STEREO VIDEOMIC PRO INS TRUCTION M AN UAL www.rodemic.
IN TROD UC T ION Thank you for investing in the RØDE Stereo VideoMic Pro. The Stereo VideoMic Pro boasts an impressive lineage as RØDE’s latest addition to our celebrated on-camera microphone range. The now legendary RØDE VideoMic was released in 2004 during the MiniDV camera boom, the only microphone of its kind in a market that only offered either cheap inferior quality or high cost shotgun microphones which were not designed to integrate easily with the cameras.
S PE CI FICAT ION S Acoustic Principle: Pressure gradient Frequency Range: 40 Hz ~ 20,000 Hz Frequency Range: (High Pass Filter) Selectable HPF @ 75 Hz / -10 dB /octave Output impedance: 200 Signal to Noise Ratio: 76 dBA Equivalent Noise: 18 dBA SPL (as per IEC651) Maximum SPL: 134 dB SPL Maximum output: 4.2 dBu (@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1K load) Sensitivity: -38 dB re 1V/Pa (12.
F EAT URE S W H AT’S I N TH E BO X STE REO ON-C A M ERA M IC RO PH O N E • X/Y Stereo recording configuration • Broadcast recording quality • Compact, lightweight body • Integrated shock mount provides isolation from handling / mechanical noise • Integrated foam windshield • 3.
S TE RE O VID EOM IC PR O S T R UCT UR E 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Foam windshield Shock mount cradle Shock mount band Power / High Pass Filter switch Level attenuation / boost switch Power on / off LED indicator Battery cover 8. Billeted metal camera shoe mount 9. Fastening ring 10. 3/8” thread mount 11. Signal output cable 12. 3.5mm stereo mini jack 1 6 3 4 5 3 2 9 11 8 7 10 12 5.
S ETUP AN D U SE I NSTALLING T HE B AT T ERY Before you can record with your Stereo VideoMic Pro, you will need to install a standard 9V battery (ANS1:1604A or IEC:6LR61). RØDE recommends using a high quality lithium or alkaline battery to achieve the best possible battery life. To install the battery, open the battery cover that is located on the back of the Stereo VideoMic Pro, just under the switch controls.
S ETUP AN D U SE The Stereo VideoMic Pro will run continuously for over 100 hours with a high quality alkaline or lithium battery. Battery performance may vary depending on ambient temperature and battery shelf life, so it is wise to always carry a spare battery. We suggest always installing a fresh battery when the application is critical, with no opportunity to re-shoot. Always remember to switch off the Stereo VideoMic Pro when not in use.
S ETUP AN D U SE The Stereo VideoMic Pro delivers a mic level signal to the video camera via a stereo mini jack audio lead. The mini jack should be connected to the camera via the camera’s “audio-in” socket – refer to your video camera user manual for the location of the socket on your camera model. focus settings and distant traffic audible in the background. To engage the High Pass Filter, slide the power switch to the right hand position until it is pointing to where the HPF ( ) symbol is indicated.
S ETUP AN D U SE The left setting (-10) will reduce or attenuate the signal by 10dB, meaning that loud sound sources will be reduced and be less likely to overload or ‘clip’ the input of the camera. The right setting (+20) will increase the signal level by 20dB. This is useful for recording quiet sound sources, or when your camera requires a higher input level for better signal to noise ratio (as in many digital SLR cameras).
S ETUP AN D U SE R E P LACING S HO C K M O U NT B A N D S RIGHT SIDE VIEW The Stereo VideoMic Pro has been designed with an integrated suspension shock mount, reducing the amount of handling noise that is transmitted to the microphone while recording your audio. This shock mount uses four elastomer suspension bands to hold the Stereo VideoMic Pro in its shock mount cradle.
S ETUP AN D U SE You will notice the bands have two square ends of different sizes. The larger end has a circular knob on one side. In the middle is a tapered square, also with a circular knob on one side. To fit your band, match the shape of the band to the notches on the Stereo VideoMic Pro’s body. The larger end of the band will fit into the notch near the top of the microphone body, and the smaller end of the band will fit into the notch on the underside of the microphone body.
S ETUP AN D U SE Once all four bands are fitted on the microphone body, pull up the shock mount cradle underneath the bands. Note the correct alignment of the cradle will have the shoe mount on the cradle closer to the rear of the microphone.
OP T IONA L A C C ESSOR I E S D E AD K ITTEN F U RRY W IN DSHI E L D Stereo VideoMic Pro’s foam windshield. Ensure that the Dead Kitten is fitted right up to the edge of the microphone body and covers the full foam area, to prevent any leakage of wind noise. Finally, fluff up the Dead Kitten fur in all directions for optimum protection.
OP T IONA L A C C ESSOR I E S B OO M POLES P G 1 P I S T O L G R IP The Stereo VideoMic Pro may be mounted on a Boompole, Mini Boompole or Micro Boompole via the 3/8” thread located at the bottom of the camera shoe mount. This allows you to move the microphone closer to your sound source independent of your camera. The Stereo VideoMic Pro can also be mounted on the PG1 pistol grip. This allows independent movement of the microphone from your video camera.
S A FE TY / C A R E IN ST R UCT I O NS When not in use, always keep your Stereo VideoMic Pro in a cool, dry place, preferably in a camera bag or equivalent to protect from dust or damage. When not in use for long periods of time, remove the battery before storage. Do not expose the Stereo VideoMic Pro to rain or moisture. Loud sound levels can cause serious hearing damage. Take care when setting the audio levels, especially while wearing headphones.
T R OUBLESHO O T IN G / F R E Q UE NT LY AS K E D Q UE STI O NS WH Y D O I GE T LO W -LEV EL B A C K G R O U N D NOI S E WH EN REC O RDIN G O N MY C A ME R A ? manufacturer for information on the available converters for your camera model. A low level background noise in your recordings is usually caused by Automatic Gain Control function (or AGC) on the camera.
T R OUBLESHO O T IN G / F R E Q UE NT LY AS K E D Q UE STI O NS WH ERE CAN I O RDER REPLA C E ME N T SHOCK M OU N T B A NDS F O R M Y S T E R E O V I DEOM IC PR O ? The elastomer shock mount bands are available to order as a pack through your local RØDE distributor. Please visit www.rodemic.com/wheretobuy to find your nearest distributor’s contact details. 17.
PR O D UCT WA R R A N T Y RØDE Microphones prides itself on designing and manufacturing microphones of the highest quality and performance. Our state-of-the-art engineering and manufacturing techniques, combined with decades of experience in professional audio and recording has resulted in microphones that will last a lifetime. All RØDE Microphones are guaranteed for one year from the date of purchase. The Stereo VideoMic Pro warranty may be extended to a full ten year period.
