PicoStream Beginners Setup Guide | 0dB Test Tone | Firmware Update | Menu Walkthrough | PicoMic

[@peterbear2929]

Thanks a lot. Well explained. Good refinement for anyone wanting to fine tune their recordings.

[@TLDR_filmmaker]

Glad it was helpful!

[@IMDABROWN]

Wow. This more advanced than I initially thought. I can see why recommend this in specific situations over the Rode .

[@TLDR_filmmaker]

Hey hey again IMDABROWN! Thanks again for checking out another video and commenting! This system definitely allows for more fine tuning while RØDE does a pretty darn good job working on the fly. I like that the PicoStream has a nice easy menu system, I wonder if they will continue to update its functionality by adding more menu items like "EQ" or "Limiter Level"? We shall see! Thanks again for stopping by and I'll see you in the next one!

[@northwiebesick7136]

@@TLDR_filmmaker they haven't added anything like EQ or anything like that yet, and I'm not at the end of the video yet, but I will say that they don't seem to have the 0db test tone anymore, which sucks, but it gained other features that seem to work pretty good, like 100hz HP Filter, for removing fans and whatnot from your audio. Do you perhaps have an updated video on your thoughts on the picomic system, and an updated setup and walkthrough, with the latest updates installed? Just updated mine again and although I can't see a difference, they claim that there is a difference. I forget what though, probably just the wireless radios working better and/or some other invisible things you can't readily see before you use it, but hey, at least it's still getting updates... Also, side note, IDK if you have a good unit or a bad one, but I seem to be one of the 50% of customers (or so I've heard guessed the number was) who have maybe used the device 1 or 2 times and otherwise the included audio cable just sits there in the case, and well, mine only wants to work if the audio cable is in a certain spot(again I've heard it's around a 50/50 chance whether you get a good one or not, according to reviewers on KZbin that have had issues with them and did a little research) Again, would love to hear your thoughts after a few years of it being out and maybe get a new setup video, perhaps dealing with setting it up for use with a PC this time as well, as I've never seen anyone go over the proper (win10 at least)PC based mic volume set-up (as in adjusting mic volume in your PC settings), in conjunction with the setup for the picomic. It's been a year or more since I bought the picomic system but I wonder if anything could be done about my audio cable in the way of warranty for defects or something? I mean, when I do use it, I use a 3rd party CableCreation cable from Amazon, and despite being pretty thin compared to something you would usually see, they seem to be better made than what you'll usually get for that cheap so it's not like I NEED the original cable(that I'm not even sure if I remember where it's at) but it's just the principal of the thing...

[@lanceg6828]

Another excellent video. When I get ready to pull the trigger, I'll def use your link. Two more questions. 1) Has there been a FW update yet? I hope they keep this product up to date. 2) How directional is the mic? My main use for this will be weddings and interviews. So I will have one mic on the groom, and one mic on the preacher. Would that pick up the bride audio well? Or vise versa

[@TLDR_filmmaker]

Hey hey again Lance! Thanks for checking out this following video on the PicoMic and asking a question! I just checked and it looks like they put out a new firmware two days ago specifically for more output gain settings for the GH5, I will test that out at some point! The Mic is a omni directional mic. I think it will for sure capture the bride, but like all lav mic setups, it's going to depend how close the groom and preacher will be to the bride when the bride speaks. Some filmmakers have started using the PicoMic for weddings and I've asked them if they've used that setup, one said he actually just mic'd the bride. I have to imagine that during the vows that the Bride and Groom are usually holding hands in close proximity, assuming the PicoMic is clipped onto the outside coat pocket you should be able to get the Bride pretty clearly. Hope this helps! Thanks again for stopping by and I'll see you in the next one!

[@user-qp2hj7sg9c]

Another great one, thank you. I’m very close to purchasing, and I’ll do it via your affiliate link when I do. Thanks for the hard work.

[@TLDR_filmmaker]

Hey hey again A and Memory Nepal! Thank you both for checking out this video! I'm glad this video was helpful for you "A" and truly appreciate your support via the affiliate link! I will continue to do my best and put out useful info! Thanks again for stopping by and I'll see you both in the next one!

[@BerlinGonzalez]

Hola Amigo, now I know I need to get this great microphones. PicoStream is making real gold for videographers and vloggers as well. I think is good to have more options and not just relay on Røde. How’s life man?!

[@TLDR_filmmaker]

Hola mi Amigo! Thank you so much for checking out this tutorial video and commenting! I agree, competition is always good for us consumers! I have a feeling these two companies are not going to be the only ones trying to operate in this price range, I'm sure we will see a 3rd contender sometime soon. I have no idea which company... and that's the exciting part! Life is great and enjoying the work I got coming up here on the channel! One of them being a channel "first" but I think would be fun and valuable for filmmakers! Thanks again for stopping by and I'll see you in the next one!

[@SKimbrough]

Good info...I was hoping you’d cover some basics! I’m fairly new to the video/audio production world but am making KZbin videos for a friend and we just tried out the Rode Wireless GO. Sound is great so far but I like more control on the microphones. Videos are mainly shot indoors but at times has crowds of people celebrating, laughing, etc. As you know, I can only set it to -12db which doesn’t help in louder environments. How low can you set the mic on the PicoMic? While the portability is nice on the RodeWirelessGO, it gets challenging attaching it to someone’s summer blouse (or other lightweight fabric) which is why I’ve been considering the PicoMic. And having 1 base to control the mics instead of getting a different attachment for 2 sets of Rode does sound appealing. Thoughts, sir?

[@TLDR_filmmaker]

Hey hey Sandy K! Thank you so much for checking out this video and asking a question! The PicoMic's output gain range goes from -18dB to +30dB, depending on your recorder or cameras pre-amp after you set the 0dB max output of the receiver, you'll have some nice control of just how low or high the mic can go. The loose clothing is definitely something that the RØDE go struggles with, I often found it flipping about when I'm doing videos and moving my hands so I've now opted to just use it as a quick traditional wired lav that just works with my GH5 very well at -12dB. One thing that I did talk about for filmmakers that want to go with the RØDE into their GH5 but would like some finer control of the overall output should look into getting a very cheap $60 passive preamp like this one. amzn.to/2XJfAlk (Amazon Affiliate Link) This will help you have a place to mount the two RØDE Go's and control each one individually should the -12dB be too loud during a crowd situation. Hope this helps! Thanks again for stopping by and I'll see you in the next one!

[@hacobee1]

Awesome tutorial again. Can we order that here in the Philippines?

[@TLDR_filmmaker]

Hey hey Jacob! Thanks for checking out this video as well and asking a question! You may need to go to PicoGear’s website for international orders I think, not sure if will working through the Amazon US marketplace. (Picogear . com) Hopefully from there you’ll be able to get it shipped out to the Philippines, though I am not sure about that countries import tax laws so it may be a good idea to look into it a little more. Hope this helps! Thanks again for stopping by and I’ll see you in the next one!

[@AANasseh]

Thanks for all these tutorials. They are great and you’re very succinct. I bought mine after watching your videos and it arrived today without the pop filter and the attenuation cable! :( Should I ask for them to send it? Do you think they will?

[@TLDR_filmmaker]

Hey hey Real World Endo! Thank you so much for the kind words and commenting! The upcoming windmuff is an optional accessory so it won't come standard. As for the attenuation cable, I just saw yesterday that they released another firmware to give the GH5 more output gain selections that may or may not have fixed the need for an attenuation cable. I would make sure you are on the latest firmware 1.3.1.3 by going to the wrench menu as I show in the video. From there, if you have to, go ahead and follow the steps to update and see if you get a nice cleaner sound after doing the 0dB test (In my initial tests you would hear a loud hiss going on the entire time). If you get a constant hiss the entire time, then yes I would email them to let them know you are missing the attenuation cable as you plan to go into your DSLR. Hopefully they can sort that out for you! Definitely let me know your results from your initial testings! Until then, I'll see you in the next one!

[@AANasseh]

@@TLDR_filmmaker Thanks for the thorough answer. I will update the firmware as you said as I'm on the 1.1 firmware which it shipped with. What's funny though unlike your video when I connect it to my EOS R and use the 0dB gain output on the receiver and put the camera at one notch above minimum gain the 0dB test still clips. So, I dont know. Seems like the gain is still too hot for my EOR unless I lower the gain on the unit. I'll have to play with it after the firmware and see how it works. Thanks again and looking forward to more great content from you! Enjoy the weekend! :)

[@TLDR_filmmaker]

You're most welcome! In my video I was using the attenuator cable going into my GH5 and then I used the non-attenuator cable going into my field recorder. In my initial tests when I used the non-attenuator cable into my GH5 I had to turn down the receiver to -30dB (I think). Thats where it introduced the hiss. Once you do the firmware update and calibrate to your EOS R, I'll be very curious to see what dB you are at and if you get the hiss as the preamps in Canon are a bit different from Panasonic. Thanks again for taking the time to try this out and report back! You have a wonderful weekend as well and I'll see you in the next one!

[@Orashidimaru]

Can this be used with an iPhone? Plug in and go?

[@TLDR_filmmaker]

Hey hey Rashidi! Thank you so much for checking out this video and asking a question! Yes, it can work with an iPhone through the headphone jack or the headphone jack lightning adapter. All you have to do is make sure you're in TRRS mode instead of TRS, as I show in this video where you can locate and switch it. Hope this helps! Thanks again for stopping by and I’ll see you in the next one!

[@mobilechaosyt]

The PicoMic looks great, but why are they discontinued on Amazon?

[@TLDR_filmmaker]

The Picomic has been sold out for awhile, they recently got some more units on their own website, but it doesn't look like they have sent any units to Amazon :(

[@mobilechaosyt]

TLDR Filmmaker Yes they probably were not expecting that high of volume. I really would love if this unit had a built in recorder. That would give a backup audio track if your primary had an issue. It would work better for me since I could record 2 channel for the kids and my own voice directly into my camera. I’m actually planning to use just a GoPro 8 for audio and video on my trip. That keeps me from having to sync audio at night or dealing with two recording devices. The GoPro 8 audio should work well as long as we stay close to the camera, speak up, and minimize the other sources of sound. Maybe the Picomic is something I can look into later. Do you think the picomic could be waterproofed? The microphones look like they are almost waterproof if the charging end can be sealed.

[@supmission]

Think @PicoGear can make this microphones waterproof? I'm sold if they can - like the Countryman EMW / B3 / B6. Oh and about setting the test tone, I'd advise setting it with headphone attached instead of just eye balling the levels in hot signalled G4 and then testing actual loud audio in mic. Digital distortion is no fun.

[@TLDR_filmmaker]

Hey hey again SUPmission! I'm actually still working on a waterproof solution for your needs, unfortunately work is picking up lately, but I haven't forgotten you! Note on using headphones for the 0dB, I will definitely do that in the future! Thanks again for stopping by, hope to get a solution for you soon for your paddleboard tutorials!

[@supmission]

@@TLDR_filmmaker Well I'm gonna try to stay high and dry for the time being whenever I got a lav attached on me for the shoot. Just looking at options before committing to a purchase.

[@LandoSauce]

Hi, I'm thinking of buying a pair of wireless microphones, I specialize in corporate videos and documentaries. I am between røde wireless go and picogear and I would like to know if it is true that picogear generates hiss noise? or what team do you recommend for the kind of work I do! good day! Thanks for your answer! Regards!

[@TLDR_filmmaker]

Greetings Eduardo! Thank you so much for checking out this video and asking a question! If you haven’t already, definitely check out my RODE vs PicoMic video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2ioiWiDpa-LmJo In that video I have a lot of untouched unprocessed audio between the two so you can hear them and see which one you like best. In the end thats what it comes down to if audio quality is the major concern for your use case. In which case the RODE wins out in my opinion for cleanest sound. However because you are also doing documentaries were your filming conditions can change between indoors and outdoors, this is the moment you have to determine which one of the two Mic’s features matters the most to you. It really becomes a balancing game. In my opinon if you fear losing audio feed because of the filming location, I would rather have audio then no audio at all. In which case the PicoMic does a little better. The audio hiss does exists to my ears, but some post processing audio cleaning can help, and of course background music. My potentially unpopular opinions is that your audience will never hear the hiss because their ears are not trained to listen for it like we do. So when you doing a basic noise filter, it will limit the hiss sound further that only filmmakers and audio engineers can hear. There are definitely more powerful options out there that would not encounter this problem, but they are of course much more expensive and bulkier. I’m sorry I can’t give you a definitive answer as which team you go with will depending on your filming situations. I would look back at all your work and see which type of filming scenario you are in 90% of the time. From there you can determine which wireless microphone will work best for your needs. Hope this helps! Thanks again for stopping by and I’ll see you in the next one!

[@LandoSauce]

@@TLDR_filmmaker thanks man! Great work

[@TLDR_filmmaker]

You're most welcome@@LandoSauce!

[@IdeyaManilaMedia]

great video! cant wait for this mic to be available in my country so i can use them in my videos. I too was torn between the rode wireless go and this new pico mic. question though, how strong are the clips on these mics? Let's say you mic up an athlete doing some light running or workout... wont the constant use wear them out? you got a new subscriber here. Cheers! :)

[@TLDR_filmmaker]

Hey hey Ideya! Thank you so much for checking out this video, asking a question, and subscribing! I truly appreciate it! The clips are quite strong in their spring and it clasping down onto clothing. It strong to the point where I'm not worried that the clip is going to wear out. I would equate the spring strength to a medium sized paper clamp (The ones that are black with two silver pinch handles that you use to open the clasp. As an extra test I just clamped it to a fast food thin 2 ply napkin (much thinner than clothing) and shook it up and down trying to get the clamp to come off... it did not. So I think you should be good for athletes :) Hope this helps! Thanks again for stopping by and I'll see you in the next one!

[@Supperconductor]

Wow this looks extremely useful, thanks for the review.

[@TLDR_filmmaker]

Hey hey again Supperconductor! You're most welcome! Thanks as always for checking out a video and commenting! This system is definitely a fun one with all the nice easy settings straight from the receiver, I can't wait to see how they continue to implement their other modules, especially the XLR module they are currently developing! Hope I'll get to take a look at that when its ready for testing and reviewing! Until then, thanks again for stopping by and I"ll see you in the next one!

[@Supperconductor]

TLDR Filmmaker I’m looking forward to it, as usual.

[@clifftotten7609]

The PicoMic has one MAJOR advantage over the Rode Go. That is mic gain control. You can adjust the receiver output on both but the Rode Go's gain is factory locked at one setting only!! (very few people have stated this on reviews) The Rode Go has a mic jack which is great but it's ruined because you can control it's mic input gain in any way. The Pico Mic DOES have mic gain control. This is great because you can raise and lower it to match any source volume and protect the mic from clipping. Also the Rode Go transmitter seems to flop around quite a bit on clothes. Meanwhile, the Pico Mic transmitter is so tiny that it hides easier and doesn't flop or move everywhere after you clip it.

[@TLDR_filmmaker]

Hey hey Cliff! Thank you so much for checking out this video and commenting! All great points! I do love that the Picomic allows for more manual fine tuning while the RØDE Go's locked AGC algorithm actually does quite a decent job on its own, though I believe the Picomic can be further enhanced with firmware updates as their limiter I feel sometimes cuts in too late, but this is only apparent if decided to randomly scream. As with these systems it truly depends on what the filmmakers common filming situations is as I talked about in my previous videos comparing the two. For me the RØDE wireless Go is the best choice for my line up work, but if I was doing event filmmaking, I would be jumping over to the Picomic instead. I'll be talking about this in even more depth coming this week! Until then, thanks again for stopping by and i"ll see you in the next one (you other comment)!

[@scottabergermd]

I have tried and tried to buy these. They are forever unavailable from picogear, which is the only place to purchase them. Ridiculous to create these and then not be able to sell them/

[@TLDR_filmmaker]

Hey hey Paindoctor! Thank you so much for checking out this video and commenting! I have no idea what's going on with the Picomic being out of stock for so long, they were suppose to restock back in October I think. I wonder if they are updating some parts of it, like USB-C. I personally don't care that its Micro USB, but some wished it was USB-C. Hope we hear from them soon! Thanks again for stopping by and I’ll see you in the next one!

[@ThePrimeTech]

Nice video 👌👌👌

[@TLDR_filmmaker]

Hey hey N1MP! Thank you so much for checking out this video and commenting! Not sure if you have the PicoMic yet, but if you do, hope this video helps clarify a couple things! Thanks again for stopping by and I’ll see you in the next one!

[@YektaFrtna]

This is unbelievably good product. PLEASE SEND TURKEY ONE OR SELL IN TURKEY. I NEED THIS REVOLUTİONARY PRODUCT.

[@TLDR_filmmaker]

Hey hey Yekta! Thank you so much for checking out this video and commenting! I think for international purchase you'll want to check out their website Picogear . com and see if they can get one out there! Hope this helps! Thanks again for stopping by and I'll see you in the next one!

[@NatesFilmTutorials]

🔥

[@TLDR_filmmaker]

🚒👨🏻‍🚒💦

[@cambellevans9945]

Sorry, but the jazz background music was off-putting. Why do we need music at all? And if you did want some background music, why the hell choose jazz? You may as well have an audio recording of a crying baby - because it's just as irritating. I didn't even last a minute, which is a real pity because I wanted to see what you had to say about the microphone.

[@TLDR_filmmaker]

Hey hey Cambell! Thank you so much for checking out this video and commenting! I totally understand what you're saying, I also have times where I do necessarily enjoy the type of music a youtuber uses. However depending on what video I search for, specifically if it relays information I'm looking for, the music takes a back seat in my mind because that's not my main focus of "entertainment". I'm pretty sure there are things you and I will disagree about outside of youtube videos; foods, colors, favorite type of get hype music (I personally liked the first wave of dubstep, gosh the extreme drops these days leave so much more to desire, someone forgot to inform that higher pitched instruments create the intensity of music, not just straight bass and more bass... sigh) Anyways, on another note, you said you wanted to see what I had to say about the microphone. Unfortunately you came across the wrong video of mine. You'll actually want to see my review video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqXCmKJ3YpKtntE There is no background music, of course, because its a microphone review and I know I personally would not want to hear music if I am trying to determine if a microphone is right for me. Lastly, why do I use music at all? The technical answer is to cover any sound problems I have in my office as it's not sound treated at all and random loud outdoor noise will always get picked up by the Microphone. I'd rather not have to deal with it and stop a recording or re-film it, so I use music. The day I have a sound treated room that's completely dead, I will then consider if I want to use music anymore. Personal reasons? Well... I know my voices tonal range and speech cadence, when I go into my "reasons" sections, can send people to sleep depending on the length and depth of my testings so I use music to counter this effect by having a more constant rhythm that subconsciously processed by a viewer. Long story short though... if these types of things distract you from learning and getting information that you've actively seeked out. You need to ask yourself the hard question if this area of knowledge is the right thing for you. Passion to learn about something to better your craft is not a source of entertainment, its a source of excelling your abilities. If you require to be entertained to excel your learning, then you will fall short of your true potential. As a educator in a couple different fields, I don't wish that upon you at all. I want to see you and anyone that I ever come in contact with to become the best version they can be, preferably waaaaaaaaaaay beyond me. Because I am a product of my time, which means there are certain limitations that my brain won't understand immediately, so I have to work twice as hard. But I willingly do it, because I want to learn and become the best I can be with what I have and what I am. So... I wish that for you, now go and watch the video you actually wanted to watch to learn about the mic, the one with no background music haha! Anyways, if you read all this, thanks again for stopping by and I’ll see you in the next one!

[@cambellevans9945]

Thanks for the reply; I honestly wasn't expecting one. I will check out the video you linked to when I get home. Your voice sounds good to me, but if you did want some music to cover up some things …. jazz? Really? Some of us hate it with a passion. Thanks again, I will definitely check out your other video.

[@TLDR_filmmaker]

No problem my friend, I try my best to reply to every comment :) I learn the most when chatting with viewers. To further elaborate why Jazz specifically, it matches my delivery style, I don't really do the hyper vlog style of Peter Mckinnon or the quirky style of other youtube filmmakers. I really just sit there and talk to to the audience and provide as much tests as I can that I feel is relevant, so in a sense I'm just chilling with you all. If I play epic music or quirky music that doesn't match my conversation, it'll probably be even more noticable and distracting. The music that Peter and Casey use fits their style of energetic delivery, my energy... well... is pretty mono. Only some videos I have are high energy, but only during the TLDR section in the beginning. That further being said, is this the type of Jazz music I listen to sometimes? Nooooooooo, not even close! I'm actually a high energy person when I'm not in "educator mode". I love music that makes me hype. When it comes to Jazz, I love Big Band jazz that have latin fused rhythm sections and extensive percussion. I'm actually a drummer by trade and have taken part in the Drum Corps, Jazz Bands and my last group was a variety Rock/Punk/Metal band. I loooooove driving percussion, this smooth jazz track I'm using has none of it, but as I said, its because my voice and delivery is not high energy. So I choose the song to match. I'm sure the song will change one of these days, I'm mainly using creative commons royalty free music for one. As my channel grows I might be able to have access to more unique music that can work. I will continue working on my channel to do so! Thanks again for replying, I honestly wasn't sure if you would read what I had to say, but I'm glad you did and that we got to have this conversation! Hope to see you in the next one whenever I have a video that peaks your interest!