I Bought the Sony FX30 XLR Top Handle, and It's Terrible.
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- Опубликовано: 7 июн 2024
- In this video, I'm sharing my experience with the Sony FX30 XLR Audio Handle (XLR-H1). I was really excited to use it, but I was really disappointed with the build and the audio quality. I think most people would be better off with a stand alone XLR audio recorder, like the zoom F3, which will give you better, and more reliable results, with 32 bit float audio recoding. The Zoom F3 has a much lower noise floor, due to it's higher quality preamps, so you don't get that hissing noise in your recording.
Great Price on the FX30 (and in stock now) - geni.us/fCo6
Zoom F3 Recorder (on sale) - geni.us/KzZO5W
In Line Amp for Dynamic mics (podcast mics) - geni.us/SdO6V or here - geni.us/et8u8jZ
In Line Amp for Condenser Mics (shotgun mics) - geni.us/0xCrDUy or here - geni.us/51udk
Audio Handle (ON SALE) - geni.us/ZkCxNXx
BATTERIES, cheap but great - geni.us/9pjT
GEAR I USED TO MAKE THIS VIDEO
VIDEO GEAR:
A Camera - geni.us/fCo6
A Lens - geni.us/wYBV6
B Camera - geni.us/3deXcAQ or howl.me/ckVm4MAPaVI
B Lens - geni.us/z0GG3y
On Camera monitor - geni.us/ZJVKX
AUDIO GEAR:
Microphone (Studio) - geni.us/0rN8FO
USB Audio Interface - geni.us/ZdN1a
Wireless Microphone (out of studio) - geni.us/XFnz
Podcast Mic - geni.us/QVZHLG0
Podcast Boom Arm - geni.us/J7Fp
Editing Headphones - geni.us/WmwFC
Editing Speakers (super cheap but awesome) - geni.us/wfLkz
LIGHTING:
Main Light (Key Light) - geni.us/waB7lTp
Main Softbox - geni.us/UJPXnec
Light Stand (for Key/Main light) - geni.us/y4HuK4R
Background Light - geni.us/R2OK
Hair Light - geni.us/waB7lTp
Stand for Boom Mic and Overhead Camera - geni.us/8O8UtdY
COMPUTER AND EDITING:
Monitor - geni.us/AG7b6u
Computer - geni.us/zUcZO
Keyboard - geni.us/bA16W
Touchpad - geni.us/PLaLMh
Editing Software I Use - www.apple.com/au/final-cut-pro/
Awesome Free Editing Software (Pros use it!) - www.blackmagicdesign.com/prod...
* Some links are affilate links, you do not pay any extra, but I may get a small commissions. Using these links allows me to make more videos like this one.
00:00 Don’t Buy it - Buy This
00:59 Terrible Build Quality
02:16 Controls/Setting Levels (don’t skip this!)
03:07 Mic Clamp - It’s Not Good
04:39 Handling Noise
05:11 Watch Out For This! On/Off Switch
06:33 It Kills The Battery
07:22 Best Batterie for the FX30
08:03 THE WORST PART!
09:16 Sample Audio SM7b
10:51 SM7B AMP HISS +20db
10:58 Sample Audio MKH 50
11:57 MKH 50 AMP HISS +20db
12:04 Test Results
12:37 How To Fix The Problems
15:06 Sample Audio With Preamp
16:00 About the Inline Preamp
16:30 Should You Get the Handle? 
Хобби
Zoom F3 Recorder - geni.us/KzZO5W
In Line Amp for Dynamic Mics (podcast mics) - geni.us/SdO6V or here - geni.us/et8u8jZ
In Line Amp for Condenser Mics (shotgun mics) - geni.us/0xCrDUy or here - geni.us/51udk
BATTERIES, cheap but GREAT - geni.us/9pjT
Good Price on the FX30 (and in stock now) - geni.us/fCo6
Audio Handle (ON SALE) - geni.us/ZkCxNXx
* Some links are affilate links, you do not pay any extra, but I may get a small commissions. Using these links allows me to make more videos like this one.
Is the shotgun amp on B&H the same exact one as the Amazon link? They appear to be the same, but there is a $20 difference. Thanks!
@@HopeProphecy yes
Hi! The batteries you’ve linked on Amazon, don’t say compatible with the FX30 - are they still OK to buy?
i'm really glad you have the solution. i bought an open box kit that included the top handle and i would never have known what to do. this is my first camera ever.
I don’t know how I missed this video… I actually bought one of these a few weeks ago and since I use Sony cameras (most of the time) I wanted to make a video on the quality of audio you can get with it. I saw this video today and you totally nailed it haha. Everything you said, I absolutely agree with! I was so mad when I felt the build quality and even more mad when the quality was bad. I wish I saw this video before I bought this 😂
Missed this comment, when you made it. I’m getting some better results, with my condenser mics, but running the gain a bit hotter, with not so much boosting in post. The thing still sucks compared to almost anything else at this price point, but I use it for all my videos now, just to have one less track to deal with, it’s “good enough” but just barely.
thanks for the making this video, I was about to go change my whole setup around but now I just gotta figure out how to rig my zoom to my rig so I can have XLR ports in case.
I do agree Zoom F3 is much better. But did you set your attenuator to 0dB for the XLR handle while recording the mic tests? You've mentioned earlier in the video that the little switches on the left side is hard to set, so perhaps you left it on -20dB and recorded the mic tests. Just wondering because having it low at -20dB will indeed bring the noise floor up when you normalize the audio. If not, then wow, the noise floor is indeed bad on the handle.
Oh and it's interesting you get one hour of 4K 10bit 422 video recording with one battery. I recently got mine, and recorded 2 hours and 9 minutes of 4K 24p 10bit 422 with the battery it came with.
Thanks for the insight into the handle. I was on the fence about the device and this helped make up my mind about it.
Hey Mark,
that's a nice alternative way of looking at things.
Thank you for your video!
Keep it up :)
So much value. I love the presentation and how informative this was in such a short. automatically subscribing this makes me wonder how much these preamps could change the reviews of shotgun and microphones that would benefit from a cleaner single.
Thanks for the kind words. Appreciate it.
Thanks Mark for a very intuitive tutorial, I have ordered my FX30 kit with handle that's arriving tomorrow, similar to a previous comment I watched this after making the my purchase. I work in tv broadcast and sound is critical so this could be a problem for me, I'll test it and let you know my findings. Without productions like this we would be far less educated so thanks again !
Hi Mark, thanks for this very enlightening video. I'm curious how you manage to rig the Zoom F3 on the FX30
Great explanations. I’m new to audio, and this video answered my question
I am just shopping for GX30 and already had the handle in my cart at B&H. You just saved me a small fortune and a whole lot of regret. Excellent content and info. Thank you for sharing. Now Subscribed,
A very good review Mark. Thank you for all your research.
I am very interested in the FX30 but in the Netherlands I think it is still too expensive at the moment. I'm waiting for a better deal.
Of course I am very interested in your opinion and upcoming videos about the FX30. How does the quality of the 1080p compare to the 4K?
I also have the zoom F3 and can confirm that it is very good.
How is the audio noise of the FX30's preamp without the audio handle, so connecting a 3.5mm microphone directly to the FX30?
Thanks for the comment. I plan to compare the handle to an on camera mic, in a future video.
Hey Mark! Thanks for the amazing video!
Would this work on the sony ZV-E10 for just studio use?
Hey Mark, funny thing is im doing a preamp test with my FX30 / XLR Top Handle from Sony RIGHT NOW as im watching your video. I wanted to know how good these preamps sound in reality against my Universal Audio Volt 276 Interface. I am recording with two small condenser mics from "lewitt", one into my Audio Interface and one into my camera. I was blown away by how close the sound from both preamps is. Of course if you boost the noise floor 30dB there is a liiittle difference in the structure of the noise, but I expected something completely different.
I did some Mic Tests earlier this day with a "Sennheiser MKE600 Shotgun" and a "Movo VXR10 Pro" and I actually got some hiss on the Movo Mic. Figured out, that my cable had some issues, so I switched cables and the hiss was gone. Other than that I had no problems with my sound or noise floor.
So im going to do some more tests, especially with dynamic mics, but I think these will never be my personal use-case. Interesting to hear about your problems, was very curious to find any similar problems like yours. Well, not yet ;) .
Oh and btw I totally agree with the materials, I was shocked when I got my top handle and it felt so cheap against my SmallRig Tophandle. Definitely not something you cannot expect when you pay this much money, I will see when the first parts will break or die because of this lol.
Best from Munich, Germany!
This is really interesting, since posting this video, I have had mixed reports, some getting good results, others are terrible.
I received my FX 30 and the XLR handle, I had ordered prior to seeing the video, I will also test this handle and compare to my Zoom F8, which I normally in studio or in podcasts. I will look for future updates.
I bought the Sony Fx30 in November last year and happily just had only the body. I also match the Fx30 with the Zoom F3 with very good results. Saludos from Mexico.
Thanks for the honest, accurate reporting.
For the zoom F3, do you need to set the level? I think you didn't mention something about that.
Thanks for your video. Very useful 👍. I was thinking about getting it but now I will just get rode mic with 3.5mm jack . $400 price for this handle is way too much for what you seem to get.
New sub here! Great vid as I find myself at the crossroads of buying the FX30 and considering the XLR handle. I'm toying with the idea of saving the money and buying the Rodecaster Duo on release (pretty much the same price), the ONLY advantage I see is removing the need to synch audio in post. I'm will be using for streaming, odd talking head podcast etc. It would be nice to record straight into the camera, but I think I could struggle with out it...and maybe find away of taking the audio from the Rodecaster into the camera at a later date. Thanks again for great content! Peter, Vancouver.
That was a very helpful review. It is more likely than not that I will give the FX30 a miss but if I don't, I won't acquire the Audio Handle.
I plan to get the mkh50 and the fx30. Will the Sony XLR handle suit me? I will be recording in a studio, and really prefer to have the audio baked into the video.
This is what I use for all of my videos now. You can't set the gain too low, if you do it may require processing to remove the amp hiss, but I find it useable.
@@markwiemels thank you. So set the gain as low as possible? Also, if I buy the preamp you recommend, doesn't that fix the issue? (Or make the hiss the same as using an external recorder?)
@@HopeProphecy yea, the preamp does fix the issue. You don’t want to set the gain too low, if you have to boost the audio in post, you bring up the audio you want, as well as the hiss and noise floor.
Maybe it use a lot FX30 battery because you power up your mic from FX30 battery? Maybe if I will be using it with "rode video mic micro" (which don't need power) with an adapter for 3.5mm jack it will not use a lot FX30 battery? Or the handle itself uses a lot FX30 battery power anyway? Thanks
I've had the K3M for years and I can say the hinge of the flap hasnt broken off yet
Have you noticed any audio bleed issues with this model?
On the K3M the audio will bleed from one input into the other which is..not great
Also if you hold a wireless lav transmitter too close to the K3M it will interfere with ANY wireless lav signal, does this audio handle have this issue?
I have not tested this, but I will.
Great video. I am so happy I skipped the handle when buying my FX30! P.S. Please add a bit more focus depth on the bottom (object closeup) camera, the details are too blurry.
I got the Zoom F3 a while ago. It is fantastic and easy to work with. It's perfect for my FX30.
I actually bought my FX30 without the handle. And now, the handle is being sold separately for $600. Which I think is expensive for the build quality, etc.
Hi, thank you very much for this video. You just saved me money.
You are most welcome.
Wow, those in-line preamps really help! Looks like I’ve got new things to shop for! 😅
Hey mark, as the F3 is 32-bit float I’m guessing you just sync in post and you don’t send a line out into the camera.
I was told by a few sound guys that it’s pointless sending 32-but float into a camera because generally cameras can’t process it.
Correct. Sync in editing.
To hold a shotgun mic in the clamp get some rubber O rings (the same ones used for plumbing). Just have to find the right size that fits snug around the mic and clamp housing well. That's what the big network news guys told me to do when I was working in broadcast and they were right.
Thank you! I will find some.
thank you so much!
Well done . Thank you
You are most welcome.
Am I good of I get dji mic 2 instead
Was just about to order the XLR handle, because I want minimal friction in my editing workflow and NEED great audio in the video files. Thank you, immensely helpful information. It’s a shame that the only solution available is expensive and sucks :(
If your editing software had a “voice isolation” option, I have found that cleans it up very easily and doesn’t have any major negative impact. Most of the editors have it now.
Yes that is what I do normally. But would be nice if the audio was perfect already from the start. I wonder if you got a faulty unit, as I watched all reviews on these audio handles and others didn’t mention this issue and for example Gerald Undone provides a comparison between the handle and a Zoom recorder, and it is impossible to hear the difference. I’m going to order the handle and hope for the best.
@@MicaelWidellHow is the Sony XLR handle? Do you recommend it?
Thanks for this. I experimented today with a U87 into my Neve 1073 and then into the Handle Line Input with great volume, the Neve 3/4 open, channel 1 set to O dB, Input volume 3 and synced to channel 2, very low noise, not comparable to a good converter but good for client work 🙏
Nice work!
@@markwiemels Thank you. So problem is the Line Input works his way around the (bad) preamp and makes it sound better, but then you need a battery powered preamp with Phantom Power to record outdoors, not just an inline preamp …
Should sure hope a $4k mic+preamp sounds better. Tbh. The zoom sounded too sibilent, the handle sounded a bit more natural. Not sure I would choose a dynamic mic anyway. My fx3 came with handle. Use a condenser shotgun on it when I am wanting audio. Most video I shoot don't need audio so run a smallrig nato handle instead. It's nice having options. But I can deal with all of this in post quickly with plugins and not have to sync in post which would be a nightmare lining up every small clip.
I do however think so y could of done a way better job in its design. First. All metal. Not plastic. I did add the small rig extension and nato rail along with top mount. Second, they should have made the shotgun clamp removable, 1/4" screws. Also some shotgun mics come with little rubber doughnuts that you put on mic body to fit that mount. Mine did, but ultimately went with the Sony stereo MS condenser for smaller length. Then I get direct and ambient and can mess with it in post.
I also have a wireless lav system I can plug into the 1/8" port as well so capturing 4 channels at once is nice as well.
Absolutely agree. Recently I was in a hurry and had to deliver quickly and i used the internal mic of the fx30 … much better than rode videomic etc 🤣 because much flatter sound that you can fix in post.
Just picked one of these up and indeed I wish the preamps where as clean as my zoom f series and mix pre. But my test results don’t have as much hiss as your recording. Did you have either the 10db or 20db pads enabled as this will add more hiss as your needing to apply more gain. With both my schoeps and Oktava mics on the 0db setting I’m only having to set gain between 3-5 on the handle and the recording is clean and more than useable when I’m feeling lazy. It is a shame you have to use a lifter with a dynamic as that’s just crazy at this price. In the uk if you don’t buy as a kit Sony are pricing them around the £600 mark which is just a rip off luckily I got mine for £225 off eBay or I would be returning it.
As for build quality agree it feels like a toy in my hand shouldn’t have to buy a small rig mount to feel happy with it. But I also feel if they made it all metal people would complain it’s to bulky. But at least use some higher quality plastic make it match with the fx30 for the price they are asking.
I am using the handle for all of my videos now. If I run one channel really close to the limit, and the other about 6db below as a backup, I get good enough results, better than I got in this video.
Another problem I had was when I used the monitor amd control app. The phone being too close to the camera injected feedback into the audio. This was on my FX3
You have some of the best videos on the R7. It will be greatly appreciated if you compare it to the Fx30 for content creation
Thanks for an honest review, I've been scraping around trying to find out what the self-noise is like on this thing. Yuck!
great info...I have the FX30 and considering buyng the handle. I don't do high end videos but I like good audio for interviews. I use sennheiser wireless mics mostly connected directly into the mini jack of the camera. I try NOT to use the gain too high. As with most mirrorless cameras. I'm sure the handle would be better sound but not incredible. What software could you use to improve voices? I only have premiere. Also, those Neewer batteries...I have 4 original Sony and I noticed that the battery doesn't last as long as they do with a a7iii- maybe the internal fan in the FX30...so the Neewer batteries for $100 cdn (I'm in Canada) sound good...but I read that sometimes Sony firmwares makes third party batteries give error messages and they stop working. Is this true?
I'm still running the original firmware on the FX30. What am I missing? Thanks!
Most editing programs have a voice isolation, or noise reduction option, I suspect premiere does too, they works surprisingly well. I have not it had any issues with batteries after firmware updates, I use these on on a7iv and fx30.
@@markwiemels thanks. I will look into the audio capabilities of Premiere. I can't afford something like protools and I don't need a full audio suite. I will definitely look into the Neewer batteries. I prefer genuine batteries but the price is a factor. Thanks
Adobe has an uncredible IA software. Check it out!
@@CascaGrossatv Which is the Adobe software you mention.
I have both and 100% agree with you, as I am more reliant on my Zoom F3.
Have you also been surprised that more RUclipsrs aren’t mentioning these issues? I felt like I was total unprepared, even after watching numerous videos about the handle.
@@markwiemels I am surprised, being that I hardly ever use it. I'm only using it on commercial shoots, but relying on it as a "B" audio to my Zoom F3 on a boompole stand.
@@firstandlastproductionsllc I think that’s it’s best use for sure, good for a back up or non-critical applications .
thanks a lot man
helpful. I am reconsidering buying this handle. that was one of the main reason for buying the FX3. I am going to get the zoom
I use it in all my videos now. I think it's still worth it for the convenience.
If you don't mind syncing the audio track from the Zoom, then the audio will be better, and you can't screw it up, it's pretty well prefect every time, due to the 32bit float.
I dropped my camera on my carpeted floor and the top handle snapped. I looked it up and apparently there is a weak point where most handles tend to break. Someone on youtube even designed a 3d printed piece that reinforces that part, or at least keeps it from breaking completely. I do enjoy the handle, but the plastic is quite weak.
I'm entirely run and gun so the handle works great for me. Bought the SmallRig handle extension to give it a sturdier feel and to connect more accessories to it. I enabled 4 channel audio on my FX3 and use an XLR shotgun in the mount (using two of the same rubber rings you bought), and connect the Rode wireless go to the 3.5mm jack to have both lav and shotgun audio. I actually haven't noticed a ton of background his, and typically set channel 2 for the XLR connection to a lower level just in case. Either way I clean that kind of stuff up in post. 32 bit float is def nice though! Great video overall. Honest and thorough keep up the good work!
I use mine to record all my videos, I make sure not to have the gain too low, and I clean it up in editing.
and do this set runs out your FX3 battery quicker? If yes, maybe it's because you using FX3 battery power to power up your mic? If I will use it with "rode video mic micro" and an adapter + "rode wireless go2" maybe it will not use FX3 battery?@@markwiemels
I have the audio handle because I couldn't get the body-only package when I needed it. What's you opinion of the audio handle versus plugging a decent mic into the standard mic port?
I plan to do some testing, and make a video about that comparison. If you use a high quality on camera mic, that has it’s own amp/gain control. I think the on camera mic will be better. I’m travelling at the moment, and I took the sennheiser mke 400, over the handle and xlr mic.
@@markwiemels yes please do this video. I guess many would be contemplating between audio handle or a 3.5mm Rode or similar mics.
Maybe someone already commented about the mic mount, but I'm 110% sure it's the same one they have had on their B4 mount cameras for decades. If so, I believe the only mics that will fit nicely are those made by Sony. However, the most common mic models I have personally encountered are stereo mics equipped with a 5-pin XLR which fits the front mic connector of said cameras (unless you chose to fit the camera with a 3-pin connector).
Thanks for the heads up!
Hey Mark, your review saved me a lot of disappointment as I was thinking of getting the Top Handle. My question is, how do you mount the Zoom F3 and a shotgun mic on the FX30? Thanks again for the excellent video.
Zoom does have a mount, so check that out, but it wound likely be an exercise in cage/rig build out.
@@markwiemels Thanks Mark. Do you have a picture of how you have mounted it on the cage with a shotgun mic? That would be most helpful. That will save me spending time in configuring it. Thanks for taking the time to answer my question.
I have been using it off camera. Have a look at that zoom mount, it may do all you need.
@@markwiemels OK. Thanks.
@@markwiemels BTW, how do you find the battery life on Zoom F3. I find that when using Phantom power, the battery life is significantly reduced. With just 2AA supplying power to the recorder and phantom power, it must be a big drain on batteries. What has been your experience?
Yes - I only got the handle because I was forced to in order to buy the camera upon release (they didn't have the body alone). But I NEVER use it because if many of the things you've mentioned. But more than anything - the hiss
The bloody HISS! I’m going to use it with the inline amp, but this was really a fail on Sonys part.
@@markwiemels change cables. The hiss will go.
Try 😊Connect the camera with a sound devices Mix Pre.
First who runs -20db??? Also you didn't mention that the handle gives you 4 tracks of audio on the camera, this was a major reason I bought it. I've been packing out mic mounts since 1984 so that didn't bother me and while I agree it could be more rugged overall the bits from Smallrig fixed that.
I used my 3 times and the input 3 broke. The plug enters a half and it is blocked for some metal… 🥴
apart from the material, i don't hav any issues with my xlr-k3m(predecessor of the handle) audio, its juz a matter of tweaking; as u leave canon behind, u'll start to understand Sony gear better..
hey, good review is cool when someone takes the other perspective and shows who is it not good for. As an audio engineer the statement "you don't need to set the recording levels" to me is tecnicly wrong. You do need to set your audio levels, if you set it too low and boost in post digitally you get more noise than if you would had set the correct gain level because the signal is closer to the mic noise floor and preamp noise floor. If you set it too high, you may clip in the preamp stage, and you may not be able to fix that in the post. Ok, 32bit float you're recording in a very high dynamic range format, yes, but if it was already distorted at the preamp stage you recorded a distorted signal into a high dynamic range digital midia. Saying that is the same as saying "you don't need to setup your exposure because you have a 10 bit raw 8k camera with 15 stops of dynamic range". The F3 or other 32 bits recorders can have features to prevent clipping like multiple AD converters, and yes 32 bit float is convenient because you can monitor your audio as close as it would be to the final delivery, and can be a good tool, but proper gain level setting is a must during any audio recording. Other than that I really like the review =D
the simple way put a piece of a inner tube from a bike in it and it works fine but the handle are still bad about breaking.
Hi really great video. I bought the Triton Fethead silver for my Rode NTG3 but I'm just getting noise and no audio, I can't tell if I bought the right one? My mistake, do you know which Fethead I should get for the NTG3? Thanks for anyone's help
I found the Fethead Phantom seems like this is the only Fethead that passes through phantom power if anyone has a mic that needs phantom power
Yes, you need the phantom model.
I went for it out of interest and the Phantom fethead introduces more noise compared to going straight into the XLR handle, I'm on the FX3 instead of FX30 in your test do you think that is why? Also using a rode NTG3, wondered your thoughts @@markwiemelsHow would you recommend I test this? I might be doing it wrong, the way I'm testing is recording an audio clip with and without the fethead on the xlr handle - both recordings are set at the same level on the handle and then I'm boosting them both by 20db in Premiere Pro. Thanks so much and keep up the superb videos
Hmmm I have fx3 came with handle I don’t have these issues but I used the handle for audio once. I’ll use it more and pay attention to audio quality. There is a way to stop the squeaky sound the handle make.
I have had others say they have had no issues with the FX3 and the handle as well. Some have suggested a bad batch of amps, on the handles going out with the FX30, but I really don't know. I do know that other FX30 owners are having the same issues.
@@markwiemels makes sense bc the didn’t ship with handles and then they probably got a influx of orders for the handles and may have fumbled a few batches. That’s def realistic. I will def do more testing and really monitor the audio now!!!
@@markwiemels Is the build quality the exact same? I used the FX3 to shoot a doc this past year and had a pretty good experience with it overall, I will say I did notice handling noises from the handle, but the build felt metal and and not plasticy from what I recall
Hello! Can I record sound directly to the built-in microphone FX3 and ECM-B1M hotshoe mic?
I'm not sure what the question is? Yes, the camera has the multifunction shoe that will work with the Sony mics, if that is the question.
@@markwiemels Can I record sound simultaneously on 2 microphones, built-in camera and external?
@@vladislav8416 no, but the handle does give 4 audio tracks, and has two xlr and one 3.5mm.
Wild, I’ve never had an issue with it on my FX3. I have other audio issues, but not with the XLR adapter ;)
What mic’s do you typically use? I would like to see if I can get a better result. I do know a few people, with fx3’s, that love the handle, which makes me wonder if it’s an fx30 issue. BTW, always enjoy your videos and the style and perspective you give to this area or interest.
Mine on the FX3 is awful. So much so I'm trying to get Sony to replace it. The preamp hiss is unusable. It's only present with the XLR inputs but not the 3.5 mm jack. Tried MKE600 as well an SMic2s. Even recording a clip without any mic attached that hiss is the same and unchanged. I think there has to be a batch of newer handles with issues.
@@dougwilliams8981 please let me know if you get some sort of resolution, it would be good to get that information out there.
@@markwiemels Will do. I also find it interesting these handles are "unavailable" from major retailers as of late. I wonder if they pulled them? Could be coincidence but I am finding some parallels to those who are affected by the interference from wireless lavs as well. When RUclipsr has two FX3s and one is affected in the other is not. One is older and one is newer. It seems to point to the handles, as some users report input 3 doesn't have the issues but the xlr's do.
@@dougwilliams8981 do you know a youtuber that has issues with a newer handle, but not an older handle?
I think for some applications it’s the best solution. I intend to get an FX30 for an ENG type application, so I need my sound directly in camera, but for my commercial and narrative work I’d be better suited with an external recorder. I’m glad Sony sells this, but it’s bizarre that they’ve made some of the choices they made. I almost wish they sold a budget version for the fx30 and a better quality version for the fx3, allowing budget users to save money and higher end users to avail themselves of higher quality components.
Thank you so much for this. I am now convinced that if I use any mic with the FX30 it will be something like a good Rode that goes directly into the hot shoe, and I'll deal with it, no $400 plastic handle that only looks ok, and is not so practical. I use a Tascam recorder with Sennheiser lavs anyway. But I was thinking of how useful the handle might be in certain situations.
Thanks for video. Would love to see the same review for XLR-K3M especially digital input part.
It seems that for people who don't want to sync the audio there is no other way except this extremely overpriced gear. How come no 3rd parties have not produced anything yet...
so glad I watched this before shilling out to buy this
I'm just too lazy to sync audio, so what I do is I bought a DBX 286s second hand for like 100 bucks then plug that directly to my FX3 handle. I shoot in S-Cinetone and call it a day. For social media, it's more than good enough. So I get a baked in video with processed audio out of the box. And nowadays i"ve been using capcut desktop to edit over davinci resolve. I find it much faster and more motivated to create more video than if I were to spend too much time on them.
This was a great comment, man. Appreciate it. I tend to favor convenience with a little quality shaved off the top instead of throwing the whole kitchen sink at small projects.
It’s good to see where the base needed for quality social media content. That way you don’t waste so much time for a minimal boost in quality.
I was too ! I bought a Tascam, better but we still have to put up with all that unwieldy hardware on top of our camera !
I have the handle as it comes included with the FX3, the quality does feel way way too plasticy lol
In fairness, it would be fine, if it was something that came in a MacDonald’s happy meal…. but for $400, not so much. I use mine everyday now, so I’m glad I have it, but it could be better.
lol yeah exactly, I've been using mine and it works for just shooting stuff at home etc, it just sucks its not made from metal. I've orderedthe tilta plate for it to see if putting the metal on top gives me more courage that it wouldn't snap off in use lol@@markwiemels
Usually, your reviews and analysis are relevant. But this one... well, you somehow missed the point.
The XLR handle offers 4 tracks of audio, which is hard to find in most accessories let alone the Zoom F3.
This is a proper handle, which the Zoom F3 is not, and this matters a lot when you have to manipulate a camera. That seems obvious, but apparently not. OK, not the toughest of handle, but who said so ? Even in Sony's instructions and Website, everyone can clearly read the proper warnings about NOT overloading it. All it takes is a read... all TLDR-style people need not apply.
This handle has a stereo 3,5 millimeters jack input so you can, as a very convenient bonus, feed your 2-channel wireless microphone kit, or your stereo ambiance microphone (such as the good Zoom Micktrack M3, or the good Sennheiser MKE440, or else). Which the Zoom F3 just can't, for it has nothing but pure XLR connectors. These are the best type, sure, but why not fitting combo-type XLR/jack like they do with their F6 and most of their range ? As a result, you just can connect two XLR plugs adn... that's it. Or you must carry male-XLR/female-6,5 Jack adaptors, and maybe some extra ones. Do you have these at hand, or in your camera bag ? I do, for I also work in sound creation, but most film specialists do not because this is a pain to use (they protrude out some 6 centimeters from the connector support !). Why did Zoom not include a simple 3,5 millimeter jack connector ? If someone has a clever answer, let's hear it, but I couldn't find one !
The audio quality...? OK, it may not be the lowest of noise floor but (once again), who said so ? This handle is meant for on-the-go filming, when you want to fly light and operate as fast as you watch the action around. Just yesterday I filmed a dance performance, sharing the stage with the artists so I could be with the bunch and translate on a film the energy they spent during this performance. The handle was exactly what I needed : support for accessories, sound interface, grip for my supporting hand, reference for the camera axis (which too many overlook, even though it's crucial !), and some more. The day before, I filmed music and poetry on stage and the handle was just what was necessary (once again) : A-camera on tripod, I could fit the monitor of my remotely operated B-camera on the handle then use it to direct the camera without any harsh movement. And the handle also carried the task of feeding the sound of my ambient stereo microphone + the directional microphone used as reference for post-synchronization.
What else can you ask for from such an item ? It is not a recorder, it has never been announced like it would be, it is not the best audio interface, it has never been announced like it would be, it is not the strongest rigging system for those with Angénieux cinéma zoom-lenses, it has never been announced like it would be... it just is fine the way it is, for the price it was sold and the use it was meant by Sony.
Then, about reliability... it also depends A LOT on who runs the operation. This past week-end, I used my ordinary kit. In it, you can find a double-cinch-to-single-stereo-jack cable I bought about 40 years ago. This item is from Sony, and it has not a malfunction : rubber housing is perfect, connectors are like new, contacts are made just like they have to, cable has not a single twist or bend. Is this is how Sony gear is considered "fragile", I shamm ask everyone complaining HOW they use their stuff and how much they take care of it. This cable is not an exception, as I also have (from Sony too, as this is the topic) : a superb MS-type ECM-969 microphone, a functional WM-D6C Walkman, a CD player (reference ?), many other cables and connectors/adaptors, a Mini-Disc player (used during dozens and dozens of concerts as the sound source for background music tracks, and else), a Digital8 camcorder (fully functionnal and very handy when I have to play older tapes or film for 1990-look sequences, and many more. It's not that I was Sony-focused, it's just that this brand has delivered and still is, and their gear was top to toppest ! All items mentionned are from 20 to 45 years old and they still run like they where manufactured less than 5 years ago.
How you treat you gear says a lot about the professional you are, and if you break a handle when 99,99% of other (more careful) users don't... ask yourself about it, instead of immediately blaming the brand. As fragile as this item can be, it also depends on you and the way your gear matters. I just had to get rid of my 1990 Frigidaire refrigerator, last March. I bought this double-compressor one for I thought it could run for long, but also I took great care of it even when moving places.
Similarly, my Sony RX10M4 looks like purchased last year, even after filming hundreds of events and going everywhere with me as my B or C-camera (after 3 years of A-camera). A Sony commercial agent would not believe me when I replied "Bought early June of 2018, Sir."... not a dust inside, not a dent to the outer parts, a hard-to-see scratch to the back monitor, no damage to the (magnificently performing) zoom-lens, no sign of wear the any part of the body-top, etc.
Give me a 5000 Euro MTB and I can pound it to the ground, in pieces, if I want to. Give me a crappy 100 Euro supermarket bike, and you'll have it back in mint condition within 3 years if I properly take care of it like it should.
Education also applies here, and Sony products can run for decades as long as you behave with them the way you should behave in life : by taking care of.
I have one from my FX3 and it is in my drawers. Not my underwear. It's in my gear drawers
Build quality is terrible. Had one on a shoot last week, it came with an FX3 rental package. Pretty much spent the week trying not to break it, should have left it at home! Lol. Zoom F3 with the 32bit float looks good tho... I've had a Zoom H6 for 5-6 years, this thing is bomb proof and always good enough quality.
Yah, it’s not a professional bit of gear by any means.
It’s awesome actually.
I use it to record every video, but it's a lot of money for what you get. Almost any external recorder is better and cheaper, but you have to sync the audio.
You should have bought the k3m
I don't recommend it
There is audio bleed between the channels and it gives off really bad radio interference that messes with wireless lavs
Super overpriced for all of the issues
Remember buying the Sony K3M, testing it for two days and sending it back to B&H. Absolute WTF experience. Terrible audio quality!
i dont want my audio in my camera, i want in on my camera though
yep audio handle is trash. i put a video on sony facebook site where i let them know how crappy it is.
i'm 5 minutes into this video and a common term you repeat is "rough with the camera"
I would never record an SM7B directly into a camera. Of course you're going to get noise.
A few years ago, I would have agreed with you, but now you can buy $70 audio interfaces that can cleanly power that mic, no excuse for this type of performance now.
A Fethead or Cloudlifter will get rid of the noise, for an additional price.
So it's shit, but you use it because it is easier and not as shit as you paint it. Got it.
That stupid hissy MI Shoe. C'mon Sony. Your name comes from Latin term SONUS. The root of SONIC and SOUND.
According to Wiki, that is.
Negative sales. BLAH,Blah,blah...
the handle is trash
haha... yes, its not great.