Heya, Jim. I’d say a big part of your problem is going from XLR straight to the mini jack 3.5mm cable. I haven’t had any issues like that with my SGM1x through the Beachtek.

-Mat Nastos, Film Sensei
http://www.FilmSensei.com

What you really need to go do is rent or borrow the mics and do a test for yourself. Online reviews and stuff are great, but the longer you look the more different answers you are going to find. At some point you just need to jump in.

-Mat Nastos, the Film Sensei

I want the best audio quality for a good price. Your Azden gem is a very good contender, and moreover the Canon mics can only be used on the camera.

But I am having a big problem:
At first I was going to settle on the Azden SGM-1X based on your video and some others which you may know, because basically it doesn’t pick up the hv20 tape noise which is my main concern.

However someone on the hv20.com forum said that using the SGM-1X only on battery power yielded unsufficient signal and that the ntg2 was much better and still no tape noise. Then I decided I would go for the ntg2.

Then someone else said that even with the ntg2 he had tape noise. This is getting ridiculous… I don’t know if some people are representatives of Rode or a competitor…

Now I don’t know what to do.

So my final question (by the way thank you very much for taking the time to answer me) is: do you use the sgm-1x on battery and have sufficient signal and no tape noise?

I don’t want the Canon mic because it will pickup tape noise and it can only work on the camera.

Could you post a quickly shot video using the sgm-1x on battery power, mounted on the camera in a quiet environment and speaking from 2-3m from the mic? That way will be able to definitely give a conclusion on the tape noise issue of the hv20 cam when there is silence which is typical of interviews.

I know we could use a boompole, but I want minimum hassle, and if the Azden is capable of doing so without any boompole, then I’m in.

Thank you very much Mat.

Thanks for the great comments. I am going to be uploading more video and audio examples soon. It comes down to a time thing more than anything else. I’m in pre-production on a new film right now, so a lot of my “extra” time isn’t around at the moment. I’ve got some great footage using my new Twoneil 35mm adapter that I’ll be posting very soon. I also want to post shots of my updated Canon HV20 camera rig now that I’m a month further along in its development.

In regards to the Azden SGM-1x being seen when monted on the top of the Canon HV20. Without a wide angle lens it doesn’t show, but it may show once you put on a WA adapter, especially with a furry mic cover on it. On camera or on a bracket, I haven’t had my SGM-1x pick up camera tap noise at all.

If you’re looking for something to work on top using the HV20′s hot shoe, your best bet might be the basic Canon DM30 microphone. It isn’t going to offer you as good a sound quality as a pro XLR mic, but it sticks right on top and won’t get in a shot at all. I’d recommend getting a flash bracket and going for a higher end mic. Just my opinion.

Hope that helps.

Mat N.

I am looking for a mic that can be attached on the hv20 without any extension, and I want a good mic that alleviates me from doing post production audio cleanup, or at least the very minimum work if needed.

If the Azden stays out of the screen and gives tape-noise free audio, then I will buy it.

Thank you for your feedback.