RODE Microphones STEREO VIDEOMIC PRO User manual

STEREO VIDEOMIC PRO
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
www.rodemic.com

2.
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.
RØDE has now been bridging this gap for years by providing
microphones which feature broadcast audio quality and integrated
shock mounting while maintaining an accessible price tag. The
VideoMic has gone on to become the world’s largest selling
microphone for consumer cameras.
As innovative new video cameras are designed with increasing
rapidity, we know the audio devices that match them must also adapt
and grow with the technology. The Stereo VideoMic Pro has been
designed for ambient audio recording with the latest consumer and
prosumer cameras; incorporating remarkable stereo imaging and a
more intuitive and resilient shock mounting system than ever before.
Of course, the form factor has also been updated to a conveniently
compact size, which is perfect for videographers who prefer wide
angle lenses.
Please take the time to visit www.rodemic.com and register your
microphone for a full ten year warranty.
Peter Freedman
RØDE Microphones
Sydney, Australia
INTRODUCTION
SPECIFICATIONS
FEATURES
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
STEREO VIDEOMIC PRO STRUCTURE
SETUP AND USE
Installing the battery
Mounting and connecting
Stereo VideoMic Pro controls
Replacing shock mount bands
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
SAFETY / CARE INSTRUCTIONS
TROUBLESHOOTING / FAQ
PRODUCT WARRANTY
SUPPORT AND SERVICE
INTRODUCTION CONTENTS
2.
3.
4.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
10.
13.
15.
16.
18.
18.

3.
SPECIFICATIONS
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
(12.60 mV @ 94 dB SPL)
± 2 dB @ 1kHz
Dynamic Range: 102 dB SPL
Power requirements: 9 Volt/PP3
Output Connection:
3.5 Stereo mini jack
Tip – left channel
Ring – right channel
Battery Life: Over 100 hours (alkaline)
Over 10 hours on low battery life
Weight: 115g (0.253lb) without battery
Packed weight: 240g (0.529lb)
Dimension (W x L x H): 66.0mm × 108.0mm ×130.0 mm
(2.598in × 4.251in × 5.118in)
Frequency Response:
High Pass Filter:
0˚
90˚ 270˚
180˚
-2.0
-20.0
-10.0
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 -25.0
dB rel. 1V/Pa
+5.0
Frequency:
500 Hz:
1000 Hz:
4000 Hz:
POLAR PATTERN
FREQUENCY RESPONSE

4.
FEATURES WHAT’S IN THE BOX
STEREO ON-CAMERA MICROPHONE
•X/Y Stereo recording configuration
•Broadcast recording quality
•Compact, lightweight body
•Integrated shock mount provides isolation
from handling / mechanical noise
•Integrated foam windshield
•3.5mm stereo mini jack output
DETAILED CONTROL
•Two step high-pass filter (0, 75 Hz)
•Three position level control (-10dB, 0dB, +20dB)
•LED on / off power indicator
•Integrated billeted metal camera shoe mount
with 3/8” thread for easy boompole mounting
HIGH QUALITY PERFORMANCE
•9V battery powered – over 100 hours use (alkaline)
•RF/EMI shielded cable and electronics for extremely
low radio interference
•Low noise circuitry
•Australian designed and manufactured
• Stereo VideoMic Pro
• Spare shock mount bands (4 pieces)
• Stereo VideoMic Pro quick start guide
• Moisture absorbent crystals

5.
STEREO VIDEOMIC PRO STRUCTURE
1
2
11
12
8
9
4
6
7
5
3
3
10
1. Foam windshield
2. Shock mount cradle
3. Shock mount band
4. Power / High Pass Filter switch
5. Level attenuation / boost switch
6. Power on / off LED indicator
7. 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

6.
SETUP AND USE
INSTALLING THE BATTERY
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.
To open, hold the microphone in one hand, and in the other hand
hold the sides of the battery cover between your thumb and index
finger. Pull the cover in an upwards motion until it clicks out of place.
Hold the sides of the battery cover between thumb and index finger and
pull upwards to remove
Insert the battery with the negative terminal (-) on top as shown in
the next diagram. The correct battery orientation is also shown on
the inside of the battery cover. If the battery orientation is incorrect
the cover will not close fully.
Insert the battery with the negative terminal on top
Replace the battery cover by sliding it into the clips at the bottom of
the battery cavity using a downward motion. Press the cover down
firmly to click it into place.

7.
SETUP AND USE
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.
MOUNTING AND CONNECTING YOUR
STEREO VIDEOMIC PRO
The standard shoe mount on the Stereo VideoMic Pro
The Stereo 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 Stereo VideoMic
Pro. The integrated High Pass Filter should be switched on to reduce
the resulting low frequency rumble.
(Refer to page 8 for more details on engaging the High Pass Filter.)
Before sliding the camera shoe into place, loosen the fastening ring
by turning anti-clockwise until it is loose enough to fit easily into your
camera’s shoe mount. Once the shoe is in place, gently tighten by
turning the fastening ring clockwise until the Stereo VideoMic Pro is
seated firmly in place.
Press your cable into the cable management clip on the underside of the
shock mount cradle
The Stereo 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.

8.
SETUP AND USE
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.
Now that you have the Stereo VideoMic Pro securely fastened to
your camera and the audio output lead connected, you can switch
the microphone on and start recording.
STEREO VIDEOMIC PRO CONTROLS
ON / OFF AND HIGH PASS FILTER SWITCH
The power / HPF switch is located on the back of the microphone
body.
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. It may affect the tone slightly
but in some situations it is recommended.
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.
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.
LED POWER INDICATOR
The power indicator LED flashes RED briefly when the microphone
is first turned on. This changes to GREEN indicating the battery has
adequate charge.
When the battery runs low the LED will remain RED and you should
replace the battery. The microphone will work for over ten hours
once the RED indicator is lit, however with reduced performance.
RØDE recommends changing the battery as soon as possible after
the LED has turned red.
LEVEL CONTROL
The Stereo 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.
Power/ High Pass Filter switch
Three position level control switch
Mic OFF Mic ON (Flat) Mic ON (HPF on)

9.
SETUP AND USE
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).
Please note that when setting the input level you should always be
mindful of your camera’s internal audio level setting. If you have the
+20dB level selected on the Stereo VideoMic Pro you may need to
reduce the input level on your camera.
(For best results reduce the camera’s input level as much as possible,
selecting the +20dB input level on the Stereo VideoMic Pro and
working downward until the appropriate input level is achieved. This
will result in a much lower noise floor and an overall clearer recording
when plugging the Stereo VideoMic Pro into the typically low quality
mic preamps found on most DSLR cameras.)
The Stereo VideoMic Pro has been designed to work best with the
camera’s Auto Gain Control switched off. (see page 16 for more
information on Auto Gain Control) As always it is recommended to
test your audio first before recording anything of importance.
The Stereo VideoMic Pro has been RF/EMI shielded for very high
rejection of radio frequency interference, but we suggest you keep
all transmitters, cell phones, pagers etc. at least two metres away to
reduce the possibility of interference affecting your recordings.
For additional recording tips and tricks, please visit the
RØDE University – RØDE’s free online microphone training website
( www.rodeuniversity.com ). Check out the Broadcast recording
semester for tutorials most relevant to the Stereo VideoMic Pro.
For more entertaining videos, you may also wish to visit RØDE TV
( www.rodetv.com ) – featuring a wide range of demos, reviews,
interviews and behind-the-scenes clips for anyone interested in
music, audio and recording.
Loud sound levels can cause serious
hearing damage.
Take care when setting the audio levels,
especially while wearing headphones.

10.
REPLACING SHOCK MOUNT BANDS
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. These bands
have been created to be intentionally soft, again to minimise the
transmission of mechanical and handling noise through this material.
If the Stereo 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.
During handling or transport, the bands attaching the Stereo
VideoMic Pro to its shock mount cradle may become dislodged.
They can easily be put back into place by hand. Also, if the bands
should become damaged or worn over time, the old bands can
be fully removed and replacement bands fitted. Please follow the
instructions below to readjust or replace the bands as necessary.
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. You may then attach the microphone to the
shock mount cradle by sliding the shock mount bands into place.
Consult the image to the right to determine which band to use on
the relevant side of the microphone. There are four bands in total,
two of each shape.
SETUP AND USE
BAND TYPE 1
RIGHT SIDE VIEW
LEFT SIDE VIEW
BAND TYPE 2
The Stereo VideoMic Pro shock mount bands come in two pairs.
Check which shape corresponds to the part of the microphone you wish
to attach to the shock mount.