Tascam DR60D + Rode video mic (+20db, High gain = cleaner audio)??

[exomonkeyman]

Hello there.

So i did 3 tests before jumping on here.
So i put the levels at about 50db/the dial on the recorder to the middle for all these tests.

Test 1.
I put the video mic pro on a "+20db" gain and left the Tascam at "low" gain
Results (Super quite, and lots of hiss noise when bumping it to +15db in post)
(https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_fLZOI3JgcZSm85UzNRX0F1Q2c/edit)

Test 2
I put the video mic pro on a "+0db" gain and left the Tascam at "high" gain
Results (Super quite, and lots of hiss noise when bumping it to +15db in post)
(https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_fLZOI3JgcZdzBBSUIzSFRuNUE/edit)

Test 3 (Best results)
I put the video mic pro on a "+20db" gain and left the Tascam at "high" gain aswell
Results (Nice and loud, possibly too loud but it gives no hiss and gives lots of control)
(https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_fLZOI3JgcZUlhQV2FLLUJZbVU/edit)

Why is that?? Feel like there's something to learn here. If i were to buy a XLR mic and it dose not have a +20db gain then i'm screwed.
I feel like there needs to be a balance you know? High on the mic and low on the recorder = cleanr and better audio. instead if whack both out at high and +20db gives better results.

Cheers
Samuel

 

[version79]

I have the exact same setup. Except for a few things.

Currently, my rode Video mic pro is mounted ontop of my CANON 6D on the hotshoe. The VMP is set to high pass and +20gain. It goes directly to the Tascam's 3/4 channel input. From there the Tascam's recording level knob is set to Max. The sound is then routed back from the Tascam's (Camera out plug, also set at max 10 level) back into the Camera's Mic input.

The audio I get from a recent interview I did with this setup came out sounding soft and not full bodied. I normally have to increase the volume of the clip in Final Cut pro to +4 to get something that sounds acceptable. However, on doing so, the HISS also increases and there is slight clipping of the "voice".

So my question is...which bunch of settings have worked best for you to minimize the background HISS but at the same time maintaining a good "voice" volume?

I had tried reducing the levels on the RODE mic and Tascam, but anything less than MAX for all of them would yield very soft results.

Look to any helpful advice or insight you guys may have.