RØDE has launched an updated version of its VideoMicro on-camera shotgun microphone. The RØDE VideoMicro II incorporates everything that made the original model such a success and adds new features for enhanced performance.
Shotgun microphone
The RØDE VideoMicro II is a supercardioid shotgun microphone which means it’s highly directional. As such, it will clearly pick up sound from in front while reducing background noise from the sides and rear. RØDE also says that its annular line tube technology delivers natural, full-bodied sound never before heard in such a compact microphone.
HELIX isolation mount
One immediately striking feature of the VideoMicro II is its bright red HELIX isolation mount. The mount was developed in-house by RØDE to reduce the rumbles in your audio caused by bumps or handling noise. The mount also has cable management slots to keep your camera set up neat. In addition to an attachment for your camera, the HELIX mount has a thread for mounting onto a boom pole.
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Compact
The RØDE VideoMicro II is a very compact microphone, measuring just 3.14 inches (80 mm) in length. It is also very light, weighing a tiny 1.38 ounces (39 g). This is great as it won’t add any noticeable weight to your camera when you are hand-holding it.
Build quality
Despite its compact design, the RØDE VideoMicro II has an all-metal body, so should stand up to the rigours of filmmaking. It also comes with deluxe foam and furry windshields to help you get good audio even on a windy day. In addition, you get both a 3.5 mm TRS to TRS cable and a 3.5 mm TRS to TRRS cable in the box. This means you can use it with a smartphone as well as with your camera.
Verdict
The RØDE VideoMicro II is likely to be as popular as the original VideoMicro. It is ideal for filmmaking and vlogging. It’s also great that you can use it to create content on your smartphone without the need to buy an additional cable. The RØDE VideoMicro II will give you a big increase in audio quality compared to using your camera’s built-in microphone. Even better, it delivers all this at a price that makes it accessible to a lot of video creators.
Pricing and availability
The RØDE VideoMicro II is available now. It retails at $79.