Topic: Rode Videomic with Edirol R-09HR at Loud Concerts

[magmazing]

Last month I sent my CA-11 mics in for repairs and since then I've attended a few local concerts where I've been able to bring in my Rode Videomic to record audio into my Edirol R-09HR while I shoot video on my SLR.

I'm not happy with the audio quality I'm getting back. The shows I go to are either rock bands or DJs at night clubs so the shows are pretty loud with lots of bass. I have my Rode Videomic set with the -20db pad and also the high-pass filter on. This is the same setup I use on the mic when I have it plugged into my Canon camcorder and audio on the camcorder always came out clean... but on the R-09HR the audio has good levels, but the bass sounds slightly distorted.  The Videomic is plugged into the mic connection of the R-09HR. The only reason I did that is because when I have the Videomic plugged into the line side I barely get any levels at all even with the recorder's levels cranked to 80. Even on the mic side I had to crank the recorder's levels to the max 80 to get the levels to show up around -12.

The limiter on the recorder's off, the mic gain switch is set to low, I don't use the low cut on the recorder because of the Videomic's high-pass filter, and plug-in power is off because the Videomic is powered by a 9volt.

What am I doing wrong here?

Do I set the Videomic's pad to -10db or 0db instead of having it at -20db? Do I plug the mic into the line side of the recorder even though it barely registers on the meters even at max levels. Do I continue to plug the mic into the mic side, but run it at 40 and amplify the recording in post?

[LikeASong]

If you're recording in 24-bit you should not be afraid to get lower levels and having to amplify it all in postprocessing. I had a similar problem with a super-low sensitivity mic a few weeks ago, and I just recorded with the recorder's preamp cranked to its equivalent to your 40 (instead of 80); my levels were reaching -40 or -35 dB maximum. I "+25dB-ed" the signal in post and eventually a clear and loud recording came out. Long live 24 bits

By the way, how much does the Rode Videomic weigh? I thought it would be a nice addition to an old videocam I have lying around here, maybe for using it as a secondary backup or something.

[magmazing]

The Rode Videomic is a little over 6oz... It's a lot of plastic. It's pretty light. The only drawback is it's bulky size-wise with the suspension system it has.  On a camcorder it's not too noticeable, but attached to my SLR it kinda gets in the way.  I guess it's why Rode created the Videomic Pro.

[aaronji]

Do I set the Videomic's pad to -10db or 0db instead of having it at -20db? Do I plug the mic into the line side of the recorder even though it barely registers on the meters even at max levels. Do I continue to plug the mic into the mic side, but run it at 40 and amplify the recording in post?

That should definitely help with the level issue...

If you're recording in 24-bit you should not be afraid to get lower levels and having to amplify it all in postprocessing. I had a similar problem with a super-low sensitivity mic a few weeks ago, and I just recorded with the recorder's preamp cranked to its equivalent to your 40 (instead of 80); my levels were reaching -40 or -35 dB maximum. I "+25dB-ed" the signal in post and eventually a clear and loud recording came out. Long live 24 bits

24 bits is great, but not a magic bullet.  Personally, I want to maximize the difference in levels between the system's noise and the stuff I am recording (with a little headroom for safety).

[newplanet7]

If you're recording in 24-bit you should not be afraid to get lower levels and having to amplify it all in postprocessing. I had a similar problem with a super-low sensitivity mic a few weeks ago, and I just recorded with the recorder's preamp cranked to its equivalent to your 40 (instead of 80); my levels were reaching -40 or -35 dB maximum. I "+25dB-ed" the signal in post and eventually a clear and loud recording came out. Long live 24 bits

24 bits is great, but not a magic bullet.  Personally, I want to maximize the difference in levels between the system's noise and the stuff I am recording (with a little headroom for safety).

Great answer.