well he uses (as do I), the Sennheiser MKH-416. Now pair this setup with the a7S3 that was just announced, allows this K3M to be a 4 channel digital stream right into the video file. ONLY problem right now with that new capability is that there are currently no NLE's that support that type of video file. I'm sure that will change. But it is still powerful to be able to have 2 XLR's going digitally into the a7S3 without cables or additional power to manage.
Tomas, I'm thinking about getting this K3M and removing the mic mount. I wish they would sell the K3M without the mic and mount (probably would be $200 less or so). Similarly to you, I have the 416 and would not make sense to not use (or pay for) the XM1.
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Actually switching to digital is better if your camera has the firmware to directly communicate with the k3m. according to sony, digital gives you cleaner audio and with the new a7sIII you can record 24 bit audio with the digital switch whereas analog only does 16 bit when recorded into the camera.
Id love to hear more from chat if Digital option is really worth it? The Digital versions go for more in the used market but the older models are really appealing. I dont get why digital would be all that great other than the 24bit which is obviously main selling point.
Cool video thanks. Wish they'd make this XLR unit stronger and molded into a top handle (a la FS5) ...
Lol this comment aged nicely wit da release of the fx3
Thank you for a great review and walk-through of the XLR-K3M. Just what I needed having just received mine.
Thanks for the comment 🤝
Thanks for your review Tomas. One thing is missing in it, in my opinion: the unit is very tall. Look at what Panasonic did with their Panasonic DMW-XLR1: way nearer to the hotshoe. I don't understand why Sony built this unit with a little tower beneath it. This makes run and gun work much less convenient. How can we tell Sony to make a successor to the K3M more compact?
It is really tall. 😁
Simple - they have allowed for room to adjust the controls, buttons on the camera body. It if were lower, there would too cramped a space. With my big hands on my A7iii, I need all the room I can get.
I recently bought both a K3m and a Sound Devices MixPre 3. The sound quality difference between the Mixpre and K3m is nothing short of enormous. Granted I'm using the K3m with the switch set to Analog, because I'm still on the original Sony A7s, but I'm really shocked by how - EXTREMELY - noisy this unit is. I expect the K3m to do much better with cameras that accept the digital input. Especially the Sony A7SIII with it's 24bit audio capability but maybe the noise floor is also kind of noticeable. Recording 48V mics through my zoom H4n has definitely much better sound than the K3m 48v inputs, run through the A7s hotshoe.
You're definitely going to get a much more rich sound and quieter noise floor from a dedicated audio recorder like that from Zoom or Sound Devices. The K3M wins me over in the convenience area and helps me with quicker delivery. If I had time and energy I'd pick a dedicated recorder 10 out of 10 times, but I don't so I run this and it gets the job done with my MKH 416 and A7III.
@Thomas Villegas & @Whaever I absolutely agree with your comment and had to send the XLR-K3M back - because of the high noisefloor. :-( Using the K3M with my mid-side microphone Sennheiser MKH 418S was disastrous... 😞
Tomas, your comment @ 10:30 regarding single source/multi channel recording is incorrect as the K3M does allow one microphone input to be recorded onto CH's 1 & 2 simultaneously. No firmware or hardware upgrade is required as the wizards at Sony already offer the feature. However they kept it a secret only for those who take the time to read the manual. Per the manual the setting can be engaged by setting the following mode. "Set the audio input switch to “IN1.” The input audio from the INPUT1 jack is recorded to both the CH1 and CH2 channels on the attached camera" FYI this is a common feature found on other Sony cameras. Word of advice to all please read the manual first before using any piece of video or audio gear. Many of your technical workflow issues can be resolved or prevented simply by gaining the knowledge found in the manual not on TH-cam University.
I guess I should've been more clear. I know that it records onto a stereo track different levels if you set it up this way. The request I was making is in regards to having the camera with the K3M record separate channels, not just left/right. I get you're trying to make a point that I didn't read the manual, which I always reference if I have questions. Ultimately I'd ask that you try and be a little more civil, I appreciate and respect your insight. There's no need to come and have a demeaning tone in your comment though.
The mic holder not fitting other microphones than the one that came with it can easily be fixed. I just glued two pieces of foam between the holder shells and the rubber pads and now it snugly grips both the Sony mic and my thinner Schoeps.
That's a great idea 👍
I can't figure out how to remove that shotgun holder! Any tips on how to do that? Looks like you managed to take yours off.
Thanks for the vid - I believe you can simulate a safety channel by using an xlr splitter cable having the mic output go into input 1 and 2, and set the gain on input 2 lower than the gain on input 1.
True. I just wish they would make it so you could record two different channels of audio at different levels.
I was wondering where you had been dude. Glad you are safe and creating content. I was interested in this device till I saw your review. Naw I am kidding I am more interested in it, thank you.
Much appreciated
Tomas Villegas But o course yo!
Can I plug a 3.5mm mic and stereo and get audio recorded same time from both? So I could make my video wearing a lapel and also xlr shot gun pointing at me?
I was going to ask this too. The mic input on the side of the body. Can we plug another mic into that and record simultaneously to the XLR K3M input Tomas? Or do you have to choose an audio input source on the camera menu? Cheers.
If your camera supports 4 channel audio recording it can record two channels from input 3 and 1 channel each for inputs 1 and 2. So yes.
hm this can be handy. In my country fx3 costed 1k more so buying this with my already bought A7S seems like cheaper option
Thanks a lot for this smashing share. Just a question: as far as you know does it fit with the Sony ZVE10? Thanks in advance!
As far as I know I don't think this is compatible.
Thanks for watching and commenting 🤝
Sony is using the same mic mount on their FS cameras, we use rubber to make our Senny’s mic thicker and be hold securely
Ma Belle Île it's too thin and doesn't sit securely.
@@TomasVillegas well, no issues on FSV and FSVII
This looks like a must have for Sony shooters. Anyway to have audio and video in one file is a great time saver.
Hey just wondering what kind of hit the camera battery takes when connected using phantom power? I may have missed you mentioning it, if so my bad
It doesn't hit it bad on the A7III. It's sixes really. I wish Canon would make something like this. Thanks for stopping by homie 🤝
Tomas Villegas sane, If cannon made one I would jump at it. I keep thinking about going back to Sony so this video ain’t helping my wallet situation lol. Great work my man
Where's the links to the other mic video comparison? He said it would be in the video and links but I don't see them any where.
Thank you very much for the video, I bought the same Sony XLR K3M system and watched your video, can you use 3 microphones at the same time? System has 3 inputs in1 in2 in3, but if you can select only IN3 or (IN1+ IN2) or only IN1, there is no possibility that all 3 select IN1 + IN2 + In3 together. I would be very grateful for your reply. Kind regards Farnoud
I don't believe there's an option to record all three inputs unfortunately. Sorry I couldn't be of more assistance. 👍
how tall is the XLR module from the hotshoe to the flat top of the device (not the shotgun holder)...I'm trying to figure out if a particular cage with a handle will work above it. If you can provide the measurements that would be great
You can use the extension cable to facilitate a side mount on a cage. I think SmallRig makes a cage with a housing to fit this XLR adapter.
Great video. Do you know the difference between the k2m and k3m?
K3M is digital and with the a7S3 can support sending 4 channels
There's some differences with the ability to record digital audio. I'd recommend you go with the K3M.
Do you set it to 0db and turn down in camera? I didn't realize the 10db and 20db was negative lol. Thought it was plus
Hey! Please see my comment. When I have analogue on, I just don’t see any movement of levels - I’ve tried it with another sennheiser xlr mic, and again, nothing. What could I be doing wrong? I have an A7Sii and have just bought both in the last week. The levels are all pumped up to 10/10 on the inputs.
Would love to see how you mount the sennheiser with this unit. I am planning to do the same.
I just wish Sony would have included a universal shotgun mount. But they didn't 😔
Great detailed video as there are not many about. Thank you. Could you shed some more light about correct db settings? 0db 10db or 20db whilst setting the camera to around 5db? I have been setting to 20db on the k3m and I have been relatively happy but when I compare it to my external sound recording I find that the external sound has a much better tone, more bass in my voice etc. Am I missing something?
Thanks. There's no real corre settings. It's all about figuring out what works best for you and your shooting environment.
This thing is epic..I do have one question.. my battery life on my A7 RII isn’t all that great. How much more drain is this on the battery life of the camera?
Great video homie!
With one mic that doesn't need phantom power you're probably sixes. Turning on phantom power would probably tax the RII about 10 percent faster. That's just my guess though. Time to get the A7III!
@@TomasVillegas ugghh.... I'm still holding out for the magical unicorn... the A7 S (Whatever number they use) LOL.... Actually my next upgrade might have to be a new iMac... This 2015 is getting a little long in the tooth..
@@TomasVillegas will it work well with dynamic mics? Some cameras are terribly bad with dynamic mic input.
@@techexamined Did you preorder the magical unicorn?
Can the silly shock mount be easily removed? It can be on the previous model. Also, do you happen to know if the TRS connectors can be swapped out for 3-pin XLRs? Cheers!
The mount is easily removed. I wish they had a universal option to put in its place. As far as TRS, using an adapter should work fine.
@@TomasVillegas How did you do that? The mini Phillips screws were extremely tight.
@@jonghtube Yeah I would love to know how this is done
Hey! Sorry for the rookie question: I’m not sure if I understand the whole functionality of the K3M… Is it main that is it an adapter to use XLR/phantom power mics with your Sony camera… Or does it also provide superior preamps and sound procesing?
I'm speaking from my preference. Sound recorded the XLR adapter sounds much better. It does have its own preamp.
Hi Tomas! Could you tell me what the part number is for that Sony hotshoe extension cable please? Very handy for rigging. Thinking it may be very handy for use with the Digital shot gun mic Sony also released too, not just this XLR K3M unit. Thank you.
If you use it with an A7iii does it still talk to the K3M just analog or do you have to connect it to the camera's mic input through 3.5mm?
You can connect it via hot shoe
Biggest advantage to digital audio is that it will always sound the same, using analog it can sound different on different cameras but digital will always sound the same no matter what camera you connect it to
Thanks for the feedback 🤝
I'm using the K3M with Sony Alpha 1. Issue I have is that it apparently will not display the audio levels even though they are switched on. Menu states it cannot display with this accessory. Am I missing something here? Apart from audio levels :)
Would like to know if this item fits Sennheiser MKH 416?
If I was to connect this to a mixing soundboard, do i need to connect to audio interface then soundboard or just use the line input?
i have the k3m without the mic, got it with the sony fx3 included. any suggested good xlr mic to add instead of the old ecm the kit offers? thanks
Sennheiser MKE 600 is what I use half the time and the MKH 416 the other half.
Does the senheiser mke 600 fit into the mic holder on the k3m?
Love your work 🙏🙏🙏
Thanks for watching 🤝
Tomas Villegas tnx for sharing
hola puedo usar este equipo k3m en mi camara sony a7 iv para grabar en digital? vale la pena comprarlo? muchas gracias Juan Carlos
Can't find an answer anywhere to this: if I'm using an A7iii, am I right to think that the K2M offers essentially the same features as the K3M? I understand the K3M comes with a slightly upgraded shotgun mic, but if I can pick up a K2M and a rode shotgun for the same price as the K3M, is that a better option for earlier Alpha models not compatible with digital audio recording?
The options on the K3M are better considering the physical controls. Definitely go for the K3M unless you can get the K2M at a lower price.
If you want to add the KM3 to a cage then how do I connect the KM3 to Sony A7S III?
Watch the video.
Can I please ask you an audio question ? I am a newbie in general. I have a Sony A7Siii and enjoy recording video of streams, rivers and other nature scenes and want to increase the quality of the sound on my videos. Can I use two microphones with the K3M to create better quality stereo sound ? or should I use an H6 to add stereo sound to my nature videos ?
The best quality will come from the H6 in my opinion. If you're looking for good sound quality and convenience, I'd go with the K3M though. I love and use this thing all the time.
@@TomasVillegas Do you use the H6 with the K3M ? Which microphone do you use with the K3M ? Which microphone do you use with the H6?
@@newlifeeveryday1821 I don't use the H6, don't have one. I use a plethora of Sennheiser mics. All of which I've done videos on. 🤝
@@TomasVillegas Thanks. Can you think of the best mic I could use with the K3M that could be used to record sounds from rivers, streams and other nature sounds ? ( I guess I dont really understand the use of the K3M except as an adapter because it does not have preamps. Why is the K3M better than a Zoom F6? )
How's the audio quality? The gain capacity/noise floor?
The gain is pretty good and the noise floor is really great.
Hi - can I ask how did you remove the Shotgun mic holder (at around 8 minutes). Thanks
There's a couple of screws inside the clasp that you need to remove. 👍
@@TomasVillegas I need this solution^^
wait, where's the link to the mic comparisons ?
Mic comparisons?
Would plugging in a 3.5mm mic like a Deity V-Mic D3 Pro still help with it's quality as apposed to directly plugging it into the camera body?
It'll work just fine.
Hey there, would you be willing to sell your k3m extension cable? lmk thanks!
Can i use this xlr k3m mic kit for my sony ax43? thanks for your apt reply.
If it has XLR you can use it.
How did you remove the microphone holder?
Talked about it and showed it in the video 👍
You sad you wouldnt use the mic - can you recommend a mic you would use with this device`?
Well he uses (as do I), the Sennheiser MKH-416. Now pair this setup with the a7S3 that was just announced, allows this K3M to be a 4 channel digital stream right into the video file. ONLY problem right now with that new capability is that there are currently no NLE's that support that type of video file. I'm sure that will change. But it is still powerful to be able to have 2 XLR's going digitally into the a7S3 without cables or additional power to manage.
Do this work with sony zv 1
I want input 2 on my channel 1. Is that possible with the K3M?
I talk in detail about this in the video 👍
Anyone know of a replacement for the K3m Shotgun mic suspension clamp? that could work with a standard Shotgun?
I'm not aware of any. You'll have to hack it in some way 🤷♂️
i wish it wasnt so awkwardly shaped and hade more mounting options
Jack Gittins 100% agree.
Tomas, I'm thinking about getting this K3M and removing the mic mount. I wish they would sell the K3M without the mic and mount (probably would be $200 less or so). Similarly to you, I have the 416 and would not make sense to not use (or pay for) the XM1.
I don't think it would be any less. Just take it as extras being included for your purchase. I just took the mount off anyway. 👍
can u use this system with the Rode NTG-5?
If it has XLR or 3.5mm input this thing will process it's signal. 👍
Can I use on A7s2?
You'll need to check the compatible cameras list.
I hear digital has less potential for interference
Definitely does. Just haven't found a need for it yet.
@@TomasVillegas Well preventing RF interference or other types of interference seems like a use in itself no?
Can i use the rode NTG3 mic with this K3M ?
Yes it is possible.