K-1 Mark II headphone microphone weirdness

h.butz · 05-02-2019, 08:34 AM

I've upgraded my K-1 to Mark II. The external microphone jack has worked fine with a wide variety of mics. When I plugged in my headphones I could not monitor the audio from the external mic, even while recording video. In fact, the headphones were dead. I tried several headphones and couldn't hear anything.

Later, I found another pair of headphones which worked fine for playback... but, I'm starting to think it was because the external microphone was not plugged in.

Before I drive myself insane, does anyone know if it is possible to monitor audio during video recording? Or, to listen to any audio in the headphone jack with an external microphone connected to the mic jack?

biz-engineer · 05-02-2019, 11:24 AM

Originally posted by h.butz

Before I drive myself insane, does anyone know if it is possible to monitor audio during video recording? Or, to listen to any audio in the headphone jack with an external microphone connected to the mic jack?

It is described in the K1 II manual pages 53 and 54. Proper sound volume settings should be set, and there is a specification for suitable external microphones.

h.butz · 05-02-2019, 11:42 AM

Indeed it does - how to set the microphone level and how to set the headphone level. And, that does not answer my question, which is, Can I monitor the audio with my headphones while I'm recording and/or with an external microphone? Or, do I need to make a recording first, then unplug the microphone, plug back in the headphones, and listen to what I just recorded?

stevebrot · 05-02-2019, 12:57 PM

Originally posted by h.butz

Before I drive myself insane, does anyone know if it is possible to monitor audio during video recording?

Yes, at least on my K-3, the first model to support the feature. I would not expect them to drop the spec for the K-1/K-1ii.

Originally posted by h.butz

Or, to listen to any audio in the headphone jack with an external microphone connected to the mic jack?

Lacking an external microphone, I can't test this for you.

Steve

**Fries** · 05-02-2019, 01:56 PM

You should have no problem monitoring the audio whilst recording. I have done it many times with the K-3 and just tested this with the K-1. I used headphones from an older type iPhone and a Røde Stereomic Pro.

biz-engineer · 05-02-2019, 01:58 PM

Originally posted by h.butz

And, that does not answer my question, which is, Can I monitor the audio with my headphones while I'm recording and/or with an external microphone?

The documentation answer your question because it says (reading carefully) that you can listen to audio while recording. Page 54: "You can record and play back movies while listening to the sound by connecting commercially available headphones to the headphone terminal" (I read it and write it for you

h.butz · 05-02-2019, 02:41 PM

I'm still not convinced that it doesn't say you can [first] record and [second] play back movies using the headphones - but, ok. What prompted me to ask if anyone else has experience with this is there is no sound in the headphones during recording and no sound during playback if the microphone is plugged in. I'm not sure if Precision messed up my camera during the Mark II upgrade or if this can be fixed with a firmware update or if I wanted to spend money to have it repaired if I am the only person with this issue.

Thanks for reply.

Adam · 05-02-2019, 04:09 PM

I just tested this empirically. Monitoring while recording DOES work, but after I stopping recording the first clip, the headphone audio cut out. I needed to exit and re-enter video mode to get it back.

h.butz · 05-02-2019, 04:16 PM

Awesome. Thanks for that, Adam. Sounds like it's a firmware issue.

stevebrot · 05-02-2019, 04:51 PM

Originally posted by Adam

I just tested this empirically. Monitoring while recording DOES work, but after I stopping recording the first clip, the headphone audio cut out. I needed to exit and re-enter video mode to get it back.

Oh! My! If that is not unexpected. Who would have thought! The next question is whether the same is true for factory samples of the K-1ii.

Steve

Adam · 05-02-2019, 04:54 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Oh! My! If that is not unexpected. Who would have thought! The next question is whether the same is true for factory samples of the K-1ii.

Steve

To clarify, this was on a K-1, not a K-1 II. Perhaps the bug has been fixed (or the feature broken entirely

) on the K-1 II.

However, it's evident the feature is supposed to be there- if it's indeed a firmware problem and it's reproducible, then I'm sure we'll see a fix.

h.butz · 05-03-2019, 10:00 AM

This may muddy the waters a bit, but...

Quote:

Thank you for contacting Ricoh Imaging.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your past, present and future support.
When I tested our K-1 Mark II with headphones plugged into the camera here I do not hear sound while recording video.
Thanks,
RICOH USA, INC.

I know it's not a video camera but I find this inconvenient. The good news is it's "normal" i.e. not "broken." If it works once then it seems it could be corrected with a firmware update.

stevebrot · 05-03-2019, 10:22 AM

Originally posted by h.butz

This may muddy the waters a bit, but...

I know it's not a video camera but I find this inconvenient. The good news is it's "normal" i.e. not "broken." If it works once then it seems it could be corrected with a firmware update.

Based on the terse response, it is hard to say whether they deemed the behavior "normal" or whether they were confirming your observation. Since the camera's manual infers record time audio monitor and marketing materials are explicit for both the K-1 and K-1ii, this is definitely a Bug with a capital "B" ...

K-1 here...

Features6 | PENTAX K-1 | RICOH IMAGING

K-1ii here...

Other features 2 | PENTAX K-1 Mark II | RICOH IMAGING

If I understand your and Adam's reports correctly, neither camera supports this feature properly and bug-free and your camera is less capable after the upgrade. Ricoh, we have a problem! What is mildly humorous is that nobody noticed it before, even on the K-1.

Steve

Adam · 05-03-2019, 10:28 AM

What is the point of having a headphone jack if not for this purpose?

This definitely feels like a glitch given what's written in the manuals.

stevebrot · 05-03-2019, 10:34 AM

Originally posted by Adam

What is the point of having a headphone jack if not for this purpose?

This definitely feels like a glitch given what's written in the manuals.

...as well as in the marketing materials. From the K-1 features section at Ricoh Japan...

Quote:

You can also record sound in stereo using a stereo microphone (commercial product, not included with the K-1), or monitor it during recording using headphones (commercial product, not included with the K-1).

(The copy for the K-1ii is essentially the same.)

Steve

05-02-2019, 08:34 AM	#1
h.butz Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Long Island New York USA Posts: 52	K-1 Mark II headphone microphone weirdness I've upgraded my K-1 to Mark II. The external microphone jack has worked fine with a wide variety of mics. When I plugged in my headphones I could not monitor the audio from the external mic, even while recording video. In fact, the headphones were dead. I tried several headphones and couldn't hear anything. Later, I found another pair of headphones which worked fine for playback... but, I'm starting to think it was because the external microphone was not plugged in. Before I drive myself insane, does anyone know if it is possible to monitor audio during video recording? Or, to listen to any audio in the headphone jack with an external microphone connected to the mic jack?

05-02-2019, 01:58 PM	#6
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,239	Originally posted by h.butz And, that does not answer my question, which is, Can I monitor the audio with my headphones while I'm recording and/or with an external microphone? The documentation answer your question because it says (reading carefully) that you can listen to audio while recording. Page 54: "You can record and play back movies while listening to the sound by connecting commercially available headphones to the headphone terminal" (I read it and write it for you Last edited by biz-engineer; 05-02-2019 at 02:04 PM.

05-02-2019, 04:09 PM	#8
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	I just tested this empirically. Monitoring while recording DOES work, but after I stopping recording the first clip, the headphone audio cut out. I needed to exit and re-enter video mode to get it back. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

05-02-2019, 04:54 PM	#11
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	Originally posted by stevebrot Oh! My! If that is not unexpected. Who would have thought! The next question is whether the same is true for factory samples of the K-1ii. Steve To clarify, this was on a K-1, not a K-1 II. Perhaps the bug has been fixed (or the feature broken entirely ) on the K-1 II. However, it's evident the feature is supposed to be there- if it's indeed a firmware problem and it's reproducible, then I'm sure we'll see a fix. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

05-03-2019, 10:22 AM	#13
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by h.butz This may muddy the waters a bit, but... I know it's not a video camera but I find this inconvenient. The good news is it's "normal" i.e. not "broken." If it works once then it seems it could be corrected with a firmware update. Based on the terse response, it is hard to say whether they deemed the behavior "normal" or whether they were confirming your observation. Since the camera's manual infers record time audio monitor and marketing materials are explicit for both the K-1 and K-1ii, this is definitely a Bug with a capital "B" ... K-1 here... Features6 \| PENTAX K-1 \| RICOH IMAGING K-1ii here... Other features 2 \| PENTAX K-1 Mark II \| RICOH IMAGING If I understand your and Adam's reports correctly, neither camera supports this feature properly and bug-free and your camera is less capable after the upgrade. Ricoh, we have a problem! What is mildly humorous is that nobody noticed it before, even on the K-1. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 05-03-2019 at 10:35 AM.

05-02-2019, 11:24 AM	#2
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,239	Originally posted by h.butz Before I drive myself insane, does anyone know if it is possible to monitor audio during video recording? Or, to listen to any audio in the headphone jack with an external microphone connected to the mic jack? It is described in the K1 II manual pages 53 and 54. Proper sound volume settings should be set, and there is a specification for suitable external microphones.

05-02-2019, 11:42 AM	#3
h.butz Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Long Island New York USA Posts: 52 Original Poster	Indeed it does - how to set the microphone level and how to set the headphone level. And, that does not answer my question, which is, Can I monitor the audio with my headphones while I'm recording and/or with an external microphone? Or, do I need to make a recording first, then unplug the microphone, plug back in the headphones, and listen to what I just recorded?

05-02-2019, 12:57 PM	#4
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by h.butz Before I drive myself insane, does anyone know if it is possible to monitor audio during video recording? Yes, at least on my K-3, the first model to support the feature. I would not expect them to drop the spec for the K-1/K-1ii. Originally posted by h.butz Or, to listen to any audio in the headphone jack with an external microphone connected to the mic jack? Lacking an external microphone, I can't test this for you. Steve

05-02-2019, 01:56 PM	#5
Fries Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gauw Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,582	You should have no problem monitoring the audio whilst recording. I have done it many times with the K-3 and just tested this with the K-1. I used headphones from an older type iPhone and a Røde Stereomic Pro.

05-02-2019, 02:41 PM	#7
h.butz Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Long Island New York USA Posts: 52 Original Poster	I'm still not convinced that it doesn't say you can [first] record and [second] play back movies using the headphones - but, ok. What prompted me to ask if anyone else has experience with this is there is no sound in the headphones during recording and no sound during playback if the microphone is plugged in. I'm not sure if Precision messed up my camera during the Mark II upgrade or if this can be fixed with a firmware update or if I wanted to spend money to have it repaired if I am the only person with this issue. Thanks for reply.

05-02-2019, 04:16 PM	#9
h.butz Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Long Island New York USA Posts: 52 Original Poster	Awesome. Thanks for that, Adam. Sounds like it's a firmware issue.

05-02-2019, 04:51 PM	#10
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Adam I just tested this empirically. Monitoring while recording DOES work, but after I stopping recording the first clip, the headphone audio cut out. I needed to exit and re-enter video mode to get it back. Oh! My! If that is not unexpected. Who would have thought! The next question is whether the same is true for factory samples of the K-1ii. Steve

05-03-2019, 10:00 AM	#12
h.butz Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Long Island New York USA Posts: 52 Original Poster	This may muddy the waters a bit, but... Quote: Thank you for contacting Ricoh Imaging. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your past, present and future support. When I tested our K-1 Mark II with headphones plugged into the camera here I do not hear sound while recording video. Thanks, RICOH USA, INC. I know it's not a video camera but I find this inconvenient. The good news is it's "normal" i.e. not "broken." If it works once then it seems it could be corrected with a firmware update.

05-03-2019, 10:28 AM	#14
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	What is the point of having a headphone jack if not for this purpose? This definitely feels like a glitch given what's written in the manuals. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

05-03-2019, 10:34 AM	#15
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Adam What is the point of having a headphone jack if not for this purpose? This definitely feels like a glitch given what's written in the manuals. ...as well as in the marketing materials. From the K-1 features section at Ricoh Japan... Quote: You can also record sound in stereo using a stereo microphone (commercial product, not included with the K-1), or monitor it during recording using headphones (commercial product, not included with the K-1). (The copy for the K-1ii is essentially the same.) Steve

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