Any recommendations for a STEREO shotgun mic setup for the AX-100? at DVinfo.net

Derek McCabe · June 8th, 2015, 11:07 AM

Must be stereo. And goal is to capture outdoor ambient sound, not anyone speaking on camera.

Jim Michael · June 8th, 2015, 11:12 AM

Why do you think you need stereo shotguns for this?

Gary Huff · June 8th, 2015, 11:26 AM

Rode Stereomic X.

Derek McCabe · June 8th, 2015, 03:49 PM

Gary, the Rode is a really good mic, but is not shotgun and picks ups any handling of the camcorder as I move around, this was the first mic I tested. I need something more directional that also reflects any handling by the user.

I am torn between:

Sony ECM-680S M/S Stereo Shotgun Microphone $850
and the
Sennheiser MKH418S - M/S Stereo Shotgun $1650

Both of these require phantom power, so an external preamp will need to be added as well.
Is the Sennheiser worth double?

Anyone else have a suggestion for a pro setup? This is for outdoor nature type footage, where the camera might be moved to catch action, so I need mics pointing same as camcorder all the time. Can't use off-camera sound crew situation.

Keith Rollinson · June 8th, 2015, 06:57 PM

I use the Rode Stereomic Pro w/ the AX100 w/ pretty good results. As w/ any camera-mounted mic, a good shock mount is imperative. I had a Sony 680S that I'd occasionally mount on a EX1R. It is an excellent mic - probably overkill to go for the Sennheiser for your purpose - but it is rather long, and if not getting into your shot will likely mess w/ your balance, as you'll also need a Beachtek or equivalent. You might consider a more isolated shock mount with the Rode.

Paul Anderegg · June 8th, 2015, 07:45 PM

I have a Sony ECM678, sort of like the mono version of the 680. I can tell you it is extremely long.

If you want AMBIENT sound, don't get a shotgun. They do pinpoint isolation well, but they don't have the audio clarity of less directional microphones. Perhaps look into those little stereo 3.5mm jack microphones that are made to be used with mini audio recorders, like for DSLR's?

Paul

June 8th, 2015, 11:07 AM	#1
Derek McCabe Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: New York Posts: 46	Any recommendations for a STEREO shotgun mic setup for the AX-100? Must be stereo. And goal is to capture outdoor ambient sound, not anyone speaking on camera.

June 8th, 2015, 11:12 AM	#2
Jim Michael Major Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 895	Re: Any recommendations for a STEREO shotgun mic setup for the AX-100? Why do you think you need stereo shotguns for this?

June 8th, 2015, 11:26 AM	#3
Gary Huff Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 2,006	Re: Any recommendations for a STEREO shotgun mic setup for the AX-100? Rode Stereomic X.

June 8th, 2015, 03:49 PM	#4
Derek McCabe Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: New York Posts: 46	Re: Any recommendations for a STEREO shotgun mic setup for the AX-100? Gary, the Rode is a really good mic, but is not shotgun and picks ups any handling of the camcorder as I move around, this was the first mic I tested. I need something more directional that also reflects any handling by the user. I am torn between: Sony ECM-680S M/S Stereo Shotgun Microphone $850 and the Sennheiser MKH418S - M/S Stereo Shotgun $1650 Both of these require phantom power, so an external preamp will need to be added as well. Is the Sennheiser worth double? Anyone else have a suggestion for a pro setup? This is for outdoor nature type footage, where the camera might be moved to catch action, so I need mics pointing same as camcorder all the time. Can't use off-camera sound crew situation.

June 8th, 2015, 06:57 PM	#5
Keith Rollinson Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Greenfield, MA usa Posts: 167	Re: Any recommendations for a STEREO shotgun mic setup for the AX-100? I use the Rode Stereomic Pro w/ the AX100 w/ pretty good results. As w/ any camera-mounted mic, a good shock mount is imperative. I had a Sony 680S that I'd occasionally mount on a EX1R. It is an excellent mic - probably overkill to go for the Sennheiser for your purpose - but it is rather long, and if not getting into your shot will likely mess w/ your balance, as you'll also need a Beachtek or equivalent. You might consider a more isolated shock mount with the Rode.

June 8th, 2015, 07:45 PM	#6
Paul Anderegg Trustee Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: San Diego, Califonia Posts: 1,559	Re: Any recommendations for a STEREO shotgun mic setup for the AX-100? I have a Sony ECM678, sort of like the mono version of the 680. I can tell you it is extremely long. If you want AMBIENT sound, don't get a shotgun. They do pinpoint isolation well, but they don't have the audio clarity of less directional microphones. Perhaps look into those little stereo 3.5mm jack microphones that are made to be used with mini audio recorders, like for DSLR's? Paul