Looking for a new microphone? RØDE VideoMicro Review
Are you a content creator or a vlogger? If so then you know the importance of having the right kind of tech and when it comes to audio quality you want to have a microphone that will capture clean, crisp and clear sound.
Last summer prior to Gamescom, I went out and bought a DJI Osmo Mobile 2 gimbal. The idea was to create content from Gamescom, Devcom and dmexco. Unfortunately, the DJI Osmo Mobile 3 came out a few weeks after I bought my gimbal…. alas, what can I do. I went to the conferences and created videos to upload to my YouTube channel. The audio was ok but it could have been better.
At home, I have a nice setup for streaming with a Blue Snowball Microphone, so I knew that I needed to improve the audio quality that I make with my mobile device. Before the Coronavirus crisis, Wacom visited my home and interviewed me and watched my creative process in my home studio. Wacom was nice enough to provide me with an Amazon gift card… which I put towards purchasing the RØDE VideoMicro!
Find the RØDE VideoMicro on Amazon.
I had seen other content creators using the RØDE VideoMicro and thought it would be a nice addition to my arsenal of tech. The great thing about the microphone is that not only does it work on cameras but also on mobile devices as well. Which to me is a win-win.
The microphone itself is quite compact and is about 8cm in length. It is made of metal and is quite durable. However, the end does unscrew and could easily break… which I found surprising. Even though it is small, I do need to figure out a way to transport it. It will not fit into the case that I bought for my DJI Osmo Mobile 2, so I need to purchase a small case for the microphone. I might have an old small camera case that could do the job. I have to give it a go and see.
It utilizes a high-quality cardioid condenser microphone capsule. Because it is directional, it will pick up whatever sound coming from in front of it perfectly. So if you are at expo or trade fair then you will be able to record yourself without all of the distracting sounds that may be coming from around you. When you are at a conference such as Gamescom, you do not want the noise to overpower your voice.
It also comes with RØDE’s Rycote Lyre shock mount. This is a nice addition, because when you are walking this will absorb all the bumps and thumps as you walk around.
Additionally, the microphone comes with a windsock. So if you are outdoors and it is windy, it will cut down on the sound. Having worked in film, television and advertising in New York City for 13 years… I know that having a windsock is integral when filming outdoors. We all know what the wind sounds like when it blows against an unprotected microphone and it is just not nice to hear. So this will keep your audio crisp while filming outside.
The microphone itself will cost around 44€ on Amazon. It is one of the more affordable microphones that RØDE offers. Thus, I can not complain. The Blue Snowball White Textured Microphone that I use for streaming originally cost around 100€. So, having a portable microphone that can work on both a camera and a smart phone for a little less than half the price of that was completely ok in my book.
However… there is a clincher. If you order the RØDE VideoMicro alone, do not expect it to work with your smart device. You actually need an adapter cable. RØDE’s SC7 cable to be exact which is a TRS to TRRS patch cable. Luckily I had done the research prior to ordering everything and knew that I needed buy the adapter cable. This will run you roughly another 11€ on Amazon. Yes, I am kind of disappointed in RØDE for not including both the camera cable and smart phone cable in the package. But 11€ is ok. However, had it been more… I probably would have debated about buying everything. The cable will also work on RØDE’s VideoMic Go.
Find the RØDE’s SC7 cable and RØDE’s VideoMic Go.
If you planning on using the VideoMicro with a gimbal such as the Osmo Mobile 2, then you will need to buy a mount. I found one on Amazon for roughly 18€. Which ups the money coming out of my wallet. The sad thing is it lacks the screw to attach the microphone. So after the coronavirus crisis calms down and life returns to whatever seminormal is, then I will go to a camera shop or hardware store to get one. I am sure I will find one, I just hope it is not another 10 Euros. But I would imagine it will be fairly affordable…
The other great thing about this mount is that you can attach LED light to the other side. Thus, creating a mobile video studio. But I do not plan to go down that path at the moment.
WRAP…
Even though I doubt there will be many conferences for expos coming up, I still wanted to go out and use my gimbal to create video content.
Having good quality audio will enhance the content you create, so investing in a microphone will help create higher quality videos that your subscribers or fans will enjoy. The RØDE VideoMicro will provide you with brilliant audio, so I highly recommend investing it.
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