Another smartphone gimbal has hit Kickstarter. The SmoothVu aims to bring you not only stabilisation, but all the other necessary elements to create professional-looking video. At its core, the SmoothVu is a handheld 3-axis gimbal for smartphones and GoPros, just like the dozens of others that have been flooding the crowdfunding arena in recent times. Obvious features include a rechargeable battery that also charges your phone, and a companion app that offers face tracking, 360 Panoramic filming and Time Lapse options. However, the SmoothvVu also doubles up as a teleprompter with a text overlay option when in Selfie mode, making it ideal for scripted walk-and-talks. Nice! The SmoothVu also goes beyond the standard iPhone gimbal in that it also includes a small LED panel that attaches onto the smartphone mount. It is made up of an array of 12 LEDs and is rechargeable via USB, making it portable and low-profile. In terms of audio, the package also includes a little cardioid condenser microphone to capture better quality audio. The included wind cover will make it usable outdoors, and its rotating mount means you can point in just about any direction you need it to. The SmoothVu in all its glory The SmoothVu kit also comes with a portable tripod foot so you can set the gimbal down on the floor or on top of a desk, allowing it to go from locked down to handheld in a single shot without having to change mounts. The kit even includes a set of clip-on wide angle lenses for your smartphone, as well as a handy carrying case. Talk about a complete package! All in all, the SmoothVu seems like a great solution for those wanting to get into smartphone filmmaking. It seems ideal for consumers looking for an all-in-one kit, without having to worry about building their own rig from separate parts. In terms of professional use, this would be perfect for real estate agents wanting to create video tours, and could also prove useful for journalists, although the sound quality of the microphone remains to be seen (or heard!). The expected retail price of the SmoothVu will be $329, but you can get it for almost $100 less if you back its Kickstarter campaign. It will start shipping to Kickstarter backers from July. Let us know what you think of the SmoothVu smartphone gimbal in the comments below!

At NAB we took a closer look at the new Sound Devices MixPre-3 and MixPre-6 audio recorders that double as a usb-interface and bring pro audio to DSLR shooters. The MixPre Series in fact is Sound Devices’ first foray into the DSLR market. Small camera manufacturers tend to treat audio as a bit of an afterthought, but the MixPre promises to solve that with 8 tracks, WAV Poly format recording, high-quality preamps and a maximum sampling rate of 192kHz (MixPre-6). All the details and a full spec comparison below. Sound Devices MixPre Audio Recorders We originally reported on this announcement just before NAB, but thought we would visit the folks over at the Sound Devices booth to take a closer look at their new MixPre Series. Sound Devices MixPre-6 Audio Recorder Designed with small cameras such as the Panasonic GH5 or Sony a7S II in mind, both the Sound Devices MixPre-3 and Sound Devices MixPre-6 have Class-A mic preamps created by Sound Devices engineers. You can also feed timecode using the 3.5mm Aux/Mic in port, making it useful for professional productions where multiple cameras are in play. Here is the intro video to the Sound Devices MixPre series: The Sound Devices MixPre-6 is the larger of the two and features 6 inputs/8 tracks that can record to SD, SDHC or SDXC cards in WAV Poly. The base model (MixPre-3) has 3 inputs/5 tracks and a maximum sampling rate of 96kHZ, versus 192kHz for the larger model. You can power the Sound Devices MixPre series audio recorders a variety of ways: directly from a wall, AAs, via USB, or via a Sony L-Series lithium ion battery. Both models can accept a sled for either 4 or 8 AAs (not included), giving you numerous options when it comes to powering the devices. Below is a full comparison chat from Sound Devices that lays out all of the features in the Sound Devices MixPre-6 and Sound Devices MixPre-3: What do you think? Will the MixPre Series find its way into your kit for your next DSLR production? Let us know below!

NAB 2017 saw the introduction of the Sennheiser MKE-2 Elements waterproof microphone for GoPro Hero 4 Action Camera. Curious as to how it is possible to make an waterproof external microphone for a GoPro? Read on for all the details!  Sennheiser microphones have proven to be one of the leading standards for audio recording, and now they are tackling the lack of good-quality audio for small action cameras, such as the GoPro Hero4. When a GoPro is housed in the waterproof casing, the audio suffers and sounds muffled, but the new Sennheiser MKE-2 Elements waterproof microphone aims to guarantee better audio even in the most action-packed sequences.   As Achim from Sennheiser describes it, the development of an external audio solution like this proved challenging as the camera itself is kept completely sealed in its housing. Situating the microphone outside of the sealed compartment, your are exposing it to dirt, dust, snow, ice and of course water, so obviously a waterproof solution had to be implemented. Sennheiser took their “sweat-proof” stage application technology one step forward, and created this “waterproof” solution. Here is a great “side-by-side” example, between GoPro’s internal microphone capabilities against the Sennheiser MKE-2 Elements: The unit is built into its own backdoor casing for the GoPro housing which accommodates the battery-extension from GoPro, it plugs right into the GoPro’s USB port and the audio is controlled by GoPro’s auto-level functions. The microphone itself is suspended on a soft mount to reduce rumbling noise and is covered by its very own waterproof windshield. The Sennheiser MKE-2 Element is waterproof up to 1m for approximately 30 minutes. Sennheiser MKE-2 Elements for GoPro Hero 4 is available now for $199.95. Sennheiser is also working on a GoPro Hero 5 solution, but pricing and availability for that product are yet to be announced. What do you think of the Sennheiser MKE-2 Elements? Would you use it to improve your GoPro’s audio? Please let us know in the comments below.

These tiny new Zaxcom recorders announced by the premium audio device manufacturer at NAB 2017 both save high-quality .wav files directly to mini SD cards, and feature the company’s NeverClip technology for safe remote recording. Read on for the full details! ZFR400 Mini Recorder. Image: Graham Sheldon ZFR400 Mini Recorder The smallest of all Zaxcom recorders measures only 2.2″ x 1.6″ x.55″, and is designed to be carried around by your talent while recording from a lavalier microphone directly to a micro SD card. It is compatible with ZaxNet, a wireless network that distributes TC and metadata to compatible Zaxcom devices in range. Look HERE for more information on setting up a ZaxNet. While many shooters avoid recording unmonitored audio like the plague, the advantages of being able to record directly to this small device are numerous. For one, signal interference is no longer an issue and there is no chance of talent moving out of range from your receiver. And if you expect to be able to record wide dynamic range (from whispering to shouting levels, for example) there is no reason to fear not having a finger on the gain knob, as the Zaxcom NeverGain technology offers 128db of dynamic range, so the chance of clipping audio is much lower. Features: 128 dB of dynamic range Internal microSD recording Integrated IFB audio receiver Up to 10h battery life Weight: 2.20z with battery SMPTE Hardwire Timecode Input and Output Pricing: $975 Availability: shipping now. ZMT-3 Phantom attached just below shotgun mic. Image Credit: Graham Sheldon ZMT-3 Phantom Transmitter The second of the Zaxcom recorders introduced at NAB 2017 is the ZMT-3 Phantom Transmitter which promises to be a high-quality, though expensive, wireless booming solution. This transmitter will both send audio to an external mixer and it will record backup files directly to miniSD. The chances of “cable slap” are reduced and its 2.20z weight means the end of the pole won’t become significantly heavier while booming talent. The “Phantom” in the name also refers to the devices ability to provide phantom power to condenser microphones… And it also makes it sound much cooler than the ZFR400. Features: 114 dB dynamic range Selectable Phantom Power Encrypted Audio 5-hour battery life Internal backup recording to miniSD 2.20z Weight with Battery For more information, visit Zaxcom.com Is wireless booming worth the expense in exchange for freedom of movement on set? Or would you rather stick to cabled and monitored audio? Comment below!

This Argentina-based startup has created the Pandora: a shoulder rig that will power your camera for 12-14 hours, has a built-in light, pre-amps and even a built-in solar panel – yeah, a solar panel. You just have to see it to believe it.  Pandora front light. Image Credit: Graham Sheldon Tucked away in a corner of the South Hall of NAB 2017, you’ll find a one-stop shop for DSLR owners looking to reduce the amount of accessories attached to their camera and make their shooting day easier. Meet the Pandora DSLR Optimizer:   Pandora DSLR Optimizer The Pandora DSLR Optimizer is essentially a baseplate with all sorts of power and audio inputs and outputs, as well as 1/4″ accessory mounting threads and even a solar panel for charging up the built-in battery. The Pandora’s power supply solution has enough juice to provide phantom power to the two XLR inputs, but also to increase you camera’s battery life significantly. It also features integrated displays to monitor audio and power levels. There’s no doubt that the Pandora has an 80’s retro feel, but in a world filled with matte black camera gear, it’s nice to see something with a little flare to the design. The Pro Shoulder Kit, priced at $1,000, includes 1 shoulder mount, 2 hand grips, 1 power adapter, 1 audio cable, 1 battery holder, and will fit and power most brands of DSLRs and mirrorless on the market, such as Panasonic, Sony, Canon. It also promises compatibility with a variety of Pandora accessories in the future, such as sliders and prompters. It may look a bit unorthodox, but that sounds like a pretty good deal. Technical Highlights:  Power: 5 outputs, 2 USB ports, and 3 DC from 7.4v and 12v Solar Charger Built-in small frontal LED light Dual XLR Balanced Inputs Over 12-14 hours of shooting (camera dependent) without charging Pandora. Dual-Channel Preamps Phantom Power +48v for Left & Right Channels Audio bracketing on Camera Headphone Output for direct monitoring In-Line Attenuator – 20db Microphone Sometimes a manufacturer tries to create a device that does everything. Sometimes that works, but most often the results are less than stellar. You just have to admire the sheer design audacity of Pablo, the inventor of the Pandora, though. There is something about the enthusiasm with which he talks about his work, an enthusiasm that was clearly well transmitted in his successful Indigogo campaign, which raised over $45,000.   XLR Inputs x2 on the Pandora. Image: Graham Sheldon Bringing a product like this to market – especially a crowdfunded one – is difficult, and the fact that it is already shipping makes it something of a rarity in the fast-paced DSLR accessory world. For more information, visit www.dslroptimizer.com Could this be the retro DSLR shoulder rig solution you’re looking for? Let us know in the comments below!

Sound Devices have recently announced two new MixPre audio recorders. The MixPre-3 and MixPre-6 are targeted at podcast producers and YouTubers, but with the quality we have come to expect from a world-class company that’s become an industry standard. When it comes to audio recorders, most Field Sound Recordists would swear on Sound Devices. They are robust, reliable and have the inputs and pre-amps to create world-class sound. Now, the company have launched a new product line, the MixPre Series of audio recorders with integrated USB audio interface. The MixPre-3 & MixPre-6 audio recorders with USB audio streaming is “perfect for musicians, podcasters, videographers and YouTubers”. Design and Audio Inputs The MixPre is a lightweight audio recorder made out of die-cast aluminium, and features Sound Device’s newly developed “Kashmir” pre-amps. Simply put, the difference between the two models is the amount of audio inputs. The MixPre-3 features three full-sized balanced XLR mic/line audio inputs, while the MixPre-6 features four balanced XLR/TRS combo jacks to connect microphones or line-level devices. Both have a 3.5mm auxiliary input that can be used for “plug-in power mics, 2-channel line-in audio, camera return, or timecode”. USB for Podcasters With the MixPre line, Sound Devices are targeting the Podcast/YouTube market. You will be able to stream the inputs over a USB connection into a computer for use in a podcast. The mixers will also feature the standard USB A connection, as well as the more future-proof USB C. Perfect camera companion Not only is the MixPre the perfect size to sit on your desk while you are recording a podcast, it is also designed for videographers. It includes features such as HDMI Record triggering, timecode, and a retractable 1/4-inch mounting screw, which allows it to be mounted under a DSLR camera. Power The USB slot also doubles as a powering option from a computer or even a battery-pack. The MixPre Series comes standard with a AA or Li-Ion battery sled. Basic and Advanced Settings If you are not a sound whiz, then Sound Devices may be able to help you out, as both MixPre recorders come with Basic and Advanced modes. The Basic mode simplifies audio recording and allows users to record noise and distortion-free audio right out of the box. The Advanced mode offers access to multi-channel recording and advanced settings, such as “metering, routing, timecode, preamp gain, stereo channel linking, headphone presets and more”. Built-In Bluetooth and the App to Save a Soundie’s Life Here is a feature that will get the attention of soundies out there. The MixPre series come standard with Bluetooth connection. Sound Devices recently developed an app called Wingman, which connects your iOS device to the MixPre via Bluetooth, allowing you to not only adjust the recording controls, but also rename files, and enter and edit metadata. Features in a Nutshell   Ultra-compact and durable – the MixPre Series will fit any production environment. The MixPre’s small stature allows you to wear it, or drop it into your pocket or a tech bag. Constructed with a die-cast aluminum chassis, the MixPre Series is both lightweight and incredibly robust. Responsive, capacitive touch screen – it offers incredibly simple and intuitive operation, and a bright, IPS technology, sunlight-readable color LCD for the ultimate in convenient navigation. Full-featured mixer – equipped with ergonomic gain control knobs for fast and accurate mixing. Other key features include pan and soloing plus easy-to-see ring LED metering per channel. Also includes a 3.5mm jack for headphone monitoring with user-programmable presets from a custom-designed powerful, wide-bandwidth headphone amp. Built-in Bluetooth Smart® technology – allows for easy connection, control and metering via iOS devices from the Sound Devices free Wingman app. Intuitive operation – with user-friendly navigation featuring Basic and Advanced modes. Basic mode allows users to record noise and distortion-free audio right out of the box – intended for stereo recording applications. The Advanced mode offers more experienced audio users access to multi-channel recording and advanced settings such as ISO metering, routing, timecode, mic pre gain, stereo and Mid/Side channel linking, headphone presets and more. Perfect camera companion – offering HDMI Record triggering, timecode, and retractable 1/4-inch-20-thread mounting screw. Flexible powering – for the ultimate in portability and convenience, the MixPre’s can be powered from AA batteries, Li-Ion batteries, a laptop’s USB-C or USB-A connectors, or AC wall outlet. Availability The MixPre Series is available for pre-order now, with the MixPre-3 going for $649 and the MixPre-6 for $899. The MixPre line from Sound Devices is anticipated to ship by 5th May 2017.  

At their 50th anniversary event, RØDE Microphones announced two new on-camera microphones, updating the popular Videomic range with the Videomic Pro+ and adding a new ambisonic microphone to the lineup: the Videomic Soundfield. First up is the RØDE Videomic Pro+. With a similar appearance to the previous model, it sports a load of new features to improve the capture of directional sound. The user control is the same digital control circuitry found in the Stereo Videomic X, with illuminating buttons. RØDE Videomic Pro+ control buttons There are controls to adjust the output level, a 2-stage high-pass filter at 75Hz and 150Hz, as well as a high frequency shelf. The microphone capsule is now higher in the tube, giving better resistance to movement and external noise. A detachable 3.5mm jack output has replaced the hardwired cable of previous models, meaning you can use any of the RØDE SC cables to plug the microphone into a camera input via 3.5mm jack or into a recorder or video camera’s XLR input. The output now has a locking connector to keep the cable secure during run and gun use. What has been described as a ‘new standard’ for RØDE Microphones is the new LB1 lithium-ion battery in the RØDE Videomic Pro+, which promises over 100 hours of continuous operation. The battery can be recharged internally via the USB port on the microphone in 2 hours. Using AA batteries rather than a 9V battery is the alternative power option. RØDE Videomic Pro+ plug in power As well as a newly-designed windshield with microfibres, the new RØDE Videomic Pro+ also includes an auto power detection feature. This detects when the microphone cable is plugged into a camera or device, where the mic will then automatically power on. It will also detect when the cable has been removed and will power off. This is a great solution for ensuring the microphone is switched on before you hit record, as well as for saving battery life! Next up is the RØDE Videomic Soundfield, which is an ambisonic microphone with 4 cardioid capsules capturing sound in 360 degrees (A format). The capsules are in a tetrohedral array, with ultra low noise. The microphone array allows the user to select from 3 polar patterns while using the device for specific types of sound capture. The first polar patern is similar to that of the Videomic Pro+, capturing a mono directional sound in front of the microphone. The second is a narrow stereo array, capturing ambient sound with separation from behind the microphone. The third is a wide stereo array for complete ambient sound capture. Rode Videomic Soundfield polar pattern selection. The microphone captures in what’s called ‘A format’, which is processed in the microphone to create ‘B format’, an industry-standard format for ambisonic sound capture. The ‘B format’ 4-channel sound can be outputted from the Videomic Soundfield via a multi-pin connector for processing in post production to create a polar pattern shape of your own design. Like the RØDE Videomic Pro+, the 3.5mm jack output connector also features a locking mechanism and can be used with the RØDE range of cables and adapters. As RØDE mentioned their new battery standard will be included in the Videomic Pro+, I would expect the Soundfield to also include this power option. The RØDE Videomic Soundfield brings 360-degree sound capture from the broadcast sector into the hands of video professionals, who are increasingly creating 360-degree video content. This ambisonic microphone goes hand in hand with virtual reality experiences where immersive sound from all directions is key. There is no pricing or availability on the microphones yet, but we would expect further announcements at NAB and IBC this year. Can you see the RØDE Videomic Pro+ or Soundfield being part of your video setup in the future? Let us know in the comments.

The Aputure Deity is a shotgun condenser mic which comes at a very competitive price point, and seems to offer all the features you expect from a broadcast-grade mic. The Aputure Deity Shotgun Mic Aputure has entered yet another market, and this time the company is aiming at an industry legend: the Sennheiser MKH 416 shotgun mic. In fact, if you’ve ever worked with a MKH416, you’ll notice the Aputure Deity actually looks quite similar. Watch the introduction video from Aputure below: This new microphone seems to be built like a tank: CNC machined from solid brass, it looks like it will be capable of taking quite a bit of beating while in use in the field. The whole unit is very rugged and even waterproof to a certain extent. The Aputure Deity works with a so-called supercardioid polar pattern, so it’s very directional. Any sounds coming from sources other than the one you’re poining the microphone at will be very low in volume, making it a perfect choice for shooting interviews, for example. Being a condenser microphone, the Aputure Deity needs 48V phantom power from the camera or recording device you’re using it with. The majority of available recorders do provide phantom power so this shouldn’t be a problem. In terms of features, the Aputure Deity is very close to its obvious competitor, the Sennheiser MKH 416 shotgun mic. However, the Deity will set you back only a third of the cash required for a MKH 416. This microphone seems to be a very decent choice indeed. Let’s have a look at this review by Curtis Judd – however we can’t give our personal opinion about it until we have reviewed it ourselves, which we plan to do as soon as we get our hands on a review unit. Specifications and Availability Given its competitive price point and features, I think the Aputure Deity is well worth a closer look. It comes in two different kits: the basic kit contains the Deity itself, a basic mirophone clamp and a windshield, everything packed in a nice waterproof case. The Deity Location Kit extends the basic kit with a Rycote shockmount and a fluffy windscreen. Hyper Cardiod polar pattern Low inherent self-noise 130 dB SPL (@1kHz, 1% THD into 1 kΩ) No low-cut / hi-pass Good handling noise Rugged build quality and water resistance Dimensions: 19mm x 250mm (same as Sennheiser MKH 416) 24V or 48V phantom power is required The Aputure Deity is available now and the price is $359 for the basic kit and $429 for the location kit. You can read more about it on the Aputure Website. What is your favorite microphone in the field? Let us know in the comments below!