Anyone use Rode video mic for HVX? low sound levels?

R

Reflex Films

Active member
I have a cheap but very effective rode video mic - been using it on my smaller sony DV cams for years

it runs into a cam via a mini jack

I bought an XLR adaptor (could this be the problem?) and mounted it on my HVX but the levels come out SUPER low - i have to tap the mic to get a reading on the bars - i have turned the sound levels right up via the dials but it makes little difference..

This mic has its own battery ( a small 9 volter)

- anyone had any success with this mic on the HVX?
 
What model #?
I use the Rode NTG-2 and am very happy wthj it. ($250) It's bright, of corse, but very intelligible without sounding "hornlike" as some shotguns can. I made a 'shorty" for it that allows on camera use (Fits OK with Panny's "shock-mount" clip. I have also used it on a boom with a wireless set up and like it a lot. No level or noise problems. I had an old Sennheiser shotgun that just got old, noisy and dull and I had no desire to repair it.
 
The model is Rode Videomic - i think its their lowest end directional mic

Have tried mic and line and no dice ...it works great through a minijack into my small cams.. any reason why the xlr adaptormight mute the signal?

ksteiger - does the ntg set up standard with xlr s ?
 
The NTG uses a standard AA battery and connects with a standard XLR to XLR mic cable. My guess is the mini plug (1/8") on your mic is probably stereo so the adaptor may be tying one channel to ground. You may need someone to build one for you that splits the signal off from one female stereo 1/8" connector to two male XLR's. With 1/8" stereo mini connectors typically tip is left, ring is right and sleeve is ground. On the XLR side, ground goes to pins 1 and 3, while the signal goes to pin 2. If you need any more help with this you can PM me.



Just checked Rodes site. Make sure that the -20 db pad on the mic is not engaged and that the audio level is set to -60, not -50 in the HVX's recording setup menu.
Good luck!
 
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My VideoMic from Rode work great on my HVX200, I use it with an XLR adaptor.

Did you turn off the power for your XLR input? You may have reverse the polarity for your connection (if the power is turn on from your HVX), cause both power supply can not work together.

Good luck

Christian
 
Thanks for all your input - its good to know that it does work on the HVX -

it seems that none of the above solve the problem - i'll check my XLR adaptor - that may be faulty..
 
Relex films, thanks for posting this question becoz I too experience the same problem. Infact I have to push the 1/8 pin halfway to get any audio and it's only one chanenel, when I push it in all the way there's no audio at all. Anybody know why this could be?
 
I would venture with almost certainty that the adapter you are using is probably an 1/8" balanced (TRS) female to XLR male adapter. The videomic uses an unbalanced connection (only one ring around the shaft of the pin/connection, so essentially it's likely the wrong adapter for this application (it also explains why when you push it in past the first "click" the signal goes away, etc). I know Rode offers an adapter specifically to serve this purpose called "VXLR":
http://www.rodemicrophones.com/accessory.php?product=VXLR
 
Thanks for the tips crew! - i'll follow through with the leads
again another example of how this forum helps all us HVX lovers out there
 
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