mic

joejon wrote on 3/14/2006, 8:30 PM
About 3 years ago I asked people from this forum to make suggestions for an external mic for my camcorder. I did choose one that was recommended and I really liked it. I was at an event recently and I either lost it some how or it was stolen from my bag (I believe it was the latter). Anyway, I'm now having to replace it. It was the Audio Technica AT-822. I may end up getting the same one. The one thing I didn't like was that there was not a battery indicator, so I had to do a trial taping and playback before each use. Also, even with getting sound, I don't know if the battery is low if the sound is degraded. I don't know if I can justify spending that much again since it is just for my own personal use. Any suggestions on good mics that cost less than the AT-822? Maybe something too with a battery indicator. I may end up, eventually, with the same one, but as long as I'm in the market, I might as well see what other options I have. Thanks so much.

Comments

rraud wrote on 3/15/2006, 12:29 PM
The only mic I can think of the has a batt.indicator is the Sony 672 short shotgun, but it ain't cheap and it's heavy.
That said, the power a electret condenser draws for bias current (power) is so little, replacing a AA batt,. once a year would be more than sufficent.
drbam wrote on 3/15/2006, 12:33 PM
What rraud said. And I'd add that since AA batteries are not very expensive, relatively speaking, I personally would use a new battery for each and every recording session/event that I felt was important.

drbam
Geoff_Wood wrote on 3/15/2006, 2:11 PM
Check out the RODE VideoMic
joejon wrote on 3/15/2006, 6:53 PM
Since the Rode video mic is a shotgun I'm assuming that it isn't stereo. I also don't see anything in the specs indicating stereo. The AT-822 was stereo so I was able to also hook it up to my computer so that my son could record his guitar music. But I'll certainly take a look at it. It's a much better price than the At-822. Thanks for your input.
farss wrote on 3/15/2006, 11:30 PM
Unless you know what you're doing with a stereo mic they can be more trouble than they're worth, I'd never put one on a camera.
And yes the Rode videomic is very good value.

Bob.
joejon wrote on 3/16/2006, 2:12 PM
I've been reading a little more about the Rode mic. It seems that it will record the L and R channels even though it's a mono mic. In looking at reviews and comments, many have said that it's not for recording anything much over 20'. I'm probably about 60' from my kids bands when I'm recording them, maybe even a little more. This is probably the main use for this microphone, better quality sound at band concerts. If you think this mic would work for that, let me know. Otherwise, any other suggestion are appreciated.
Geoff_Wood wrote on 3/16/2006, 3:16 PM
What it records depends on how the audio inputs are handled on you camera.

It sounds like what you really need is a mixer feed direct to your camera, or wireless mic with portable receiver attached to the camera.

geoff
joejon wrote on 3/17/2006, 2:36 PM
Could you elaborate a little more on your suggestion? Maybe also include the brands/names of the equipment your talking about so I can research it further. Thanks. I've only had experience with the mic built into the camera and the AT-822 stereo mic.
rraud wrote on 3/17/2006, 6:38 PM
joejon,
Recording a band from 60' away is problematic... in any situation.... go with a mono mic. You will be dealing with enough crowd, ambient and acoustical reflections as it is, to get a decent recording in mono... no less stereo, where phase problems, come into play.

In any case, get close to the stage and/or PA, as Geoff recomended.

(Distances are less critical in an outdoor setting)
farss wrote on 3/18/2006, 2:18 AM
In terms of value for money the Rode videomic is a hard act to beat.
However as said above nothing beats getting close to the sound source. Even if you can't get the camera close maybe you can get an audio recorder and mic closer, then sync them up in post.
Bob.
joejon wrote on 3/18/2006, 5:12 PM
I've read good and bad reviews about the Rode videomic, but there isn't a lot out there for that price. The only similar thing I see is the Sennheiser MKE 300. Has anyone tried that mic? Also, there was one site I found info. on Rode coming out with a stereo version of the videomic. But it seems like the consensus in this forum that mono mics are better for video recording. I do use it mainly for band concerts. Anyway, you're sure it will record into both channels? I had good sound with the AT822 and that was stereo. Hopefully I will get as good of sound with the Rode videomic if I get it. Thanks for all of the suggestions.