Sounds Good - Rode Microphones

Always looking to produce higher quality YouTube videos on Wawhiker's Backpacking Channel, we are working to better the overall sound of the videos. A way to improve audio quality is through the use of external microphones.


Rode Microphones offer a line of alternatives to the onboard mics found on cameras and camcorders. We picked-up two of their's - the Rode Stereo VideoMic Pro and the Rode VideoMic with Rycote Lyre shock mounting.

To reduce wind noise, both microphones were outfitted with the available (I don't like these names) the Rode Dead Cat and Dead Kitten artificial fur windshields.


So far, we like what we are hearing, and you will too, very soon on Wawhiker Backpacking.

Here are the specs and links for each microphone.

















Rode Stereo VideoMic Pro

http://en.rode.com/microphones/stereovideomicpro

Specs include:
Broadcast recording quality on-camera microphone
Matched pair 1/2” condenser capsules in XY stereo configuration
Ultra lightweight, compact form factor
On mic power and EQ controls
Two step High Pass Filter (flat, 75Hz)
Three position level control (-10dB, 0, +20dB)
9V battery powered - over 100 hours use (alkaline)
Integrated shock mounting
Integrated foam windscreen
3.5mm stereo mini-jack output
Billeted metal camera shoe mount with 3/8” thread for easy boompole mounting
















Rode VideoMic with Rycote Lyre shock mounting
http://en.rode.com/microphones/videomic

Specs include:
Studio recording quality
Condenser microphone
Super-cardioid polar pattern
9V battery power
Integrated Rycote Lyre shock mounting
Two step High Pass Filter (Flat/80Hz)
Three step PAD (0, -10, -20dB)
Rugged reinforced ABS construction
Windshield included
3.5mm mini-jack output
Integrated cold-shoe mount (3/8” thread)

An Update and Moving Forward

I wanted to post an update.  It has been a while.  Photos from two recent camera purchases will make their way here as a featured showcase.  The latest videos (in 4K resolution) from my YouTube Channel will give you a sense of what Cooper and I have been up to.  Thanks for stopping by.

Rucksacking and Foil Stew

We took full advantage of a sun-break to get "out there" to have a camp fired stew along a rain-swollen river. Brought along the L.L.Bean Continental Rucksack, wearing Fjallraven outerwear - Fjallraven Vidda Pro Trouser, Fjallraven Forest Fleece Jacket, Fjallraven Byron Hat and enjoying all the moments with my Backpacking Cocker Spaniel Cooper.

SnowTrekker Minimalist Expedition Hot Tent Full On First Overnight

A snowshoe and toboggan pull to a snowy riverside setting allowed us to pitch the SnowTrekker Minimalist Expedition Hot Tent for a Full On First Overnight.

L.L. Bean Continental Rucksack with Bob Dustrude's Quick Buck Saw

and Gransfors Bruk Small Forest Axe

Wawhiker Rucksacking

Got out to the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest for some bushwhacking and campfire making with all my gear loaded in a rucksack. This is the first in a series of "Rucksacking", with more to follow on Wawhiker Backpacking. This video also includes a bonus - make your own DIY Bottle Holder (Fish Spreader) made from an inexpensive and very common / easy to find welding flint striker.

SnowTrekker Minimalist Expedition Hot Tent Winter Snow Camping - First Test Overnight

Cooper and I did a first pitch, first burn, hot tent winter snow camping overnight with the Snowtrekker Minimalist Expedition Hot Tent and Seek Outside Larger Titanium Wood Stove.