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In this video, I am testing the audio quality difference between the Rode Videomic and the Azden SGM-1X microphones.

The camera I am using is the Canon HV30 and to use the Azden's XLR connection on the HV30, I am using a Beachtek DXA-4 adapter.

Here is a list of everything used in this video:

Canon HV30:
bhphotovideo.com/c/product/539289-REG/Canon_2680B001_VIXIA_HV30_HDV_Camcorder.html

Azden SGM-1X:
bhphotovideo.com/c/product/238826-REG/Azden_SGM_1X_SGM_1X_Shotgun_Mic.html

Rode Videomic:
bhphotovideo.com/c/product/363083-REG/Rode_VIDEOMIC_VideoMic_Camera_Mounted.html

Beachtek DXA-4:
bhphotovideo.com/c/product/136397-REG/Beachtek_DXA4_DXA_4_Audio_Adapter.html

Hosted by Tony Reale

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  • rgtaa rgtaa 4 months ago
    I am having problems with syncing issues between audio and video.
    The rodes sounds better to me , it sounds fuller and deeper and sounds more professional to my ears.
    The azden sounds good but more middle range sounds.
    The 30 internal sounds the like the azden but the azden is very clear and doesn't have any background hizz or hums.
    I wonder how the rodes sounds through the beachtech.
    I guess it's a personal taste thing, also, I like the advantage of being able to use longer cable with the azden, great for interviews. The azden sounds good and clean but not as bassy and full to my ears.
    Thanks for the video/audio test and it's good to see you making transition to vimeo. Love your utube stuff.
    I don't think vimeo is that friendly with divx format you are using.
    p.s. I downloaded the divx file and it still had the synch issues on my computer and I watch alot of divx stuff.
    The utube version came out perfect.
  • Tony Reale 4 months ago
    Yeah, I'm reuploading in to fix the sync issue. The two main things I noticed were that the Rodemic was more susceptible to noise from being bumped or even sudden movement and the Videomic seemed to blow out the bass more. The Azden had a cleaner sound with less pickup of the echo in the room. That said, Azden seems to have a lower range then the Videomic (probably due to the fact that the Videomic is designed to stay on the camera).
    Thanks for the comment!
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  • Kyle Shields 4 months ago
    Thanks for the test, great stuff! I was looking to upgrade to an Azden or NTG-1 or 2.
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  • Jim Renaud 4 months ago
    Very nice review. I am looking for mics for my newly acquired XH A1.
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  • rgtaa rgtaa 4 months ago
    I put my finger on it, the Rodes VM has more Presence, makes you vibrate more, you seem more "real". Just like in video , High DEF makes it seem more a live , more punchy.
    The Rodes makes it sound like you are more "Manly" and more "human", not sure if it picks up more harmonics, a little like the difference between AM radio and FM radio. If that makes sense.
    Ask others without telling them which is which, same distance from mic. I couldn't figure out why I liked the Rodes better, but it came to me 24 hours latter.
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  • Worley 4 months ago
    HV30 lacks high frequencies.

    Rode VM sounds as if it is picking up reverberation, giving it a fuller, rounded, live sound.

    Azden seems to reject reverberation better. It sounds much more pro to my ears.
  • Tony Reale 4 months ago
    I agree. A good example is recording video with the HV20/30 in Cinema mode adds more contrast and depth and TV mode looks more neutral. TV mode is easier to edit in post and so is the sound from the Azden. I can add effects to make the sound from the Azden "fuller" but it's hard to cut back anything from the Rode.

    They both have their advantages. The Rode is better for people who don't plan on doing much in post. The Azden is better for editing.
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  • Maz1878 4 months ago
    how would u compare the Azden SGM-1X to the rode ntg2?
  • Tony Reale 3 months ago
    The Rode NTG-2 does have "fuller" sound like the Videomic but it's a lot clearer then the VM. I think if you're looking for a mic to pick up all types of audio, the NTG-1 or 2 would probably work best. If you're looking for a mic that's primarily for vocal dialogue, the SGM-1X is a great value.
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  • Strathycruise 3 months ago
    Videomic sounded awful there. Sounded like low end hum or tape noise and it rolled off the higher frequencies. Having said that its cheaper by a long way than an XLR mic plus adapter.
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  • Todd Garrison 3 months ago
    Thanks for that. Very helpful. I'm wondering how the Canon DM 50 stacks up to the Rode for my HV 20. The DM 50 is $136 right now on Amazon (less than the Rode). Do you think it's a better buy? (p.s. have you sold your Rode yet?...if not, what are you asking?)
  • My vimeo viHDeo ! 2 months ago
    Dude my advise-
    stay away from the DM 50
    go Rode
    or if you have the cash and want to mix your audio up go Azden
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  • Cameron C 3 months ago
    Thanks for this, was very helpful in choosing a mic to replace the hv30s stock microphone.
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  • Alex Grenier 2 months ago
    Hey great video comparison! But when you used the Rode Videomic did you double the mono sound into both right and left channels because i'm getting sound though both my speakers here. Thats pretty cool.
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  • TheoO 2 months ago
    the rode picks up better bass in the voice... i actually like it better..
    the azden sounds very cheap.. too much high freq
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  • Rob Kral 1 month ago
    Azden sounds clearly better to me. I've been an audio professional for 20 years, recording for TV and film. Of course there's personal taste, but the Rhode was too boomy and woah, when you bumped it we sure heard it.
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