External Mic for 5D: Rode Video Mic Pro or Stereo Mic?

[Samir Patel]

Shot my first wedding last night. While I am not interested in turning this into a business (wedding videos I mean, as I shot it for a friend basically) I was curious about in that type of environment (Church, Reception Hall) which external mounted microphone would be preferred? RODE Video Mic Pro or RODE Stereo Mic? or are both needed for times when speeches and times when music/dancing? Thanks guys. As I prefer to stick to capturing visuals mainly audio has always been a thorn in my side as I've been a one man band most of the time.

 

[DevonH]

Most wedding audio kits consist of video mic pros, as well as lav systems and external recorders to tap into DJ feeds. Typically the vmps will be used during prep and general reception shots, while the lavs are used during the ceremony (officiant and groom mic'd), and then you'll tap into a feed for your toasts, as long as he plays nice.

 

[Samir Patel]

Thanks DevonH. During the ceremony I used a Tascam DR100 to record everything basically as my backup source. I didn't use it during the reception but I should have asked the DJ if I could tap in. That is a great tip. Guess I will order a video mic pro and eventually work my way upto a lav system.

 

[DevonH]

You don't even need to go the expensive route on the lav system, wireless systems are great because you can wirelessly monitor things, but they can also suffer from interference issues, and you have several points of failure. 2 Zoom H1s /Tascam DR-5s and some giant squid lavs would be a perfect start. Purchase $5 cellphone clips off of Amazon to attach them to your groom/officiant. You could get this all for around $250, compared to $500+ for a G3 Kit from Sennhieser.

Simply be wary of DJ feeds (try and establish that they know what they're doing), a line level feed directly from their speaker is best, so that you bypass their board and any adjustments they may make.