There have been a few people popping up on various user groups and forums complaining of a sudden loss of audio or intermittent audio on their Sony FX6 cameras. A common cause of the loss of audio on the FX6 is a slightly loose top handle. The XLR inputs, MI Shoe and the cameras built in microphones are all part of the top handle, so if the handle is a little loose and the connection between the camera and handle isn’t perfect you can suddenly lose all your audio inputs.
As the connection between the handle and camera is a digital one you often won’t get any warning and if you are not wearing headphones you might not notice that you no longer have audio. Hint – wear headphones and monitor your audio when doing anything where the audio is even the slightest bit important 😉
So it is advisable to regularly check that the thumb screws that secure the handle are tight as if done up finger tight they do have a tendency to work lose over time. The thumbscrews have sockets for an allen key and I strongly suggest you use an allen key to tighten them up, done up this way they rarely come loose.
If you like what you read here, please also visit and subscribe to my YouTube Channel by clicking here. Thanks.
good to know although I have an FX9.
Do you think this issue happens more often for those who frequently remove the handle for gimbal work? I don’t have a gimbal so my handle has been on since I purchased it and I used the a hex wrench to tighten a bit more as I have a Zacuto finder system attached.
I suspect that what might be happening is that if the handle is a bit loose the constant flexing and moving may cause the connection to degrade a bit, making it more prone to issues than a tight handle. I don’t think removing/replacing to go to/from a gimbal etc should cause problems, but constant wobbling might.
Hint – hire a sound recordist when doing anything where the audio is even the slightest bit important ?
Absolutely agree – but unfortunately persuading clients to pay for sound recordists or other assistants can often be an uphill battle.
I know. Thats why I changed business after being a sound recordist for the last 22 years.
Love your content. Keep on rocking Alister.
What size Allen Key is it? cant find any info
I also have ecountered a curious audio issue on my fx6. When monitoring audio (using Sony UWP-D system, cabled into xlr inputs on handle) I hear what sounds like breakup every now and again, but when I come back and check the recording everything seems fine.
Presumably this is either a headphone or headphone jack issue – just wanted to know if this is a common problem amongst fx6 users. It’s a bit embarrassing telling talent to go again, when there was no problem in the first place.
Unfortunately 3.5mm jack plugs and sockets are not the most reliable of connectors and the plugs are often made from low quality metals. It is always possible to damage the socket on the camera if the cable tugs at it or if dirt or moisture gets into it.