RODE Microphones VideoMic User manual

(EMC, LVD)
Stereo VideoMic
Instruction Manual
www.rodemic.com

- 2 -
Introduction
Thank you for investing in the Stereo VideoMic
(SVM).
Those of you who are first time customers, may
be interested to know that we are one of the largest and
most respected professional microphone companies
in the world. Our studio microphones are the ‘tone’
behind some of the biggest hits of the last decade, and
our award winning live performance microphones are
on tour throughout the world.
The SVM is a very special product born out of
the success of the original VideoMic, now the world’s
biggest selling on camera shotgun. So why did we
design the SVM? It’s simple, our customers asked us
to give them the same sound quality and performance
they were getting from the VideoMic but in a stereo
system. We listen to our customers.
This was not an easy project, but as you will soon hear,
have done it again! The SVM captures the true
ambience of the recording space, and still offers a high
level of rear rejection and low noise. You can also use
the SVM as a remote mic on a stand or boom pole and
have a VideoMic on the camera, or an NTG1/2 on a
boom pole. By incorporating a simple mixer you can
then create a very professional audio track.
Please take the time to visit www.rodemic.com and
register your microphone for a full ten year warranty.
While there you can view recording tips and techniques,
as well as browse the comprehensive range of
accessories for microphones.
Peter Freedman
Microphones
Sydney, Australia

- 3 -
Specifications
Acoustic
Principle:
Pressure Gradient
Directional
Pattern:
Super Cardioid (per capsule)
(see graph)
Frequency
Range:
40 Hz - 20 kHz
selectable High Pass Filter (HPF)
@ 80 HZ 12 dB/octave
Output
Impedence:
200 
Sensitivity: -38 dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (12.6 mV
@ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz
Equivalent Noise: 20 dB SPL
(A - weighted per IEC651)
Dynamic Range: 115 dB SPL
(A - weighted per IEC651)
Maximum SPL: 134dB SPL
(@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1Kload)
Signal/Noise: 74 dB SPL
(A - weighted per IEC651)
Power
Requirement:
9V battery powered
Output
Connection:
Stereo mini jack plug - ø3.5mm.
Right Channel - Ring
Left Channel - Tip
Net Weight: 288gm

- 4 -
Specifications
Frequency Response
Polar Response
Accessories
-2.0
-20.0
-10.0
1KHz
Dead Kitten Windscreen

- 5 -
Features
• Stereo X/Y condenser microphone
• Broadcast sound quality
• Rugged cast aluminum body
• 9V battery operation
• Two step high-pass filter and PAD
• Low handling noise
• Integral camera-shoe mount
• Designed & manufactured in Australia
• Full 10 year warranty*
*Online product registration required.

- 6 -
Battery Installation
• The SVM operates on a standard 9V battery.
We recommend you use either Alkaline or Lithium
batteries for the longest continuous operating
time.
• The SVM will run continuously for over 60 hours
with a good quality Alkaline battery. It is however
important to understand that battery performance
can vary dramatically with ambient temperature
and shelf life.
• Actual operation times will vary and we suggest
you always carry a spare battery. If the application
is critical and where there is no opportunity to
re-shoot, we suggest that you use a fresh battery
every time.
• To install the battery, slide the battery
compartment cover (found at the top rear) towards
the rear of the microphone and lift up. Insert the 9V
battery terminal-side first, ensuring the positive (+)
terminal is at the bottom.
• Once you have installed the battery, slide the cover
back into position and you are ready to fasten the
mic onto the camera. Do not leave the battery
in-place if you are going to store the SVM for long
periods. Batteries can leak and the chemicals will
damage your microphone.

- 7 -

- 8 -
Mounting your SVM
• The SVM incorporates a standard camera-
shoe mount on the bottom of the microphone.
Designed to reduce motor and handling noise,
the shock mount has a 3/8” threaded insert for
mounting on tripods and poles. You will find older
models and low cost cameras produce more motor
noise, which the highly sensitive SVM can pick up. If
so, engage the High Pass Filter (HPF) to reduce this
noise (see SVM controls).
• Before sliding the camera-shoe into place, turn
the knurled tightening ring anti-clockwise which
will make sliding the camera-shoe into place much
easier. Now turn the knurled ring in a clockwise
direction, gently tightening it so the SVM is seated
firmly in place. You will notice the SVM may seem
slightly loose in its mount. This is due to the shock
mount system and is not a fault.
• The SVM 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.

- 9 -
Operating the SVM
• Now that you have the SVM securely fastened to
your camera and the audio output lead connected,
you can switch the mic on.
There are three switches located at the rear of
the microphone:
PAD (left switch)
The PAD allows for attenuation of the microphone
recording level (either 0dB or -10dB). This is useful
in situations where you may be recording a loud
sound source that may overload the input levels of
your microphone/camera.
Power (middle switch)
This switches the microphone on. The LED above
the switch indicates the power status. When
first switched on the LED will flash red and then
change to a constant green to indicate normal
operation and good battery level. If the LED
remains red this is indicating low battery level
and the battery should be changed immediately.
There is approximately one hour of operation
time remaining following the first indication of low
battery level.
High-Pass Filter (right switch)
The High-Pass Filter can be used to roll off low end
frequencies (below 80Hz). This is useful in situations
such as nearby traffic noise, or where the camera
transmits significant motor or tape noise to the
microphone.
• It is now time to set the camera’s audio level. To
ensure the optimum signal you will need to set
the VU meter on the camera to read around “3/4”
or “75%” on the sound ‘peaks’. Most cameras will

- 10 -
Operating the SVM
allow you to access this setting through the camera
menu. You should try and set the level using the
sound source you will be recording, or a sound
source of similar level before starting to record or
you could distort the input of your camera if the
level has been set too high. We suggest you read
your camera manual, which should cover this topic.
The SVM has been optimised for high rejection of
radio frequency interference, but we suggest you
keep all transmitters, mobile/cell phones, pagers
etc. at least 2m away to reduce the possibility of
interference ruining your recordings.
• The SVM is not designed for long
distance pick up. Of course you can boost the
gain level on your camera and you will hear more
defined sounds over a longer distance than with
conventional microphones, but you will also get
a lot of ambient noise and reflections making it
sound hollow.
For best results you need to be within 6’ (2m) of a
person talking. If you want very clear dialogue, you
will need to have the mic positioned close to the
person you are recording and use an extension mic
cable. The SVM has a wide pick-up angle and polar
response, so can be used to great effect for news
gathering, weddings or sporting events. The SVM
can be used in any situation where you want to
listen to what’s in the near field shot and what’s at
the side, or out of view.
• The best way to get optimum results with the SVM
is to use it so you become more familiar with its
sound and pick-up characteristics.