Røde Stereo VideoMic Pro Rycote Microphone Review
Table of Contents
Not every recording or filming situation is the same— sometimes, you need specialized tools to get a certain result. And with something as tricky as audio, you’ll need to go the extra mile to make sure there’s no room for error. The Røde Stereo VideoMic is a stereo microphone that’s meant to broaden your recording horizons. In our review today, we’re going to take a look at this microphone’s features, and what sets it apart from other on-camera microphone options.
About the Røde Stereo VideoMic Pro Rycote
|
Polar Pattern |
X-Y Cardioid |
|
Frequency Response |
40-20,000 Hz |
|
Output Impedance |
300 ohms |
|
Maximum SPL |
134dB SPL |
|
Sensitivity |
-38.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (12.60mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz |
|
Equivalent Noise Level |
18dBA |
When you talk about on-camera microphones, it’s more than likely that you’re thinking of a directional mic. Directional microphones are pretty popular because they help you focus your audio quality. Recording in the great outdoors is a far different ballpark from a sterile studio setting, and directionality helps solve that problem.
Directional microphones with super-cardioid polar patterns are great for recording focused sounds like the human voice. They work great for that purpose because they block out extra background noise, allowing you to record what you want without extra editing in the post.
Not everyone wants a directed sound, however. If you’re filming a live band or orchestra, for example, you’re going to want a microphone that captures all that sound in stereo. And that’s where the Røde Stereo VideoMic Pro Rycote excels.
Røde Stereo VideoMic Pro Rycote Pros
Røde is well known for putting out excellent mics, and their on-camera microphone line ranks among the best. While we’ve previously written about Røde’s directional microphones like the Røde VideoMic, those models are just a fraction of the company’s extensive microphone line. If you’re looking for a microphone that captures stereo sound in clarity and detail, then you might be looking for the Røde Stereo VideoMic Pro Rycote.
Only the Sound You Want
You might think that casting that wide of a net for audio means that your microphone will end up overly sensitive, but not so. The Stereo VideoMic Pro Rycote makes use of an integrated Rycote Lyre mount, which separates the mic’s capsule and other electronics from the mount. That greatly minimizes handling noise, allowing you to capture the audio you want without needing to edit out unnecessary sounds in the post.
True Stereo
Recording sound in stereo is all about capturing the ambiance. What you’re looking for is a full auditory experience, not specific lines of audio. While many other microphones take a focused route with a cardioid or supercardioid polar pattern, the Røde Stereo VideoMic Pro Rycote takes the opposite direction. It makes use of an X-Y cardioid polar pattern, where two capsules overlap to capture fuller audio.
Using this X-Y cardioid pattern, the Stereo VideoMic Pro Rycote can record a wide stereo image without sacrificing other features. This also enables for a lower noise floor, which can be especially frustrating with condenser microphones.
Better Control
There’s a reason why stereo microphones aren’t often the standard, and it’s because controlling the sound that’s captured can get pretty difficult. The Stereo VideoMic Pro Rycote makes this easier for users by featuring a switch for reducing the microphone’s sensitivity. This high pass filter can block out any noise coming in at below 75Hz.
This allows you to use the microphone while recording louder noises, like in a live concert or sports arena. In addition, the Stereo VideoMic Pro Rycote also comes with a high-pass filter that can help minimize unwanted noise like traffic sounds or the hum of electronics. This makes recording even in urban conditions far easier, allowing for a fuller audio image without unnecessary clutter.
Real Reliability
Every filmmaker and audio technician knows that once you step outside of the studio, you face a whole new set of challenges with recording. In many cases, it can be impossible to capture the same audio a second time. That’s why you need a microphone that you can trust will put you in the best performance at exactly the right time.
That’s what the Røde Stereo VideoMic Pro Rycote is here to do. It has a frequency response of 40Hz to 20,000Hz, well equipped to capture all kinds of ambient noise with clarity. While it might not be the most detailed audio out there, it’s certainly fantastic quality for the price.
In addition to that, the Stereo VideoMic Pro Rycote also comes with an improved foam windscreen to better reduce wind noise while recording outside. That, coupled with the microphone’s other features like the high pass filter and the three-position level controls (from -10dB, 0 dB, and +20dB), allows for better and more consistent performance anywhere and everywhere.
The Røde to Quality
The Stereo VideoMic Pro Rycote is meant to be used outdoors, and that comes with its own considerations. Forgetting the intricacies of recording the right audio with just the right amount of detail and depth, you also have to worry about whether your microphone can hold up to the daily wear and tear of the outside world.
With Røde, the answer is always yes. First off, as an update to previous versions like the Røde Stereo VideoMic and the Røde Stereo VideoMic Pro, it features the aforementioned Rycote shock mount, better condenser capsules and foam windscreen, and a Kevlar-braided cable that’s designed to stand up to wear and tear. Top that all off with a 10-year warranty, and you have a microphone that can work through anything.
Pros and Cons of the Røde Stereo VideoMic Pro Rycote
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Features a Rycote Lyre shock mount ✔ Broadcast-quality sound ✔ Rubber suspension minimizes wind noise | ✖️Uses a 9V battery |
What People Are Saying
Finding the right tools for your work is essential. Not every filmmaker has the same goals, and it might take some time before you get the perfect kit together. The Røde Stereo VideoMic Pro Rycote gets you off to a great start, however— while it’s not the most detailed stereo microphone out there, it’s a fantastic performance for the price, and is definitely built to last.
“I use it with for video recording with my DSLRs (Nikon). My main scope is live classical music (opera) and even with full orchestra and soloists it can manage the whole sound spectrum, especially the high notes. The filters help reducing noise.”
Reviewer – Martin From BH photo video
Where to Buy the Røde Stereo VideoMic Pro Rycote
The Røde Stereo VideoMic Pro Rycote is a great stereo microphone at a price that won’t break the bank. While it’s certainly meant for more serious filmmakers, you can trust that this microphone is going to give you your money’s worth. With a durable build and quality sound, you can take the Stereo VideoMic Pro Rycote practically anywhere, and capture the best ambient sound while you’re at it. Find the best deals for the Røde Stereo VideoMic Pro Rycote Microphone here.
Røde Stereo VideoMic Pro Rycote
The Røde Stereo VideoMic Pro Rycote is an exceptional microphone that offers a range of features designed to deliver broadcast-quality sound.
One standout feature is the inclusion of a Rycote Lyre shock mount, which effectively isolates the mic from handling and mechanical vibrations. This advanced shock mount ensures that unwanted noise is minimized, resulting in clear and professional audio recordings.
When it comes to audio quality, the Stereo VideoMic Pro Rycote truly shines. It captures rich and detailed sound, providing a broadcast-quality experience for users.
Whether you’re recording music, interviews, or capturing ambient sounds, this mic delivers exceptional clarity and accuracy, ensuring that every nuance is faithfully reproduced.
The VideoMic Pro Rycote rubber suspension further enhances its performance by minimizing wind noise. Designed to effectively isolate the microphone from environmental disturbances, the rubber suspension ensures that wind interference is significantly reduced, allowing for clean and pristine audio capture even in outdoor settings.
This feature is particularly valuable for outdoor video production or field recording, where wind noise can often be a challenge.
