General purpose stereo mic for the A1
 

I have tried SMX-10, not so impress. Anybody has any recommendation for a general purpose stereo mic (3.5mm plug or XLR) less than $200?

I like Rode StereoMic. But I want something I can mount in A1's mic holder.

Why, Taky? Do you like the sound of servos and the click and creak of switches and buttons being operated as part of your audio? :-)

I do not have any of the issue you mentioned with my Rode stereo Mic. I guess it depends on how you mount it and how you use it.

I think the AT822 or 825 (same as 822 but w/XLR connect) is a good choice. The 822 sounds very nice, and goes for about $250.

Taky, I use the RODE Stereo Videomic with my A1. The advantages are, it fits in the A1 shoe nicely, some don't...and plugs in easily too.

On its own shock mount it sits up there out of the way of any cam body sound reflections and has an easily reachable 10db switch for a quick drop or increase in level if you suddenly need it. Comes with a deadcat, I use it around airfields a lot. And the RSVM has such a sweet sound, I love it.

My next preference is my cheaper AT822, also a good sound, but it needs an additional shock mount.
Cheers.

Exactly my point. The Rode has a built in shock mount, I believe. I use a mono micRode (NTG-2) and it has to have the shockmount otherwise I get a lot of unwanted noise.

BTW Taky, the HV30 batteries are doing just great - with two I can keep going all day.

Colin, that's great you got the batteries okay. I am using those batteries too! To shoot an evening banquet, I don't have to worry about if the battery running dry :)

I use the AT-825 and like it, but usually with a separate recorder, e.g., MicroTrack 24/96

You could also checkout the Sony ECM-MS957 as moderate cost mic in the $200 price range.
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...&storeId=10151

Over at the minidisc.org forum, I got this same advice in this thread over here:
http://forums.minidisc.org/index.php...9&#entry120639

I still haven't made my purchase yet, but when I do finally make the jump to the Canon XH-A1 (I currently have a Sony HC1), then I definitely plan to finally get this mic.

Taky,

If you are still looking for a way to mount the Rode mic (or any other shock mount) on your A1 please take a look at The J-Rod--It will allow you to mount the mic you want, as well as a radio receiver on the A1. Your top cold shoe will also be left open for the use of a video light or Firestore. www.thej-rod.com

The RODE SM-5 works perfectly for me.

I posted earlier in this thread that I had received a lot of recommendations to get the AT-822 to use with my Sony MZ-RH1 Hi-MD Minidisc to record sound. With my XH-A1 arriving in the mail today, I was hoping to hurry up and grab the mic.

I saw that you both had suggested and use the AT-822 & the AT-825. I was wondering which of the two I should get if I would like to use both with my XH-A1 and my Sony MZ-RH1 Hi-MD? Also, what accessories should I get to use with my XH-A1? (also, I plan to use this with a boom pole so I was also wondering what I should get for that, but I think that's outside the scope of this thread).

For use with both the A1 and the Hi-MD get the AT822, it's AA battery powered and comes with an XLR to 3.5mm stereo jack cable which will fit both rigs. The AT825 needs 48volts.

There are other options but I got the RODE SM4 shockmount which fits booms and a 3/8" to shoe mount adaptor to fit the A1.

Cheers.

ah thats good news that you say to get the AT-822 for my needs instead of the AT-825 because I found a used AT-822 on Amazon. Is there anything I'm sacrificing by not getting an AT-825?I know that it costs more.

Thanks for the info on the shockmount too. The SM4 is $49 so that's not bad. I saw some people using the Rycote one over on this Boom pole thread: BOOM poles.... a low level perspective - Page 3 - The Digital Video Information Network. Thats not too bad either at $69 or $79 I believe. I actually JUST bought my XH-A1 used from a member of dvinfo.net (it arrived today actually) and he also has a K-Tek 110CC boom pole he's trying to sell which I'm considering getting (I was eying the Rode Boompole as my other option but the price difference between a new Rode Boompole - $149 - isn't too much lower than his price on the used K-tek boom pole so I think I'm leaning towards getting the better K-tek onr). This seller also has a K-tek GPS shockmount, and as nice it would be to buy both things I need in one shot, those retail new on B&H Photo for $155 which is pretty steep. Even if the seller gave me a good price on his used one, it would probably still be pretty far from the SM4 or Rycote's price.

Last question - you said you use a " 3/8" to shoe mount adaptor to fit the A1." Is that sold from b&h photo also? Do you have a specific link? I tried searching around but couldn't quite find it.

The 822 has the 3pin XLR to stereo 3.5mm minijack and not the 5pin XLRF type stereo output connector that the 825 has. Audio wise they're very close, I doubt you could tell them apart even in a a pro recording studio. Slightly better figures on the 825. BTW it also has an AA battery option.

Boom poles; each to his own but for prosumer work, my take is get a middle price carbon fibre one, there's nothing worse than underspecing gear, in a lot of instances you buy twice.

I couldn't find that B&H page for that shoe adaptor now either, but it's there somewhere, under camera brackets I thought.

A good tip is, before you buy any gear, look up the owners manual on the web.

Cheers.

Thanks Allan, Just bought the AT-822 used off of Amazon. I'm a bit nervous to buy a used mic, but I've heard the mic is very durable and the user seemed pretty reassuring in our e-mails:


Hmm.. do you have any specific suggestions? I feel I'm pushing my budget considering the used K-tek 110CCR that I have as an option. That's $190. The nice Carbon Fibers that have been recommended to me are Loon Audio and Panamic but the Loons start at $469 and I don't even know what the Panamics start at.

Hmmm... I'll keep searching for it. Now that my AT-822 is on its way, I need to hurry up and at least get this adapter so I can start using it.

Thanks Allan, I'll remember that.

My AT-822 arrived last Friday. Looking forward to using this with my XH-A1.

Thanks to this thread for the initial advice and Allan for the recent advice. If I could ask a couple quick follow up questions...

Instead of an adapter, I was wondering if I should consider doing a shock mount with a J-Rod to get the mic away from the tape? As discussed in this thread:
Mount for AT825 on my camera? - The Digital Video Information Network

I ended up going with the K-tek 110CCR. One day I'll get a nice Carbon Fiber, but for now, I will have to make due with this.

Also Allan, I'm still sorting out what mount to go with for using my AT-822 with my K-tek boompole, but have noted your advice for the Rode SM4

There'd be nothing wrong with it but I've never used that J-Rod and only used the RODE SM4 shockmount with the AT822 on cams....not on a boom.

Mostly mono shotguns are used on booms to reach out to get the mic close to the person speaking. Stereo mics mount on the camera so the stereo sound left and right, matches the viewed scene, left and right. The better AT822 replaces the lesser quality A1 cam mic.

The general rule is, speech for video should be recorded mono not stereo.
There are cases where you might put a stereo mic on a boom for video, eg: to get it up in front of a choir.

Combining stereo speech L+R to get mono in post will likely cause cancellation problems and should be avoided.

Cheers.

Thanks as always for the help and responses allen. So, if i understand this correctly, the J-Rod's purpose is to get the mic further away from the tape mechanism. But if you don't use it, and have been doing ok with just the SM4 and the Audio Technica AT-822, then perhaps I'll just grab the same thing. If i use this mount, i would still need the 3/8" adapter we discussed before?

I think my AT-822 will be having it's main home on my camera. I'm also thinking of using it with a mini tripod to record stand up (that's the main thing i record). If i do that set up, i'll prob just use whatever sound is recorded from my built in mic.
Yea, i understand. This is what i've been reading in most places. Any suggestions for a good budget mono mic to use with my boom mainly?

Yes the AT822 works in the SM4 shockmount, it also screws onto my Gitzo boom if I want to use a suitable *mono* shotgun with SM4. As I said I never use the stereo AT822 on a boom.

Hey! I found that shoe adaptor, note the thread sizes. This screws directly into my SM4 so I can use it with my AT822 on the Canons A1s shoe.

Audio-Technica | AT8469 Camera Shoe Mount to | AT8469 | B&H

Well I'd get a shotgun and I wouldn't go below (read cheaper) than the excellent sound/price RODE NTG-1 or G-2. Check their features and accessories out at the RODE site. The G-2 with its battery option would be good for boom and off camera use and you can use the SM4 shockmount.

RØDE Microphones - Our microphones

Cheers.

Hey that sounds good Allan. I wonder if the SM4 will screw into the Boom pole I just bought - the The K-tek 110CCR just as easily (although I am leaning towards this mount for use with my boom pole: invision 7 | B&H Photo Video. It was recommended over here: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/all-thing...tml#post940771)

I found this one post which describes the differences between the SM3, SM4, and the SM5: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/canon-xh-...tml#post767384

Unless you suggest anything else for my needs, I'll go with the SM4 like you have.

[QUOTE=Allan Black;943711]
Hey! I found that shoe adaptor, note the thread sizes. This screws directly into my SM4 so I can use it with my AT822 on the Canons A1s shoe.

Audio-Technica | AT8469 Camera Shoe Mount to | AT8469 | B&H

Hmm.. you know, looking at what a new AT-822 comes with (Audio-Technica | AT822 - Stereo Microphone | AT822 | B&H Photo ), it says Camera Shoe Mount adapter. I googled around and it seems that the camera adapter should in fact be the AT8469 you've linked to.

The only thing is that the AT-822 I bought used is missing some stuff. I believe I'm missing this adapter (in addition to the Gun Grip Snap in Stand Clamp, (AT8120) Windscreen, and the 10' (3 m) Cable (XLRF-Type to Two Mono 3.5 mm Mini-Plugs)).
But thinking again, maybe that shoe mount adapter is in there.

I hope it is because it'll save me $10, and also, if I was to just get this adapter alone from B&H Photo, it'd be a waste to just buy this and ship it. It'd be better to buy with something else (I would be getting the SM4 from B&H, but I found it cheaper on Amazon through a diff seller so I am leaning towards grabbing it from there).

The NTG-2 sounds like a pretty good option. And on B&H Photo, this mic comes with the SM3 mount for the same price as the mic alone (but I should go with the SM4 mount right? What could I do with this extra mount?)

You might need an adaptor to mate the SM4 to your K-Tek boom, I needed this one for mine and it's handy to have anyway.

General Brand | Microphone Reducer Bushing - 5/8" to | B&H

My new AT822 didn't come with all the accessories either, I thought I was getting a good deal but it was missing the AT shoe adaptor and the twin cables. By the time I got those...it wasn't a deal at all.

The SM3 has a shoe mount and won't fit your boom unless you can find a shoe to threaded adaptor somewhere. I think it's better to go the other way with the SM4. If you buy the NTG-2 at the top of the B&H page it's $249 saving $20.

I can see you're really watching the costs so check all this carefully if you don't want to end up wasting money, what I've got works for me but maybe not for you.

Cheers.

I appreciate your responses as usual Allan...

Thanks for the advice Allan. It's only $3.70 so I've added it to my B&H cart with my $9.95 Audio-Technica | AT8469 Camera Shoe Mount to | AT8469 | B&H . Still seems a waste to place an order for just these two items (again, planning on grabbing the SM4 from an Amazon seller). Still trying to figure out if I should take Toenis Liivamaegi's advice over here http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/all-thing...tml#post940771 on getting the invision 7 | B&H Photo Video. He said there was no WindJammer, and I asked him what that meant exactly, and he took the time to explain the following:

Any thoughts? $70's not too bad.

Odd, this was a "new" AT-822 and it had missing accessories? Or did you mean you bought it used as well.

Well, a new one goes for $250 and I paid $125 used for my AT-822 (well.. $130 if you consider shipping). So far, the missing Audio-Technica AT8469 Camera Shoe Mount to 5/8-27" Threaded Base Adapter has set me back an extra $10. I wonder if that's all I should get - I don't think I need those twin cables.. at least anytime soon.

Well, I think I'd like to always just keep my AT-822 mounted on my cam so with the SM4 I buy being used, I'm probably going to just need to get another mount for use w/ the Boom Pole and the mic I use with it. So I won't force myself to buy the SM3 (as I mentioned earlier in this post, I'm actually leaning towards the invision 7 | B&H Photo Video )

For the mic, I think I'm leaning towards the NTG-2 as per your suggestion too. I didn't know there was a $249 version with no mount, but that sounds like the one to lean towards. Would I need something else when using this mic with the pole I have and the mount I'm considering? Like another XLR wire, etc.

Thanks for noticing that I am watching my money - I'm just buying so many things at once so I'd like to save wherever possible. I appreciate all your advice though. I know you said that what you have use may not work for me, but I do need a place to start and your suggestions do seem pretty in line with other stuff I've read both in here and other forums (For example, minidisc.org where the AT-822 was first suggested to me). So I definitely would like to hear you out whenever you have advice and suggestions.

Allan,

just went ahead and purchased all the items you recommended from B&H Photo so I can start using my AT-822 with my Canon XH-A1:

I was holding off on placing this order because I was planning on getting the Rode ROSM4Q from an Amazon seller who had it for $15 cheaper than B&H. As a result, I didn't want to get just the two adapters from B&H alone - it seemed like a waste to just make a small purchase (shipping was 1/2 the cost of the items). However, seems it's not for sale anymore on Amazon so B&H became the way to go.

My used K-Tek | KE-110CCR Avalon Series Aluminum Boompole | KE-110CCR has arrived but I'm not sure how soon I can use it since I haven't gotten all the pieces I need. I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with the NTG-2 for the mic as per your suggestion. Also, I have the Sony MZ-RH1 Hi-MD Minidisc recorder to record into.

But still need to sort out the windjammer & mount questions (I've gotten good advice over here: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/all-thing...tml#post945852 ). Between the mic, the windjammer, and the mount, I might be looking at a bit of pricey purchase so I may look to get this gradually.

I also think I need to get a windscreen for my AT-822 because the used one I bought hadn't come with one. And on a unrelated to audio note, still need a bag for my camera.

Four years ago, my AT822 was new but they just didn't advertise that it didn't come with those accessories. Ha! I just got an e-mail saying that special is on again, same price $US199. But hindsight, I should have bought the one from B&H.

Yep, the NTG-2 shotgun will be great. Mostly you don't use your AT822 on your camera while you're using the NTG-2 on your boom. So to start with, you could use your SM4 shockmount for both. Here's the AT8120 windscreen that should come with the AT822.

Audio-Technica | Foam Windscreen (Large) | AT8120 | B&H Photo

It's foam and it's really only good for light breezes, you need a deadcat type for big winds outdoors. I have this RODE, it looks big but it does block wind much better than the AT8120 and it fits the AT822. Start with this but eventually get both.

RØDE Microphones - DeadKitten

Later you could consider the RODE WS-6 windscreen for your NTG-2. It (and the WS7) are the next best wind protection after my RODE Blimp and Rycote Zeppelin.

Set the A1 up, with your boom and pace out the average mic cable length you need, always overestimate. I'd get red (so you notice it) coloured Canare brand.

BTW at BnH log in to run up a cart, it'll stay longer before being deleted through not using it for a while. You can slowly stock it.


Cheers.

I found that the Rode Dead Cat is not very effective at cutting out wind noise. It's better than the std foam pop-shield (which is for indoor use only!), but not much. The next step up is the Rycote Softie, which is a more complex foam shield, containing large air spaces, covered in short-haired fur. You can get them by themselves or integrated with a shock-mount and pistol grip. This is good in a moderate breeze. I use one on my NTG-1 with an extra layer of furry material around it, which I made myself with material from a craft shop. It's just sewn into a rough sausage shape about 1 inch larger diameter than the softie. This gives enough calm air space around the mic for most situations in the UK. The be fully protected, you need a proper basket ("zepplin"), but they are usually too large to mount on-camera, which I need to do most of the time.

HTH