Rode SVM cs. AT822? at DVinfo.net

Andreas Griesmayr · June 22nd, 2006, 11:49 PM

Has anyone been able to try out the Rode's Stereo Video Mic yet?
Do you think it will outperform the AT822? - for about the same prize, maybe even being more practical?

I plan to get a stereo mic and have the chance to get a new AT822 for abt. 190 USD now, including the shock mount it would be about 230 USD. I wonder if I should grab it or wait for the release of Rode's SVM.

Dave Largent · June 23rd, 2006, 06:16 AM

I haven't heard of the SVM. When is that supposed
to be out?

Guy Bruner · June 23rd, 2006, 06:29 AM

It's coming out in July. I hope to have a unit to review before then.

David Ennis · June 23rd, 2006, 08:25 AM

The success of the VideoMic has led to high expectations for the SVM. Tough call. But I believe that the SVM release has already been delayed at least once. So you may have a long wait. Personally, I'd go for the AT822. Chances are you can recover your full purchase price if you want the SVM later.

Andreas Griesmayr · June 23rd, 2006, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred Retread

.....Personally, I'd go for the AT822. Chances are you can recover your full purchase price if you want the SVM later.

very good point!
I just checked the prizes I'd have to pay for the AT822 back in Austria, actually at online shops in Germany which is the cheapest place to buy for Austrians. It is 311 Euro for the AT822, another 64 Euro for the shock mount, + sending cost, which makes about 470 USD or double the prize I'd have to pay here.
The Videomic ist to be had for 99 Euro only, which is about the same prize as in the US if I am not mistaken, whereas the AT822 is about 200USD in the US, half prize than in Euroland. - Which, to find friendly words for these strange prizings, makes the AT822 an exclusive piece in the Eu.

Leslie Dopkiss · June 24th, 2006, 08:39 AM

I also have been looking at these two mics. Still can't decide but have the time to wait a bit. I am leaning towards the AT822. I would like to buy used, but ebay shows new ones, and I would be hesitant about a used via ebay anyway. And if I could recover most of the price as Fred says then it becomes even more attractive to get the AT822 new. And of course if everyone is so happy with the AT822 then I wouldn't see many used ones around, right? I would love to hear what you decided to do Andreas.

Thanks!

David Ennis · June 24th, 2006, 09:05 AM

Leslie, I've had very good luck with eBay, even buying used camcorders for my video club. If you ever decide to go that route, just make sure that the seller has at least a 98+% feedback rating based upon a good number of transactions. And if there are any negatives, I read the details and make a judgement. Anyone might run into a crank buyer. I prefer private sellers who have a plausible reason for selling. I often email them to get a feel for their responsiveness and personality. I've never been burned.

I like to record band and choral concerts in stereo. As you may have found, there are a lot of approaches. There are single point x/y mics like the 822, single point mid-side mics like the 835ST and pairs of cardioid mics that you set up yourself in several possible configurations. I currently use a pair of AT3031 cardioids. I get very good quality (staggeringly good quality on my last outing using the ORTF configuration), but two mics are a bit of a hassle to set up and there are already lot of things to think about at a gig. I'm really curious as to whether a well-placed single point mic would be as good. Regarding stereo separation, there is a wonderful free VST plugin that allows you to adjust that after the fact. I think I may buy an 822 or 825 and see.

Andreas Griesmayr · June 26th, 2006, 12:24 AM

Leslie, from what I have learned at videoforums it seems that the Videomic I is the preferrred shutgun and the AT822 the preferered stereo mic for consumer videographers who decent quality but don't want to spend big pucks for more professional mics.

However, Fred, am I crazy craving for another stereo mic?
Let me explain:

I own a stereo mic, the Panasonic VW-VMS2. Recently I also bought two socalled 'iriver Giant Squids', mono omni lavs which I combine with a Y adapter trying to record stereo as well ( I wanted one to record voice to my iriver mp3 player/recorder, but then opted to get two trying to record stereo with them as well )

I had made comparative recordings but lacking experience with audio recordings I really can't tell which sound better, the Pana or the two Giant Squid combined. I never have found any review of the Panasonic VW-VMS2, but I really wonder how it would compare to the like of the AT822. I'd expect the AT822 to be much better! That would make the Pana mic obsolete which then I'd try to sell it via ebay ( - even though I had built that cute and well working shock mount for it which I am so proud of...)

Or, if wanting another mic should I not better go for the Videomic I since I don't have any shotgun mic?
But: All my shootings I do while travelling where I try to catch ambient sound, not voices. In case I need voice I was planning to use the Giant Squid recording to the iriver. And the AT822 could be my 'ultimate' mic for many years to come, whereas the Pana makes me grave for something better.

I also wonder how the AT822 would perfrom recording stereo to the iriver.

Andreas Griesmayr · June 26th, 2006, 12:26 AM

Leslie, from what I have learned at videoforums it seems that the Videomic I is the preferrred shutgun and the AT822 the preferered stereo mic for consumer videographers who decent quality but don't want to spend big pucks for more professional mics.

However, Fred, am I crazy craving for another stereo mic?
Let me explain:

I own a stereo mic, the Panasonic VW-VMS2. Recently I also bought two socalled 'iriver Giant Squids', mono omni lavs which I combine with a Y adapter trying to record stereo as well ( I wanted one to record voice to my iriver mp3 player/recorder, but then opted to get two trying to record stereo with them as well )

I had made comparative recordings but lacking experience with audio recordings I really can't tell which sound better, the Pana or the two Giant Squid combined. I never have found any review of the Panasonic VW-VMS2, but I really wonder how it would compare to the like of the AT822. I'd expect the AT822 to be much better! That would make the Pana mic obsolete which then I'd try to sell it via ebay ( - even though I had built that cute and well working shock mount for it which I am so proud of...)

Or, if wanting another mic should I not better go for the Videomic I since I don't have any shotgun mic?
But: All my shootings I do while travelling where I try to catch ambient sound, not voices. In case I need voice it would be rather for interviews for which I was planning to use the Giant Squid recording to the iriver. And the AT822 could be my 'ultimate' mic for many years to come, whereas the Pana makes me grave for something better.

I also wonder how the AT822 would perform recording stereo to the iriver.

David Ennis · June 26th, 2006, 07:15 AM

I like Panasonic as a company, but I have no confidence in them as a mic manufacturer. Based on the assumption that the VMS2 is not too different from the VMS3 (for which there is an on line review), my guess is that the frequency response is poor and that the AT822 would sound better. As I said above, I intend to try an 822 or 825 at my next concert. If it doesn't sound as good as my two AT3031s I'll return it.

Andreas Griesmayr · June 26th, 2006, 07:47 AM

thank's Fred.
When will be your next concert? Please be so kind and tell me then how you liked the AT822

Douglas Spotted Eagle · June 26th, 2006, 08:04 AM

We have the 822, 825, Rode NT4, and other sundry stereo mics, and they're usable for many applications. If you can use a matched pair of properly spaced omni's, these mics aren't nearly as good, but in tight situations where a single point placement is required, it's an easy toss between them. I'd take the AT in almost all situations except for very close miking. The NT4 is very sweet for that sort of work.
YMMV

David Ennis · June 26th, 2006, 08:23 AM

Doug, do you consider spaced omnis to be better in some/many/most situations than the various coincident and near-coincident pair configurations?

Douglas Spotted Eagle · June 26th, 2006, 09:00 AM

Room/situation dependent of course, yes, I prefer spaced omni's.

Andreas Griesmayr · June 26th, 2006, 06:34 PM

Can two iriver Giant Sqids omni mono mics be combined with an Y adapter to record stereo?
If so, what would be the best set up / positioning of the two GS? How for apart, X-ing position?

If the 2 GS could be set up well to record stereo, would you even prefer the GS over the AT822 for e.g recording concerts? or ambience?

When recording mounted to the cam when filming on the road there would be no way the GS could challendge the AT822, right?

June 22nd, 2006, 11:49 PM	#1
Andreas Griesmayr Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Amstetten Austria Posts: 140	Rode SVM vs. AT822? Has anyone been able to try out the Rode's Stereo Video Mic yet? Do you think it will outperform the AT822? - for about the same prize, maybe even being more practical? I plan to get a stereo mic and have the chance to get a new AT822 for abt. 190 USD now, including the shock mount it would be about 230 USD. I wonder if I should grab it or wait for the release of Rode's SVM. Last edited by Andreas Griesmayr; June 23rd, 2006 at 01:55 AM. Reason: correction

June 23rd, 2006, 08:25 AM	#4
David Ennis Fred Retread Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hartford, CT Posts: 1,227	The success of the VideoMic has led to high expectations for the SVM. Tough call. But I believe that the SVM release has already been delayed at least once. So you may have a long wait. Personally, I'd go for the AT822. Chances are you can recover your full purchase price if you want the SVM later. __________________ "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence..." - Calvin Coolidge "My brain is wired to want to know how other things are wired." - Me

June 24th, 2006, 09:05 AM	#7
David Ennis Fred Retread Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hartford, CT Posts: 1,227	Leslie, I've had very good luck with eBay, even buying used camcorders for my video club. If you ever decide to go that route, just make sure that the seller has at least a 98+% feedback rating based upon a good number of transactions. And if there are any negatives, I read the details and make a judgement. Anyone might run into a crank buyer. I prefer private sellers who have a plausible reason for selling. I often email them to get a feel for their responsiveness and personality. I've never been burned. I like to record band and choral concerts in stereo. As you may have found, there are a lot of approaches. There are single point x/y mics like the 822, single point mid-side mics like the 835ST and pairs of cardioid mics that you set up yourself in several possible configurations. I currently use a pair of AT3031 cardioids. I get very good quality (staggeringly good quality on my last outing using the ORTF configuration), but two mics are a bit of a hassle to set up and there are already lot of things to think about at a gig. I'm really curious as to whether a well-placed single point mic would be as good. Regarding stereo separation, there is a wonderful free VST plugin that allows you to adjust that after the fact. I think I may buy an 822 or 825 and see. __________________ "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence..." - Calvin Coolidge "My brain is wired to want to know how other things are wired." - Me

June 26th, 2006, 07:15 AM	#10
David Ennis Fred Retread Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hartford, CT Posts: 1,227	I like Panasonic as a company, but I have no confidence in them as a mic manufacturer. Based on the assumption that the VMS2 is not too different from the VMS3 (for which there is an on line review), my guess is that the frequency response is poor and that the AT822 would sound better. As I said above, I intend to try an 822 or 825 at my next concert. If it doesn't sound as good as my two AT3031s I'll return it. __________________ "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence..." - Calvin Coolidge "My brain is wired to want to know how other things are wired." - Me

June 26th, 2006, 08:04 AM	#12
Douglas Spotted Eagle VASST Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Stockton, UT Posts: 5,648	We have the 822, 825, Rode NT4, and other sundry stereo mics, and they're usable for many applications. If you can use a matched pair of properly spaced omni's, these mics aren't nearly as good, but in tight situations where a single point placement is required, it's an easy toss between them. I'd take the AT in almost all situations except for very close miking. The NT4 is very sweet for that sort of work. YMMV __________________ Douglas Spotted Eagle/Spot Author, producer, composer Certified Sony Vegas Trainer http://www.vasst.com

June 23rd, 2006, 06:16 AM	#2
Dave Largent Trustee Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,483	I haven't heard of the SVM. When is that supposed to be out?

June 23rd, 2006, 06:29 AM	#3
Guy Bruner Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Ashford, AL Posts: 937	It's coming out in July. I hope to have a unit to review before then.

June 24th, 2006, 08:39 AM	#6
Leslie Dopkiss Regular Crew Join Date: May 2006 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 39	I also have been looking at these two mics. Still can't decide but have the time to wait a bit. I am leaning towards the AT822. I would like to buy used, but ebay shows new ones, and I would be hesitant about a used via ebay anyway. And if I could recover most of the price as Fred says then it becomes even more attractive to get the AT822 new. And of course if everyone is so happy with the AT822 then I wouldn't see many used ones around, right? I would love to hear what you decided to do Andreas. Thanks!

June 26th, 2006, 12:24 AM	#8
Andreas Griesmayr Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Amstetten Austria Posts: 140	Leslie, from what I have learned at videoforums it seems that the Videomic I is the preferrred shutgun and the AT822 the preferered stereo mic for consumer videographers who decent quality but don't want to spend big pucks for more professional mics. However, Fred, am I crazy craving for another stereo mic? Let me explain: I own a stereo mic, the Panasonic VW-VMS2. Recently I also bought two socalled 'iriver Giant Squids', mono omni lavs which I combine with a Y adapter trying to record stereo as well ( I wanted one to record voice to my iriver mp3 player/recorder, but then opted to get two trying to record stereo with them as well ) I had made comparative recordings but lacking experience with audio recordings I really can't tell which sound better, the Pana or the two Giant Squid combined. I never have found any review of the Panasonic VW-VMS2, but I really wonder how it would compare to the like of the AT822. I'd expect the AT822 to be much better! That would make the Pana mic obsolete which then I'd try to sell it via ebay ( - even though I had built that cute and well working shock mount for it which I am so proud of...) Or, if wanting another mic should I not better go for the Videomic I since I don't have any shotgun mic? But: All my shootings I do while travelling where I try to catch ambient sound, not voices. In case I need voice I was planning to use the Giant Squid recording to the iriver. And the AT822 could be my 'ultimate' mic for many years to come, whereas the Pana makes me grave for something better. I also wonder how the AT822 would perfrom recording stereo to the iriver.

June 26th, 2006, 12:26 AM	#9
Andreas Griesmayr Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Amstetten Austria Posts: 140	Leslie, from what I have learned at videoforums it seems that the Videomic I is the preferrred shutgun and the AT822 the preferered stereo mic for consumer videographers who decent quality but don't want to spend big pucks for more professional mics. However, Fred, am I crazy craving for another stereo mic? Let me explain: I own a stereo mic, the Panasonic VW-VMS2. Recently I also bought two socalled 'iriver Giant Squids', mono omni lavs which I combine with a Y adapter trying to record stereo as well ( I wanted one to record voice to my iriver mp3 player/recorder, but then opted to get two trying to record stereo with them as well ) I had made comparative recordings but lacking experience with audio recordings I really can't tell which sound better, the Pana or the two Giant Squid combined. I never have found any review of the Panasonic VW-VMS2, but I really wonder how it would compare to the like of the AT822. I'd expect the AT822 to be much better! That would make the Pana mic obsolete which then I'd try to sell it via ebay ( - even though I had built that cute and well working shock mount for it which I am so proud of...) Or, if wanting another mic should I not better go for the Videomic I since I don't have any shotgun mic? But: All my shootings I do while travelling where I try to catch ambient sound, not voices. In case I need voice it would be rather for interviews for which I was planning to use the Giant Squid recording to the iriver. And the AT822 could be my 'ultimate' mic for many years to come, whereas the Pana makes me grave for something better. I also wonder how the AT822 would perform recording stereo to the iriver.

June 26th, 2006, 07:47 AM	#11
Andreas Griesmayr Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Amstetten Austria Posts: 140	thank's Fred. When will be your next concert? Please be so kind and tell me then how you liked the AT822

June 26th, 2006, 08:23 AM	#13
David Ennis Fred Retread Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hartford, CT Posts: 1,227	Doug, do you consider spaced omnis to be better in some/many/most situations than the various coincident and near-coincident pair configurations? __________________ "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence..." - Calvin Coolidge "My brain is wired to want to know how other things are wired." - Me

June 26th, 2006, 09:00 AM	#14
Douglas Spotted Eagle VASST Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Stockton, UT Posts: 5,648	Room/situation dependent of course, yes, I prefer spaced omni's. __________________ Douglas Spotted Eagle/Spot Author, producer, composer Certified Sony Vegas Trainer http://www.vasst.com

June 26th, 2006, 06:34 PM	#15
Andreas Griesmayr Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Amstetten Austria Posts: 140	Can two iriver Giant Sqids omni mono mics be combined with an Y adapter to record stereo? If so, what would be the best set up / positioning of the two GS? How for apart, X-ing position? If the 2 GS could be set up well to record stereo, would you even prefer the GS over the AT822 for e.g recording concerts? or ambience? When recording mounted to the cam when filming on the road there would be no way the GS could challendge the AT822, right? Last edited by Andreas Griesmayr; June 27th, 2006 at 01:02 AM.