Rode Videomic handling noise problem

[Brian Boyko]

Hi. I've finally gotten my Rode Videomic to work right, but the problem is that the mic picks up handling noise when I tilt left or right on the figrig. I like the audio quality better than my ATR55 in my AZDEN shock mount, but the problem is that since the microphone is not in the -middle- of the shock mount (like the combination ATR55 and AZDEN) but rather, sticks out a bit, what happens is that the rubber bands of the Rode's shock mount are stretched out pretty far, and then snap back - and that creates a "creaking" noise.

I'll be using the ATR55 tonight, but anyone got any clue what I could do to reduce that?

[Alan Dunlop-Walters]

I wouldn't attempt to advise you on reducing handling noise from the Rode - I have never had any problem with mine in that respect.

I would advocate perseverance though and try to solve your Rode problem; my ATR55 ranks well up there amongst my biggest wastes of money. But I bought it early on in my time in this game. I think I gave up after two attempts to get anything worthwhile out of it.

[Allan Black]

Brian, late in 06, RODE inadvertently copped a delivery of faulty O rings for the Videomic; they slowly weaken over time and eventually cause the VM to fall over to one side in its mount, depending on which angle/way you aim it.

Because of demand RODE ship everything they make straight out to their dealers and some of those O rings got right through the system before they realised the problem. Sounds like you may have a set.

Call your RODE dealer, there are replacement sets available in a new design figure 8 shape. This helps them stay on better too as some folk reportedly jam the VM in their bag after use without a care.

I think they're still free!! Look for your sales slip to quote the details.

You should also register your VM with RODE on line to establish your 10year warranty.

To get by tonight either take the VM to a local hardware supplier and get some plumbers O rings or use the ones you have and try coating them in talcum powder to help stop the 'creaking' sound.

Rub it well in and make sure you don't leave any talc around to get in the VM. HTH.

Cheers.

[Brian Boyko]

Originally Posted by Allan Black

Brian, late in 06, RODE inadvertently copped a delivery of faulty O rings for the Videomic; they slowly weaken over time and eventually cause the VM to fall over to one side in its mount, depending on which angle/way you aim it.

Because of demand RODE ship everything they make straight out to their dealers and some of those O rings got right through the system before they realised the problem. Sounds like you may have a set.

Call your RODE dealer, there are replacement sets available in a new design figure 8 shape. This helps them stay on better too as some folk reportedly jam the VM in their bag after use without a care.

I think they're still free!! Look for your sales slip to quote the details.

You should also register your VM with RODE on line to establish your 10year warranty.

To get by tonight either take the VM to a local hardware supplier and get some plumbers O rings or use the ones you have and try coating them in talcum powder to help stop the 'creaking' sound.

Rub it well in and make sure you don't leave any talc around to get in the VM. HTH.

Cheers.

Allan: Good to know! I'll do that. I did find a work-around. I extended the cord under the mic, then stretched it around over the mic itself to the port on the HV20 for mic in. This keeps tension on the Videomic's rings taut, I get alot less handling noise this way.

But yeah, I'll see if I can't get an oring replacement.

[Jeff Rhode]

Thanks great info about the O-Ring replacement--I wound up wrapping a rubber band around the mic and mount to create a little more tension and it worked, much like your cable solution.