Rode shotgun to boom possibiliies

Am using a rode shotgun attached to my 5dmk2 or 7d.

Been doing some public speaking type video lately and feel I can get the mic closer for better quality control (outside noise).

Would using a boom above head be better?

And is it possible to extend my shotgun mics wire from camera to some sort of boom. Anyone try something similar?

Very nice. Love the action.

AP64 wrote in post #13145992
Very nice. Love the action.

Lol Wut?

Of course all of this is very possible. First though, what specific Rode mic do you have? And is there any chance you could get an external digital recorder, like a Zoom, Tascam or Sony?

You'd want something like this for the wire:

http://www.radioshack.​com …dex.jsp?product​Id=2103868

Then attach the Rode with a hotshoe adapter on whatever boom you have. In my experience, it works pretty well; you should notice a nice improvement!

FortyTwo wrote in post #13159664
You'd want something like this for the wire:

http://www.radioshack.​com …dex.jsp?product​Id=2103868

Then attach the Rode with a hotshoe adapter on whatever boom you have. In my experience, it works pretty well; you should notice a nice improvement!

Assuming the OP is using one of the hot-shoe mount Rode shotgun mics that would work. But since he/she did not specify it could also be something like a Rode NTG-2 which would require an XLR cable, or maybe a Rode NTG-1 which would require an XLR cable AND phantom power. OP needs to specify.

ben_r_ wrote in post #13160079
Assuming the OP is using one of the hot-shoe mount Rode shotgun mics that would work. But since he/she did not specify it could also be something like a Rode NTG-2 which would require an XLR cable, or maybe a Rode NTG-1 which would require an XLR cable AND phantom power. OP needs to specify.

Well the OP did state they're already using a Rode shotgun with their cameras so either they're using one of the battery powered mics or already have a phantom power source.

In answer to your question, yes getting the mic closer and overhead will give you better results, being careful not to get the mic in shot (assuming that's a problem). Using a long mini jack extension cable as linked to above could result in a degradation in sound quality and pick up interference, using a portable recorder placed close to the mic (with a short cable) will give better results.

If you're lucky enough one of the more professional mics that need phantom power and a phantom power supply then extending the cable from mic to power supply with a longer XLR mic cable will work fine and not degrade the signal quality.

Sorry guys. Didn't include my other gear thinking just the rode mic.


I usually use a h4 and h1 Along with my rode shotgun.

Maybe we can use the h4 on a boom? I just figured I hate syncing outside audio w the video

Down_Shift wrote in post #13145608
Would using a boom above head be better?

Above or below depends on the location, generally speaking if you can get the microphone below the speakers head you will get better audio than from above their head.

Wayne

Do you have the Videomic or the Videomic Pro?

The Pro version is a much better match for the 5D Mark II because you can switch to the +20dB gain and turn the levels in the camera to achieve a cleaner sound.

RODE makes a 10' extension cable that works well. It is the VC1. They also have a new "Micro Boompole" that is under $50.
Remember, the key to great audio is to get the mic as close as you can to the sound source.

If you can't get 'em with a shotgun, also think about going with a wireless lav.

Guy Cochran
http://dvestore.com

Channel One wrote in post #13161261
Above or below depends on the location, generally speaking if you can get the microphone below the speakers head you will get better audio than from above their head.

Wayne

Sorry, but where did you pull that one out from? Booming from above or from below has it's own issues. Neither is "better" for capturing some one's voice.

Booming from below often gets you other sounds that maybe you didn't want captured like air handling systems, fans, reflected sounds off of high ceilings and other noise makers that would be off-axis if you were to place the mic over head.
Booming from above also has it's issues like reflected sound from hard flooring surfaces, hearing a lot of foot noise and other things, but neither is "better" than the other. You just have to try the boom in both positions and listen to see which is better for that shot.

Sometimes I like to boom from below because my arms get tired of holding them over my head, or maybe there is a lighting issue that requires booming from under the head, but usually the mic is actually further from the mouth booming from below than from above. Rules of thirds and framing for lower third titles and the simple fact that most shooters don't like to have a huge amount of headroom, means that booming from above actually gets you closer to the source than from below. Try both and listen to the results before hitting the go button.

Yeah, I've only been doing sound recording as a well paid professional for some 19 years.