T2i + Rode VideoMic (Mono) First Impressions at DVinfo.net

Matthew Capowski · April 5th, 2010, 05:05 PM

There is excessive hiss/background noise. I've read about this problem in the 7d forum. Until the AGC gets defeated is this an useable combo? I'm thinking of returning the mic, not because of any fault of the mic but because of the current unusability of the combo. Even at -10db on the Rode mic the noise is excessive.

I don't want to buy a Juicedlink or Beachtek to go with this mic -- I may as well just grab a H4n then.

I also tested this mic with my Zoom H2. Much, much less noise. But still, too much noise.

How much of this background noise/hiss can be removed in post?

Craig Irving · April 5th, 2010, 05:21 PM

I too would love to know what recipe (filter, EQing, etc) has helped to remove this noise in post. I gather it's the same frequency all the time, but I don't really know much about audio editing. Hopefully the solution is rather easy.

I have also resigned to the idea of purchasing a Tascam DR-100 (or Zoom H4N).

Sylus Harrington · April 5th, 2010, 10:28 PM

Most decent audio editing programs offer a noise reduction option where you record a short interval of the noise you want removed. Then the program uses that as a reference to remove similar sounds throughout the clip. But there is much tweaking involved and subpar programs produce weaker results.

If you can get the H4n that would be good. And if you use FinalCut get the PluralEyes plugin and you can easily sync your two audio sources.

However I am sure the pickup from the Rode is way better than the on board mic the T2i has.

Mark Kaang · April 6th, 2010, 12:15 AM

I believe there's a hack where you can use a Y splitter and bombard one channel with a constant audio source.

YouTube - Canon 7D/T2i AGC Bypass Trick

Matthew Capowski · April 6th, 2010, 10:09 PM

Thanks for the replies all. That gives me some good leads. I have a spare ipod sitting around so I will see how much noise there is when I input a constant sound.

I love simplicity. I think I may just have to return the mic and go for a H4n or a Juicedlink. 'Tis a shame because I liked the Rode Video Mic.

Matthias Krause · April 7th, 2010, 03:31 AM

But you know that the -10db setting on the mic is a pad, right? So it´s only logical that there would be even more hiss since the sound level from the mic would be -10db lower and the AGC will try to compensate for it. Also: Did you test the mic in real life situations? The louder your sound source is the less hiss you should hear... Which doesn´t mean that AGC doesn´t suck but you might want to read up on the audio part of things first before buying more stuff...

April 5th, 2010, 05:05 PM	#1
Matthew Capowski Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Posts: 43	T2i + Rode VideoMic (Mono) First Impressions There is excessive hiss/background noise. I've read about this problem in the 7d forum. Until the AGC gets defeated is this an useable combo? I'm thinking of returning the mic, not because of any fault of the mic but because of the current unusability of the combo. Even at -10db on the Rode mic the noise is excessive. I don't want to buy a Juicedlink or Beachtek to go with this mic -- I may as well just grab a H4n then. I also tested this mic with my Zoom H2. Much, much less noise. But still, too much noise. How much of this background noise/hiss can be removed in post?

April 5th, 2010, 05:21 PM	#2
Craig Irving Major Player Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Toronto Posts: 539	I too would love to know what recipe (filter, EQing, etc) has helped to remove this noise in post. I gather it's the same frequency all the time, but I don't really know much about audio editing. Hopefully the solution is rather easy. I have also resigned to the idea of purchasing a Tascam DR-100 (or Zoom H4N).

April 5th, 2010, 10:28 PM	#3
Sylus Harrington Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 58	Most decent audio editing programs offer a noise reduction option where you record a short interval of the noise you want removed. Then the program uses that as a reference to remove similar sounds throughout the clip. But there is much tweaking involved and subpar programs produce weaker results. If you can get the H4n that would be good. And if you use FinalCut get the PluralEyes plugin and you can easily sync your two audio sources. However I am sure the pickup from the Rode is way better than the on board mic the T2i has.

April 6th, 2010, 12:15 AM	#4
Mark Kaang Tourist Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1	I believe there's a hack where you can use a Y splitter and bombard one channel with a constant audio source. YouTube - Canon 7D/T2i AGC Bypass Trick

April 6th, 2010, 10:09 PM	#5
Matthew Capowski Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Posts: 43	Thanks for the replies all. That gives me some good leads. I have a spare ipod sitting around so I will see how much noise there is when I input a constant sound. I love simplicity. I think I may just have to return the mic and go for a H4n or a Juicedlink. 'Tis a shame because I liked the Rode Video Mic.

April 7th, 2010, 03:31 AM	#6
Matthias Krause Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: NYC Posts: 203	But you know that the -10db setting on the mic is a pad, right? So it´s only logical that there would be even more hiss since the sound level from the mic would be -10db lower and the AGC will try to compensate for it. Also: Did you test the mic in real life situations? The louder your sound source is the less hiss you should hear... Which doesn´t mean that AGC doesn´t suck but you might want to read up on the audio part of things first before buying more stuff...