Defective Rode VideoMic?

[ArnuShawn]

I just got the Rode VideoMic, and I wonder whether the mic is defective or normal.

1) There is no PAD switch to set 0dB, 10dB, or 20dB inside the battery compartment like the picture show on the manual. So there is no way to set or reduce the sensitivity.

2) Where I did the recording, I can hear clearly of my voice speaking from behind the camera (I set the camera sound to M and at about 12dB and att is off). I though this mic only pickup sound from the front and with narrow range or angle.

Are these normal or defective? Thanks in advance for any VideoMic user input.

Shawn

Sorry! I did not mean to post in 24p workflow area, and I don't know how to move to the right place.

[Lunchbox]

If you look at the mic pick up pattern graph in the manual, it will pick up some sound from the rear. Even so, sound travels in all direction. It won't magically elimiate all sound around.

[ArnuShawn]

Thanks for quick reply. So this is normal for the shotgun mic? I am kind of disappointed, and it really did not improve much from the internal mic. I still can hear some clicking sound from the zoom button and the background noise which I want to eliminate for interview shot.

How about the PAD switch? Am I getting the old or use model or something? (I order from Amazon martketplace, and it should be a new one and it looks like an open box no plastic wrap inside or outside). According to the manual I should have this setting to reduce the mic sensitivity. Perhaps with this setting, it may help to reduce pickup background noise? Thanks again for your help.

[Lunchbox]

There are different issues.

Motor noise is a different issue. You can get a flash bracket to mount your shot gun mic to avoid that, as well as the clicking sound from pressing buttons on the camera.

Shotgun mic is good to pick up sound in front of the mic for interview purpose. Will it eliminate background noise? Let's say it picks up better sound in front of the mic than using on-camera mic or omni-directional mic. For better interview purpose, you should invest a lav mic that clip to the object you are interviewing to.

[ArnuShawn]

I have wireless lav mic for pre-arrange and control environment interview. My plan is to use this VideoMic for on the street interview where you don't have much time to setup.

Have you use the PAD switch? Will it help to reduce the noise? Thank you very much for your help.

[Lunchbox]

There is a High Pass Filter switch. have you tried that? If you are in an outdoor windy environment, you can also buy the dead cat to block wind noise.

Mine has a DIP switch inside the battery compartment. it is now set at 0db.

How much you paid for your RodeMic? Is it brand new? Just curious.

[ArnuShawn]

I did try the high pass switch. To me, the difference is very little.

I paid $146, and I got it from Amazon marketplace seller - Electronica Direct. It states on the web page as a new one, and I am really wonder whether is a used one or older model since I don't have the PAD swich inside the battery compartment. Well, I guess I will contact them to be sure.

Thanks

[ArnuShawn]

Just talked to Rode tech support, he confirm this is an old version of VideoMic. The new one should have DIP or PAD switch inside the battery compartment, and it has been out for 2 or 3 years. Rode offers to replace it with the new version with no charge other than shipping fee to them. But I will return to Amazon because that is wrong to sell the old and perhaps a use one as new.

[Lunchbox]

I would suggest you go with Rode. Then you can complain to Amazon or leave feedback for the merchant. But at the end of the day, you still want the Rode mic right?

I think you should be glad the manufacturer (RODE) is willing to take responsibility like that.

[ArnuShawn]

Yeah, I am glad they offer that. I initially wanted to take they offer, but I just don't think I should reward this kind of merchant (Amazon Marketplace seller) for something that they are clearly do not deserve.

[Lunchbox]

So what you gonna do?

[DaFireMedic]

Rode has fantastic customer support, some of the best I've seen. This only confirms it.

[John Painter]

Sorry to hear your troubles. I have the new Rode videomic, on my HV30 and it certainly does pick up sound from behind it, however get a pair of headphones so you can monitor the sound, be certain you're pointing at the subject you want to record and it will red line once you're zeroed in.

I find myself having to really watch the sound so I don't blow it out from being too loud. Most of the time I'm recording at between 10 to 20 feet. The background noise when I edit in iMovie or FCE is not a problem. I realized after some tinkering that motor hum can be minimized by mounting the mic on bracket. Also any clicks from buttons shouldn't be a problem if you're not starting to record once someone has already started speaking, in other words the camera should be rolling then you start shooting. Another thing which is great is the remote, you don't even have to put your hands on the camera once you get it set the way you want it and you get really smooth zooming.

Good luck, and have fun.

[ArnuShawn]

So what you gonna do?

Waiting for Electronica Direct to issue RMA# for the return. At the mean time, I am going to Sam Ash Music store today and see if I can pick one up with the DIP switch. Hopefully, I have a better luck this time.

[Lunchbox]

why don't you buy one from Jack? His price is the lowest. I'm sure they are selling the newest stock.

http://www.hv20.com/showthread.php?t=6116

[ArnuShawn]

Thanks. I check it out.

[jogodahobo]

I just received my Rode Video mic from Jack and it turned out to be defective. =( i called the store and Jack himself got on the phone and apologized about the problem. It seems like Rode has 1 out of every 1000 mics that end up being defective, and unfortunately that ended up being mine.

So now i'm going to have to pay the shipping to send it back to rode...and since its the holidays it's going to take FOREVER =(

But Jack was very nice about the whole situation.