Rode Vide Mic Pro w/ +20db.... what other shotgun mic has +xx db for 60D/5dMKII?

J

jordy2324

Well-known member
A new vimeo video popped up today comparing the Rode Video Mic with the Rode Video Mic Pro.

The guy put the RVP output on +20db, turned down the input on the 5D's manual audio, and did a comparison. Obviously, the VMP with +20db sounded much better than the VM.

At $230, the VMP isn't exactly steep. But I'm looking to pick up maybe three or four of them for an upcoming project. So -- before I bite that bullet -- do you know of any other shotgun mics that have a +db option.

I know the MKE 400 has a "+db" setting, but I don't believe it puts out something as hot as the VMP. I'm not sure about Azden and all the other mics.

So... is there one out there?
 
The +20dB function on the Rode VideoMic Pro is unique, as far as I know. Usually when mics have a way to adjust the sensitivity, they will have a pad that deceases the sensitivity for louder sounds (for example, for filming loud rock bands). The MKE 400 has a "VOL +" setting, but I assume the designers were thinking that the user would engage it when filming very quiet environments, to pick up soft sounds. I'm not sure how much dB the VOL + setting on the MKE 400 adds, but you could use it in the same manor that the +20dB setting is used on the Rode VideoMic Pro. You would just need to experiment with the manual audio settings on the camera to see what works best with the MKE 400.

But if you're just buying mics now for the Canon 60D, I would recommend getting the VideoMic Pro. The +20dB setting is designed to get the best sound out of the not-so-great-sounding preamps on a DSLR. If you plan on using the manual audio adjustment function on the 60D, the VideoMic Pro is the way to go. The best reason to get an MKE 400 is its size. It's still the smallest good sounding shotgun out there (the VideoMic Pro is a little bit larger).
 
Sam Mallery said:
The +20dB function on the Rode VideoMic Pro is unique, as far as I know. Usually when mics have a way to adjust the sensitivity, they will have a pad that deceases the sensitivity for louder sounds (for example, for filming loud rock bands). The MKE 400 has a "VOL +" setting, but I assume the designers were thinking that the user would engage it when filming very quiet environments, to pick up soft sounds. I'm not sure how much dB the VOL + setting on the MKE 400 adds, but you could use it in the same manor that the +20dB setting is used on the Rode VideoMic Pro. You would just need to experiment with the manual audio settings on the camera to see what works best with the MKE 400.

But if you're just buying mics now for the Canon 60D, I would recommend getting the VideoMic Pro. The +20dB setting is designed to get the best sound out of the not-so-great-sounding preamps on a DSLR. If you plan on using the manual audio adjustment function on the 60D, the VideoMic Pro is the way to go. The best reason to get an MKE 400 is its size. It's still the smallest good sounding shotgun out there (the VideoMic Pro is a little bit larger).
Click to expand...

Thanks, Sam.
I've always wondered what db the +db setting on the MKE amounts to. I'm sure someone will eventually compare the VMP's +20 with the MKE's + on the 60D or 5dMKII
 
You could also use more professional mics if you get a JuicedLink preamp. JuicedLinks provide gain as well (unlike Beachtek) and if you need a nicer mic with XLR connections, a preamp like that is in order. It may be wise to get a few Rode VideoMic Pro mics, but also one nicer shotgun and a JuicedLink so you can use that for the shots where audio quality is most important.
 
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