Direct connection to Sony Multi-Interface Shoe?

[mungewell]

I have a couple of Sony cameras without an audio jack, so I was wondering.... and ended up going down a massive rabbit hole.

The Multi-Shoe is described:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi_Interface_Shoe

It seems that (at least for simple devices) that the function is 'encoded' on the first 3 pins, as pull up/downs. It looks like for analogue audio that there are connections on:

• pin 4 - Mic GND
• pin 5 - Mic Right
• pin 6 - Mic Left

also

• pin 7/15/21 - Power GND
• pin 13 - Regulated power (3.1V)
• pin 14 - Mic Center(?)
• pin 17 - Un-reg Power (6.1-8.4V)

There are also some Digital Mic, with a digital connection to the camera(s), I presume that's the GVIF_SDATA_N / GVIF_SDATA_P alternate signals on the same pins.

There is a database of mics, and what they are supported on:
https://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/www/cscs/accessories/products.php?lang=en&area=gb&mnt=29

The real question is whether there's a cheap/easy way to get a compatible connector? Can we re-arrange the pins on a
Sony ADPMAA adapter?

[mungewell]

There's another description here:
https://www.mhohner.de/sony-minolta/flashcomp_techref.php

And Sony make an adapter for some wireless kit:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1272753-REG/sony_smad_p3d_smadp3d_multi_interface_shoe_adapter.html

[jyz0501]

神牛领夹麦和大疆麦克风 2 转换头已经有两款产品了

[mungewell]

It also appears that the (older) Nex-3/5 also supported a hot shoe mic, but the connection is different (vertical plan, rather than horizontal).
https://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/www/cscs/accessories/compatibility.php?area=gb&lang=en&mdl=ECM-SST1&cat=3

Multi-shoe replacement connectors intended for repairing flash guns are now appearing on eBay for around $15. This might be hackable, to move pins to places we need them...

[mungewell]

The XLR-K1M mic adapter has a flying lead connection to the hot-shoe, which is available as a spare part - though kind of expensive....
https://sonyparts.com/products/1-846-330-11?srsltid=AfmBOopgottERDM1yLpO9kUrYRDZwedYgeac7rRLAyB7CacxPdOG2-0m

[mungewell]

There's also an extension cable for use with the XLR-K3M:
https://sony.encompass.com/item/12536372/Sony/1-002-838-11/

[mungewell]

And replacement shoe for the XLR-K2M:
https://sony.encompass.com/item/10344058/Sony/A-2063-272-A/

https://sonyparts.com/products/a-2063-272-a?srsltid=AfmBOorFgk3nH5Z9Ccf6irBnzS672SEztiRTSaSIhSGPz1iPnrRZrWNd

Just the flex:
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/285791219868?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=706-53473-19255-0&campid=5338722076&customid=&toolid=10050

[mungewell]

This is the hot-shoe connector from the FX-3's TopHandle, XLRH1:
https://sony.encompass.com/item/12636514/Sony/A-5030-779-A/

https://www.partstown.com/sony/sonya-5030-779-a?srsltid=AfmBOoraCnVOq-5dJzyZLbZ0TQF_aqHCmNoBujVAVY2WT-ynjtW0YPb7

[mungewell]

"Multi-shoe replacement connectors intended for repairing flash guns", I got some to experiment....

Firstly of note is that the connections are made via the FFC, which is inserted vertically into the body of the 'connector'. The wire pins of the MI seem to be bent at 90' (haven't disassembled yet) and make contact with pads off the FFC.

The pads which are Pins 1..3 on the MI are hard wired to (assumed) Pin 7, which would be ID 0b000. Assuming the ID pins are short to ground or open, the whole table would be:

Pin1	Pin2	Pin3	Meaning
ID3	ID2	ID1
G	G	G	Flash
G	G	O
G	O	G
G	O	O
O	G	G	ADP-MAA adapter (ID3 =470k to ground)
O	G	O
O	O	G
O	O	O

The center portion of the connector is used for a floating pin (to hot-shoe center) which would block the center pins. We'd want to connect to pins 4, 5 & 6 for mic, perhaps this 'connector' can be modified. Maybe someone could 3D print a replacement or duplicate part.

At least 'we' should be able to use this connection to probe out the possible IDs, I'll update the table if I figure anything out.

[mungewell]

There's also this DJI adapter:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1816274-REG/dji_cp_rn_00000332_01_mic_2_camera_adapter.html

Edit: looks like it's digital signal only....
https://dl.djicdn.com/downloads/DJI_Mic_2/20240426/supporteddocs/DJI%20Mic%202%20Camera%20Adapter%20Compatibility%20List.EN.pdf

[mwpmorris]

Hi, I've been thinking along similar lines and wanting to make a MI > audio input adapter cable. Can't find info on the pin 1, 2, 3 accessory "codes" so will likely abandon it. Interestingly, these guys seem to have cracked it - very expensive though:

https://nordicproaudio.com/wireless-audio/wireless-accessories/reciever-accessories/npa-fxhac-hotshoe-adaptercable-for-fx6-analogue-audio-on-channel-3-4

[dylanreeve]

This AliExpress seller is listing a replacement shoe for the XLR-H1 audio adapter. It appears to be a full MI-pinned show. The XLR-H1 is a dual channel XLR input.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008851735668.html

[mungewell]

It seems that the "SMAD-P3" is on clearance....
https://www.vistek.ca/store/277166/sony-smadp3-multi-interface-audio-shoe-adaptor?srsltid=AfmBOopVz008GzhvZXqA2WKWelCKiTOGsFekrSuKipJfB8E28ZQX2nZF

[mungewell]

I found this video on moding the FX3 audio top handle, apparently the hotshoe can be replaced to make the XLR module more manageable...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5sl9zTVGmg

Very expensive, but maybe the SMAD-P3 adapters (that I just ordered) have a similar FFC connection. Note the 'pt-thrifty' board has a blank side where 'we' could place additional circuitry/connectors.

[mungewell]

This appears to be the official part (similar to that AliExpress is offering).
https://sony.encompass.com/item/12636514/Sony/A-5030-779-A/

No good pictures of the reverse side though

[mungewell]

@mwpmorris looks like this talking about the older (larger) connection on camcorders, but we all know engineers are lazy ;-)

https://www.camerahacker.com/Forums/DisplayComments.php?file=Video%20Camera/Sony/AIS_to_standard_stero_input

If You wonna use flex cable "Sony Part #183064611", you need connect two resistor "SHOE ID1 and ID2" to GND (22kohm from ID2 and 0kohm from ID1). Then camcorder recognize audio accessory, and activate AIS audio input.