Rode VideoMic with which boom pole? And what wires?

Question

Im going to get the Rode Video Mic for $150. I dont need anything too expensive, and I hear its great for the price. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/363083-REG/Rode_VIDEOMIC_VideoMic_Camera_Mounted.html"]http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/363083-REG/Rode_VIDEOMIC_VideoMic_Camera_Mounted.html

Im looking at a couple boom poles to put the Rode on.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/387889-REG/K_Tek_KE_79_KE_79_Aluminum_Boompole.html"]http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/387889-REG/K_Tek_KE_79_KE_79_Aluminum_Boompole.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/319988-REG/K_Tek_KE_89CC_KE89CC_Aluminum_Boompole.html"]http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/319988-REG/K_Tek_KE_89CC_KE89CC_Aluminum_Boompole.html

I think im going to get the second one.

I got a few questions.

Can someone explain to me what an internal coiled cable is for? Because for $4 more I can get internal coiled.

Would the Rode be compatible with k-tek boom poles?

And what wires do I get so I can connect ?

Answer 1

First, not including anything else, 7.5 feet will probably be too short for anything other than interviews and/or indoor shots. And think about that, $170-180 for a POLE. Granted it has internal coiled wiring, but it's main purpose is to get the mic close to the subject, and for $180, that doesn't sound like such a good deal to me. Yes, if you get the Videomic and the pole, it will work since I'm pretty sure the pole and the Videomic have 3/8" threads, but the Videomic has a 3.5mm unbalanced output jack, so the coiled XLR cables won't work anyway.

Check out this page:

http://rodemic.com/accessories.php

If you're set on getting the Rode Videomic, you can get the VC1 extension cable for it. As for the boompole, go to the hardware store/Lowe's/Home Depot. Grab a Mr. Longarm painter's extension pole 4-8 ft., or preferably 6-12 ft. for $13-$17. Get this brand because they are very tight and don't rattle (at least the ones they have here). You're right, these aren't as convenient to carry as a <3' pole, but they're helluva cheaper and they get the job done. Now, you go here:

http://www.indymogul.com/backyard-fx/pos...

or here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83d3qLHaA...

Or if the drilling isn't working, go here (don't be worried if it ends, he's always selling them):

http://cgi.ebay.com/MAKE-Your-Own-MICROP...

Or, if you're absolutely set on getting a "pro" boompole, search around for a Rode Boompole (not mini). They cost about $70-90, and extend from 33" to 10'.

So you're ready to go with your sound setup! Except for one thing: if you're going to be shooting outside a lot, you'll more than likely need a Rode Deadcat. The MSRP is around $60, most places sell them for $40, although sometimes you can find some on eBay for <$20, or you could also save with a package deal like so (note: this ends really soon, so unless you check your email often, this will probably have ended by the time you look, but it gives you an idea of the prices on eBay.):

http://cgi.ebay.com/new-rode-videomic-an...

Now, for the part where I tell you about the dark side of the Videomic (muhaha?). Like I said earlier, it has 3.5mm unbalanced outputs, which are good since your camera probably only has 3.5mm inputs. But as you might have figured, unbalanced isn't so great. Basically, if you have to use long cables (i.e. anything longer than the Rode VC1 extension cable), then you'll probably experience hum from all the radio waves floating around and through us. Depending on the cable you have and conditions, you could have hum/static in as little as 12" (yes, it's happened to me, but we were right under my school's radio antenna). So here's where XLR comes in: its outputs are balanced, which means that the signal is transferred across two lines which carry the same exact signal (so it's still a mono signal, but just split). Any interference occuring will cause voltage to change on both lines, and the resulting difference between the postive and negative line is canceled, resulting in (hopefully) clean audio. If that didn't make any sense, just remember that balanced (XLR) means that you can go further without interference than mini-jack (unbalanced). But your camera doesn't have XLR inputs, so you'll need an XLR adapter from Beachtek or Juicedlink. Now this is what I mean earlier. If you're going to spend $180 on a boompole, you might as well get an NTG-2 kit from B&H or eBay and get an XLR adapter to go with it and your $20 boompole. It all comes down to what you're doing and what you need. If you're doing close-up work, then the Videomic should be fine. If you're shooting no budget shorts outside, the Videomic (+Deadcat) with 10' extension cable should work as well, but it's probably safer and more versatile to go with an XLR mic. Sorry for my rambling, but I just can't help myself ;-). If you ever want to talk about film or anything, don't hesitate to contact me at thelordoftheringsfan (at) gmail (dot) com. Hope this helps!