Where Is The Sony a7III Mic Input? How To Connect Mic?

sony a7III mic input featured photo

If you want to record high sound quality with your Sony a7III, you know it is important to get a microphone. Knowing the mic input location and size must be your first priority before shopping. But if you already purchased a mic, do not worry; we will teach you everything to know about the Sony a7III mic input.

The Sony a7III mic input is conveniently located on the left side of the camera, just beside the HDMI and headphone ports. It has a standard 3.5mm jack size, making it compatible with many external microphones today.

However, some microphones lack a 3.5mm output, meaning you cannot connect them directly to the camera. Below, we will guide you on how to insert different types of mics into the Sony a7III mirrorless camera.

Where Is The Sony a7III Mic Input?

Where Is The Sony a7III Mic Input

You can find the Sony a7III mic input on the left side of the camera, hidden by a rubber flap or door. You will notice three flap covers on the left side. Open the flap on the leftmost side. The other doors hide other ports where you can connect other accessories, such as a USB cable.

Many people confuse the headphone or AUX port with the external mic input. However, take note of the labels beside the inputs. The mic input will have a red circle around the hole. There is also a “plug-in power” designation just beside the input. 

In contrast, the headphone jack does not have a distinct red ring. Instead, it has a subtle illustration of a headphone beside the hole.

What Size Is the Mic Input on the Sony a7III?

The mic input of the Sony a7III has a standard size. It features a ⅛-inch or 3.5mm microphone jack with plug-in power. That means it can supply power to external microphones, ensuring it successfully records audio.

Despite having a universal 3.5mm mic input, it can only accept a plug with a TRS configuration. TRS stands for Tip-Ring-Sleeve. It has three metal rings on the audio cable. TRS cables can deliver mono or a single signal as well as stereo signals (with left and right audio channels).

How To Connect a Microphone to Sony a7III?

After learning the location and size of the mic input, the next thing to know is how to connect a mic to the Sony a7III. Below, we will teach you the ways of attaching a microphone, depending on its type.

Plug-in Microphone

A plug-in microphone is any type of mic with a 3.5mm cable that can be plugged into the camera, hence its name. It can be a shotgun microphone with a cardioid polar pattern, which records sound in only one direction. It can also be a stereo mic that captures sound in two separate audio channels. A popular plug-in microphone is the Rode VideoMic Pro.

Connecting a plug-in mic to the Sony a7III is relatively easy. Simply mount the camera on top of the camera using a hot shoe adapter. Next, attach the cable to the Sony mic input. Then, switch on the camera and external mic before hitting the video record button. You can now capture movies with good sound quality.

Hot-shoe Microphone

Hot-shoe Microphone

As its name suggests, a hot-shoe microphone directly connects to the hot shoe of your camera. For the Sony a7III, the hot shoe is located on top of the camera, just above the “Sony” brand name. A hot shoe contains electric contacts that let you attach external accessories, such as flashes and microphones.

Hot-shoe microphones boast a direct audio interface. They deliver the highest possible audio quality. However, they tend to be expensive.

On the upside, these types of microphones are easy to set up. Just slide the mic onto the multi-interface shoe of the Sony a7III camera. And that’s it! There is no need to connect a 3.5mm cable or other complicated wires.

Wireless Microphone

A wireless microphone, also known as a cordless microphone, lacks a physical cable that connects to the camera. Instead, it has a receiver that attaches to the hot shoe or mic input of your Sony camera. The receiver accepts audio signals coming from the microphone. Then, it transmits the signals to the camera. A wireless mic is a convenient option for those who often move around.

Simply connect the mic receiver to the Sony a7III mirrorless camera. Turn the receiver and actual microphone on. Then, start recording video. The audio will automatically be in sync with the video.

USB Microphone

A USB microphone is pretty self-explanatory. It is a simple microphone with a USB cable connection instead of a 3.5mm TRS output. Most condenser microphones for podcasting have a USB output.

Connecting a USB mic to a Sony a7III mirrorless camera is quite tricky. First, you must attach the microphone to a laptop or computer, which gives power. Next, get a male-to-male stereo cable. Then, connect one end of that cable to the USB mic and another end to the Sony camera. After that, you can record video and audio at the same time.

Lavalier Microphone

Lavalier Microphone

A lavalier microphone, or simply a lav mic, is a small mic primarily used for interviews, television, and filmmaking. It usually comes with a small clip that attaches to a collar, ties, or other clothing pieces. It allows hands-free operation. 

A lav or lapel mic comes in a wired or wireless configuration. 

A wired lavalier microphone delivers high sound quality. It is also easy to connect to the Sony a7III camera. Simply plug the 3.5mm cable into the mic input. However, it might limit your movement due to the wires.

Meanwhile, a wireless lapel mic transmits audio signals wirelessly via infrared or Bluetooth technology. You must first connect the receiver to the Sony mirrorless camera. Turn on the receiver and transmitter before recording audio as usual.

XLR Microphone

XLR Microphone

Finally, an XLR microphone is a type of professional microphone that provides clear sound quality. It is also versatile; it comes in condenser, dynamic, and stereo configurations.

An XLR mic is not natively compatible with the Sony a7III camera. It requires an XLR to 3.5mm adapter. This accessory automatically converts the XLR signal from your mic, so it can work on your camera.

To connect the external mic, attach the XLR end of the adapter to the XLR mic output. Then, plug the 3.5mm adapter end into the Sony mic input. Ensure the connections are secure before recording audio.

Conclusion

Having an external microphone is a must to record good sound quality with the Sony a7III. Fortunately, the camera has a universal 3.5mm mic input located on the left side. To connect a microphone, plug the included cable into the camera mic input. But depending on the type of mic you have, you might need to use an adapter or a laptop.

Do you have other questions about the Sony a7III mic input? Feel free to reach out via our contact page!