How to set up your Rode Videomic NTG via USB for the best sound.

In this video, I cover how to properly go through the steps of gain structuring your Rode VideoMic NTG and computer to ensure you're getting the best audio quality and lowest noise when using the mic connected directly via USB to your computer. I also cover some very basic audio principles that EVERYONE should know that will help you with ANY audio signal chain and set of equipment. And lastly, there are a couple of minutes devoted to a couple of specific caveats of the Rode VideoMic NTG specifically. Link to my overview of the Rode Videomic NTG:    • The best microphone for Youtube AND Zoom V...   But, it is quite long, and although I encourage you to watch the entire video and learn some audio basics, below are some time stamps so you can jump to the section you want to watch. 00:00 - Intro 0:37 - Why I made this video 1:11 - What this video covers 2:04 - Why settings alone aren't always the answer 2:44 - Differences in how I record using the videomic NTG 3:13 - How I use this mic via USB 3:38 - My settings for the Rode Videomic NTG when using via USB 4:47 - 2 features of this mic you need to know about 8:18 - OVERVIEW of steps 9:17 - How my mic is mounted 9:24 - Step 1 - Plug it in 10:10 - Step 2 - 20db pad or not? - Signal to noise ratio explanation 13:14 - Step 3 - Watch the clip indicator 15:11 - Step 4 - Computer input level & Gain Structure - MacOS & Windows 15:43 - Signal Flow explanation 16:15 - Mac OS audio input levels 17:12 - Windows audio input levels 17:28 - Step 5 - Adjust operating system input level 17:38 - "Gain knob" function (or lack thereof) when connected via USB 18:40 - Testing the "gain knob" when connected via USB 20:00 - Crucial audio check point 20:47 - Use the Pad or not? - Testing the PAD, Pros and Cons 23:23 - Lo Cut Filter or not? 23:54 - Using the mic at a closer distance to my voice, testing the pad again and operating system options 26:16 - Closing and Sut-up Below are some affiliate links that help me grow and support this channel. Leave me a COMMENT if you've learned something in this video. And thank you! Audio Gear I use: Awesome shotgun mic that's also a USB Mic: https://amzn.to/3j1nW5b Industry Standard Headphones, Sony MDR-7506: https://amzn.to/3FOfoIG Rode Wireless Go: https://amzn.to/3JrbKql GREAT budget USB Mic: https://amzn.to/34FnrKB Cameras used to film this video: Panasonic GH5 (with 12-35 lens): https://amzn.to/31iwKOO Secondary Lens: https://amzn.to/3fXFT2N Panasonic 12mm f1.4 for Micro Four Thirds: https://amzn.to/3IvGN2I B-Roll Camera for overhead and cut-away/side shots: https://amzn.to/3BqsgTP Lens: https://amzn.to/3HWbGxJ Secondary Lens: https://amzn.to/3uWvJs8 Other cool camera gear I use: Manfrotto Pixie Tripod: https://amzn.to/3F8aepK Smallrig Mini Tripod: https://amzn.to/3JQd0Ud Articulating arm for my microphone: https://amzn.to/3f8Km2p Backup and Cheap Microphone - Movo VXR10: https://amzn.to/3G9EUbi K&F Concept Camera Tripod (Goes up to almost 7 feet!!): https://amzn.to/3f7x3zi External Monitor, Atomos Shinobi: https://amzn.to/3tfxTSH For Recording Externally with my Sony A7iii: https://amzn.to/3JUwZB2 ep:69