Does external microphone for X-T2 need its own power?

[Hoskt]

For an external microphone plugged into a Fujifilm X-T2, does the mic have to be powered?

For instance, can a Sennheiser MKE 2 lapelle mic be plugged straight into the X-T2, or does the mic need electrical power, or can it run off the power of the X-T2?

I also have the X-T2 grip.

 

[Torontographer]

The X-T2 provides plug-in power through it's 3.5mm microphone jack. This is enough for many small mics, such as those little fake 'shotguns' and lavaliers. But the X-series cameras need 3.5mm TRS connections. Many of the cheap mics are designed for phones with TRRS connections. They will fit but they will not work.

Better low-end mics, the types that audio-for-video people think of as "good", will have their own power supply. Think Rode Videomics with various superlatives in their name. They don't need plug-in power but some of them can use it as an on/off trigger to save their battery life.

Genuinely good microphones will usually use XLR inputs and require 48v phantom power. These are not compatible without cable adapters. Some will also need power packs, but some of these can carry their own battery.

 

[Hoskt]

The X-T2 provides plug-in power through it's 3.5mm microphone jack. This is enough for many small mics, such as those little fake 'shotguns' and lavaliers. But the X-series cameras need 3.5mm TRS connections. Many of the cheap mics are designed for phones with TRRS connections. They will fit but they will not work.

Better low-end mics, the types that audio-for-video people think of as "good", will have their own power supply. Think Rode Videomics with various superlatives in their name. They don't need plug-in power but some of them can use it as an on/off trigger to save their battery life.

Genuinely good microphones will usually use XLR inputs and require 48v phantom power. These are not compatible without cable adapters. Some will also need power packs, but some of these can carry their own battery.

Thanks. Can you comment on the Sennheiser MKE-2 Gold, which is the one I want to get?

 

[Torontographer]

Not usefully. It seems decent and should be compatible, but I dont know the model and cant compare it to what else is out there.

 

[triptomars]

Hello! THanks a lot for your great explanation. Can you please be so kind to provide some examples of cable adapters? If the microphone has XLR-M and the camera has 3.5 TRS, what type of adapted could provide phantom power?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Jerry-astro]

Hello! THanks a lot for your great explanation. Can you please be so kind to provide some examples of cable adapters? If the microphone has XLR-M and the camera has 3.5 TRS, what type of adapted could provide phantom power?

Thanks in advance!

I hope you can get an answer, but please recognize that you're responding to a 3-year old post. You might also consider sending a PM to the poster.

 

[Justin Cider]

Hello! THanks a lot for your great explanation. Can you please be so kind to provide some examples of cable adapters? If the microphone has XLR-M and the camera has 3.5 TRS, what type of adapted could provide phantom power?

Thanks in advance!

You could use something like the zoom U-22. Run the output RCA's into a stereo 3.5mm.