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If there’s one trend you can count on when it comes to electronics in the modern age, it’s that things are getting smaller and smaller. That’s not necessarily a bad thing— smaller means more compact and easier to lug around, and that can make a world of difference for a lot of professions. Take the Røde VideoMicro microphone, for example. A DSLR-mounted microphone that packs a big punch in a tiny body, might just revolutionize your recordings.
Polar Pattern |
Cardioid |
Frequency Response |
100-20,000 Hz |
Equivalent Noise |
20 dBA |
Sensitivity |
-33.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (22.00mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz |
Maximum SPL |
140 dBSPL |
Output Connection |
3.5 mm |
When you’re on the lookout for quality shoe-mounted DSLR microphones, you’re probably going to end up looking at Røde. An Australian microphone and audio accessories company, it’s produced some of the best microphones in the business. Top microphones in their catalog include the Røde NT2-A and NT1-A, the Røde NT-USB, and of course, the Røde VideoMic Pro.
You can trust Røde to produce quality microphones, and the Røde VideoMicro brings all that great pedigree into a tiny package. In today’s review, we’ll take a look at this micro mic and find out just why bigger isn’t always better— at least when it comes to recording audio.
Nowadays, video production doesn’t have to mean lugging around a trailer full of heavy equipment. Advancements in technology and engineering mean that independent filmmakers can look forward to producing professional-level audio and video recordings without breaking the bank, or their backs.
The Røde VideoMicro is a compact microphone that’s designed to bring out the best in your audio recordings, no matter how basic your skill level is. With a high-quality cardioid condenser and a durable make, this is one piece of equipment that you won’t regret putting your money into. Read the rest of our review below for a better look at what the VideoMicro can do.
The first thing that sets the Rode VideoMicro microphone apart is, of course, its size. When Røde says micro, they mean micro: the VideoMicro is only 3 inches (around 80mm) long and weighs around 1.5 oz (42g). That means that packing it into your equipment kit for the day is easier than anything.
Anybody who’s had to bring around tons of equipment for a day-long shoot knows how hard it is. The VideoMicro allows even amateur videographers to capture quality sound, without having to deal with stress and fatigue from bulky equipment.
If there’s one thing you can count on with Røde, it’s a quality build. Despite its small size and affordable price, the VideoMicro doesn’t skimp on quality. It’s got a metal body that’s sturdy enough to hold up to continued use, despite being on the smaller side. The condenser is at the front end of the microphone and shielded by a metal grille, so you know where to focus on your sound source. A 3.5mm output allows you to then plug your microphone straight into your camera.
The VideoMicro also has a shoe mount that makes use of Røde’s Rycote Lyre. The Rycote Lyre is a suspension system that allows your camera to avoid shocks and unnecessary noise from handling, while still remaining firmly seated on your DSLR. The Lyre does a great job at minimizing handling noise, which is one less headache when you’re out and about recording.
For such an affordable price, you’d think that there was a catch to the Røde VideoMicro. Surprisingly, you’d be wrong. Sure, it’s not the most detailed audio out there, and like many outdoor microphones, it can sometimes pick up unwanted noise.
On the whole, however, the audio is great, especially considering the price— clear and lively enough to sound professional, and with enough focus and noise rejection for outside use. The microphone even comes with its own furry windscreen, which does a great job of rejecting more noise.
Another amazing thing about the Røde VideoMicro that makes it great for amateur videographers is that it’s essentially a plug-and-play microphone. That’s right, no need for extra batteries or external power sources. The VideoMicro gets its power from your camera body. You can simply plug in the provided 3.5mm cable into your microphone and camera body, and start recording straight out of the box.
Finally, another thing that the Røde VideoMicro has going for it is that you can also use it with your smartphone. You’ll just need to purchase the Røde SC7 cable, which makes your microphone compatible with the TRRS audio jack on smartphones and tablets. That means you’ve pretty much got a DSLR microphone and a smartphone packed into one tiny, convenient package.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔ Uses phantom power via the camera headphone jack ✔ Compact in size ✔ Comes with a "dead cat" windscreen to cut wind noise | ✘ Doesn't capture audio well from a distance |
The Røde VideoMicro is an amazing piece of equipment for amateur and hobbyist videographers and vloggers who want to up the ante on their recordings. For an affordable price, you can now capture almost professional-quality audio. And with the microphone’s plug-and-play capabilities and convenient additions like the furry windscreen and great suspension on the shock mount, the Røde VideoMicro promises hassle-free recording for all users.
Although the Røde VideoMicro isn’t the most professional piece of equipment out there, it offers fantastic value for the price. If you’ve been on the lookout for a microphone that can elevate the quality of your audio recordings without bankrupting you, then the VideoMicro is a great option for just that. Easy to set up and pack away, it’s a great option for keeping your vlogs and other recordings in top quality on a budget. Find the best deals for the Røde VideoMicro Microphone here.
The Røde VideoMicro is a compact and powerful microphone that offers a range of impressive features for videographers and content creators.
One notable feature is its ability to utilize phantom power through the camera’s headphone jack. This eliminates the need for additional batteries or power sources, providing convenience and ease of use during recording sessions.
With its compact size, the VideoMicro is designed to be highly portable without compromising on performance. Its small form factor allows users to mount the microphone directly onto cameras or boom poles, making it an ideal choice for on-the-go shooting or tight shooting spaces.
Despite its size, the VideoMicro delivers exceptional audio quality, capturing clear and detailed sound with accuracy.
To combat wind noise during outdoor recordings, the VideoMicro comes equipped with a “dead cat” windscreen. This accessory effectively reduces unwanted wind noise, enabling users to capture clean and professional audio in challenging environments. The windscreen’s design ensures minimal distortion and interference, maintaining the microphone’s audio fidelity even in adverse conditions.
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