Pro I/O Module Experiences

[Rob Castiglione]

I am considering buying the pro i/o module and just wondering what the general experience has been with it.

I want to get it to (a) get easy access to all the ports (b) get line level in and (c) get a second evf port.

How are people powering the camera with the i/o module? Putting a V lock or other battery on the back?

 

[Toby Linden]

Hey Rob,
We have used our Pro I/O module on several occasions now, from high-budget commercials to lower end short films and it works wonderful. We mainly use it to get a sound signal directly into the camera in order to save time when syncing external audio (adjusting input levels via the LCD is a great idea, but I prefer the analogue way of turning a knob). Furthermore, the additional EVF/LCD port is really helpful, especially when you're considering attaching a client monitor via HD-SDI, which typically meant one less video output, for example.

We're powering the camera via a V-Mount battery plate by ActionProducts and it works like a charm. The only problem I see when using the Pro I/O module is handheld configurations. Unfortunately, it doesn't work well with 'The Clutch' shoulder rig because of the length of the entire configuration.

If it's in your budget, I'd probably wait for the Meizler module. If not, the Pro I/O module is the way to go.

I hope this was helpful.

 

[Harry Clark]

I have one with each of my cameras. They are very useful, and really expand the capabilities of the camera. One of the nice things about the Epic is the modular design. I usually leave the Pro I/Os on; that makes the camera a little smaller than my Alexa. But if I need the camera REALLY small, I can take everything off and have essentially a chunky DSLR.
I usually power off block batteries, but if I want onboard power I use Anton Bauer Dionic 160s. I had some Red One battery plates left over and simply got the newer Epic A/B Gold Mounts for them. They ride on 19mm top rods on Red's DMSC top mount part.
Now, I have been having a problem with one of my Pro I/Os since day one. It will fail to send SDI and EVF/LCD video out intermittently. All other connections work all the time. Sometimes a restart fixes it, sometimes not. Very frustrating. I have an open support ticket going with Red, but the log file shows nothing. I reloaded the firmware too; no help. I removed the rubber bumpers on the backside of the Pro I/O and the module adapter as per Red tech support. I have inspected the contacts on both the Pro I/O and the module adapter; they look perfectly normal. I have swapped the adapter/ IO combo with other cameras and duplicated the failure. I really need to send it in to Red but have been too busy. I am sure this is not a typical problem or we would have been hearing about it on the user group here. Just thought I'd mention my experience, warts and all.
Cheers,
Harry

 

[Erich Roland]

I have one with each of my cameras. They are very useful, and really expand the capabilities of the camera.
Now, I have been having a problem with one of my Pro I/Os since day one. It will fail to send SDI and EVF/LCD video out intermittently. All other connections work all the time. Sometimes a restart fixes it, sometimes not. Very frustrating. I have an open support ticket going with Red, but the log file shows nothing. I reloaded the firmware too; no help. I am sure this is not a typical problem or we would have been hearing about it on the user group here. Just thought I'd mention my experience, warts and all.
Cheers,
Harry

We have 2, one works fine with all our Reds, one wont work with one of the Epics. We've sent the unit in and Red cant find a problem, frustrating. Some day I have to send that particular Epic and the Pro-i/o out to Red. Other wise its a needed modual, most bigger productions usually want the connectivity these bring to the camera.

 

[Harry Clark]

Erich,
Is your problem the same as mine? No SDI and EVF/LCD from the module?
Cheers,
Harry

 

[Harry Clark]

Just a follow up. I sent my module in to Red, they turned it around very quickly and all is well now. Many thanks Red Team!
Cheers,
Harry

 

[Rob Castiglione]

fan noise an issue?

fan noise an issue?

So I now have my own pro i/o module.

One issue I would like to raise is whether anyone has noticed the fan noise on the pro i/o module? Unlike the camera body it does not go quite on record - it stays the same. I ran some tests in a quiet room and found that it is quite noticeable - a 1 khz frequency that is audible under the recording when the camera fan noise disappears. Is anyone else experiencing this issue recording indoors?

 

[Harry Clark]

Hi Rob,
Both of mine are very quiet... maybe contact Red?
Cheers,
Harry

 

[Rob Castiglione]

fan in pro i/o module

fan in pro i/o module

Hi Harry,

Thanks for the information.

So can you record in a very quiet room without hearing the pro i/o module or is it audible?