Rode Stereo VideoMic X Broadcast On-Camera Microphone Guide
Features
Compact true condenser stereo microphone
- Heavy-duty, lightweight aluminum alloy body
- Broadcast recording quality
- ½” externally biased true condenser capsules, acoustically matched.
- Integrated shock mount provides isolation from handling and mechanical noise
- Integrated professional Mini-XLR balanced stereo output for professional camera use
- 3.5mm stereo minijack output
Detailed control
- Three-step high-pass filter (0, 75H Hz, 150Hz)
- Three position level control (-10dB, 0dB, +20dB)
- High frequency boost (+6dB)
- LED power on/low battery indicator
- Integrated billeted metal camera shoe mount with 3/8” thread for easy boompole mounting
- Integrated digital switching with power On/Off delay
High-quality performance
- 9V battery powered – over 30 hours use (alkaline)
- P48 phantom power via Mini XLR
- Flexible and lightweight removable 3.5mm stereo cable (to minimize handling noise and ensure isolation)
- Premium pop shield and wind shield provided for protection in all situations.
- Australian designed and manufactured
- 10 Year Warranty*
Warranty
Register your SVMX now and validate your free 10-year warranty. Scan the QR code with a smartphone, or visit warranty.rodemic.com/stereovideomicx The Stereo VideoMic X is covered by a limited warranty for one (1) year from the date of purchase. This can be extended free of charge to a full ten (10) year warranty by registering your microphone online at warranty.rodemic.com/stereovideomicx.
Specifications
- Acoustic Principle Pressure Gradient
- Polar Pattern Cardioid
- Frequency Range 40Hz ~ 20kHz
- Frequency Range (High Pass Filter) 0, 75, 150Hz
- Variable Level -10, 0, +20dB
- Output Impedance 200Ω
- Signal to Noise Ratio 82 dBA SPL (as per IEC651)
- Equivalent Noise 12 dBA SPL (as per IEC651)
- Maximum SPL 143dB SPL
- Sensitivity -32 dB re 1V/Pa (25mV @ 94dB SPL) ± 2dB @ 1kHz
- Dynamic Range 131 dB SPL
- Power requirements 9V alkaline battery
- Output Connection 3.5 Stereo mini jack plug (dual mono), Tip – left channel, Ring – right channel, Dual Mini XLR output (P48 compatible)
- Battery Life 30 hours
- Weight (No Battery) 300g
- Dimension (W x L x H) 102mm x 118mm x 100mm
Polar Response
frequency response
Control Overview
Powering the SVMX
Installing the battery
Before you can record with your Stereo VideoMic X, you will need to install a standard 9V battery (ANS1:1604A or IEC:6LR61), or connect the microphone via the Mini XLR connections with individual 48v phantom power supplied for each channel. 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 left-hand side of the Stereo VideoMic X. To remove the cover, hold the microphone in one hand, and push the indentation across with your index finger to un-latch the battery door.
Insert the battery with the negative terminal (-) on the bottom as shown in Diagram 2. The correct battery orientation is also shown on the inside of the battery cover. If the battery orientation is not correct you will be unable to close the battery door.
Replace the cover by simply pushing the door closed until it locks into place. The cover will push the battery against its spring terminal during installation.
The Stereo VideoMic X will run continuously for over 30 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 X when not in use, by holding the power button for approximately two seconds.
Mounting the SVMX
Mounting and connecting your Stereo VideoMic X
The Stereo VideoMic X incorporates a standard camera shoe mount on the underside of the microphone body. The camera shoe mount has a 3/8” thread at the bottom to additionally allow mounting on tripods and boom poles. Some older model and low-cost cameras may produce a higher level of mechanical noise, which can be picked up by the Stereo VideoMic X. The integrated high-pass filter should be switched on to reduce the resulting low-frequency rumble.
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 it by turning the fastening ring clockwise until the Stereo VideoMic X is seated firmly in place.
The Stereo VideoMic X delivers a mic-level signal to the video camera via the stereo minijack audio port on the underside of the microphone body, or via the Mini XLR output connections on the right-hand side of the Stereo VideoMic X body.
Connecting via Minijack:
To connect to your camera via the 3.5mm minijack connection, first, connect the red cable supplied with your microphone to the socket on the underside of the Stereo VideoMic X. The minijack 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 X securely fastened to your camera and the audio output lead connected, you can switch the microphone on and start recording.
Connecting via Mini XLR:
To connect the Stereo VideoMic X to a professional recording device via the mini XLR connectors, lift the protective cover on the side of the microphone to expose the mini XLR jacks. Ensuring that the levels on your recording device are set to zero, connect a mini XLR cable (available separately) to each of the two jacks on the microphone, followed by the corresponding ends on your recording device. Power on the microphone and then increase the recording levels of your recording device as required.
General operation
Powering the Stereo VideoMic X
To turn the microphone on, first press and hold the power button until the power symbol lights up.
The power indicator LED is located within the power button. This LED will display a green light indicating a healthy battery level. When the battery runs low the LED will remain red and you should replace the battery. The microphone will work for over two 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.
High-pass filter switch
The high-pass filter (HPF) is a low-frequency cut-off setting, that you can use to reduce rumble and other low-frequency noise picked up by the microphone while recording high-pass filter switch 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.
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, press the center button on the back of the microphone. The Stereo VideoMic X will cycle through each setting as the button is pressed, and the green LED will indicate the position that is currently selected.
Level control
The Stereo VideoMic X features three settings to control the signal output level of your recording device. These are set via the lowest selector button on the back of the microphone.
The lowest 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 recording device. The middle setting (0dB) is the nominal gain setting of the microphone for use in ideal recording conditions. The highest setting (+20) will increase the signal level by 20 dB.
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 X you may need to reduce the input level on your camera.
The Stereo VideoMic X has been designed to work best with the camera’s auto-gain control (AGC) switched off. (see your camera’s user manual for instructions on setting the gain control to manual) As always, it is recommended to test your audio first before recording anything of importance. The Stereo VideoMic X 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 meters away to reduce the possibility of interference affecting your recordings.
High frequency boost control
The Stereo VideoMic X features a unique high-frequency boost, which is designed to help pick out high-frequency details such as voices in a recording environment. The boost will also combat any high-frequency loss experienced with the use of wind protection. The high-frequency boost function is engaged via the top button on the back of the microphone body. When engaged, the high-frequency boost will apply a +6db shelf from 3kHz upwards, adding overall clarity to the recorded signal
Selecting & Fitting Wind Shields
A premium pop shield and windshield are provided with the Stereo VideoMic X for the ultimate in-wind protection for all situations.
Pop shield:
The pop shield is designed to protect the Stereo VideoMic X capsules from very light air movement such as a gentle breeze, and has been designed to be acoustically transparent, whilst still providing wind protection. It is also useful for protecting the microphone from the noise caused by fast camera movements, like tracking or dolly shots. To fit or remove the pop shield, simply squeeze it on the sides (labeled with the RODE logo) to allow it to fit over the microphone capsules.
Windshield:
The windshield is designed to protect the Stereo VideoMic X capsules from light breezes to heavy wind and is recommended for use in all outdoor shooting situations, where wind gusts can often be unexpected and unpredictable. The windshield is made from high-quality synthetic fur mounted on a low-density foam, with a rubber lip that provides a tight seal around the microphone body. Although the windshield is designed to be as acoustically transparent as possible, we recommend engaging the high-frequency boost feature on the Stereo VideoMic X to combat the slight loss of high-frequency detail experienced when covering any microphone capsule.
In very strong wind the combination of wind shield, high boost and high-pass filter can be used to best effect.
Additional tips and tricks
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 X. For more entertaining videos, you may also wish to visit RØDE TV ( www.rodemic.com/tv ) – featuring a wide range of demos, reviews, interviews and behind-the-scenes clips for anyone interested in music, audio and recording.
Safety & maintenance
When not in use, always keep your Stereo VideoMic X 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 Stereo VideoMic X to rain or moisture.
It is recommended that the pop shield be left on at all times possible to protect the microphone and sensitive capsules from damage, 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 Stereo VideoMic X box, you will find a sachet of moisture absorbent crystals. Please retain these crystals and store with the Stereo VideoMic X 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 Stereo VideoMic X has no internal user serviceable parts. Should you encounter a problem, please refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Support
If you experience any problem, or have any questions regarding your RØDE 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, please do not hesitate to contact us directly. Alternatively please visit www.rodemic.com/support for contact details and a list of Frequently Asked Questions.
Importers & distributors
For a full list of international importers and distributors, visit our website at www.rodemic.com/distributors.
REFERENCE LINK
https://rode.com/en-us/microphones/on-camera/stereo-videomic-x
