Until yesterday the camcorder was recording audio through the built-in microphone just fine. But suddenly the audio level on playback has dropped to almost zero -- whether playing back through the camera or capturing in Final Cut Pro.

I've tried switching to Manual from Auto and setting the audio input levels at maximum, but the result is the same: almost inaudible sound but with a little less hiss. I've tried recording on brand new tapes, but the same thing. Strange that there's minimal audio coming through rather than complete silence.

I'm working in Europe temporarily, so I'm wondering whether anyone has any ideas about what might have happened before I take it in for an expensive repair.

Many thanks in advance!