External Mic via the 3.5 Jack?

[BorisHristov]

Hey guys,

Anyone able to use an external mic (I am having a Rode VideoMic) with Surface Pro 4 and Windows 10? The mic works perfectly well with my DLSR, but when I connect it to the Surface it's just not recognized as a mic and that's it.

Some friends are not having the same problems, but they are using headsets via USB. However, that's not my case and I am wondering if you have any thoughts?

Cheers!

 

[dcoplien]

I just tried an external mic and it doesn't work on my SP4. Works with a DSLR, GoPro and my laptop. Tried the trouble shooter and it found no problem.

 

[BorisHristov]

Yeap. Same. One alternative is to buy an external sound card that connects via usb(I already tested and ordered a Creative one for 40 Euro) that has mic in and headphone jack.

 

[dcoplien]

I have a USB mic and a Bluetooth mic but with my SP4 really have no need for them. I was just curious if it was only you or yet another problem with SP4'S.

 

[syabiku]

I have used this successfully on both SP2 and SP4 to connect 3.5 mm audio headphone + mono microphone simultaneously:

Amazon.com: Rockit Headphone/Microphone Splitter: Electronics

 

[BorisHristov]

I bought a Creative X-FI GO Pro! which is an external USB sound card - my Rode mic now works like charm. Just plugging into the Mic jack and it's perfect

 

[JordanAT]

I have used this successfully on both SP2 and SP4 to connect 3.5 mm audio headphone + mono microphone simultaneously:

Amazon.com: Rockit Headphone/Microphone Splitter: Electronics

I think that's the solution. It looks like the MS or Realtek doesn't properly parse a TS plug in its TRRS as a microphone. I suspect (though can't confirm) that it may see it as a mono-out. I have an old Tascam iXZ interface for the iPad/iPhone that converts a TRRS jack to worh with an instrument or mic (w/ phantom) plus headphones. It's basically the same at the Rockit, but with phantom power and some impedence matching.

I'll add, though, that the mic in on the Surface Pro 4 is HORRIBLE. It's so noisy I can't imaging using it for anything but the most basic, and throwaway, voice recordings of lectures. If you carry any value at all on your recordings, get a USB mic or interface.

 

[GatsbyGlen]

I'm looking to record audio from an external instrument. It looks like a USB mic is the way to go? Any recommendations? Sounds like one should avoid using the mic in on the SP4. Thanks!

Edit: Boris's suggestion looks like it will do