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