27Aug Aputure V-Mic D1 DSLR Shotgun Microphone audio Retesting
Aputure was kind enough to send me a replacement Aputure V-Mic D1 shotgun microphone and the audio results are much better. You can see in the original test (found here), that the first microphone I tested had a lot of self noise. The replacement I received last week sounds a lot better.
Note: The samples were converted to 192 kbps mp3 files for easier download.
For this first test, I’ve set the Rode Videomic Pro to Zero db of gain and the Aputure V-Mic D1 is simply turned on as it doesn’t have a gain adjustment option. The audio is being recorded directly into the Tascam DR-60D. In case you’re wondering I’m using this XLR to 3.5mm adapter for both microphones.
Here’s the audio sample (click here to download)
To make the audio a little easier to compare I’ve decided to leave the sample in a stereo file. The Aputure V-Mic is on the right channel and the Videomic Pro is on the left channel. It’s easy to see from the wave form above and hear in the audio recording that the V-Mic D1 provides a strong crisp signal. The noise floor is pretty much identical to the Videomic Pro. I’m very impressed with the audio quality of this replacement microphone for the price.
This test is setup exactly the same as the first test, however this time the high pass filter is turned on.
Here’s the audio sample (click here to download)
As you can see in the wave form above and here in the audio sample, with the high pass filter (bass roll off) enabled on both mic’s any room noise has basically disappeared. Again the audio quality coming from the Aputure V-Mic is pretty impressive for a microphone in this price range (around $100 on ebay). The signal level is also stronger then the Videomic pro when set to Zero db.
For this last test, I’ve recorded both mics in the same configuration only this time I have the gain switch on the Videomic pro set to +20db. It’s obvious that more gain equals a stronger signal into the recorder, but it’s less obvious what that difference actually sounds like.With the gain set to +20 there is a noticeable boost in signal level.
Here’s the audio sample (click here to download)
After listening to the audio samples from the replacement Aputure V-Mic D1, I’m pretty impressed. I was only lukewarm on the first microphone I tested, but the replacement his a big step forward. For the price you’re getting a lot of features and good sound quality. I’d still like to see a +10 or +20 db gain selection added to this microphone, but for the price it sounds pretty good to my ears.
Take a listen to the audio samples and let me know which one sounds better to you. I’m interested to find out what you guys think of the audio from this microphone. Now that I have the replacement in, i’ll be putting together a full video review over the holiday weekend so look for that sometime next week.
August 27th, 2013 at 8:42 pm
Deejay,
So what did they say about the first unit? Did they admit that it was a defective device? The reason I bring this up is because were you in contact with the company and they did the right thing by replacing it? Or were they aware of your review and sent another unit to save their brand name? I am not trying to suggest they don’t make quality devices. I just want to be sure that it’s not a shot in the dark if I were to purchase one.
Also, I just noticed the cable. How do you think it holds up?
August 27th, 2013 at 8:54 pm
Glad to hear the second one was better. I’ll bet the Aputure doesn’t come with pluraleyes.
Thanks for the great review.
August 27th, 2013 at 10:01 pm
@Scott- Great point. With the $229 RODE, you get $199 Plural Eyes. Makes the mic really come out to $30? Plural Eyes makes the day move along really quick. No more nudging clips around to get a solid sync lol!
August 27th, 2013 at 10:12 pm
Are they still offering that promotion? I thought it ended in April. If you need Plural Eyes, that would definitely be the way to go.
August 28th, 2013 at 12:31 pm
BH has it posted as good until 9-30-13.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/744768-REG/Rode_VIDEOMIC_PRO_VideoMic_Pro_Compact_Shotgun.html
August 28th, 2013 at 12:48 pm
Must have extended the deal. Good to know.
August 27th, 2013 at 10:52 pm
How would this work in conjunction with a Zoom H1 for a tiny off-camera setup?
August 28th, 2013 at 7:10 am
You could mount them both to a handle or mic stand if needed. There are a lot ways to attach a zoom h1.
August 28th, 2013 at 1:23 pm
Hey DJ, I was wondering how the sound quality compares to this other budget mic I’ve had my eyes on: http://amzn.com/B00BR1DHNI
August 28th, 2013 at 4:15 pm
Looks like that’s just a rebranded Nady SGM-12 with a shockmount and case. Could save some money and buy that guy for $30. Here some audio samples.
August 29th, 2013 at 11:23 am
Ah ha, very slick on their part. Are there any shockmounts cheaper than the Pearstone one (http://amzn.com/B004M627TA)and the Rode? I know there’s the these types (http://amzn.com/B00615M2CC) but they are kinda bug for on camera mounting.