Rode Video Mic vs Zoom H1 vs T3i
 

Okay, so I picked up a Rode Video Mic to see if it stood up to the Zoom H1. I ran a series of tests (unscientific, please note). For the most part, I didn't tweak audio levels in the camera. I just let it go as is.

YouTube - ‪Rode Video Mic vs Zoom H1 vs T3i‬‏

Test 1: Rode Video Mic
Test 2: Zoom H1 in T3i
Test 3: Canon T3i
Test 4: Rode Video Mic in Zoom H1 Handy Recorder
Test 5: Zoom H1 solo
Test 6: Rode Video Mic with High Pass Filter on
Test 7: Rode Video Mic into Zoom H1 into T3i

Which one sounds better to you?

or

What could I do to better improve the audio tests with this equipment?

Re: Rode Video Mic vs Zoom H1 vs T3i
 

So, is it me or does it rank this way:

1. Rode into Zoom H1
2. Zoom H1 solo
3. Zoom H1 into Rode into T3i
4. Zoom H1 into T3i
5. Rode with high pass on
6. Rode video mic
7. Canon T3i on board audio

?

Re: Rode Video Mic vs Zoom H1 vs T3i
 

71 views and no comments on this audio test in the audio forum?

Yikes, I must have mucked something up. :P

Re: Rode Video Mic vs Zoom H1 vs T3i
 

It's not a stimulating test, it lacks information to make it worthy for comment.

Re: Rode Video Mic vs Zoom H1 vs T3i
 

Well, Vince, I did put this at the end "What could I do to better improve the audio tests with this equipment?". I am in no way a professional at this, hence why I posted this in the first place. I am open to suggestion especially if this test isn't "worthy" for some.

It seems to me that it makes more sense to help people like myself starting out on their film making endeavors then posting, essentially, "Your test is not worthy of our comments". Of course, you have "He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever" in your sig line so to each their own, sir.

Re: Rode Video Mic vs Zoom H1 vs T3i
 

Good reply Robert, my knuckles have been wrapped. Sorry :-(

Would suggest more visual content showing placement of mike, room where the recording has been made etc., this way other members would be able to offer you some more constructive advice. If you want to get serious with audio then I would suggest having a look at "SOUND for film and television" DVD published by Wrightsville Beach Studios Sound for Film & Television | Wrightsville Beach Studios At about $60 is is good value for money with lots of information and tips for achieving great sound quality.

All the best Vincent

Re: Rode Video Mic vs Zoom H1 vs T3i
 

No worries, Vincent.

I was going to photoshop a crude map but it is probably best to just tell you folks:

(BED/ME ON BED) --------2 feet--------MIC ON TRIPOD

The recording was made in my bachelor apartment with high ceilings.

Perhaps I will do an update with video.

However, this weekend we recorded our podcast with both the Zoom H1 solo and the Rode mic plugged into the Zoom H1 and the Zoom H1 seemed to sound better.

Hummm, the plot thickens...

Re: Rode Video Mic vs Zoom H1 vs T3i
 

YouTube - ‪Rode Video Mic vs Zoom H1 vs T3i - REDUX‬‏

This is my second test of this audio equipment for my DSLR. This time around, for the first part, all three mics were rolling at the same time and were edited as such. The second test shows the Zoom H1 plugged solo into the T3i and the third shows the Rode. Some info:

1) I was about 2 feet away from the mics
2) The source (me) was in front of a window with construction outside
3) Computer was on nearby some mics picked that up
4) Recorded in a bachelor apartment with high ceilings
5) Zoom mics were on auto levels
6) T3i was on auto sound
7) For the solo tests I adjusted the levels manually

Re: Rode Video Mic vs Zoom H1 vs T3i
 

Thanks Robert.

I noticed various degrees of what I am guessing to be background noise and/or hiss on all mic configurations. Some were better than others. I wonder how much self-noise the H1 and the Rode Mic have -- i.e., I wonder how they would sound in a "near silent" recording room.

Re: Rode Video Mic vs Zoom H1 vs T3i
 

Matching the levels would make the test much more useful, ideally at the time of recording, but if that's not possible then in post. Otherwise the psychoacoustic principle that whatever is loudest sounds best dominates evalutation.

Having said that, I will say that the Rode sounds best to me due to the lack of reverberation.

Thanks for doing the test... I betcha many people found this useful even as is.