Compact directional on-camera microphone www.rodemic.
Features Compact Shotgun Microphone • Compact, lightweight body • Broadcast recording quality • Condenser microphone • Integrated shock mount provides isolation from handling/mechanical noise • Integrated foam windshield • 3.
High Quality Performance • 9V battery powered – over 70 hours use (alkaline) • Low noise circuitry • Flexible and lightweight cable to minimise handling noise and ensure isolation • Australian designed and manufactured • 10 Year Warranty when you register your microphone (see below) Register your VideoMic Pro now and validate your free 10 year warranty. Scan the QR code with a smartphone, or visit www.rodemic.
General Operation Shotgun microphones such as the VideoMic Pro have a narrow pick-up angle or polar response, and so can be used to great effect with cameras for news gathering, weddings or sporting events. The VideoMic Pro can be used in any situation where you want to listen to what’s in the shot, not what’s at the side or out of view. Regular use of the VideoMic Pro will provide you with better results as you become more familiar with its sound and pick-up characteristics.
Specifications 5 0˚ +5.0 Polar Response 0.0 -2.0 -4.0 -6.0 -8.0 -10.0 -12.0 -14.0 -16.0 -18.0 -20.0 -22.0 -24.0 -2.0 -10.0 -20.0 -25.0 90˚ 270˚ dB rel. 1V/Pa Frequency: 500 Hz: 1000 Hz: 2000 Hz: 8000 Hz: 14000 Hz: 180˚ Frequency Response dB re 1 V.
Specifications Acoustic Principle Directional Pattern Frequency Range Frequency Range (High Pass Filter) Variable Level Line Gradient Super-Cardioid 40Hz ~ 20 000Hz Selectable HPF @ 80Hz / 12dB / octave 3 position switch (-10dB, 0dB, +20dB) Output Impedence 200Ω Signal to Noise Ratio 74dB Equivalent Noise Maximum SPL Maximum Output 20dBA SPL (A-weighted as per IEC651) 134dB +6.
Sensitivity Dynamic Range Power Requirements Output Connection Battery Life -38dB re 1V/Pa (12.6mV @ 94 dB SPL) ± 2dB @ 1kHz 114dB SPL (as per IEC651) 9V alkaline battery (Current 7.8mA) 3.5 Stereo mini jack plug (dual mono) Tip - left channel Ring - right channel >70 hours Weight (no battery) 86g (3oz) Dimension (WxLxH) 43mm x 150mm x 95mm (1.69”x 6”x 3.74”) Additional accessories RØDE has a full line of accessories such as windshields, boom poles, cable extenders and pistol grips.
+ – Powering the VMP 9V The VideoMic Pro runs on a standard 9V battery. (ANS1:1604A or IEC:6LR61). We recommend using a high quality lithium or alkaline battery to achieve the best possible battery life. The VideoMic Pro will run continuously for over 70 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.
Replacing the battery cover To replace the battery cover, insert the top at an angle, hooking it under the lever indicated by the arrow in Figure 2. Then push down at the base (pushing the battery into the compartment) until the bottom clips of the battery door click into place. 1 2 Figure 1 - The battery cover opens from the front of the mic. Figure 2 - Replace the cover by inserting the top at an angle then pushing down on the base.
Mounting on the camera The VideoMic Pro incorporates a standard camera shoe mount on the underside of the shock mount cradle. Designed to reduce handling and mechanical noise being carried through from the camera to the microphone, the camera shoe mount also has a 3/8” thread at the bottom to allow mounting on tripods and boompoles. Some older model and low cost cameras may produce a higher level of mechanical noise, which can be picked up by the VideoMic Pro.
Figure 3 - Slide the camera-shoe into place on the camera mount.
Connecting to the camera The VideoMic Pro has a small cable clip on the underside of the shock mount to secure the cable in place and prevent any unwanted movement noise. Simply press your cable into the clip / groove until the cable is secured in place. The VideoMic Pro delivers a mic level signal to the video camera via a stereo mini jack audio lead.
Figure 4 - Be sure to clip the cable onto the mount, to eliminate unwanted cable noise.
VideoMic Pro Controls Off | On | HPF Level controls (see p16) Figure 5 - The controls are located on the end of the mic body.
High Pass Filter The High Pass Filter (HPF) is a low frequency cut-off setting, which you can use to reduce rumble and other low frequency noise picked up by the microphone while recording. For more information about HPF and when it should be used, see the feature on page 18. To turn on the High Pass Filter, slide the power switch to the right ) symbol is hand position until it is pointing to where the HPF ( indicated.
Level controls The VideoMic Pro features three settings to control the signal output level to your recording device. These are set via the right hand side selector switch on the back of the microphone. 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 will result in a much lower noise floor and an overall clearer recording when plugging the VideoMic Pro into the typically low quality mic preamps found on most DSLR cameras. The VideoMic Pro has been designed to work best with the camera’s Auto Gain Control switched off. As always we recommend you test your audio first before recording anything of importance.
High Pass Filter / HPF The High Pass Filter is a low frequency cutoff setting, which you can use to remove rumble, motor noise or other low frequency noise while recording. It will affect the tone slightly but in some situations it is required. For instance, it may be helpful to engage the High Pass Filter to cut out the sound of air conditioning, handling noise while adjusting focus settings and distant traffic audible in the background.
The shock mount bands 19 The shock mount uses four elastomer suspension bands to hold the VideoMic Pro in its shock mount cradle. These bands have been created to be intentionally soft, to minimise the transmission of mechanical and handling noise through this material. If the VideoMic Pro is shaken vigorously or knocked during use, the microphone body may touch the sides of the shock mount cradle. This should be avoided as it may add unwanted noise.
Replacing the shock mount bands Start by attaching your shock mount bands to the microphone body. The shock mount cradle will then slip easily up under the bands and support the microphone. Consult Figure 7 to determine which band to use on the relevant side of the microphone. There are four bands in total, two of each shape. You will notice the bands have two ends of different shapes. The larger end is shaped like an ‘arrow head’ while the smaller end is square.
Match the ‘arrow’ shaped ends of the bands to the corresponding notches at the top of the mic (see Figure 7), and press each firmly into place until it is secured. Figure 7 - The ‘arrow head’ shaped ends of the bands go into the notches on the top of the mic body.
Once the first end is secured, angle the small square end of the band into the corresponding notch underneath the front or back of the mic body and press into place. Repeat for all four bands. Once all four are fitted on the mic body, pull up the shock mount cradle underneath the bands. Please note the correct alignment will have the shoe mount on the cradle closer towards the rear of the microphone (see Figure 9).
Next, slide the tapered square on the middle of the band into the notch on the shock mount. The circular knob on the inner side of the band will lock into the shock mount notch. Repeat the process for all four bands, and the VideoMic Pro will be securely mounted to its shock mount cradle. Figure 9 - Slide the tapered square in the middle of each band into the corresponding notch on the mount.
Safety and maintenance • When not in use, always keep your 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, always remember to remove the battery before storage. • Do not expose the VideoMic Pro to rain or moisture. Windshield We recommend leaving the pre-fitted foam windshield on at all times to protect the microphone from dust and moisture.
Moisture absorbent crystals Inside the VideoMic Pro box, you will find a sachet of moisture absorbent crystals. Please retain these crystals and store with the VideoMic Pro to keep the microphone in ideal condition. Eventually this pack of crystals will need to be dried. This is indicated by the crystals turning pink in colour. They can easily be re-used by placing them in an oven at 100-150 degrees Celsius for approximately ten minutes.
Support If you experience any problem, or have any questions regarding your RØDE microphone, first contact the dealer who sold it to you. If the microphone requires a factory authorised service, return will be organised by that dealer. We have an extensive distributor/dealer network, but if you have difficulty getting the advice or assistance you require, please do not hesitate to contact us directly. Alternatively please visit www.rodemic.
Contact RØDE International 107 Carnarvon Street Silverwater NSW 2128 Australia USA P.O.
