Comments

petri63 wrote on 1/6/2005, 5:53 AM
Hello!

Thanks for the article on the VideoMic.

I was curious to see if you had tried the Sennheiser MKE300, which I would think is in the same category. If so, how do the MKE300 and VideoMic compare in your opinion (soundwise)?
Spot|DSE wrote on 1/6/2005, 9:13 AM
The Senn MKE 300 is in about the same category, yes. The Senn has higher selfnoise, which is something that Rode knows a lot about damping. I like the sound of the Rode better, but I also don't have the two side by side to compare, I used an Azden and AT 897 for comparison purposes because I have them here with me. I just remember my reaction to the Senn. It's definitely not an ME66 or MK416. :-)
I'm a little put off by the Rode's all-plastic design, but it sounds a lot better than I expected it to.
petri63 wrote on 1/6/2005, 9:24 AM

I am asking because comparison tests of different mics, including the MKE300, have been made recently and posted on the Pana3CCDuser board (http://www.pana3ccduser.com/forumdisplay.php?f=10).

I am sure a lot of folks over there would be interested in hearing the VideoMic. Would you by any chance have a sample of your comparative tests?

Thanks
Spot|DSE wrote on 1/6/2005, 9:54 AM
I do on my drive that's on the show floor, but not here on my laptop....I'll try to remember to transfer them.
Laurence wrote on 1/6/2005, 12:20 PM
The Rode mic has a built in shock mount. With all the motor noise on cameras this is pretty important. My guess is that for that reason alone the Rode mic would sound noticably better.

Spot, how would you say that this mic compares to the shotgun mic that comes with the new Sony Z-1?
petri63 wrote on 1/6/2005, 1:04 PM
It is quite possible that the Rode sounds better than the MKE300. But a shock mount can easily be built for under $20 for a mic as light as the MKE300 (it weighs only 60g).
drmathprog wrote on 1/6/2005, 2:43 PM
Is this a brand new product? I see no mention of it on the Rode WEB site.
Laurence wrote on 1/6/2005, 7:04 PM
What is the output level like. Many low end cameras have automatic gain control circuits that can't be bypassed. My Sony TRV-27 has been getting more use lately, especially since it has a true 16:9 mode, but it has an AGC circuit that seems to be set for a very low output mic. I can use it with a Beachtek type box, but that would make the whole package heavier than I would like. Is this mike usable with a camera that only has AGC mode?
Laurence wrote on 1/19/2005, 11:24 AM
I just ordered one from B & H this morning to use with my VX-2000.
farss wrote on 1/19/2005, 1:39 PM
Let us know how it goes, might be interested in a few ourselves.
Bob.
wcoxe1 wrote on 1/19/2005, 2:00 PM
Thank you, again, Spot!
MUTTLEY wrote on 1/19/2005, 2:54 PM

Would this be appropriate for an XL2 or would I be better served with something else ? Keeping in mind that the XL2 now has built in XLR with phantom power.

- Ray

www.undergroundplanet.com
Lawrence_S wrote on 1/19/2005, 5:37 PM
Hi Spot. A friend of mine told me he thinks the MK416 mic is much better than the ME66. Have you ever compared these mics? I'm asking you because I want to purchase the best mic I can (for field recording) up to U$ 1,200. If you have any other suggestions, I will be grateful :-)

Lawrence

riredale wrote on 1/19/2005, 11:42 PM
I just recorded a local performance of "Amahl and the Night Visitors" with my new Audio-Technica AT-822 stereo mic. It was shock-mounted about 8' off the floor, about 20' from the action. Sounded very nice, and I'm very pleased with this new microphone.

I shot video from the choir loft of the church where the opera was staged, and used the audio from that location for the surround tracks.
farss wrote on 1/19/2005, 11:45 PM
We've got both, I've never done a comparison of the sound quality but the 416 does seem a better built mike, we've had a lot of complaints from guys using the ME66.
But bear in mind these are all shotguns and shotguns aren't the mic to use for best quality audio, they're the mic of last resort.
Bob.
Spot|DSE wrote on 1/19/2005, 11:59 PM
shotguns aren't the mic to use for best quality audio, they're the mic of last resort
I'd take a little issue with that comment, as shotguns are necessary in many outdoor applications, and are wonderful for voiceovers, being used for many national and international voiceover artists. But it is absolutely fair to say (imo) that shotguns are probably the most misunderstood and misused microphones of the lot. Sad, but true. Guys see that long, sleek barrel and get some kinda envy and think they just gotta have one.
I much prefer the AT 897 over the ME 66, hands down. The 416 is substantially better than the ME66, but it's not so much different than the AT 897. I covered the pattern diffs and distances on this subject using 3 different shotguns in the NHT video project. It surprised me how much stereo separation could be maintained at distance.
Spot|DSE wrote on 1/20/2005, 12:01 AM
You'd be a little better served with something else IF you can afford more. For the sub 200.00 (street price) of the Rode, you CAN'T beat it at all. WAY better than the comparitive Azden, even though it's built more inexpensively.
those Aussie's know how to build a great mic.
nickle wrote on 1/20/2005, 8:45 AM
Is the Rode a stereo mic?
FuTz wrote on 1/20/2005, 11:55 AM
in the article:

"Conveniently attached to the mic is a 3.5mm stereo plug that will feed both inputs of the standard DV or HDV camcorder with mono sound"
nickle wrote on 1/20/2005, 12:20 PM
I don't know about you Futz but that needs clarification for me. It is a stereo plug but fits into an input with mono sound.

It sounds like 2 plugs that provide stereo if you have 2 inputs with 2 mono inputs=stereo.

I only have 1 mic input. What happens if I plug a stereo plug into a stereo input?
FuTz wrote on 1/20/2005, 1:03 PM
Oh, I see the confusion now...My guess is that the mic is feeding a mono signal to both channels. Hence, the same signal be it left or right.
Which makes it a mono mic with a stereo jack. For cams with rca inputs (or even XLR ins if you want to feed both channels), you probably need a splitter to feed these separate channels and for other cams (like yours), you probably plug it directly into the 1/8" input.
farss wrote on 1/20/2005, 1:10 PM
This mic I'd say is targeted at cameras without XLRs so for sure they provide a stereo plug that feeds the same signal to both channels.
BTW stereo 'shotguns' do exist, we have a pretty expensive one, you do NOT want to put it on a camera!
Bob.
nickle wrote on 1/20/2005, 2:05 PM
I've been going around in circles for a year now about microphones.

I've read all the posts and they always get into hi-end stuff and wireless things that i can't justify for my "hobby".

I want things that don't exist. I get too much windnoise from my front internal mic so I need to add an external. That is the prime reason for wanting another mic. I live by the ocean and it is always windy.

The Rode is in my price range but do I want to give up stereo?

There are stereo mics in the same price range, but no shockmount.

Replacing windnoise for motor noise would be just as aggravating.

I have an "intelligent hotshoe" but the only mic for it is a Sony shotgun that still uses the internal so there would still be windnoise.

Everything else takes batteries and I would have to remember to turn it on (and off).
The kind of video I do is spur of the moment stuff so this might be an issue.

I can't find any reviews for the mics available.

Prices here are double what they are in the U.S. in most cases. (i.e. the above mentioned Sony is only $48 U.S. but $129 Canadian.) I could afford to throw away $48 but for $129 I would put it towards something more decent.

I think the Rode (when it finds its way here) will be about $250 while the stereo Sony ECMMS 908c is only $159.

Also I want to have the dialogue of whoever is in front of the camera and myself recorded in equal volume.

Considering that anything in the price range will be a compromise, what is the best compromise?
FuTz wrote on 1/21/2005, 4:18 AM
nickle:

Yes, looking for a different mic is a big plus for audio. BUT, concerning your wind problem, you might have a look at this:
http://www.rycote.com/products/miniwindjammer/default.asp
THIS will get you rid of wind noise in a better way than swapping 12 different mics of all prices. Surf this site to find the appropriate one. Not cheap but it's the way to go, believe me. And the longer the hair, the better. It won't do miracles but...well, almost!
Sometimes, the place where you shoot from is critical: I regularly re-park the van so it blocks the wind on the set (ie: the MIC).
The poor man's way you can try right now: piling layers of wool socks on the mic (if you got a shotgun on the cam). Thighten the whole new "beast" with tape or, better, elastics. Do not block these linear holes along the mic, they're used to cancell sound that's coming from the sides (making a short story) to make your mic more directive. Well, now if you want an omni mic you can block these and do some tests with phones (?).
If you got a integrated "in the casing" mic on your cam, maybe you could try putting one or two layers of foam on the surface (do not put your duct tape on the mic/ I know, you figured it out). Use foam that "breathes", not foam like these blue camping matresses which would cut the sound. You could use foam that comes from around these new bulbs you put in torch lamps or pro Arri/whatever brand lamps. Works pretty nicely for occasionnal smooth wind.
For more serious winds, go with Rycote products and be sure it fits thight on you mic so you get no rumble.
Concerning the levels: if you want to get your subject the same level as you are there's just one way with a cam-mounted mic: film your subject from appropriate distance. "Gauge" it by using phones when you record.

For a shop in Canada, maybe have a quick check at
http://www.audioservicescanada.com/
it's a "pro" shop but they sell mics like the Sennheiser MKE300 and the Ambient Tiny Mic for camcorders. I don't know about these mics but I'm sure if you ask the guys they will give you comments. This shop usually has good prices and they got a "used equipment" section on their site too which you can regularly check just in case...
Usually, buying a Sony product like this mic you're looking for is more expensive at the Sony boutique than at some other place(s). And you can always ask at a "pro" shop if they can get the product for you. I bought my cam a few years ago going through this kind of place: $1000 cheaper than going thru Sony Lifestyle boutique in some shopping center. Cheaper 2X lens too (same model, specs, etc than at boutique too).
Try Location Sound in Vancouver too, maybe they got something for you, who knows? They have lots of stuff.
In Montreal, you can try CEV; good prices.

HTH