best run-and-gun mic compared to Rode VideoMicro?

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dylansmith

Well-known member
I'm currently using the VideoMicro for run-and-gun, 1-man shooting. Love the size and weight, but audio (especially vocals) could have higher clarity. Is there any other brand in the same "category" as the VideoMicro with much higher SQ, for use with my A7Rii?
 
Check out the Movo VXR10 which is in the same category but more sensitive:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66NnW4SNtmo

https://www.amazon.com/Movo-VXR10-M...TF8&qid=1533269251&sr=8-2&keywords=movo+vxr10

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But I would consider a little preamp to provide "more juice" for your VideoMicro instead:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...cro_pro_dxa_micro_pro_active_xlr_compact.html

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With that you then also have the option of using XLR mics (in the future) such as the amazing AT875R (phantom power), which is much better than any of those above for a bit more money:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...ica_AT875R_AT875_Short_Condenser_Shotgun.html
 
Boom in one hand and camera in the other was a thing back in the 16mm verite film days. Leacock and his gang (DeMott, Kreines, etc) did that a lot. But then, there were fewer buttons and dials to deal with on their (quite nice) film cameras... But ya, it's difficult to pull off these days.

As for a better on-camera mic, maybe look at one of the better Rode on-camera mics; perhaps the VideoMic Pro or something.
http://www.rode.com/microphones/video

I have an Ambient TinyMike (with a bunch of accessories...mount, wind furry, etc) that I won as a door prize years ago. It's actually pretty nice (and I say this as a guy who works as a location sound mixer with Sanken, Schoeps, and similar big-bucks mics). But it's much more expensive than Rode's lower-end (but OK IMO) offerings:
http://ambient.de/en/product/atm216/

Frankly, I don't know if any on-camera mic will get you the sound quality you want. Maybe consider adding a simple wireless system or two to you kit. Some people here like the low-cost Rode system, I think. And then there's Sennheiser G3 & G4, something from Sony that seem popular, etc. And then much-more expensive options.

HTH!
 
The cheapo Movo stuff seems decent and way less money than the Rode stuff. Use Rode if you want to be in the trendy YouTube crowd like all the rest. And as suggested, you can step up to professional standbys like AT for good solid performance.
 
Just to clarify why I'm excluding any XLR options - I want to keep things compact and portable.

Despite the fact that Rode Videomic Pro Plus is more expensive, the sound signature is too bassy (low end) for my liking.

On a separate note, can anyone recommend an audio solution if the subject of interest is my 4-yo toddler? Is there any lav solution that will be comfortable for a kid to wear? Otherwise I will always be stuck with on-cam solutions.
 
NorBro said:
Check out the Movo VXR10 which is in the same category but more sensitive:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66NnW4SNtmo

https://www.amazon.com/Movo-VXR10-M...TF8&qid=1533269251&sr=8-2&keywords=movo+vxr10

---

But I would consider a little preamp to provide "more juice" for your VideoMicro instead:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...cro_pro_dxa_micro_pro_active_xlr_compact.html

---

With that you then also have the option of using XLR mics (in the future) such as the amazing AT875R (phantom power), which is much better than any of those above for a bit more money:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...ica_AT875R_AT875_Short_Condenser_Shotgun.html
Click to expand...

how much of a difference will it make if I were to add the Beachtek pre-amp for my A7Rii? The Sony pre-amps aren't half-bad, and I couldn't find any reliable A/B comparison review of adding a pre-amp on top of my setup.
 
"how much of a difference will it make if I were to add the Beachtek pre-amp?"
- If it's just for nat sound, the cam's internal preamps should be sufficient. Otherwise, a separate recorder like the SD MixPre 3/6/10 or an F series Zoom is usually recommended.
 
I've used both the Rode VideoMicro and the Video Pros. The Pros are going to sound much better due to better mic quality and the internal preamp with the 9V battery that will help to cut down on some of the amplification required from the camera. It will get rid of some of the hiss.

As far as clarity, though, that is really about mic placement so I don't think a new on camera mic will get you what you want.
 
dylansmith said:
how much of a difference will it make if I were to add the Beachtek pre-amp for my A7Rii? The Sony pre-amps aren't half-bad, and I couldn't find any reliable A/B comparison review of adding a pre-amp on top of my setup.
Click to expand...

It makes a difference in terms of getting better sound quality from further away without pushing the internal preamps...maybe the "higher clarity" you refer to.

But if you're holding the mic in front of your mouth and speaking into it it will make no difference as you'll have to lower the gain inside your camera anyway.
 
dylansmith said:
Just to clarify why I'm excluding any XLR options - I want to keep things compact and portable.

Despite the fact that Rode Videomic Pro Plus is more expensive, the sound signature is too bassy (low end) for my liking.

On a separate note, can anyone recommend an audio solution if the subject of interest is my 4-yo toddler? Is there any lav solution that will be comfortable for a kid to wear? Otherwise I will always be stuck with on-cam solutions.
Click to expand...

I also shoot run and gun, primarily news.

All the sensible solutions are going to be XLR. EG Rode NTG1, 2, 3 & 4 shotguns. I use these (NTG1/2) on camera in two situations

1 Main use: As back up and ambiance to a primary mic used by an interviewer/interviewee. Hand held by interviewer/interviewee or on a stand,)
2 secondary as primary audio when all else fails (or no interviewer/interviewee and for B-Role)

In your case where the camera audio input is a 3.5 jack I would use a separate audio recorder that takes XLR mics and then feed the output into the camera so you have a track to synchronise to. I use a Zoom F4 for this. Though normally only when I need more than 2 mics which tends to be a static situation.

For the 4Y/o child do NOT use a lav. It will get pulled, snagged, lots of clothing noise, dribbled on, puked on and dipped in the orange juice. (All wiithin the space of the first 5 seconds you are not paying 100% attention to toddler. )

Use a shoggun on a pole or boom stand.
 
shotgun is not the most ideal since the 'source' will be running around, near and far.
can't use pole/boom cos it's 1 man show.
need a wireless solution for kids...
 
dylansmith said:
shotgun is not the most ideal since the 'source' will be running around, near and far.
can't use pole/boom cos it's 1 man show.
need a wireless solution for kids...
Click to expand...

You have constructed your own problem to have only one solution.
Good luck with that.

There is no wireless solution "for kids".

Your choice is
1 constrain the area the kids are running round in and use a shotgun* and or several strategically placed mics and mix in post. ("in post" is the universal solution I am told :-) )

*[EDIT] For shotgun I am assuming something like an NTG1 or better with (if outdoors) a dead wombat.

2 Have some radio mics and plenty of spare lav's for when (not if) the mic, cable or connector gets broken. Also a spare transmitter or two as these are also likely to get damaged.

I suspect there are some ruggedised radio mic sets that will be child/soldier/environment proof but it will be cheaper to hire a boom operator for a couple of days.
 
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