Canon VIXIA HF G21 camcorder -audio in one channel only using external mic

[dj745]

Dear forum,

I have been using a Canon VIXIA HF G21 camcorder for over 5 years with a Rode M3 condenser microphone (with its own battery). The mic is connected to the camcorder using an XLR to 3.5 minijack TRS (2 black bands) into the camcorder and has always recorded the audio from the external mic in both left and right channels. 

The cabling is XLR (female) to XLR (male) and then XLR (female) to 3.5 minijack TRS. Both cables are balanced cables.

Without any changes to my camcorder, the audio is only recording in one channel.

I have replaced the cables and also used two other mics and I still have the same issue.ie audio in only one channel. 

I also have a Rode wireless go which connects into the same 3.5 mic port on the camcorder and that works fine ie audio in L and R.

This indicates that it is not the mic port on the camcorder that is the issue.

This one is really puzzling me as the probability of multiple cables and multiple microphones all failing at the same time is virtually impossible. Despite speaking with Canon support, we have not found a solution.

Hoping someone can shed some light on this please.

Thanks

[NatalyaP]

Greetings dj745,

I am sorry to hear that the VIXIA HF G21 camcorder is only recording to one channel when it used to record to both with the existing hardware you have been using. Per your description, you have performed most of the troubleshooting steps that we would have suggested and have confirmed that a separate wireless microphone does appear to allow the camcorder to record to both audio channels.

Aside from testing different cables, which I assume are the XLR cables, please check to see if testing a different adapter from XLR to 3.5mm may help resolve the issue in case you have not yet already done so. Check the microphone terminal on the camcorder to ensure that it is free from debris and wipe the 3.5mm connector plug with a dry microfiber cloth. Also, please check to ensure that the connection is not loose when having the adapter plugged in.