On Tue, 25 Mar 2003 19:50:38 GMT, "Tom Rogers" <trogers@NOSPAM.schneiderequip.com> wrote:

>My Sony TRV-350 does record stereo 16 but and 12 bit options. But if I want

>really clear audio, I have a mic jack on the camcorder. I thought I could

>use that by attaching an external mic to it. I wanted the mic to be stereo.

>I figured since the camcorder records in stereo, the mic jack would as well.

>But I have not found any stereo mics with the small 'Walkman' type plug.

They exist, but they are "omni" type, not "shotgun" type

(the built-in mic is an "omni"...). Look at the Sony 908c

for a stereo mic, though it will not be more directional

than the built-in mic. As JR pointed out, you are unlikely

to find/afford a stereo shotgun mic - and as I pointed out,

you can mount two shotguns aimed slightly differently for

stereo effect. Also as I pointed out, you can connect a

mono mic and have it record to both channels (and, BTW,

select only "16-bit" audio on the camcorder, and channel

"1" - which is stereo...).

>I do not know if it is a stereo or mono jack though, manual doesn't specify.

Stereo, but wired to place mono in both channels...

>All I am looking to do is this:

>

>If I can record in stereo with the ext mic jack, where can I get a stereo

>microphone?

See above - but it will not do what you want. Alternatives:

wireless lavaliere mics placed on or near people of greatest

interest; wireless shotgun placed near area of interest;

shotgun on camera (least effective, unless you get close,

which is one of the values of using a wide-angle lens...);

get VERY close with your built-in mic (needs a wide-angle

lens converter to do this easily...).

>If I have to record in mono with the ext mic jack, will the sound on my

>finished DVD, SVCD, VCD, PC file, come out only one speaker or both?

Both, especially if you wire the mic properly, do not need

to wire the mic, or correct the stereo balance while editing...

>I have a labtec headphone/mic headset for my PC. This mic records in stereo.

>Why is it so hard to find a stereo mic for a camcorder? (And one that I

>could have a 20' or 25' wire on?)

Would you want to stretch a long wire across a busy room?

Especially if you want to move around with the camera?

BTW, it is unlikely that the PC mic really is stereo...