Rode Microphones Stereo VideoMic On-Camera Microphone

Other products by Rode

Product Features

• Stereo X/Y Condenser Microphone
• Broadcast Sound Quality
• Low Noise Circuitry
• Two step High-Pass Filter - Flat or 80Hz
• Rugged cast aluminium body

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 4.7 x 3 inches ; 8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Note: Gift-wrapping is not available for this item.
• ASIN: B000I5W7K8
• Item model number: SVM
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,805 in Musical Instruments (See Bestsellers in Musical Instruments)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #24 in

  Musical Instruments > Recording Equipment > Microphones & Accessories > Condenser Microphones

Product Description

Product Description

Now videographers can use true 'studio' stereo recording techniques in the field with ease. The X/Y configuration enables the Stereo Video Mic to capture the true ambience of the recording space, while still offering a high level of rear rejection and low noise. Fitted with a shoe mount, the StereoVideoMic has the same low noise circuit design as the best selling VideoMic. The StereoVideoMic offers 9V battery operation, an LED battery status indicator, high pass filter switch, and a -10dB pad switch which allows for the mic to be used on most cameras with perfect level control. You can also use the StereoVideoMic as a remote mic on a stand, or a RDE boom pole (optional), which truly makes this versatile product well suited for all video applications including Electronic News Gathering (ENG), Weddings, Sports Events & Interviews.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Sound, Great Company, January 26, 2009

By	J. Libertor "Jeremy Libertor" (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Top Product, April 18, 2009

By	R. Sutton (Rio Vista, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Concert sound? No Problem!, July 26, 2009

By	R. Maurer (California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!