Problem with the Rode VideoMic NTG and how to fix it!! No more clipping
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- Опубликовано: 4 окт 2024
- I have been having a problem with the Rode VideoMic NTG clipping even when the levels are low. I have found a solution. It is not ideal, and I think it's unacceptable for a mic priced as high as the VideoMic NTG to be this sensitive. But at least this solution works for me.
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This is a lifesaver. I waited way too long to find this video.
Hi Tom!! Yeah, this Rode is a notorious peaker 🤣
I've been meaning to ask you about this because I've been getting clipping and its stopped me from using it and I was just so lazy to even try to figure it out! I finally did a RUclips search and this is the first video I came across. I immediately came in the comments to tell Mark THANK YOU, and look at who I find lol! Glad to know its not me doing something wrong!!!
Easy explanation: -20db is vlogging mode / close to the mic speaking
Regular is for streaming / having it out of frame at 4 feet 🦶 distance
Having the same problem, i wish i hadn't bought this microphone, but now it's too late to send back... Rode just keeps disappointing, at this price segment this is unacceptable. But thanks for the video, it's of great help!
Mark thanks so much!! I've had the NTG for a few months and when it works (without the clipping) it sounds so great! But I couldn't understand why it was clipping and I also thought I had defective unit. I didn't use it as much as I should because of how annoying it made the my videos and livestreams sound! I'm super stoked to go test this out and put the mic back into my active lineup again!!
Same
I haven't owned and used a Rode NTG mic before and I like that this VideoMic NTG has a gain control dial built-in. It for sure makes it easier to adjust the gain. And yes, just like you I use the -20dB pad and it's one of my favorite features of the Rode microphones.
It’s necessary on this NTG. It’s soooo sensitive the mic overloads all the time on the normal setting
**Had to re-upload this video because RUclips decided 360p was good enough last time.
Powerful voice!
More like - can’t control his voice. 🤣🤣 Curtis, you should do a course on how to fix a voice that sounds like a nasally Leprechaun. I would buy it in a second.
Thanks for watching - you’re the best audio man on RUclips!!
this was driving me crazy, especially because I am using this mic live, thank you, amazing content
Thanks!! It is very frustrating - but at least there’s a workaround
@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis love the sense of humor in your review
Great tip! Also make sure to tape the usb-c input and the upper buttons when you are exposed to any wind.
That's a good idea!
Thank you so much 🍿
Is this still a problem or fixed with firmware?
I am thinking about buying this and looking for videos about it, I find you again 😂
haha
@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis since it’s been 3 years since the release, do you think there will be an upgrade soon?
I've had the same issue and it is nerve wracking. I just did a firmware update and it seems to be better but I've yet to test it doing a video. I know the pad is an option but I shouldn't have to do that. Lately I've just been using my NTG2 instead of the Videomic NTG but I'm going to keep working for a solution to the problem rather than using the pad. Thanks for the video. Thought I was the only one!
I’m pretty much back to original rode videomic. I just clip so often with the NTG. The old videomic from 2007 handles my audio just fine. 🤷♂️
Thanks for that helpful tip. So glad I found this video. The Rode NTG mic has been a RodeNT for me (even with the gain turned down to 1 or 2). This fix should do the trick! 😀👍
I thought I was the only one having this issue and that I am not using the mic properly because I'm not a pro at this :D
Thanks a lot for this tip!
Yep, I had the same problem and I was pulling my hair out at first because it was clipping at such low levels compared with say an NTG 2 that I couldn't believe it could have possibly been the mic. I need to do a few more tests but I think for "normal" work you need to run the -20 on all the time and give yourself heaps of head room (and then put tape over it so you can't turn it off.)
Yeah - That's what I'm doing currently. The tape is a nice touch 😂
I record piano recitals and I was getting a slight crackling noise at from soft to loud and I bet that is the reason. Thanks!
I can't tell you how long I've been looking for a solution for this. Years at least. Damn man. You were right. I gave it a try and it works! Genius. Question though... do you ever notice that doing this raises the noise floor?
It raises it a little - bust in practice I don’t really hear it
Thank you soo much, u have no idea what this video means to me❤❤❤❤❤❤
You are clipping my friend :D The audio in this video is also clippy and distorted / buzzy / overloaded all over the place, wow. I don't think -20db or even 32bit float recorder can solve it, because the mic has a max SPL of only 120db. Thanks for the sound tests, helps my decision for Sennheiser MKE600.
yes - the mic is terrible for clipping - the 32 bit float won’t help because it clips at the mic level. I have moved on to an rode ntg3.
120dB is the threshold of pain, and the volume of a pneumatic drill, which seems reasonable."Only" isnt the word i would use
Huge thanks! Couldn't figure out how I was recording at -24db and still having the audio clipping!
You’re welcome. It was driving me nuts too!! 👍
Haha had good laugh with your explanation 😂 excellent content!! This was very helpful tip , as I was having this issue as well and couldn’t figure out a way to solve it. Thanks for the video 👍🏻💪🏻
Ha. Thanks!! Glad it helped!!
I am having this exact same problem.
The Rode VideoMic NTG seems very sensitive.
I am also having a problem with the USB-C audio output going quiet sometimes and having to disconnect and reconnect the USB plug.
If I had my time back - I would have chosen the Deity at this point!!
Great video bro!
Hello, you have very good content with a lot of image and audio quality, could you make a video about how you get that good audio in your voice?
Love this! Only issue is the noise floor going up now. Guess that just comes with the territory?
What do you mean by noise floor?
I have the same problem with noise floor. If im booming the mic, set it to -20db pad and push it up to -1 output db, the noisefloor is so loud, that it’s unusable. Any solutions?
I bought it anyway :))) yeah have to keep the gain on -20. Its still great :)) though i did notice when connected to ride connect that issue disapears
Yes - you can make it less sensitive in Rode Connect. Too bad you can’t save it to the mic!!
Nice video, i believe firmware update has fixed this issue now.
Really? I should check that - I gave up on the mic
@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis did you check? have they fixed it with firmware?
Thank you for your video, but I have some problems, questions: 1. if i put the -20 on, the background noise becomes unacceptable. 2. Is the max spl of 120 db just in the -20db mode and in regular mode it just have 100db max spl? That would explain why the mic is clipping later with -20db on.
Even without the clipping it didnt sound good throughout the video. It sounded loud and rough and not crisp and smooth. Some reviews sounds as bad as this and other reviews it sound good and not annoying
I’ve used a lot of mics - this one is not great. I’ve moved on from it
Mark, I saw your comment about the rode connect software and how you may be able to change your settings through this program on your computer. I want to try this too but I'm trying to understand. Will the rode connect software only change the settings when using the mic as a usb mic? When I plug it back into the camera after making changes on my computer does it retain the newly changed settings I made?
Thanks!
I have a Rode Video Mic Pro with the -10 db on and my Sony A7R volume setting to 1 and I can record just fine. I bought the NTG for the -20db and it clips every time, horribly. I film a lot of high end EDM festivals and events and it feels ridiculous to have spent more money on a microphone that has an additional 10db pad yet clips horribly.
And what do you think Curtis sais now 😱 when you decrease the dynamic range by doing as you sais 🤣 ..... ?
I know that he will accept the compromise you has to do... he is a pragmatic guy . It's the best thing about both of you
I would love to know what he actually thinks - but I’ve bothered him too much already. 🤣🤣🤣
A microphone I baught and can recommend is the very affordable ... Audio Technica AT 875 R but with a pream as an Beachtek Mikro Pro for DSLRs.(48v) Both tested by Curtis ... Ok. its not so small together but still ... very good.
Dont think moore about it 🤔 he is as I said ..... very pragmatic or he will recommend something else as an other choise.
@@magnusgotander7788 I think you are tight. Curtis didn’t make any mention of clipping in his video review, but maybe he didn’t notice any because of the way he speaks.
@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis If you follow him you can often hear him say "with my voice" any way and so forth and no mic is good for everything or every one. I agree that it would'nt be as you show us but if Rode says its nothing wrong with the mic we have to leaning toward that we need different mics to different voices as for lavaliers.
omg thanks for the help!!!!!
It’s a frustrating problem to be sure
This mic is designed to work from a distance as well as close-up. When you are close-up, you use the 20db pad. I dont see why this is surprising to anyone.
Shotgun mics are designed to be used close on the standard settings - I have used about 25 different shotgun mics in the past 10 years and this is the only one that peaks at mic level when the mic is placed where it is intended to be. Shotgun pics are not intended to be placed far away from the subject. The -20db pad is supposed to be for events like concerts. With dialogue - the operator will stand as close as possible to a subject without being in the shot. And this mic will peak in that scenario.
@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis but these mics ARE used as video mics- sometimes on top of cameras etc., and then that sensitivity is needed. use the pad when it isn’t.
well, it's the only one that does it - including the 6 other rode shotgun video mics I've tested. And if that really was Rode's intention with this mic, they didn't write anything in the manual or instructions - in fact the manual says quite the opposite.
Hey, I have the same issue. However I did not have it with the original firmware. I had a few other tho, like the device not turning on while being connected to the PC. Thats why I updated the Firmware 😂 I wish audio compyanies could write good software.
I'm having a NIGHTMARE of a time trying to figure out this stupid mic that's supposed to be so great. I've had terrible outcomes on various jobs, and have spent countless hours and days trying to remedy this.. I have an a7siii, the NTG which I use on camera, but also use it boomed with the Wireless GO II system. It's a nightmare. I can't figure it out. I'm testing your -20db solution right now. so far it seems promising!
But that doesn't change the fact that they put this mic into production like this, setting a lot of us filmmakers up for failure. I'm very unhappy with this product (and maybe the wireless go as well?)
Yes - the NTG VideoMic and the rode wireless go (potato jet mentioned the wireless go having this problem as well) seem to have the same issue and they get overloaded at the mic level. So you’re going to get peaking all the time regardless of you set your levels. If I had my time back I would have bought the Deity
@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis how could they have had such a giant miss-step with this product...? And why is this not ALL over the internet? I thought so many people used this thing.. and the wireless go. I'm baffled.
So.. using your solution... I put the -20 pad on, I have it connected to a Go ii transmitter, and my receiver is at 0 (highest gain level), I have to have the internal Sony a7siii gain up to 15-20. to compensate - even with the gain on the NTG at 15. Just to get my levels bouncing around -6. I just hate to use such a high amount of my internal pre-amp :/ any thoughts about this? or different ideas / solutions?
@@david243121 Normally I run the Rode straight into the camera using a 3.5mm extender cable (10 foot cable) and I’m able to get the Sony volume down to 5 or 6. But with the go in between I’m not sure. I usually keep them bouncing closer to -12 for headroom. But my suggestion is to try the ntg without going through the go to see if that makes it any better, and if it does, make some decisions from there,
Set the audio level on camera to 1 and 10-15 on mic, so there won't be any noise or clipping.
sadly, that does not fix the issue. Having the peaking at the mic level, as I show in the video, means there is no volume you can set in the mic or in camera that will stop the clipping. If that red light turns on - that means it's clipped at the mic level, meaning the sound is too loud to the mic to handle. And this mic is so sensitive, that a normal speaking voice overloads the mic on the standard level - hence why you have to turn the sensitivity down by putting on the -20db pad. This tells the mic to be less sensitive (not just quieter) so it can handle louder sounds.
Thanks for the video, I have the same clipping problem :(
I have another question, when you start recording on your camera the mic takes some time to activate recording?
My clips start with a second without sound.
Thanks in advance!
it takes a second to power on yes. often mine doesn’t power on at all (maybe because I’m using a 3.5mm extender cable) so I often manually turn on the mic
@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis Me too, using the original cable... Thanks for aswer.
Thanks, also I have that issue. I think this is really bad design... I wanna see the red light when I clip. now I recorded a full VLOG with clipping sound without the red light blinking once... but it's the only flaw of this mic so far as I can tell.
I know - the mic sounds so good and it’s easy to use. I wish it didn’t overload so easily.
Hi Mark. Would you recommend this mic over the videomic pro +? The NTG seems to be out of stock. I have the videomicro and the wireless go ii. Would I benefit from the NTG more than these other mics? As always great content!
the Pro + and the NTG will be a step up in quality from the videomicro. The Pro + and NTG sound pretty similar, but the NTG has a few more features. however, I don’t recommend the NTG really because of the problem I demonstrated in this video. I haven’t tested it, but I think the Pro+ will not have the same issue.
@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis thank you!
thank you
definitely a hot mic! I'd advice to never use this thing at any type of concert...just got a ton of awful sounding footage with pad, safety track, and high pass on...
Wayyy too sensitive. Can’t handle any burst of sound.
My problem is low volume on the sound in general. I have the mic setting on 12 and in camera on +2 (low) and the mic just outside the frame. Volume to low compared to other peoples youtube videos
I think there is a quality control issue. My VideoMic NTG is not nearly that bad, however when I turn my mic on and off the gain settings are lost, I have to turn the dial. The knob on mine is really strange but can't find similar stories yet.
maybe so. something has got to explain it. I don’t use mine anymore really
have you ever experience picking up noise even from blocks away like children playing or roosters singing? maybe you have some suggestions how to solve this even after post production its difficult to remove
Can't you turn on the safety track and the - 20db? I don't understand why you wouldn't always have the safety track on. These mics don't actually record true stereo anyways so might as well use that duplicate mono track for something useful. Am I missing something?
When you’re in -20dB there’s usually no need for the safety track in my experience because it doesn’t peak if your levels are set well. you can do that it you want, but then you have to separate them in post because your right channel will be recorded lower. so you’ll have to choose which mono track you like better. An extra step that you don’t really need when recording -20dB. You can do it if you want for extra safety - but it adds a lot of extra time especially recording many clips
MUST READ FOR CANON USERS:
I’m a Canon R5 user and I’ve experienced a lot of distortion with this mic. But recently I came across a video that did extensive tests on the best record levels on the R5. They found out that setting the levels low would make the audio prone to distortion. We’ve been taught time and time again to set the audio of the camera preamp low and the mic preamp high. But there’s something weird with the preamps of the Canon mirrorless line. The ideal audio level is to set it near the middle. The sound distortions are much less now from my experience. Here’s the video if you’re curious: ruclips.net/video/Nzeg7i0KBnA/видео.htmlsi=tq17vpl9AXgfj_u9
Rode should update the firmware to solve the issue
That would be nice
Hi Mark I have tried to connect my rode ntg to my iPhone it says : CANNOT CONNECT TO THIS ACCESSORY RODE NTG VIDEOMIC . This accessory requires to much power.😢
It works on the iPhone, no problem. I use a iPhone 14. But it is the iOS which counts. The reason yours is probably not working. It’s because you need to purchase a RØAD cable which connects iPhone to the VideoMic NTG you cannot use any old cable.
The microphone has its own power source and does not require power from the iPhone which is what makes it one of the few that works with the iPhone that is high-quality and highly effective
I have the same problem with a shotgun mic I use .. It's hot. Pad was my decision too.
Maybe it's the same with your mic - but the Videomic NTG shouldn't be like this because it has a gain control - so you can just turn it down. The problem with this Rode is that the capsule seems to get overloaded super easily. If I had known that I would have gone with the Deity. My old VideoMic from Rode doesn't exhibit this behaviour. They don't make them like they used to , J.R.!!
@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis Mine is just a stick with xlr. I added a plug on 10-20db pad to it. Plugs in between mic and cable
@@TexpatOTG smart. A lot of XLR mics are too hot for recorders and cameras without the attenuators - good thinking!!
Question. Have you ever run into the issue where the mic doesn’t pick up the first few seconds of speech when you haven’t talked to it for a while?
I have not noticed this no. But I have moved on from the mic to the Rode NTG3 for the studio
So when is the appropriate time to _not_ run the -20db workaround? If you're in a quiet environment recording quiet things?
I honestly don’t know. With the mic this sensitive I run it -20 all the time. I guess if the talent was further away from the mic it might work - but I am always aiming to boom just out of shot - so I haven’t set it up that way
i have hollyland lark m1, do you have any solution for clipping in this mic?
The M1 doesn't clip as easily. But if you are having clipping, just move the mic a little further from the speaker
I'm having an issue with this mic on Red Komodo where the Left track records very low and the right track is normal. The on-mic setting for the split track is not engaged when I'm having this issue, and it happens whether make the two tracks the same volume in camera or not. Wondering if there's a way to factory reset the mic because this doesn't seem normal...
that sounds like a safety track. so if the Mic is not doing a safety track, and the camera isn’t either, check your cable for the mic - swap it out if you have another. Check the rode website about a firmware update and how you may be able to reset the mic.
@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis thanks for your reply! If it is indeed a safety track, is there a way in premiere pro to double the audio from the right to make it stereo?
@@Exploredinary yes - you can split the tracks and then double the good one.
Tell them to stop sending you knockoffs Mark! These brand deals are getting out of hand!
Don’t they know who I am?? Send me the real stuff like they do with EddyHPhoto!!
@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis I’ll speak with the manager!
I am having tons of issues with echo when I connect it to my iphone
Echo ? You can say that again ! 😂
@
Mark Bennett's Camera Crisis Does the ZV E10 have phantom power? I want to buy the Rode NTG4 which needs phantom power. I am hoping to just buy an XLR to 3.5mm adaptor and go directly into the ZV E110 for streaming.
you’ll need a device to supply the power. like a h4n pro check out this video ruclips.net/video/zsEFzU5Ay1c/видео.html
@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis Yep, I understand1 Thank you!
Have you experienced any issues with clips producing no sound or the auto on not working?
There are times I have had to turn the mic on manually, yes. It usually happens when I turn the camera on first and then turn on the mic. I always check to make sure it’s on now.
Same issue here. Which firmware version do you have on the microphone?
The latest. The mic can't take any sort of volume. It just distorts if things get slightly louder. Mine is now collecting dust.
Please help advise how to remove the hiss or background noise..
Turn you camera volume down all the way to its lowest point(camera preamps are not great). Position the rode close to your face - if you’re getting a lot of hiss, you may have a defective mic. You can try removing it in software, but if you set your levels correctly, you should not hear much hiss.
@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis Thanks a lot..I have tried these options but still the same..I think it is probably to do with the extension cable I am using to boom the mic..Its not from Rode..
@@jasbirsingh159 definitely could be yes
Does the safety track auto replace the clipping point with the quieter recording automatically in teal time? Or do I have to go through with 2 tracks and edit it? This shit is why
I’m just gonna buy a elgato mic with clip guard and be done.
Definitely doesn’t do it automatically. You have to do it yourself and I find it doesn’t work smoothly most of the time. Because if it’s just for a second or two, you have to cut in -20dB audio and then raise the volume of that to match the other track which raises the noise floor. There is a noticeable difference between the cuts in my experience. It’s time consuming and the results aren’t great. That’s why I leave in in -20dB for both tracks and turn up the gain on the mic.
@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis Thank you so much for responding I’m literally in the parking lot at Best Buy and that just saved me precious time LOL. My useage is different as I am a podcaster that records into a DAW that is iOS-based and looking for anti-clip technology. I’m literally going to try to use the wave 3 as boom mic or just buy a wave xlr that has the same anti clip tech in it and hook up a xlr boom mic with it here goes time and money!
Do regular firmware updates
this is an old video - and when the updates came out - I did the firmware updates. The mic is still too sensitive- it’s an issue with most of rode’s non-XLR mics. Having -20dB for closeup as you suggested in the other comment was not their intention - mics like this are meant to be kept as close to the talent as possible, definitely not 4 feet. -20dB raises the noise floor and I’d rather not do it, but it’s the best option.
@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis nooooo, I just bought it. 😵💫 Say something nice 😊
Do you have a problem not recording at all?
Sometimes I have to manually turn on the mic when connected to the camera. I find it doesn’t “automat” turn on all the time when I turn on my camera.
i'm watching this one event too late :'(
sorry!! but at least everything will be perfect from now on 🤣
You are starting to sound just like Curtiss
Haha - I wish!! My voice scares dogs
This Mike is terrible, just bought it, it won't do anything at all. I've never been so upset. Littery does nothing but flash green
When the light is blinking it usually means it’s charging. So your mic won’t work at all?
Nope, the green light is just on, tried to use it earlier woth my go pro 10, nothing but static... idk what to do.
@@GPassmore Check your connections and try it with a different camera - and then if it doesn't work - you have to take it back or contact Rode. They have a 10-year warranty so they will definitely fix it.
I use this microphone for my video and it’s great but doing this greatly increases the noise floor. 🥲
There may be a fix - check out the comment below yours by Michael Gilbert. He says, "I was struggling with this too, but it seems there are two completely separate gain controls on this mic. The rotary knob on the back only controls the “output” gain (to the camera or headphones via the 3.5mm jack - it has no effect on USB output), but there’s a second control that you can only set via the computer when the mic is connected via USB. Use the free Rode Connect software - download it from Rode’s website - and add this mic to it - it’s like a free software version of the Rodecaster, but it also allows you to control certain settings that you can’t get to otherwise. When you click on the mic icon in the software you will see the second gain control - mine was set to 24! I turned this down to 12 and no more clipping. This seems to control a separate ‘input’ preamplifier as it seems to also impact the signal levels out from the 3.5mm jack. The problem with just using the -20 db cut and then having to set the internal preamplifier to 24 to get a decent signal was that I was getting a lot of “hiss” (we’ve depressed the signal and then boosted the amplification and so the signal to noise ratio got much worse). Now with the internal amp turned down I can run without the -20db and I have good signal but no ‘hiss’. I’m just figuring things out for myself so I may or may not have understood this correctly but it seems to have worked for me so I hope this helps you too. "
@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis OMG this comment really save me, should be stay on top!!