Sony ECM-LV1 not working with GoXLR Mini

[elfin gate]

I have a Sony ECM-LV1 lavalier microphone and wanted to use it with my GoXLR Mini. But... no luck.

It works fine with my Zoom F2. I also tested two other lavalier microphones I have on the GoXLR Mini, and they worked fine.

So I'm curious if there's a way to get this microphone to work, but if not then what exactly is the problem? If I know why the microphone isn't compatible, I can avoid getting any other 3.5 microphones in the future that might not be compatible.

Specs for the microphone: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/res/manuals/5027/1ca727e6435ddabb90e5d27b0397ded6/50276580M.pdf

And specs for the GoXLR Mini: https://mediadl.musictribe.com/media/PLM/data/docs/P0DI7/GOXLRMINI_QSG_EN.pdf

Also adding both as screenshots.

Any help much appreciated!

[proper shoal]

Most interfaces, including the GoXLR do not provide plugin power. You would need an adapter that converts phantom power to plugin power like the Rode VXLR+.

Odds are, your other lav mics were either phantom powered or were using dynamic capsules.

Make sure to not get the cheaper Rode VXLR which will not work (and could damage your lav).

The Zoom F2 does provide plugin power.

Also, I am not sure how well these adapters work with stereo lavs with their TRRS plugs.

[elfin gate]

Interesting! Someone suggested it might be because it's stereo; the other lavs are mono.

One of the other lavaliers I tested, was a Purple Panda lavalier: https://www.purplepandastore.com/products/purple-panda-lavalier-microphone-kit

... and the other was an Audio Technica one that's battery powered. So that certainly doesn't need any extra power.

I've also used the microphone that came in the Mirfak Vlogging Kit with it. Was able to find the specs for that one here: https://www.gudsen.com/moza-vlogging-kit-spec

Does it seem likely that plugin power is still the issue? Or mono/stereo? Or something else?

[little folio]

Just because a mic isn't xlr doesn't mean it doesn't use phantom power. It just means that instead of 48v it takes a different v. Hence the need for something like the Rode VXLR+ (specifically + as Solar mentions).

As for the bundled lav with the Zoom F2, they more than likely chose a mic that didn't require phantom power to prolong the battery life as it uses a AAA battery instead of a built-in battery that can be tailored. (I just realized how old this thread was)

[elfin gate]

When I wrote "It works fine with my Zoom F2" that was referring to the Sony ECM-LV1 which does not work on the GoXLR Mini's 3.5 microphone input.

The Sony ECM-LV1, Purple Panda, and Audio Technica all work with the Zoom F2. On the GoXLR Mini, all but the Sony microphone works.

(Don't worry about the age, it's still "unresolved"! But this is also not super urgent/important, just a minor annoyance.)

[little folio]

~~Oh I see now. That's because what I said above is actually backwards. the Zoom F2 is a recorder built specifically for lav mics so the phantom power it provides is what works for those. ~~

In clarification any condenser microphone needs phantom power, and lavs are typically included in that bundle being condensers and all for the most part. Phantom power being anywhere 12v to 48v. 48v for the big boys and 12v for the little lavs.

That means that we need to actually output voltage to our microphone. Wireless transmitters, the F2, and other packs you specifically plug a lav into will always provide this power. 12v phantom power.

A regular mic input on a regular device however only outputs 5v. This is great for headsets and other general use microphones. But when we're specifically going for lavs we need more than twice that just to meet operating requirements. Hence the VXLR+ which steps down 48v to 12v. If you find a way to plug a lav into an xlr port and provide 48v without a converter you will ruin the mic.