Hi

Has anyone used the RØDE VideoMic Shotgun Microphone?
I want to use it on my FX7 Camcorder. The specs sound OK.
http://www.ltf-uk.com/html/videomics.html

Stelios

- I use it. It works.
- Haven't used any other mic.
- Probably need a windscreen to use it outdoors.

You might try using the search tool. There's about 177 references to this mic on this forum searching by "Rode Video Mic." It all depends on what you will be using it for, in what setting etc, etc. The other posts are helpful, if for no other reason than it will help you identify your needs and ask a specific question.

Cheers,
Bob

Yes it's pretty good! In fact, it's recently come down in price and in my view can't be beaten at the price point it's at. You will definitely need the "dead cat" for any outdoor stuff so make sure you buy that as well to use from day 1. I use mine on Sony HC1 and PD150 (with Rode XLR conversion plug & Phantom power OFF!) My video mate who has a Sennheiser ME66 has commented that it's a sweet mic - after initially turning his nose up at it! (as it has a 3.5mm minijack, not XLR.)

One thing you will find with the Videomic is the rubber "o" rings on the suspension keep coming off when it's in your camera bag - they supply you with 4 spares anyway but it was a pain putting them back on all the time.

The solution is easy. Just dab a tiny amount of Superglue on the supporting luggs - they never come off now! (but can still be peeled off when they perish.)

I also have the Rode Stereo Videomic. That too is excellent for ambient sound capture (and comes with dead cat supplied as it should be used on at all times.) It's much heavier than the VM as it's an all metal body construction - no issue for me as I'm tripoding 99% of the time. As expected, it's not got the rear/side rejection of the Videomic.

Hope this helps - and as has just been pointed out there is a lot about the VM and SVM in this Forum so try searching around a bit but it was worth posting this for the superglue tip I think!

...I also have the Rode Stereo Videomic. That too is excellent for ambient sound capture (and comes with dead cat supplied as it should be used on at all times.) It's much heavier than the VM as it's an all metal body construction - no issue for me as I'm tripoding 99% of the time. As expected, it's not got the rear/side rejection of the Videomic.


Thanks Andy

I see you also have the Stereo Videomic as well. Besides the stereo thing how does it compare with the Videomic? Do you really need both?
and what is a "dead cat" ?

Another mike that I consider is the Audio Technica ATR55. Any thoughts on this one?


Stelios

Stelios,
I've had a Rode Videomic for about a year, and I like it. I have noticed that its high frequency response is slightly less than that of my old EV1750 mic, so it doesn't have quite as much "presence". But still, it's not bad; and is an amazing bargain for the price. Here's a link to some test recordings of various mics, including the Videomic:

http://www.dvcreators.net/shotgun-shootout/

Ken Hull

P.S. -- check out the recording of the Sennheiser MKH-416. Many audio pros say it's one of the best mics you can get.

Dead cat is what people sometimes nickname the fluffy overcovering that sound guys put on mikes to make them less suspeptible to wind noise. It goes over the top of the foam covering.

My advice is buy one mike, get to know it really well (strengths and limitations) then decide what and when your next purchase might be.

Of the two Rodes the Videomic is (in my opinion) the most suitable one for someone starting out, not the Stereo Videomic. It'll give you 10X better sound than most camcorder on board mikes for a very small outlay.

Can't comment on your other mike suggestion (ATR55)....my advice is try searching the All Things Audio section and read people's comments!

Dead cat is what people sometimes nickname the fluffy overcovering that sound guys put on mikes to make them less suspeptible to wind noise. It goes over the top of the foam covering.

My advice is buy one mike, get to know it really well (strengths and limitations) then decide what and when your next purchase might be.

Of the two Rodes the Videomic is (in my opinion) the most suitable one for someone starting out, not the Stereo Videomic. It'll give you 10X better sound than most camcorder on board mikes for a very small outlay.

Can't comment on your other mike suggestion (ATR55)....my advice is try searching the All Things Audio section and read people's comments!

You are quite right. I am currently testing out the SVM and I find that it is a technically adequate microphone for better-than-average sound. I have my SVM coupled to the HD3 from JVC and I find that in that combination that the band-passing mode (low noise cut-off) can cause the camera to drop out the sound completely and cause a dead-air flutter. This is part of knowing when to cut 10dB and trim the sound and when not to. So I agree with the idea of "knowing" the tools. When a microphone has two switches for mode that means it has 4 operational combinations. So that is at least 4 ways to use the SVM on the camera. Then comes using the SVM on a Rode boom and so on. I found the performance in wind up to 20 knots to be flawless. The leaves in the trees were recorded crisp and clear but the noise around the body of the camera and the "dead cat" were inaudible. Then also some claim to have focus noise and camera noise. This is a design clash which promity causes. I have no such noise on the camera from JVC. The motors must be ultrasonic or super-silent. I would gladly buy another Rode videomic product. The windshield is mandatory though. Optional on the mono unit and included in the stereo unit.

http://www.benzmodz.com/rode4.jpg <<< A photo of the setup with a hood from ebay.

I have owned the Rode NT1 and the Rode NT1000. These mics are XLR based and not designed for video use. What I want to mention is my experience with Rode service. In the age of dismal customer service Rode came through when my NT1000 hit a hardwood floor and damaged the mic. I called Rode and they gave me an RMA #. I shipped the mic in with a letter explaining that i had dropped the mic and to contact me with repair costs. The mic came back about two weeks later with a work order showing the total for replaced parts and labor near $300. What was also included was my mic fully repaired and factory spec tested at no charge. I was sitting there dumbfounded listening to my repaired mic - which sounded perfect - with no red tape or any cost for repair! I plan on purchasing the VideoMic if not for an inexpensive shotgun mic, perhaps an inexpensive boom mic. The quality on past Rode products I have used has been terrific. What has your experience been with the Rode VideoMic?

I use the Rode NTG-1 with a dead cat, great sound indoors,outdoors good all round mic, cant go wrong with this one.

Simon

I brought myself a videomic for christmas last year, used it in many indoor and outdoor situations, really clear audio never let me down. wouldn't hesitate buying another rode product either.

I have used the Rode Video and Stereomic for about one year now. The only thing i don't like is that the videomic is so sensitive that it picks up the noise the rubber rings make when the mic is 'moving around' in the shock mount. But if you are on a budget this mic is the way to go. I use it alongside the stereomic and a shure sm58.

Hi

Has anyone used the RØDE VideoMic Shotgun Microphone?
I want to use it on my FX7 Camcorder. The specs sound OK.
http://www.ltf-uk.com/html/videomics.html

Stelios

I have short videos of each in the Video Folder of my Online Archive (http://homepage.mac.com/WebObjects/FileSharing.woa/wa/default?user=tyreeford&templatefn=FileSharing5.html&xmlfn=TKDocument.5.xml&sitefn=RootSite.xml&aff=consumer&cty=US&lang=en)

Thanks Ty
Pity though that I can't open the RodeVideoMic. mp4. What program supports mp4?

Stelios

Hello Stelios,

mp4 is a pretty universal file format. Knowing nothing about your computer system, it would be impossible for me to guess what program would work. I'm on a Mac. Quicktime works for me.

Regards,

Ty Ford

Stelios - on a PC, you can use Videolan player - www.videolan.org. It plays pretty much any video format you can throw at it.

As to the Rode Stereo VideoMic - I used one on my VX2100E and I loved it, it was great for ambient sound. One thing I didn't like was its physical design, it seemed very top-heavy and a bit ungainly up on top of the camera, but then the sound quality made up for that.

When it came to the new V1E, I went for the Beyer MCE72 stereo mic (http://www.videogear.co.uk/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=121), as it fits into the mic holder in place of the supplied Sony stock mic, and leaves the accessory shoe free for a light or other gadget.

Well coincidentally, Digital Producer's site put up a review today.
http://digitalproducer.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=261084

I've used this mic on an FX7 once before for a concert. It turned out great. I ended up using its track, instead of the NT3 I had on a V1U w/ XLR.

If you're asking why, placement I would imagine. I just had the NT3 in the wrong spot. Cause usually I get great audio from an NT3. The VideoMic was great to have on the other camera that night though.

The SVM's "dead kitty" works surprisingly well. You can hear it in a 20mph wind in this video.

http://dvcreators.net/rode-svm-stereo-videomic/

Great bang for buck. I like the size on a small camera too. The Stereo Videomic doesn't feel like it is overwhelming the camera. One of our interns loves his on the HV20. He felt that the Videomic felt huge on that little camera. It depends on what you're shooting though as to which one would work better for you.

Anyone who has tried the Beyerdynamic MCE72 CAM microphone? I'm planning to buy it for my Canon GL-2. Sound samples or comparison to other microphones?

All the best
Ronnie

Digital Producers review says the Videomic is warranted for 2 years but if you register it on line with Rode, the warranty is 10 years. Read the info first.

I've found the RODE VM deadcat is more efficient than the similar Rycote. It restricts lower wind sounds, less low rumble.

Same with the SVMs deadcat; IMO it's the longer hairs, you should run a comb through them before use. But...you got wind you got wind.

The VM is now the worlds largest selling mic of its type. RODE don't sell anything from stock, everything goes straight out of the factory here in Sydney.
Cheers.

Have a Rode Videomic, but I had some problem with it. It is very sensitive for electronic radio noise in emitted for instance in a crowded city center. Maybe cellular phones, automatic doors, incadescent lights or like that.

BTW.. Heard a rumor..

Rode's deadcat is better - cause its not a deadcat...

..it's a deadkoala. Could anyone confirm this? :-)

Hi

Has anyone used the RØDE VideoMic Shotgun Microphone?
I want to use it on my FX7 Camcorder. The specs sound OK.
http://www.ltf-uk.com/html/videomics.html

Stelios

No Problem. I did an mp4 video demo of it a while back. It's in the "Video" folder in my Online Archive. Help yourself.

www.tyford.com


Regards,

Ty Ford

Hi,
I saw your videos in your archive TY, very useful indeed -Thanks!

Do YOU have any experince about the Beyer Dynamic stereo microphone that I mentioned earlier?
My choices to my GL-2 (an all-purpose-mic for music live concerts indoors) are narrowed to the MCE72, AT825 or AT822. Audio-Technica is a little bit expensive in Sweden.. and since my GL-2 doesn't have phantom-power it's probably just AT822 or MCE72.
The MCE72 CAM comes with cameramount and cords as well.
(I also have a Beachtech DXA-4p, but again without phant.)

Cheers
Ronnie

Ronnie, I use the MCE72 for my Sony V1E (as I said above). I took it on its first outing just before Christmas to film some Santa steam trains here in Ireland.

I'm not a sound expert, but it got me (in my opinion) very good, ambient, stereo sound. I paired it up with a Rycote 5cm softie and it coped quite well, considering there was a strong wind coming in off the sea.

Ambient sound quality was great - including the classic left-to-right speaker of a train passing across the scene.

I mount the MCE72 in the Sony on-board mic holder, and use a home-made 5XLR to 2x3XLR lead to connect it up. I've also used it in the Rode suspension mount (SM-5, I think) and it works great.

Just make sure the mic is turned on! The version I have is not phantom powered, and an unexpected shot led to me forgetting to turn the mic on in my haste!

I'll try to get you a sample clip tonight or tomorrow.

Thank you very much for your information. I'm really looking forward so hear some samples. It's very hard (for me) to buy a microphone just looking at the specifications.
I'm planning to buy the MCE72 CAM version as mentioned before.
This version is powered by a 1.5V battery.
What kind of recordings do you use the microphone for and at what distances?

Thanks again.
Cheers
Ronnie

Thank you very much for your information.
What kind of recordings do you use the microphone for and at what distances?

Hi Ronnie,

I should point out again that I'm not an audio expert - I just like the audio to sound "good"!

I use the MCE72 purely for ambient sound. In the steam train example above, it was used for all the general scenes - from the noise of the trains themselves to the crowd noise. I used it at distances from 1 metre from the sound source to 20 metres. Even though the sound is quite loud at times, there is no obvious clipping or other distortion. I had the audio levels set manually to around 70% on the V1E.

It didn't pick up any sound at all from 1km away across the bay in heavy wind at full 20x telephoto. But I'm not too surprised about that!

To be honest, it's my first real outing with this mic and camera and I haven't got much experience with it yet (other than messing around for practice purposes). I felt that the NTG-2 shotgun mic I normally use wouldn't give the right 'atmosphere' for this particular project.

One of the reasons I purchased this mic was the option to use it off-camera on a portable audio recorder like a Zoom as well. Beyer supply an XLR-3.5mm lead for this purpose.


Mike

Hi,
I saw your videos in your archive TY, very useful indeed -Thanks!

Do YOU have any experince about the Beyer Dynamic stereo microphone that I mentioned earlier?
My choices to my GL-2 (an all-purpose-mic for music live concerts indoors) are narrowed to the MCE72, AT825 or AT822. Audio-Technica is a little bit expensive in Sweden.. and since my GL-2 doesn't have phantom-power it's probably just AT822 or MCE72.
The MCE72 CAM comes with cameramount and cords as well.
(I also have a Beachtech DXA-4p, but again without phant.)

Cheers
Ronnie

Hello Ronnie,

I have not heard the beyer. They make some nice mics and some that are built to sell to the low end. The AT 822 is the unbalanced version of the 825 and has been in the line for quite a while.

Regards,

Ty Ford

Ronnie,

Here's a sample vid for you:

http://www.mikeb.org.uk/vids/steam-audio-320.wmv (13MB)
http://www.mikeb.org.uk/vids/steam-audio-640.wmv (30MB)

Both files have the same sound quality: 192kbps, 44kHz, Stereo, 16 bit CBR. I have put some rudimentary captions up to label each scene.

In one of the shots where you can hear birdsong, the camera noise is picked up slightly. This is because it is a quiet location and I had the mic on-camera - I wasn't intending to use audio from that shot.

The images aren't final and are not HDV and I haven't given much thought to visuals in this edit - I chose shots for the sound only.

For a first video with the MCE72, I'm quite happy with it. As I said before, I found the SVM great as well, apart from its physical attributes.

Hi Mike,

Thank you VERY much for sharing your clips, and for your time and effort you have made for providing these samples. The mic seems very sensitive and that's a good thing for me and my purposes. BTW, what are your experience on having the mic mounted on the camera?
Does it pick up much noise from the camera in quiet enviroment?

In Sweden there is a price difference between AT822 and MCE72 about 150$ (AT822 around 520$ and MCE72 370$) if I buy from Germany. I know BHpoto has much better prices, but with tax, custom fee etc - it gets alot more, so...

You have made it a lot easier for me, I think I can borrow the AT822 or AT825 for some testing. After that it's shopping time.. :)

Thanks again!
Cheers
Ronnie

Ronnie,

I find the MCE72 pics up camera noise just the same as the NTG-2 shotgun or the standard Sony mic that comes with the camera. In a totally quiet room, or in the birdsong shot I captioned in the video in a sheltered, quiet corner, it picks up a slight noise of the camera whirring along.

If you turn your sound up you can hear it during the scene titled "birdsong 15-20m away". There was a collared dove on top of a roof some distance away, coo-ing his heart out!

However, I have the Rycote Pistol grip and short softie:

http://www.rycote.com/products/softie_system/softie_mount/softie_handle/

I have yet to try this in a quiet environment, and it can be tricky as a one-man band, but I've got a 5m lead that would enable me to get far enough away from the camera and closer to a subject to avoid the noise and get better audio.

Like I said, in the shot where you can hear the camera noise it wasn't a big problem because I wasn't expecting to use that audio. On camera, the mic is fine in a normal environment - outdoors or indoors, as long as you're not recording silence then it's not too bad. I would need an extra arm to be able to cope with the mic off-camera most of the time!

Hi

Has anyone used the RØDE VideoMic Shotgun Microphone?
I want to use it on my FX7 Camcorder. The specs sound OK.
http://www.ltf-uk.com/html/videomics.html

Stelios

I'm an amateur but I've found that I get really good quality from the VideoMic on my HV20. The problem is tape noise and hiss, something I could have probably solved by having a bracket hold the VideoMic further away from the camcorder.

I'm an amateur but I've found that I get really good quality from the VideoMic on my HV20. The problem is tape noise and hiss, something I could have probably solved by having a bracket hold the VideoMic further away from the camcorder.

I ran into the same problem when testing the HV20 with the little Sennheiser MKE400. If you watch this video you'll see we use a Hama bracket to push the mic off to the side. http://vimeo.com/videos/search:sennheiser
That little camera is loud!