Hi guys,

I have a Sony HDR-SR7E and I'm having an issue with the audio input.

When I plug in a mic (or any audio input), the sound is aweful or there is an unbearable buzzing noise. Sometimes the camcorder acts as if nothing was plugged in, and continues to use its built-in 5.1 microphone.

I have a recording to make on Monday and don't know what to do, short of buying an external recorder for the audio. Any advice on what is going on?

I have the sr11 and have no issues when I plug an external mic (or other audio device). If this is happening with all mics then it may well be that the mic jack is buggered.

All is not lost though.... you still have the active interface shoe and that being the case.... The Sony's ECMHW2 Wireless Microphone is great for 5.1 cams. It will record a single sound track or act as the center channel mic for your 5.1 sound.

It also has 2 way communication.

http://www.sonystyle.ca/commerce/servlet/ProductDetailDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=1006063

I picked one of these up a few weeks ago and it's just a great little device.