External Mic on a GL1

Hello,
We have a Canon Gl1 at school im using for my project. I want to add an external Mic to it. i have one that is XLR and i have a converter to convert it to the mini plug for the camera. We turn it on external mic but we still dont have sound comming through. i thnk the mic needs power to function... but its not getting any
there is that other 5v little outlet next to the mic plug.. if i get a plug to plug into that.. will it provide power...
any other external mic tips would be greatly appriciated..
thanks a bunch

 

ANyone Know?

 

Plug it in and see. I'm pretty sure the other plug is for mic power. My mic's always been self-powered via battery, so I'm not sure how it would hook up to your mic, but it shouldn't be too had to figure out...

 

Make sure the mic is a stereo mic too...It may not work on both sides if it is a regualer mic

 

Simple answer: yes, you need that power plug.

Some XLR mics need ghost power, a constant streem which modulates to make the signal. Some just plug in, like miniplug mikes, but if your mic doesn't work, it need ghost power.

BTW, the best way to tell if ghost power is on and you don't need it is if you have a constant buzztone in the sound. But that isn't the case here.