Blackmagic Video Assist 4K microphone suggestions

Hi,
I am trying to determine what type of microphone works best with the Blackmagic Video Assist 4K. I will be recording outside so I need decent sensitivity and low self noise. I have read that the Rode NTG-2 shotgun microphone is good for this application but it needs a more sensitive preamp. Will the BMVA4K unit work with this mic without an external preamp? Is there a better choice?

Also, when using phantom power supplied by the BMVA4K, what is the drain on the battery? I understand that in some preamps, phantom power drains them pretty fast.

Thanks,
Margaret

I used a SONY ECM-MS907 battery powered stereo mic with a 3.5mm plug going thru a splitter to standard XLR then into the Blackmagic XLR to mini XLR adapter cables. The result was that I can now record sound on both channels using the mic inputs. However, the sensitivity settings had to be put up to full scale to get the same level of sound that I got using the internal microphone and preamp of the Nikon D750. I would like to get more microphone sensitivity.

Is this because the preamp in the BMDVA4K isn't as sensitive as the Nikon or is that the unit only takes XLR powered microphones? I am considering a RØDE VideoMic PRO stereo mic which uses a 9V battery and has a 20dB boost mode. Will this overcome the problem?

Margaret

Margaret, using unbalanced Mic's in a balanced input is your main issue. Yes, the XLR will provide phantom power to Mic's requiring this. That said, the Video Pro is still an unbalanced hiZ mic. You need to get a balanced loZ mic like a Seenheiser ME 66 or 64 for a small shotgun style mic to use directly with the VA4K to take full advantage of the VA's mic preamps. The Videomic Pro you could plug directly onto the camera's unbalanced mic input, and let the audio go to the VA with the video signal via HDMI. Rhode also makes a stereo version.
Cheers

Thanks for the reply. I'll look into those options. As you might recall, the Nikon D500 that I use doesn't cooperate with the BMVA4K in passing audio through the HDMI so I am left with using the audio ports.

Yes, I remember now.
Cheers Margaret.

If it's not too late, some comments:
Sorry I don't have the mini XLR adaptor leads for the BMVA 4K or I would try it out for you.
On the plus side, the Rode NTG2 will work from an internal AA battery, but as stated, it is much less sensitive than the ME66 and will need the gain cranked up quite a bit more.
Also, since you have mentioned using the mic outside, the Rode will definitely need gaffer tape or PVC tape over the HPF switch and the XLR connector if there is any wind. A Rycote softie will stop wind noise from the front, but its the rear end that's the problem. Or you could stick the thing in a Zepplin.
The Videomic Pro (mono ) has a similar problem – not sure about the stereo version.

Do you need to record in stereo? ME66 or the Rode will give you one channel of audio, you could fix that in post with your NLE or find a splitter (preferrably active) to send to both channels on the BMVA 4K. A splitter cable probably won't cut it, even with the ME66.

Thank you, Colin. That is lots of useful information. I am still pondering how to proceed. I think the ME66 would be best for me and I can copy the audio track to the other channel. However, it is quite out of my budget. Maybe the Rode...

Margaret

Margaret, used ME66 are available on EBay every now and then at good prices. Not too much can go wrong with one. This is how I got mine.
Cheers

Hey guys !

I'm taking out that topic for some suggestions... Got the VA 7" 12G HDR.
And surprisingly, the K6 + ME66. But it's ain't good for me. I can't get a good sound. For interview style, sound up to +6dB in the VA... If the guys is screaming at 1 meter of the mic, I'll get something like -25dB... Imagine while speaking normally...

Do you guys experienced something like that somehow ? Do you know what mic works for you with the BM VA 7" HDR 12G (wtf is that name xD)

best regards,

Hey guys !

I'm taking out that topic for some suggestions... Got the VA 7" 12G HDR.
And surprisingly, the K6 + ME66. But it's ain't good for me. I can't get a good sound. For interview style, sound up to +6dB in the VA... If the guys is screaming at 1 meter of the mic, I'll get something like -25dB... Imagine while speaking normally...

Do you guys experienced something like that somehow ? Do you know what mic works for you with the BM VA 7" HDR 12G (wtf is that name xD)

best regards,

Yeah, I'm doing some testing right now and i'm finding that the pre-amps are super, super dampened. I have the Azden SGM-250MX and the xlr inputs all the way up to +50db, and it's still quiet. Probably going to return it and go another route.

+50db, and it's still quiet. Probably going to return it and go another route.

Hey,

It was quite old topic and I was answering on an other topic. The problem was solved with an update. The big issue was that : in mic or line mode, it was leveling as line.

Try to updatee first !