Rode VideoMic

tcbetka wrote on 11/16/2008, 7:04 PM
I have been told these are great mics for the money, and have read http://www.videomaker.com/article/12163/this review[/link]. So I am about to pull the trigger on one. Having just purchased the FX1 a month or so ago, I need to get a better (more directional) microphone, and am currently in the process of getting a better tripod. So though it's probably not the best mic I can buy for the FX1, I just need something to give me a lot better directionality than the on-board unit. I have two matched Audix SC1 condenser mics that I use as overheads on my drumkit in my studio, and at $400 or so apiece, I would use these if I bought an XLR adapter for the FX1--or if I bite the bullet and pick up a Z1U (or equivalent) to go with the FX1 in a year or so, once I learn all the features of the FX1. So I don't want to spend a ton of money on a shotgun mic right now.

So as far as I can tell, the Rode VideoMic should be a great solution to my current needs; especially given my current skill level as a videographer. I tried searching the forum archives, but really didn't see a whole lot about the Rode, at least in terms of reviews. Therefore I'd like someone to 'check my math' on that unit, just so I'm not making a mistake.

TIA.

TB

Comments

FrigidNDEditing wrote on 11/16/2008, 7:36 PM
While I've had no on hands exp. I will say that many on these forums have had positive things to say in the past, and Spot was really quite pleased with those mics for the price that they go for ( if I remember correctly, so don't quote me on quoting him, it might be back here in the forums somewhere though ).

I've got an NTG2 and I was told that I should have gone the route of AT at that price point, but at the VideoMic Price point, it was one of the best out there.

Dave
tcbetka wrote on 11/16/2008, 8:29 PM
Thanks Dave. I am going to order one tomorrow, along with the quick release bracket for the Bogen.

I appreciate all the help you've given me!

TB
Patryk Rebisz wrote on 11/16/2008, 8:45 PM
All sound men i asked recently told me that Rode NTG2 beats all mics in below $500 range. Since i have both (since i took their advice) i can tell u that both VideoMic and NTG2 sound great (NTG2 being slight more rich in sound).
FrigidNDEditing wrote on 11/16/2008, 9:34 PM
It's my pleasure Tom. I don't always have time like I've had lately.

I've been working a split shift with the wife for the little one, where I watch him for the first half of the night till about 4am and just bring him to her to feed. Then go to sleep around then to get up and start working about 11am and let her take care of him during the second half of the night and the morning. It lets us both get pretty good sleep ( though she clearly gets the short end of the stick since she's got the food ).

Glad I could help though.

Dave
FrigidNDEditing wrote on 11/16/2008, 9:36 PM
Patryk,

Good to hear regarding the shotgun I bought, makes me glad I got what I did :).

I actually use it mostly for Voice over ( been thinking about getting a nice ribbon or tube mic for voice work, but I don't do enough to make me buy a new mic just for that single pupose, and I like the results I get pretty well with the NTG ).

Dave
UlfLaursen wrote on 11/16/2008, 9:56 PM
I have one of theese and I am very pleased. It has good shock absorbing units and the sound is good.

/Ulf
TLF wrote on 11/17/2008, 12:31 AM
I have the FX1, Rode VideoMic and Rode NTG2.

The VideoMic is excellent at its price point, but lacking a little in treble. But at the price, that's just being picky. It's directional, but not as directional as the NTG2, and the NTG2 has better treble response, which is odd because APPARENTLY the VM and NTG2 share the same capsule.

Anyway, back to the VM... It will mount nicely on the FX1, but will stick out quite a long way which looks a bit crazy. You could adjust the position of the VM on its mount, but then it prevents the monitor from opening on the FX1.

FX1 + VM = good choice/excellent value but minor short-comings!
Jøran Toresen wrote on 11/17/2008, 2:31 AM
Excuse me, but are you taking about the Rode Stereo VideoMic og Rode VideoMic?

Jøran
Jay Gladwell wrote on 11/17/2008, 5:08 AM

I just got the NTG-3 and I'm tickled pink with it. Seasoned pros are comparing it to the Sennheiser MKH-416. It cost a fraction of the Sennheiser.

I've been very impressed with it so far.


tcbetka wrote on 11/17/2008, 6:59 AM
Glad to hear that the Rode VideoMic is well-regarded--I just ordered one from B&H last night, lol.

As for some better mics, I have three of http://www.frontendaudio.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=1386these[/link] units: two matched SCX1-c mics and one SCX1-hc. I use them as drum/cymbal overheads, and they are spectacular. I didn't pay anywhere near $480 for each though, as Audix has packages you can buy to cover the whole kit. I think I paid $2K for these three, along with 5 or 6 other dynamic mics for the toms and kick. But the Audix mics are incredible, and if I ever needed to use them with the FX1, I'll simply buy an XLR adapter for the camera. In all likelihood though, I will likely add a Z1U (or something else with XLR adapters on it) in a year or so...once I come on the learning curve a bit more.

Thanks for all the help folks!

TB
Laurence wrote on 11/17/2008, 11:52 AM
Be aware that you are going to have a little akwardness with the FX1 flip out LCD monitor since the VideoMic will be in the way. Nothing you can't work around but could be a little frustrating.
tcbetka wrote on 11/17/2008, 1:50 PM
Wow, thanks for the tip. I wondered about tat, but it looks to be offset to the right (looking through the camera viewfinder), so I thought it would likely be out of the way for the LCD. So I will definitely be curious to see how it works out.

By the way--what kind of audio quality does the little 1/8" mic plug give you? I wondered about that as well, but didn't expect too much. Obviously the camera doesn't have XLR inputs like its big brother (Z1U) does, but it cost $1500 less than a Z1U also. As I mentioned above, I may end up getting something with on-board XLR inputs next year, so as long as the Rode VM improves on the audio quality of the on-board mic, then I'll be happy for now. There's so much I have to learn about videography that not having XLR inputs is the *least* of my problems right now. But I have to do something to try and get better audio on tape; at least to minimize off-axis noise while taping. That on-board mic is extremely sensitive, almost excessively so.

Thanks for the post.

TB
D. Collins wrote on 11/17/2008, 1:54 PM
I like the VM except for the mounting. I do 'run and gun' shooting and it just dosen't hold up. Everything is rubber banded together now.

Dave
WedVidMan wrote on 11/18/2008, 11:30 AM
The only problem I had with the VideoMic was with the little rubber bands. I wrote the company and they sent me extra bands at no charge. I also removed the bands and reinstalled them with a half-twist. Tightened up the Mic, and solved the problem of them coming off. Excellent Mic by the way. I use it on my VX2100 -does a great job at weddings-just enough directional pickup to pick up the intended focal point. and tone down the crowd.
dand9959 wrote on 11/18/2008, 2:56 PM
I have found that the little-bitty circular rubber bands that are used to hold braces (orthodontia) in place are ideal stabilizers for my VM.

(Of course, my daughter looks very silly wearing the black Rode stabilizers on her teeth, but we all make sacrifices.)

Grazie wrote on 11/18/2008, 3:00 PM
"(Of course, my daughter looks very silly wearing the black Rode stabilizers on her teeth, but we all make sacrifices.)"

. . you guys . .YOU GUYS!!! . . Funniest response of the week . .so far . .

But tell us, is she now balanced XLR?

Grazie



too funny . .. .



richard-amirault wrote on 11/18/2008, 8:32 PM
"Excuse me, but are you taking about the Rode Stereo VideoMic og Rode VideoMic?"

Jøran
==================
They are talking about the (mono) VideoMic, not the Stereo VideoMic.

The Stereo VideoMic is *not* a shotgun mic. While the (regular) VideoMic is.
Grazie wrote on 11/19/2008, 2:12 AM
Sorry people . .. I have needed to suspend my link. It wouild appear there is an issue with the encode?

OK . . . . . back to the drawing board . . .

Grazie



Dach wrote on 11/19/2008, 5:07 AM
When the time comes, when you have to replace the bands on the VM (stabilizer) consider using the washers that are associated with your plumbing department. Do do a great job and they are fraction of the replacements from Rode.

Chad
tcbetka wrote on 11/19/2008, 6:10 AM
Wow Grazie, nice job with the footage and the edit. The Mic sounds great... I see that they only cost about twice what the mono version does, so that's certainly a possibility for the future. Right now I simply need something better than the on-board mic, but you've certainly opened my eyes as to how good that mic sounds.

Thanks for posting the link!

TB
Grazie wrote on 11/20/2008, 12:47 AM
tcbetka, I suppose the "other" reason why I did post my link was for you to hear just how good ambient stereo CAN sound as a means to planting the viewer in amongst and environ, and particularly just WHERE shotgun work can reside and provide focus and attention. Meaning, a good stereo/layered background is already providing an audio canvass to allow you to work your shotgun work. Just straight shotgun will sound just like that - shotgun.

As much as lighting is like painting with light, how we capture sound provides many layers to that truly virtual landscape of sound. I am continuing to learn more and more, and what i have found is that layers - NOT confusing layers - is the way to go for me.

And yes, I do understand, that at the moment a shotie is what you need. But I am betting, even now, you are thinking a bit further.

Much to learn . . so little time . . quite exciting really??

Grazie
tcbetka wrote on 11/20/2008, 7:07 AM
Yes, it is very exciting... The sound you got on that video was great, and did exactly what you said--put me in London. Obviously the video helped, lol, but without the sound, the video has far less impact.

Out of curiosity--do you have a mono VideoMic, or only the stereo one? Right now I only need a mono unit, as my primary recording right now is girl's volleyball and I really only need to be able to minimize off-axis noise. But I can definitely see an application for the stereo mic like you have.

Thanks again for posting the link to your video. Nice job on it!

TB
Grazie wrote on 11/21/2008, 4:08 AM
Huh!

Just when I think I got something right with IT . .

I have had to "suspend" my link. Appears there is an issue, after 2 days working perfecclty, with the encode engine. Just tried another upload and the same.

Obvioulsy my clip was FArrrr too popular.

Oh well . .. .

Grazie
farss wrote on 11/21/2008, 6:07 AM
Grazie already knows this.
I LOVE stereo mics and I love that piece of his. Just recently I picked up a Rode NT4 quite cheaply off eBay. If you want to spend a bit more it's a very nice mic and again you don't need XLR inputs or phantom power. It is a bit big and heavy to mount on a camera but I've seen it done.

Bob.