14Feb Rode VideoMic Pro – First impression
The Rode VideoMic has been a very popular compact camera mounted shotgun mic for quit a while, mine has lasted me more then 6 years with nothing more then a rubber band change out. When the Rode VideoMic Pro was released back in late 2010 I spent some time going over the specs and it looks like there are 2 major differences. The first and most noticeable is the size, and the seconded is the 3 position (-10dB, 0dB and +20dB) level switch located on the back of the unit.
At the time those two features seemed like something I could live without, but recently I stopped buy a local music shop and saw the Rode VideoMic Pro in person. I knew it was smaller then the original but the size is hard to comprehend unless you see it in person. After a few sample tests with it attached to my field recorder I was sold.
There isn’t a lot to talk about as far as the packaging is concerned. In the box you’ll find a few Rode stickers, some extra suspension bands (that will probably get lost) and the standard batch of paperwork. The mic itself is held in place by a little cardboard cutout with labels pointing out upgrades made to the pro version.
Side by side you can really see the size difference. The original Rode VideoMic is more then twice the size of the newer pro version. The suspension system used on the VideoMic Pro also feels like an upgrade. The previous suspension system was very floppy and if the mic was moved to much it would sometimes pick up the 3.5mm cable rubbing against the outside frame.
One thing that looks like it could be a future source of problems on the Pro version is the 3.5mm cable. The original Rode VideoMic has a thick beefy cable, but the cable included with the VideoMic Pro seems very thin and flimsy.
If you’ve used the original Rode VideoMic you probably remember the set of dip switches located in the battery compartment used to adjust the microphone output. Thankfully Rode has placed the switch in a more usable location. They’ve also added a +20 db position on the switch if you need to increase the output volume of the mic.
I ended up getting a pretty good deal on the Rode VideoMic Pro ($155 on clearance from the local shop), so I went ahead and spent the extra $35 on the official Rode Deadcat VMP windscreen. I know there are a few cheaper windscreen options like the Micover Slipover Windscreen for $25, but I spent almost a half hour in the local store messing around with random stuff so I figure that’s worth the extra $10.
It will be interesting to see how the Rode VideoMic and VideoMic Pro compare in audio tests.
Update: Full Video review posted here.
February 14th, 2012 at 11:02 am
Rode announced some new ones while you were missing. The Stereo Videomic Pro http://www.rodemic.com/mics/stereovideomicpro and the Video Mic HD which is very very interesting. It’s the world’s first digital recorder.(looks pretty damn sexy too) http://www.rodemic.com/vmhd (Not on sale yet)
February 14th, 2012 at 11:40 am
Never used the original mic, but the Video MicPro is fantastic. I use it on every one of my shoots, if for nothing else to have an easier time syncing audio in post. But usually, the audio comes out clean enough to use if I don’t record externally.
The one flaw I’ve found with it is the battery compartment. It is obnoxiously hard to open.
Look forward to the review.
February 14th, 2012 at 3:14 pm
I used the Rode VideoMic a while ago. But I sold it with my Panasonic dvc30. Which was a mistake cause I bought a t2i after. But, the Mic was great. I think the frequency response is larger in the VideoMic compared to the Video Mic Pro. I was looking into getting an camera Mic for my dslr and i was comparing the two. Im looking forward to your review.
February 17th, 2012 at 11:25 pm
I’m trying to decide for a microphone and preamp like a Juicedlink.
I heard that “you can die if you don’t use an XLR mic” 😉 well, not die but..
How big is the difference/quality between a great shotgun like the Rode Video Mic Pro and a XLR Rode NTG-2 or similar?
I wonder if just audio freaks can tell the difference….
What do yo think guys ?
Thank you!
February 18th, 2012 at 8:33 am
There are 3 major advantages when using XLR cables. First is the audio quality, because of the way an XLR cable is designed random noise and audio interference are canceled or reduced. This also means you can use longer lengths of cable with out having audio noise problems.
The second part is that you can provide phantom power over an XLR input. Although this is possible with stereo 3.5mm cables, XLR cables can handle the higher voltages needed for larger capsule microphones. Last, the connector provides a more secure attachment point for you audio cable. You don’t have to worry about the cable pulling loose or coming undone.
You can still get good usable audio from the Rode VideoMic, you just need to take these limitations into account. The best thing you can do with any of these microphones is get the mic as close to your subject as possible. The closer the mic is the better your audio will be.
May 24th, 2012 at 11:32 am
can’t you like hack that cable with sugru (www.sugru.com) to make it tougher?
May 24th, 2012 at 1:06 pm
Actually It was pointed out to me that the cable is reinforced with carbon fiber threads to make it lighter and stronger.