Stereo or Mono Mic ?

[STJzz]

Hi there, planning to get Mic
which one is better ?
A mono or Stereo ?
If i go for a mono i will choose the RODE, but need to convert to stereo ? abit troublesome ?
If choose stereo then dont need to convert ? and which mic would u recommend, budget around $100-$200

Thanks

 

[Bamboopictures]

You can't convert mono to stereo. You can record the same signal to 2 channels but that is not stereo. Stereo mics are recommended for ensemble music and ambient recording. Mono is preferred for dialogue. Rode does make a bulbous stereo videomic. But the pickup pattern is omnidirectional. Their mono shotgun videomics are much more popular because the pickup pattern is suited to noise rejection. To get more flexibility with your Rode, consider getting the Azden Cam-3, an inexpensive credit card -sized mixer that allows three mics to be connected at the same time. You can record different mics to different channels or both channels. Or wait for a cooler Beachtek version, which I cannot divulge too much of.

 

[astrocom]

. Or wait for a cooler Beachtek version, which I cannot divulge too much of.

You have insider info??? ;p
Are there any Beachtek resellers in Singapore?

 

[Bamboopictures]

Doing some pre-beta testing. Expandore is the beachtek distributor in Singapore. You can find some beachtek products on ground floor of Sim Lim Sq

 

[STJzz]

You can't convert mono to stereo. You can record the same signal to 2 channels but that is not stereo. Stereo mics are recommended for ensemble music and ambient recording. Mono is preferred for dialogue. Rode does make a bulbous stereo videomic. But the pickup pattern is omnidirectional. Their mono shotgun videomics are much more popular because the pickup pattern is suited to noise rejection. To get more flexibility with your Rode, consider getting the Azden Cam-3, an inexpensive credit card -sized mixer that allows three mics to be connected at the same time. You can record different mics to different channels or both channels. Or wait for a cooler Beachtek version, which I cannot divulge too much of.

So if i upload a video then the sound will come out only either left or right only ?

 

[Bamboopictures]

I think the mono signal goes to both channels for videomic.
Look at the 1/8" jack to see if there are two black rings or just one.
If there is just one ring, just use this to get mono on two channels:
1/8" Stereo Plug to 1/8" Mono Plug Adapter - RadioShack.com.

 

[STJzz]

Oh okay. The quality of the RODE mic is good right ? And the price is about $100+ ?

 

[Bamboopictures]

Rode makes several mics for DSLR, videomic, videomic pro and soon videomic HD with built-in recorder. I don't think you can get any for under $200 locally.

 

[FalconSG]

I use the Videomic Pro. Audio quality is pretty good but quality also depends on what recorder you use and AGC factor.

 

[the mac 13]

Hi guys, I have D5100 and a Rode VideoMic(just bought today) in an enclosed environment, the ambient noise(hiss) is quite loud/audible. This is when I set the microphone setting to level 3. There is no difference if I were to activate the high pass filter. Would a dead cat help?

Or would recording audio via a zoom H1 produce better quality?

 

[Bamboopictures]

The ambient sound is loud because the mic is nearer to the camera than it is to the subject. Place the mic nearer to the subject (use a cable and a stand) and make sure the background noise source is not directly in front or behind the mic.

 

[the mac 13]

Where can I get a longer cable for it http://www.amazon.com/Rode-VC1-Stereo-Extension-VideoMic/dp/B0010CP5DY? in Singapore? I was thinking of using a cable to extend and putting the mic on a tripod about 20cm from the object?

 

[the mac 13]

Where can I get a longer cable for it Amazon.com: Rode VC1 10' (3.5mm) Stereo Mini Jack Extension Cable, Suits VideoMic: GPS & Navigation in Singapore? I was thinking of using a cable to extend and putting the mic on a tripod about 20cm from the object?

 

[Bamboopictures]

Most neighbourhood budget shop /electronic store will stock 3.5mm extension cable.