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Rode VideoMic Pro

January 15, 2011 By Eric Reagan

Rode has announced the VideoMic Pro, a follow-up to its popular VideoMic that became an almost instant standard for HDSLR video use.  The new VideoMic Pro was designed to address lower noise, lighter weight and a better shock mounting system.

The 9V battery source delivers up to 70 hours of power.  A 3.5mm mini-jack allows you to plug the VideoMic Pro directly into your HDSLR or camcorder.  Also, when you register your VideoMic Pro online, you get a free DeadCat VMP furry windshield.

The Rode VideoMic Pro is available for around $230.  Check availability at B&H Photo.

Filed Under: hdslr Tagged With: audio, cinematography, hdslr, mic, microphone, rode, shotgun mic, videomic, videomic pro

 

Comments

  1. Guy Cochran says

    January 16, 2011 at 1:59 pm

    The RODE VideoMic Pro sounds great with the +20dB setting enabled on HDSLR’s. I had a chance to test directly against the Sennheiser MKE-400, the original RODE VideoMic, and the Que audio shotgun mic. Initially I made a few recordings of the same Music Track into a simple Zoom H1 portable recorder. While the new lightweight RODE VideoMic Pro sounded a bit more melodic, it wasn’t like NTG-2 and NTG-3 different in terms of fidelity. I thought the Pro was going to sound over the top good – ie, inhibiting fine detail with natural and smooth characteristics.

    My initial reaction was, “How much more is this going to cost than a regular VideoMic?” If it’s $100, it’s not worth it. But then I went out into the deep wilderness. With little time to hook up my Zoom – IE run and gun conditions – direct mic into camera, the VideoMic Pro began to shine listen here http://guycochran.com/. You see, with the +20dB setting, you can turn down the levels in the camera so you’re not hearing the noisy pre-amps. With other on-camera mics you get subpar audio because the audio section of today’s HDSLR’s is just not very good. The trick is to feed in a “hotter” signal. Thus pushing the noise level to where it is inaudible.

    I’m stoked on the New VideoMic Pro. It fits nicely in my bag, and is absolutely a better match for the Canon 5DM2. It sounds better, and fits the camera better. For serious work, I’ll still use a boom pole and extension cable with the Zoom though. The Zoom is just $99 and gives you VU meters and the ability to monitor with headphones, which I think is very important – in fact, it’s key for serious dialogue. You really need to hear if you’re picking up any rumble/ac noise etc. So my inexpensive Pro Audio Solution is: RODE VideoMic Pro>Zoom H1>Hosa Y Cable to split to>Sescom Line to Mic cable into 5DM2, 2nd split headphones. Hopefully this helps some folks get better audio on their next project. Remember what George Lucas says, “Audio is 50% of the movie going experience.”

    • Eric Reagan says

      January 16, 2011 at 2:26 pm

      @Guy – Thanks for chiming in. I recently picked up the Zoom H1 and haven’t had a chance to give it a thorough run through yet. Appreciate your pointers.

  2. Guy Cochran says

    January 17, 2011 at 4:44 pm

    @ Eric. Good choice on the Zoom H1. I have another video up on my site, the RODE lav video where you can see and hear the Zoom H1. You’ll also see a quick shot of the Y cable rigged up. Still experimenting with various dual shoe mounts so I can tilt the Zoom H1 and keep an eye on the VU meters while looks at the LCD screen. So far I’m using this one from Markertek http://www.markertek.com/Digital-Video-Production/Video-Monitors/LCD-Monitor-Mounts/Delvcam-Monitor-Systems/DELV-XL1BR.xhtml?DELV-XL1BR

  3. carl says

    January 27, 2011 at 6:16 pm

    I’ve just done a video audio test comparing the rode videomic and pro. Take a look here

    Carl

  4. Mikey says

    February 4, 2011 at 5:45 am

    Thanks for all the comments and discussion guys. Carl, I watched your video and Guy, I was considering the Que for its ultra-compact size, but the +20db just sold me on it. I’m buying it now.

Trackbacks

  1. Videomic Pro for GH1/GH2 at DVinfo.net says:
    February 24, 2011 at 10:16 am

    […] and I'm excited about the small form factor and the more attractive/efficient mounting system. Rode VideoMic Pro at B&H: Rode VideoMic Pro Compact Shotgun Microphone VIDEOMIC PRO B&H Rode VideoMic […]

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