Rode VideoMic static at DVinfo.net

Jeff Alldridge · April 16th, 2007, 09:18 PM

I recently got my Rode VideoMic for my Canon HV20. Everyone on here seems to rave about it's quality for the price.

Upon hooking it up to the HV20 I get an insane amount of static fuzz CONSTANTLY and at an audible level of someone talking softly. It seems like it's picking up good audio behind the static -tone of voice, etc. But the static is so loud and prominent that with noise analyzing and removal a lot of information of good sound would be lost.

But it shouldn't react this way...

I thought it may a kink in the chord. Nothing. I unplugged the camera from the wall so it was running on battery only. Still nothing. Plugged it into my computer and recorded audio. Same static. On the laptop running on battery. Again, same static.

Any ideas?

I didn't want to jump to conclusions that I received a defective mic, but maybe I did. I also wanted some consultation and reassurance that the mic performs better then this.

Curt Talbot · April 17th, 2007, 06:23 AM

Jeff, the mic should perform better than what you have experienced. I have had one since they first came out and it works fine. I use it with a variety of Sony cams.

I understand the newer ones have an attenuation switch in the battery compartment. Did you experience the static in both positions?

Is it an erratic static that you hear or more of a constant hiss?

Larry Kamerman · April 17th, 2007, 10:16 AM

Jeff, I've been using the mic with the HV20 and haven't encountered that problem. Might be something wrong with the mic you have.

Stu Holmes · April 17th, 2007, 01:16 PM

I agree with Larry and Curt.

It sounds like your unfortunately have a defective unit. Definitely should not be doing what its doing....

Jeff Alldridge · April 17th, 2007, 09:23 PM

Thanks for the advice guys. I sent in the same question to Rode and a representative (I believe his name was Rick) called only hours later. Talked with him, he too believed it was just a freaky mic.

He gave me a case number and information to send it back. Should receive a new mic in the mail in a few days.

I am excited for this mic and congratulate Rode for awesome customer service. Bummer start, but I don't think too many companies would have been so prompt and eager to replace their own product.

Looking forward to a proper Rode VideoMic.

April 16th, 2007, 09:18 PM	#1
Jeff Alldridge New Boot Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6	Rode VideoMic static I recently got my Rode VideoMic for my Canon HV20. Everyone on here seems to rave about it's quality for the price. Upon hooking it up to the HV20 I get an insane amount of static fuzz CONSTANTLY and at an audible level of someone talking softly. It seems like it's picking up good audio behind the static -tone of voice, etc. But the static is so loud and prominent that with noise analyzing and removal a lot of information of good sound would be lost. But it shouldn't react this way... I thought it may a kink in the chord. Nothing. I unplugged the camera from the wall so it was running on battery only. Still nothing. Plugged it into my computer and recorded audio. Same static. On the laptop running on battery. Again, same static. Any ideas? I didn't want to jump to conclusions that I received a defective mic, but maybe I did. I also wanted some consultation and reassurance that the mic performs better then this.

April 17th, 2007, 10:16 AM	#3
Larry Kamerman Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: New York,NY Posts: 100	Jeff, I've been using the mic with the HV20 and haven't encountered that problem. Might be something wrong with the mic you have. __________________ www.gencofilms.com

April 17th, 2007, 06:23 AM	#2
Curt Talbot Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Regina, SK Canada Posts: 104 Images: 1	Jeff, the mic should perform better than what you have experienced. I have had one since they first came out and it works fine. I use it with a variety of Sony cams. I understand the newer ones have an attenuation switch in the battery compartment. Did you experience the static in both positions? Is it an erratic static that you hear or more of a constant hiss?

April 17th, 2007, 01:16 PM	#4
Stu Holmes Major Player Join Date: May 2005 Location: Europe Posts: 844	I agree with Larry and Curt. It sounds like your unfortunately have a defective unit. Definitely should not be doing what its doing....

April 17th, 2007, 09:23 PM	#5
Jeff Alldridge New Boot Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6	Thanks for the advice guys. I sent in the same question to Rode and a representative (I believe his name was Rick) called only hours later. Talked with him, he too believed it was just a freaky mic. He gave me a case number and information to send it back. Should receive a new mic in the mail in a few days. I am excited for this mic and congratulate Rode for awesome customer service. Bummer start, but I don't think too many companies would have been so prompt and eager to replace their own product. Looking forward to a proper Rode VideoMic.