leeys Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 Wouldn't take the GO, as it's not self-powered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimbo Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 I LOVE my Shure VP83. I was never happy with the Rode VMP audio quality (maybe I had a dud?) so sold it for the Shure. The audio is so much better, so much cleaner. Also the Shure only needs a single AA battery and the build quality makes the Rode seem toy-like.The only negative I found with the Shure is when it's on my GH3s hotshoe the back would stick into my forehead a bit when I look through the viewfinder. Annoying but so happy with the audio I just bought a Rycote hotshoe extender so it's off to one side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stab Posted January 12, 2015 Author Share Posted January 12, 2015 Thanks Jimbo. Which camera do you use the VP83 with? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Chris Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 Well if you're looking for small and cheap, you really can't beat the Zoom H1. Stick it on a small gorillapod and you have a go anywhere, attach anywhere audio recording solution. If you need something more directed - like a shotgun, just plug your Sennheiser into the H1. I've used the H1 to record V/O's for TV spots in the field and they sounded great. Its tiny, throw it in the bag and you always have a decent off camera or backup audio recording option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stab Posted January 12, 2015 Author Share Posted January 12, 2015 Thanks Chris.I believe the Zoom H1 or H2n could be used as a recorder in the field, no worries there. But 2 things:- How would it work out if you connect the Zoom to the camera, in this case a GH3. Would that signal be strong enough to not having to use the GH3's preamps?- How does it sound when you want to record someone giving a speech and you put the Zoom H1 or H2n at close distance to the subject? (like 2-3 feet) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimbo Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 Hi Stab, I use the VP83 on a GH3. I keep the GH3 mic volume low and feed it the 0 or +20 signal depending on what I'm recording. Great combo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stab Posted January 13, 2015 Author Share Posted January 13, 2015 Thanks Jimbo.If you keep the GH3 at 1 stripe of gain and put the mic at +20, could that be too loud sometimes that it starts distorting? I've read that the VP83 sends out a hotter signal than the Videomic Pro. Wondering if its not too much maybe? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Chris Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 There are some really good test videos on Youtube, 2-3 feet will easily be picked up, the mics are really sensitive on the H1. They are your standard XY config, so they pick up more room tone than a shotgun. You can plug any 3.5mm jack mic into the H1, I have the Rode VMP and a lav that serves as a backup to my wireless system. There is a line out with an adjustable level that you can run into camera, others report great results but I never use it that way. I usually have the VMP on the camera as a backup and the Zoom as my primary recorder when I go small/light. I've also used it on the end of an overhead boom, crammed into a cheap shotgun shockmount to record interviews. At less than $100 its a great piece of kit and since it runs on one AA, its easy to always have a decent audio solution in your bag. I never leave home without it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimbo Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 No problem, Stab. You're right, definitely too loud at +20db for some circumstances, and with the GH3 at 1 stripe you've got no where to go.But for recording people talking it's great at +20db, and the VP83 really surprises me sometimes with the distance at which it picks up voices clearly. If I'm filming louder sounds then I switch to 0db and tweak the GH3 levels accordingly.It's a fantastic shotgun mic, for me better in every way than the Rode VMP (except the forehead rubby thing ;-)). I'm thinking of upgrading my GH3 to a GH4 and wondering of the larger eyecup would circumvent that problem. But for now the hotshoe extender is working great and I find it easier to find and keep balance on my Glidecam as the Shure is on the left and counterbalances the battery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stab Posted January 13, 2015 Author Share Posted January 13, 2015 Thanks Chris and Jimbo.I'm still doubting between a Zoom H1/H2n and a Shure VP83F. I realized that I will hardly ever use the camera actually mounted on the camera itself. I will use them to speaking subjects from as close as I can get with a microphone stand. I guess a shotgun is better for that, so the VP83F sounds like a good contender. And, if the situation permits, I would like to record the audio directly into the camera as well. So that's why I want something with a high output (+20 DB) setting so I don't have to sync up in post when possible.My buddy has a Zoom H4n and when you hold it close to your mouth you get really nice, clean direct audio. Almost like a shotgun. But I wonder what happens when the distance increases to like 2-3-4 feet. Will it still sound so direct? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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