GH4 Help with GH4 Audio and Rode VMP

I

Ianscreations

Well-known member
I have searched for an answer for this both on these forums and on the world wide web, but I haven't found confirmation on this question and I know there are plenty of audio experts here :)

When I had my GH3, I turned down the mic input level all the way to 1db for use with the Rode VMP.
Now that I have the GH4, there is the option to go all the way down to -12bd.
Should I do this when using the Rode?
My assumption is yes, but I don't have enough audio knowledge to feel confident with this decision. So far, the recordings sound just fine, but I would love confirmation. I do a lot of event working where I capture ambient sound both in front of and around the camera.


Thank you!
 
Yes, the best practice is to turn the internal preamp down as far as possible for any of these types of cameras.
 
Just turn the preamp down as much as possible, while still optaining a signal that peaks at -6 decibel.
 
Stab said:
Just turn the preamp down as much as possible, while still optaining a signal that peaks at -6 decibel.
Click to expand...

Thanks guys! I appreciate that confirmation.

For those of you doing event work, I have found the Rode VMP to be almost too directional. I almost just want to use the built-in mic off the camera for a lot of my shots that need ambient (surround) sound.

Has anyone found a nice balance with their GH3/4 setup and a mic that can give quality audio while still capturing everything around you? Perhaps the Rode is as good as it gets within my field of work.
 
Is the Rode VMP the best option on the market right now for those of us GH4 users without the YAGH interface and on a budget? I need some sort of audio for event type shoots, run and gun, and on the fly interviews. But like I said, I am one broke college student. Sorry if this is a little irrelevant to the post.
 
Rode's VideoMic Pro & Shure's Lenshopper(s) have nearly identical performance. The VMP has a poorly designed (read "PIA") shock-mount, while the Lenshopper(s) will bump against your forehead when looking thru the EVF if their mounted on the GH's hot-shoe.

I almost always have a SoundPerson with me & settled on using Rode's VideoMic GO. It doesn't sound quite as rich as the VMP, & Lenshopper(s), but it's powered by the camera so doesn't require batteries. All to often I've forgot to turn on those other mics, & got no sound at all.

Even when the VideoMic GO's foot is moved as far back as possible it will still bump the forehead like the Shure's but I mount it sideways to my cage's top handle, or if running more barebones, to Shape's DSLR Handle.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/968042-REG/shape_candybl_aluminum_camera_support_style.html
 
Usually when I shoot I have a AT 835b on a boom just running through a zoom recorder, but I borrowed it from school, and now it is summer. I just want something to get me by for when I need just a little better than on-board audio on my own. I am also looking into getting the varavon GH4 pro cage, so I don't think head bumping will be an issue. This is all mostly for run and gunning events (AKA punk and metal shows) I attend, but we plan on making a little doc for the local Twin Cities scene, so I need something for decent interview quality on the go. I think this set up will serve my purpose well. Thanks for the advice!
 
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