That RØDE logo is seen around the world every time there is a press conference or scrum or … [+]
Australian audio brand RØDE has one of the best marketing tools imaginable. It marks the windshields on all its video microphones with the RØDE logo, so that when you see a press conference or scrum of cameras, you see that RØDE logo all over the screen. It’s as smart a move as all those Marshall guitar amps adorned with the iconic Marshall script logo.
Video camera microphones are RØDE’s bread and butter business. The company ships thousands from its Sydney factory and no matter where you are in the world, you’ll always see a video camera with a RØDE microphone.
Now the company has announced a new version of its mega-selling VideoMicro model, aimed at DSLR and video camera users who need a high-quality shotgun microphone to mount on top of a camera to capture speech in crisp broadcast quality.
RØDE’s VideoMicro II has been redesigned from the ground up and features a unique HELIX … [+]
The VideoMicro is iconic and has become a classic among amateur content creators and professional filmmakers alike. The VideoMicro II takes things to the next level with new features that deliver improved performance and redefine the standard for ultra-compact on-camera microphones.
The VideoMicro II is a true shotgun condenser microphone with a supercardioid polar pattern. Delivering highly directional audio, it focuses on the sound source it’s aimed at while reducing background noise.
Built in RØDE’s state-of-the-art factory in Sydney, the VideoMicro II utilizes RØDE’s annular tube technology and offers a transparent and full sound. The circuit has been revised for improved sensitivity and reduced self-noise. Given its compact size, the VideoMicro II captures broadcast sound quality and is just as easy to use as its predecessor.
Weighing just 39g with its HELIX isolation mount, the RØDE VideoMicro II adds hardly any weight to a … [+]
The VideoMicro II requires no batteries and has no complicated controls. It is an ideal device to improve the audio quality of almost any camera or smartphone. One of the most notable new features of the VideoMicro II is the red suspension. The HELIX Isolation Mount was developed explicitly for the VideoMicro II by RØDE. It is a highly innovative shock absorber system that protects against bumps, knocks and operating noises that would otherwise spoil the sound.
The microphone has a 3.5mm TRS output and no complicated controls. Just connect it to the host camera and start filming. The lightweight design adds just 39 grams to a camera’s weight, and the rugged all-metal body is tough enough to withstand life on the road. Also included in the price are deluxe foam and furry windshields for reducing wind noise when filming outdoors. With the supplied cables, the VideoMicro II can be connected to cameras and smartphones.
Damien Wilson is CEO of RØDE: “The VideoMicro was groundbreaking when it was released almost a decade ago. Never before have creators been able to record clear audio with a microphone this compact, light and easy to use. It has since become the world’s best-selling on-camera microphone and spawned many imitators, though none have replicated the professional performance of the original. For the past ten years we have continued to innovate across our entire VideoMic range. We are excited to update the VideoMicro with next-generation features for today’s creators.”
With its broadcast-quality capsule, the VideoMicro II can capture almost high-quality sound … [+]
Verdict: The sound quality delivered by the VideoMicro II is simply stunning. This compact shotgun microphone. The broadcast-quality capsule captures speech beautifully, even at some distance. The low floor noise helps keep the sound clean even when the gain is turned up. The choice of foam or furry windshields is a nice touch and adds extra value to a competitively priced microphone. If you have a DSLR or video camera that could benefit from an upgrade to its built-in microphones, the VideoMicro II offers great performance at a low price. Thanks to its rugged all-metal housing, the VideoMicro II is tough enough to handle life on the road and doesn’t even need batteries. Strongly recommended.
Prices & Availability: The RØDE VideoMicro II is available now and costs just $79.
More information: red. com
Technical specifications:
- Acoustic principle: pressure gradient electret condenser.
- Polar Pattern: Supercardioid.
- Frequency Range: 20Hz – 20kHz.
- Output Impedance: 2.6 kΩ.
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 79dB.
- Dynamic Range: 95dB.
- Sensitivity: -30dBV (31.62 mV @ 94 dB SPL) ± 1 dB @ 1kHz.
- Maximum SPL: 110 dB SPL.
- Output Jack: 3.5mm TRS.
- Weight: 39g.
- Dimensions: 80 mm in length and 22 in diameter.
- Included accessories: Helix insulation mount, foam windshield, WS12 furry windshield, SC7 TRS to TRRS patch cord, SC13 TRS to TRS patch cord.
- Compatible accessories: SC3, SC4, SC8, SC11, DCS-1, Tripod 2, VXLR Pro, VXLR+, Mini Boompole.
The VideoMicro II is ideal for live streaming thanks to its supercardioid polar pickup pattern.
