RODE Microphones STEREO VIDEOMIC PRO User manual

VIDEOMIC PRO
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
www.rodemic.com

2.
Thank you for investing in the RØDE VideoMic Pro.
When RØDE released the original VideoMic in 2004 it was the only mic of
its kind on the market. Just like many great innovations it was born from
a personal need. At the time MiniDV cameras were the latest technology,
offering consumers and independent filmmakers unprecedented freedom
and creativity for their video, but neglecting audio quality. I went shopping
for a solution but found that the only offerings were either cheap inferior
quality or high cost shotgun microphones not designed to integrate easily
with the cameras.
Thus the VideoMic was born. Almost a decade later its broadcast audio
quality, integrated shock mounting and accessible price tag has made it the
world’s largest selling microphone for consumer cameras.
However in this time there have been numerous innovations in video cameras,
from hard drive, solid state and network cameras, through to high definition
Digital SLR and onwards to large sensor video cameras. The technology has
gotten larger but of course the form factor much smaller, thus the decision
to create the high performance, yet conveniently compact VideoMic Pro.
Creating a high performance microphone as lightweight and manageable
as the VideoMic Pro was quite a technical challenge. Other companies have
attempted and failed, simply because a directional microphone depends on
the length of the microphone barrel to reject the surrounding ambient noise
that you don’t want to pick up.
Leveraging the technology developed alongside our award winning NTG1,
NTG2 and NTG3 shotgun microphones we’ve finally realised a professional
microphone with a much smaller form factor.
Please take the time to visit www.rodemic.com and register your mic for a
full ten year warranty.
Peter Freedman
RØDE Microphones
Sydney, Australia
INTRODUCTION
SPECIFICATIONS
FEATURES
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
VIDEOMIC PRO STRUCTURE
SETUP AND USE
Installing the battery
Mounting and connecting
VideoMic Pro controls
Replacing shock mount bands
Recording Tips
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
SAFETY / CARE INSTRUCTIONS
TROUBLESHOOTING / FAQ
PRODUCT WARRANTY
SUPPORT AND SERVICE
INTRODUCTION CONTENTS
2.
3.
4.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
10.
12.
13.
15.
16.
18.
18.

3.
SPECIFICATIONS
Acoustic Principle: Line gradient
Polar Pattern Super Cardioid
Frequency Range: 40 Hz ~ 20 000 Hz
Frequency Range:
(High Pass Filter)
Selectable HPF
@ 80 Hz / 12 dB /octave
Variable Level: 3 position switch
(-10 dB, 0 dB, +20 dB)
Output Impedence 200
Signal to Noise Ratio: 74 dB
Equivalent Noise: 20 dBA SPL
(A-weighted as per IEC651)
Maximum SPL: 134 dB
Maximum Output: +6.9 dBu
(@ 1% THD into 1K load)
Sensitivity:
-38 dB re 1V/Pa
(12.6mV @ 94 dB SPL)
± 2 dB @ 1kHz
Dynamic Range: 114 dB SPL (as per IEC651)
Power requirements: 9V alkaline battery
(Current 7.8mA)
Output Connection:
3.5 Stereo mini jack plug
(dual mono)
Tip – left channel
Ring – right channel
Battery Life: > 70 hours
Weight (No Battery): 86g (3oz)
Dimension (W x L x H): 43mm x 150mm x 95mm
(1.69” x 6” x 3.74”)
POLAR PATTERN
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
dB re 1 V./Pa
10
0
-10
-20
-30
-40
20 Hz 100 1000 10 000 20 000
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:
2000 Hz:
8000 Hz:
14000 Hz:

4.
FEATURES WHAT’S IN THE BOX
*Online product registration required.
• VideoMic Pro
• Spare shock mount bands (4 pieces)
• VideoMic Pro quick start guide
• Moisture absorbent crystals
COMPACT SHOTGUN MICROPHONE
•Compact, lightweight body
•Broadcast recording quality
•Condenser microphone
•Integrated shock mount provides isolation
from handling / mechanical noise
•Integrated foam windshield
•3.5mm stereo mini jack output (dual mono)
•Rugged construction
DETAILED CONTROL
•Two step high-pass filter (0, 80 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 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*

5.
VIDEOMIC PRO STRUCTURE
4
1
2
9
7
8
10 12
11
6
5
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
3

6.
SETUP AND USE
INSTALLING THE BATTERY
Before you can record with your 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
front of the VideoMic Pro, just under the windshield foam.
To remove the cover, hold the sides of the cover with your thumb
and third finger, and push up on the indentation with your index
finger, then pivot the bottom of the cover away.
Push up on the indentation with your index finger then pivot the bottom of
the cover away
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 cover by first hooking the top clips in, then press the
bottom clips into place. The cover will push the battery against its
spring terminal during installation.

7.
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. We suggest always installing a
fresh battery when the application is critical, with no opportunity to
re-shoot. Always remember to switch off the VideoMic Pro when not
in use.
MOUNTING AND CONNECTING YOUR
VIDEOMIC PRO
The standard shoe mount on the VideoMic Pro
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.
SETUP AND USE
Some older model and low cost cameras may produce a higher level
of mechanical noise, which can be picked up by the 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 VideoMic Pro is seated
firmly in place.
Press your cable into the cable management clip on the underside of the
shock mount cradle
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.

8.
SETUP AND USE
The 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 VideoMic Pro securely fastened to your
camera and the audio output lead connected, you can switch the
microphone on and start recording.
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 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 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 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 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. (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 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 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 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 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 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 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
Top view of the VideoMic Pro.
Use the band with the correct alignment for the area you are attaching.
BAND TYPE ONE
BAND TYPE TWO
You may wish to first remove the windshield foam, however this is
not mandatory. The foam is not present in the following diagrams for
ease of illustration purposes only.

11.
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.
Angle the square end of the band into the corresponding square notch on
the underside of the mic body
Repeat the process for all four shock mount 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.
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. In the middle is a tapered square, also with a circular knob
on one side.
To fit your band, match the shape of the band to the notches on
the VideoMic Pro’s body. The ‘arrow head’ end of the band is to be
placed into the notch on the side of the mic body which is normally
just below the windshield foam.
Match the shape of the band to the notch, and press firmly into
place. Ensure the lip on the band is caught against lip inside the
notch to hold it securely in place.
Press the ‘arrow head’ end of the band into the notch on the side of the
VideoMic Pro body
SETUP AND USE

12.
Slide the tapered square on the middle of the band into the notch on the
shock mount. Note the orientation of the cradle has the shoe mount closer
to the rear of the microphone
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.
Note: The bands should press in and hold to the notches on the
microphone body and shock mount cradle quite easily, as it is
moulded to the shape of the notch required. If the band does not
appear to fit well, you may have the wrong band shape for that area
of the shock mount. Switch to the other band shape and try again.
SETUP AND USE
RECORDING TIPS
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.

13.
DEADCAT VMP FURRY WINDSHIELD
For increased wind protection, an optional DeadCat VMP furry
windshield is available for the VideoMic Pro. The windshield is ideal
for situations such as outdoor performances where wind noise may
distort the audio quality of the microphone.
The DeadCat VMP furry windshield fits over the foam windshield that
comes pre-mounted on the VideoMic Pro. Do not remove the foam
windshield before installing the DeadCat VMP. To fit the DeadCat
VMP, use both hands to stretch the elastic opening and pull over the
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
VideoMic Pro’s foam windshield. Ensure that the DeadCat VMP is
fitted right up to the edge of the microphone body and covers the
full foam area, to prevent any leakage of wind noise. Finally, fluff up
the DeadCat VMP fur in all directions for optimum protection.
When removing the DeadCat VMP windshield, keep hold of the foam
underneath with one hand while using the other to gently pull away
the DeadCat VMP around the diameter of the elastic.
Please Note: After fitting the DeadCat VMP for long periods of time,
the foam windshield may appear squashed or disfigured. This is
normal for high density acoustic foam and does not indicate damage
– within a short period of time, the foam will regain its usual shape
on its own. However if you wish you may gently remove the foam
windshield and soak in cold water to reshape. Please ensure the
foam is completely dry before refitting to your VideoMic Pro.

14.
PG1 PISTOL GRIP
The VideoMic Pro can also be mounted on the PG1 pistol grip. This
allows independent movement of the microphone from your video
camera. The VideoMic Pro is mounted onto the PG1 via the shoe
mount in the same way you would mount your microphone to your
camera.
Before sliding the camera shoe into place, turn the fastening ring
anti-clockwise to loosen and provide enough leeway. Slide the
VideoMic Pro’s camera shoe into the groove at the top of the PG1,
rear first. Then twist the fastening ring clockwise to tighten until the
microphone is fastened securely. The VC1 stereo extension lead
will assist in connecting your microphone to your camera or sound
recorder for remote use.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
BOOMPOLES
The VideoMic Pro may be mounted on a Boompole,
Mini Boompole or Micro Boompole via the 3/8” thread located
at the bottom of the camera shoe mount. This allows you to move
the microphone closer to your sound source independent of your
camera.
To mount the microphone, match the thread on the VideoMic Pro
to the screw at the tip of the boompole, and twist clockwise until
securely fastened. The VC1 stereo extension lead will assist in
connecting your microphone to your camera or sound recorder for
remote use.

15.
SAFETY / CARE INSTRUCTIONS
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, remove the
battery before storage. Do not expose the VideoMic Pro to rain or
moisture.
It is recommended that the pre-fitted foam windshield be left on at
all times possible to protect the microphone from dust and moisture.
In instances where the microphone has become exposed to the
elements and the foam has become moist or dirty, it may be
necessary to remove the foam gently and dry it separately to
the microphone body to prevent moisture from damaging the
microphone. Take care in this operation so as not to damage or tear
the foam during removal. The foam windshield can be hand washed
in cold water, then dried thoroughly in the sun before refitting.
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. The crystals will operate effectively again
once they have turned blue.
The VideoMic Pro has no internal user serviceable parts. Should you
encounter a problem, please refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel.
Loud sound levels can cause serious
hearing damage.
Take care when setting the audio levels,
especially while wearing headphones.

16.
TROUBLESHOOTING / FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY DO I GET LOW-LEVEL BACKGROUND
NOISE WHEN RECORDING ON MY CAMERA?
A low level background noise in your recordings is usually caused by
Automatic Gain Control function (or AGC) on the camera.
This occurs when the camera cannot sense an audio input signal
and automatically increases the gain (or level) of the audio input.
When it is increased to the level that the noise floor in the camera
microphone amplifier becomes audible, the low level sound will be
present in your recording.
The Automatic Gain Control can be disabled on some camera
models. This may sometimes require a firmware update to your
camera. Please check with your camera manual or manufacturer for
more information.
You can help combat this issue by engaging the +20dB level boost
switch on your VideoMic Pro. This will increase the audio signal so
that the camera is able to recognise a significant input level and
reduce usage of Automatic Gain Control.
MY MICROPHONE DOESN’T FIT INTO THE
SHOE MOUNT ON MY CAMERA
The RØDE cold shoe adaptor is a standard size adaptor, also known
as a universal shoe mount. This standard shoe is suitable for the
majority of camera attachments.
If your camera has a different, or custom adaptor, there are usually
converters available, which can be used to connect your camera to
accessories that use the universal shoe. Please contact your camera
manufacturer for information on the available converters for your
camera model.
WHY CAN I HEAR A RATTLING NOISE
FROM THE MICROPHONE WHEN IT IS
MOVED / SHAKEN?
After a long period of use, the screw that fastens the camera shoe
mount to the base of the VideoMic Pro may need to be tightened.
A slight rattling noise when the VideoMic Pro is moved is an indicator
the screw requires tightening. The screw is located inside the 3/8”
thread mount cavity on the base of the shoe mount.
Simply use a Phillips head screwdriver to tighten the screw.
If the screw on the base of the camera shoe mount is secure, make
sure that the camera shoe fastening ring is screwed all the way down
(Refer to page 7) and that battery cover is correctly installed.
(Refer to page 6)
WHY DID RØDE USE A THIN CABLE ON MY
VIDEOMIC PRO?
The VideoMic Pro has been designed with an ultra light, multi strand
shielded dual core cable. This allows for far lower handling noise
transference when compared to older style, thicker cables used in
many video microphones currently on the market. The VideoMic Pro
cable is incredibly strong and is rated to several thousand flex cycles,
ensuring it will last a very long time.
Of course, the VideoMic Pro also comes with our industry leading
10 year warranty, ensuring complete peace of mind that your
microphone is built to last.

17.
TROUBLESHOOTING / FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHERE CAN I ORDER REPLACEMENT
SHOCK MOUNT BANDS FOR MY VIDEOMIC
PRO?
The elastomer shock mount bands are available to order as a pack
through your local RØDE distributor.
Please visit www.rodemic.com/wheretobuy to find your nearest
distributor’s contact details.

18.
PRODUCT WARRANTY SUPPORT AND SERVICE
RØDE Microphones prides itself on designing and manufacturing
microphones of the highest quality and performance.
Our state-of-the-art engineering and manufacturing techniques,
combined with decades of experience in professional audio and
recording has resulted in microphones that will last a lifetime.
All RØDE Microphones are guaranteed for one year from the date of
purchase. The VideoMic Pro warranty may be extended to a full ten
year period. Extending your warranty is completely free of charge –
simply register your purchase details on the RØDE website at
www.rodemic.com/warranty*
The warranty covers parts and labour that may be required to repair
the microphone during the warranty period. The warranty excludes
defects caused by normal wear and tear, modification, shipping
damage, or failure to use the microphone as per the instruction
guide.
The RØDE Microphones 10 Year Warranty gives you the peace of
mind that your investment is protected for many years to come.
*subject to terms & conditions - see rodemic.com/warranty for full details
If you experience any problem, or have any questions regarding your
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, do not hesitate to contact
us directly.
Technical Support
For information and technical support questions please visit
www.rodemic.com/support