Compare Prices on Rode SVM Stereo Condenser Microphone
The Rode VideoMic, Stereo Video Microphone, is a camera-mountable shotgun mic destined to become an Industry standard. Videographers choose it for true studio stereo recording techniques in the field. In additon, it meets the music industry demand for stereo recording applications. The X/Y configuration enables the Stereo VideoMic to capture the true ambience of the recording space, while still offering a high level of rear rejection and low noise. A shoe mount and low noise circuit design make this an excellent addition to your microphone arsenal. The Stereo VideoMic offers 9V battery operation, an LED battery status indicator, high pass filter switch, and a -10dB pad switch that allows the mic to be used on most cameras with perfect level control. You can also use the Stereo VideoMic as a remote mic on a stand, which truly makes this versatile product well suited for all video applications including Electronic News Gathering (ENG), Weddings, Sports Events & Interviews. Includes Dead Kitten windscreen.
- Amazon Sales Rank: #324 in Musical Instruments
- Brand: Rode
- Model: SVM
- Released on: 2010-03-01
- Number of items: 1
- Dimensions: 5.00″ h x 3.00″ w x 10.75″ l, 1.00 pounds
Features
- Stereo X/Y condenser microphone
- Broadcast sound quality
- Two stp high-pass filter – flat or 80 Hz
- Rugged cast aluminum body
- 9V battery operation
Great Sound, Great Company
I have a Canon HG10 High Definition camera that I use for recording my small kids and family events. The camera’s built-in sound was just poor. With my default mic, the targets could barely be heard, and whenever the cameraman spoke the sound was overly pronounced. So I researched many mics over months and decided on this one.
The sound is superb, but you have to make sure you know what you are working with. Different mics are better for different situations. I am not an expert but here are the rules of thumb I have picked up.
*Super-Cartoid Stereo Mic*
The Rode Stereo mic is a “Super Cartoid Stereo Mic”. It yields high-quality sound at a close range, less than 8 feet or closer is best . It emphasizes sound in front, and de-emphasizes sound from behind (i.e. the cameraman) It does not do well at long range.
*Shotgun mics*
Shotgun mics (i.e. Rode VideoMic directional Video Condenser w/microphone) on the other hand do well at isolating sound at long ranges. However, the sound will never be as good as a well-placed Supercartoid stereo mic. Those are good for football games and such.
*Bonus*
It also comes with a Dead-cat wind guard, and it works great! Even in very gusty wind no sound is made from the wind.
*Tips for good sound*
For absolutely super quality sound with ANY mic you must get really close! Just think of those boom mic guys who hold the mic right inches over the actors heads! You have several options.
1- Stand as close as possible
2 – Buy a wide-angle lense for your camera (Canon WD-H43 0.7x Wide Angle Converter for HV20 & HV30 Camcorders). I did this and it makes a huge difference. The lense allows you to get much closer to the subject and the sound is super.
3 – Buy an extension cable and mini-tripod. This is only practical in some situations, but is not expensive. I did this when I wanted to film thanksgiving dinner. I placed the mic close to the table, just out of shot. I placed the camera far away, and then ran a 15′ cable between the mic and camera. I got a great shot and top-notch sound.
4 – Buy a boom pole (Rode Mini Boompole Microphone Boom Pole) and have a friend hold it over the subject’s head when filming. This is not practical since I do not own a boom pole and I do not have any friends. But Rode does sell a boom pole for this mic that requires no adapters.
*Warranty*
My 4-year old accidentally knocked the mic off a table and broke a small aluminum part. I contacted Rode and was amazed at how incredibly kind, accommodating, and prompt they were in helping me out.
Be sure to register your mic to get a 10-year warranty!
Top Product
Jeremy Libertor (another reviewer) said it all. I fully concur.
I’m using the microphone on a Canon 5D Mark II with great success. I highly recommend this unit if you want quality and have the $$$. Yes, there are less expensive units around but you get what you pay for. And the included ‘dead-cat” does a nice job killing wind noises as well.
UPDATE: May 1st – I used the Canon 5D Mark II and the Rode to video the Union Pacific’s Steam Locomotive (844) when it visited hear. Theyre was a light breeze at the time. A steam locomotive, at times 4 feet away from the mic, is the acid test. Every sound, from quiet hisses of small steam escapes to full throated steam locomovive whistle blasts, were recorded perfectly with the Rode.
Later, down the track, the 844 passed by me at 60 or so MPH and I got broadcast quality locomotive sounds from about 1000 feet away and as it passed my location 8 feet from the camera/mic. Perfect sound again. I now highly recommend this microphone. No wind noises just great audio.
Concert sound? No Problem!
I’ve been using this Rode mic to make archival videos of concerts for the last 3 years and it is awesome. Clear, transparent and the next best thing to being there. Great sound at a reasonable price seems to be the Rode mission statement. I wish the camera man(me)was as good as the mic!
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