I already have a rode videomic, but of course it sounds awful when directly jacked into my t2i, due to agc.

I'm trying to figure out the least expensive way to record usable sound. I figured I could get a Tascam DR-7 for around $150 (hopefully less), and plug my rode videomic into it. I'd put the mic on a short-ish boom pole. I know using a mini jack isn't nearly as good as an xlr, but I hear if you keep the audio cord 10 feet or under, you don't hear any hum. Is that true? Should I go 9 feet to be safe? Will this work? I'd rather not buy a more expensive recorder, as well as another mic, if I can get away with this.

Thanks!

I have been using these to record audio. They have a 1/8" mic input for a lapel or shotgun mic. You could gaff one directly to the end of the boom pole right where you have the shotgun mounted and you don't even need the extra long mic cable.
I found mine for $42.00 on another site but here is the official link.
Just be sure to test a few settings before critical recording and you will be fine. I use the dictation setting HQ as the conference setting adds too much "noise" in the gain.

VN-6200PC (http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1459)

attaches easily to mac or pc for transferring audio files. FCP accepts the files with no conversion.

an option:

Ikey Audio | M3 Portable Digital Audio Recorder | M-3 | B&H


hook your rode to this. I ordered some for my students, but wont know how they hold up until the fall semester. Good price though.

Thanks all!

I ended up getting one of these used on ebay for $60, with no cords or manuals. Apparently it was an estate sale.

Amazon.com: M-Audio MicroTrack 24/96 Professional 2-Channel Mobile Digital Recorder: Musical…

It's a significant discount, so I hope it actually works.