Field video mic: Rode VideoMic vs. Sennheiser MKE 400?

D

DCAD

Member
I see the the Sennheiser MKE 400 is
  • Smaller and ligher than the Rode VideoMic.
  • Looks more durable and easily packed into a backpack (the Rode with its elaborate and plastic shock mount assemply looks large, fragile and difficult to pack.
  • The Sennheiser also uses ligher and more readily available AAA batteries.
As such, Sennheiser MKE 400 looks to be a better mic for lightweight feildwork.

Is the Sennheiser comprable to the Rode for audio quality?

Am I missing something else?

Thanks, DCAD
 
i want to say i read a review where they said the rode performed better but i cant remember where i read it.
 
Sennheiser MKE 400 for scratch audio, and use Zoom for primary?

Sennheiser MKE 400 for scratch audio, and use Zoom for primary?

And then might it make sense to use the Sennheiser MKE 400 for scratch/backup audio, and also record on a Zoom for primary sound?
 
The Rode VideoMic is good, I use it on my T2i, performs wonderfully... just make sure to always remember to turn it on at the back (I've forgotten once or twice lol) and to get as close to the subject as possible, it has a limited range for useable audio.
 
I have the Videomic and the Azden SMX-10. I don't use the Videomic anymore as it is to big on the 7D. The SMX-10 fits perfect. Sound quality to me seems comparable.

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To expand on that point a bit, ALL mics have a limited range and NO mic of any quality will be useful if not properly placed.

dalethompson said:
The Rode VideoMic is good, I use it on my T2i, performs wonderfully... just make sure to always remember to turn it on at the back (I've forgotten once or twice lol) and to get as close to the subject as possible, it has a limited range for useable audio.
Click to expand...
 
The Rode NTG-3 - I think that's the most expensive of their shotguns - is supposed to be weather proofed as well as performing as well as the broadcast standard sennheisers. Lots of the natural history shooters in the UK are starting to use them because of this.
 
Chadfish said:
Click to expand...

Hey there Chadfish...thanks for that test...have you got a 6OD handy that you can plug the RODE into? If not...maybe you can convince a local camera shop to let you do a quick test record or something...especially if you are considering the 60D....

if the Rode works alright direct into the cam...maybe that is another option versus having to use a JuiceDlink?
 
Hey Mavos.

I don't have a 60D just yet, and camera shops in this area don't carry much anymore due to the internet beating them with pricing. I do not own the Rode VideoMic either. It's a good mic for beginners, but I would never use that plugged straight into a camera. I would use a mixer and a mic with XLR connections. That's the only true way to control the audio effectively and have a better signal to noise ratio. My suggestions for using a VideoMic plugged straight into a camera, as long as the camera can turn off AGC, is based on compromise. Nobody wants to pay for their audio to sound good, so I start with the right way to do it, then compromise down to the level they think they will pay for. People don't realize that audio is 70% of any movie/wedding/video. Also people don't realize that they should plan on spending MORE on audio than they did on their camera, if their camera is a DSLR.

Personally I will be using the 60D for B-roll and home movies, and of course photos. I have actual video cameras with XLR audio inputs for real jobs, and a Tascam DR-680 for jobs that require more than 2 channels of audio. BUT if I were to be shooting around the house and wanted some directionality, I would put a shock mount on the camera, then use my Rode NTG-2, with my Low to High impedance matching adapter to go from XLR mono, to 1/8" mini stereo.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/589872-REG/Pearstone_8111240_LMT100_Low_to.html

Anyone could try it that way, and if it wasn't good enough they can get a mixer, and if that's not good enough they can get a recorder. If you do it in that order you can try the cheapest way first, and only spend more when you realize it isn't working.
 
Hey Chadfish, I respect your opinion, but wanted to show that even with the Azden you can get decent sound in the field (decent, not great). Here's a short piece I did last summer for our local Marine Resource committee. T2i with Azden mounted on a bracket above. I did not use my Mixpre on this. For $69 or whatever, this is a nice throwaway bit of gear. I'm interested in seeing some real comparisons of the new Rode vs. Sennheiser vs. Azden. I assume that both those other mics will trash the Azden, but for more money, which is as it should be. But for folks on limited budgets this Azden seems fine. I assume it will fall apart at some point way sooner, but hey. Check it out.

http://www.vimeo.com/16861433
 
Hi 8String. Watching the video now.

First thing I hear is the hiss. I hear ALOT of hiss. That's not the mic, that's the T2i. It's a result of the mic level not being loud enough to be able to turn the camera's record level down. An active mixer like a JuicedLink would help with that. Next thing I hear is the wind rumble. You need a good fuzzy at least to kill that. A foam windscreen is not enough for outdoor use. Or if there is a low-cut switch on the mic you could kill some rumble with that but possibly make everything sound thinner. The mic sounded OK, perhaps a bit brittle. But if you had something like the Rode WS6 or WS7 (depending on the length of your mic) the rumble would be greatly reduced. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/573091-REG/Rode_WS6_WS6_Deluxe_Windshield_for.html

What's really the coolest thing about the new Rode VideoMic Pro is that it has a 20db boost built into it. That boost will get your signal a lot louder, enabling you to turn the camera down, effectively lowering the hiss by 20db.

So I wouldn't say your Azden sounds like crap. I can't really do a shootout because I don't have one. In general I encourage people to buy stuff that will last, and that gets the job done. Your azden isn't the problem here as much as your lack of an active mixer (passive mixer's like Beachtek do nothing to turn up your signal - you can only turn those down, which will leave the hiss). Now, I believe the JuicedLink mixers give you about 16db of gain(somebody check that), so if you only need a mic for your T2i, it would still be cheaper to get a Rode VideoMic Pro (which comes with a free fuzzy) for 220.00, than to get a JuicedLink 2 channel mixer with Phantom (to use when you get a better mic later) for 300.00, and a Rode fuzzy for 60.00. 220.00 or 360.00 to get your hiss/rumble under control.

That's how I see it. I have not tried the VideoMic Pro yet so I can't say how good/bad it sounds, but I suspect it's pretty nice for what it is.
 
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