Hypothetical configuration-- thoughts?

[Scott C]

Alright so I'm working out how I'm going to set things up on this camera when it arrives, and I think I am getting close but I know it's not quite there yet. Could anyone offer suggestions?

I would like to have the LCD mounted on top, but also use an outrigger/side style handle, so I will need a mounting plate it looks like. Also hoping to fit in a shotgun mic and run it through the A-Box. Here are the components I'm thinking:

1. DSMC Top Plate ( http://www.red.com/store/new-releases/product/dsmc-top-plate )
2. Wooden Camera Side Handle ( http://www.woodencamera.com/side-handle-leather )
3. Wooden Camera Bolt-on 19mm Rod (for the A-Box) ( http://www.woodencamera.com/bolt-on-19mm-rod )
4. Wooden Camera A-Box ( http://www.woodencamera.com/a-box-epic-scarlet )
5. Wooden Camera 1/4-20 Hot Shoe ( http://www.woodencamera.com/hot-shoe )
6. Rode NTG-2 ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/400806-REG/Rode_NTG_2_Battery_or_Phantom.html )

My main concern is where to mount the Rode -- looks like I could put it on the side handle? An alternative might be to add an articulating arm. Just would like some opinions/thoughts for improvement.

Thanks!

 

[Doug Beatty]

I would say if you don't have a boom op, you could mount the Rode to the side handle. I'm not sure if you would be able to mount the bolt on 19mm rod directly to Scarlet, or if you would want to do that in the first place. That would put a lot of stress on the body if an XLR accidentally gets yanked or pulled..

I'd recommend this with this or (if it comes out of backorder soon) this and a set of proper 15mm rails. That way, you have room for a follow focus, matte box or an articulating mount for other accessories as needed.

 

[Scott C]

I would say if you don't have a boom op, you could mount the Rode to the side handle. I'm not sure if you would be able to mount the bolt on 19mm rod directly to Scarlet, or if you would want to do that in the first place. That would put a lot of stress on the body if an XLR accidentally gets yanked or pulled..

I'd recommend this with this or (if it comes out of backorder soon) this and a set of proper 15mm rails. That way, you have room for a follow focus, matte box or an articulating mount for other accessories as needed.

Thanks for the feedback, Doug. This makes sense. If I were to get the 19mm bolt-on I would probably mount it on the top plate, but your setup is definitely more practical.

 

[Brian Iannone]

Wait, so you're going to be using a $270 mic with your $10,000 camera...? I would highly, highly suggest you use a better (much better) microphone. You're going to be capturing some of the best quality footage to ever come out of a camera with your Scarlet. You should want to have audio that matches in quality. Try taking a look at the RED User Audio section or some other pro audio forums for advice on microphones. $270 for a shotgun microphone just sounds a little too cheap...

 

[Scott C]

Brian,

It is for scratch audio/syncing in post. Please don't be so quick to assume.

Wait, so you're going to be using a $270 mic with your $10,000 camera...? I would highly, highly suggest you use a better (much better) microphone. You're going to be capturing some of the best quality footage to ever come out of a camera with your Scarlet. You should want to have audio that matches in quality. Try taking a look at the RED User Audio section or some other pro audio forums for advice on microphones. $270 for a shotgun microphone just sounds a little too cheap...

 

[Brian Iannone]

It is for scratch audio/syncing in post.

Ah, okay. I understand now. However, if you want to receive accurate replies on the forum, please include important information like this in your first post. We can't accurately help you if you leave out vital info like this.

 

[Michel Rabe]

The Rode is a decent mic, don't judge simply on price.
What I'm not sure though is if it's best suited for your needs. Maybe there are better (not meaning more expensive ) options, have you asked the audio guys here already?

 

[Brian Iannone]

The Rode is a decent mic, don't judge simply on price.

It is indeed a descent mic. I have one and used it for a while with a Canon 7D. Unfortunately with audio (and cinema/video) equipment, I've found that price has a direct relationship with quality. In my tests, I have noticed that the NTG-2 performs unsatisfactorily when compared to more expensive microphones ($600+/$1,200+).

All of that, of course, is irrelevant in this thread as Scott has stated that he is going to be using it for scratch audio and syncing purposes in post.

 

[Liam Hall]

The NTG-2 is a pretty good shotgun. it's not weather sealed, but it's light and well suited to mounting on a camera. As for mounting options, the Rode NTG-2 comes with a shock mount that you can screw into the top mount.

 

[Brian Iannone]

My apologies to everyone about starting a discussion regarding the quality of the NTG-2. I caused this thread to get off-track. Scott's original concern was where he should mount the microphone on the camera. I would recommend using an articulating arm with a shockmount and place the mic inside.

 

[Scott C]

No worries, Brian. I am starting to lean that way as well as it appears things will be a bit crowded otherwise.

Now taking suggestions for aforementioned articulating arms!

My apologies to everyone about starting a discussion regarding the quality of the NTG-2. I caused this thread to get off-track. Scott's original concern was where he should mount the microphone on the camera. I would recommend using an articulating arm with a shockmount and place the mic inside.