Rode Microphone Review: Top Full Guide 2023

Rode microphones are the best choice for the audiophile looking for a mic that can be used in both studio and live settings. They are durable, portable, versatile, and sound great. A variety of models are available to suit any need, with prices ranging from $300 to $800. They are also known for being easy to use right out of the box, which is one of the benefits of purchasing their higher-end models.

If you’re looking for a Rode mic review that is both durable and versatile, Rode has you covered. They offer several models for different uses, with the most common being their excellent Condenser or Active/Passive microphones.

Today, we will take a look at the Rode microphone review.

Test your Rode Mic Review

The new VideoMic by Rode is an innovative solution for intermediate and advanced photographers who want to increase audio control and power in addition to their on-camera mics. Surprisingly, there aren’t more mics with this combination shock mount/mic design.

Using the external mic rather than the onboard mic produces a significant improvement in the quality of the audio – nothing usual there.

Shoe Shock

The VideoMic is unique in that it includes a shock mount. The shock mount’s construction is minimal, which keeps the VideoMic’s overall size down. Be aware, however, that if your camera controls are located next to the accessory shoes on your camera body, it could block their access.

We will begin with the basics for this new model microphone review. Most mics and the shock mount are made from plastic. There is a small piece of metal to reinforce the shock mount’s bottom and a few screws.

Rode Videomic is strong enough to withstand video production challenges but lightweight enough not to overwhelm small handheld camcorders. Although the mic’s size can sometimes block some controls, it is lightweight enough to be used with any camcorder. A foam windscreen is included on the front of this mic.

Although the foam windshield does reduce background noise from low winds and breezes, it is not recommended for outdoor use in moderately windy weather. A windsock can be handling noise at higher wind speeds.

On the back of your mic, you will find the on/off switch as well as the battery housing. There are three positions for the switch: off, on, and high-pass. The off-and-on positions are self-explanatory. The high pass filter reduces lower frequencies and enhances voices.

The switch has an LED that lights up when the mic is turned on. It also blinks when the battery needs to be replaced. One 9V battery is contained in the battery housing.

Rode Videomic is straightforward to swap out an old internal battery. We did it in a matter of seconds during our mic review.

This Rode Videomic mic’s expected battery life is approximately 100 hours, so you don’t have to worry about changing batteries often.

A Lock and Load Rode Microphone Review

The accessory shoe allows you to attach the VideoMic to your camcorder. It is easy to tighten the mic with the accessory shoe fastener. This feature is ideal for shooters with large hands as it makes it easier to grip the smaller, more traditional fasteners.

There are two threaded holes on the mic to attach it to a tripod, boom pole, or another support device. However, we had to remove the shoe fastener with a Philips screwdriver to get to them during our mic evaluation.

The holes measure 3/8″ by 16 inches and 1/4″ x 20 inches, respectively. This added functionality can be handy. This mic can be used to upgrade your on-camera mic or boom mount it. If you consider attaching the camera microphones to a boom pole to receive the signal, you should think about what adapters and audio cords are needed.

Once you have attached the microphone to the camera’s accessory shoes, connect to the 1/8″ mic input to turn the mic on. The length of the 8″ audio cord can reach approximately 2 feet.

This should allow most photographers enough reach to the mic input. Multiple cord clips are located along with the shock mount, allowing you to attach the cord in various positions, depending on where the mic input is placed on your cameras. In this scenario, you monitor audio via the camera’s headphone jack on the left side of the camera.

The Sound of Sound

Although it does reduce operator noise, the shock mount protects the mic from the shocks, jolts, and vibrations of the camera’s operation.

This is a significant noise reduction compared to the sound you hear from your on-camera microphone. We were delighted with the shock mount’s performance.

It is straightforward to capture sound from far away with the Rode VideoMic. The mic can pick up voices at moderate volume from 20 feet away. Although the mic can still pick up sounds beyond 20 feet, it will drown out other sounds like traffic and other noises. The mic should be pointed at the source that you wish to record audio.

The sound of objects in front of the mic is noticeably different from those in the distance. Rode VideoMic’s directionality is quite balanced, so you can hear different sounds coming in from different directions.

The mic’s best feature is its audio quality. It has very low self-noise. It sounds rich and full. You will get more dynamic frequencies from your audio sources if you focus better. The mic does not compromise on audio quality.

The Rode Videomic mic still produces an excellent sound is the best attribute, when the dead cat even with the high pass filter turned on. This is in contrast to other filters that can produce a distorted sound. It’s great-sounding pretty obvious.

Breaking Barriers

Many shotgun mics can surpass this mic. However, the Rode VideoMic allows you to easily upgrade your on-camera mic into a professional-sounding solution without spending a fortune.

This mic is unique because of its fantastic sound quality and multi-functional design. This mic is an excellent choice if you are looking for an easy solution that produces professional sound.

Easy to use, great-sounding, and an affordable microphone that takes care of the audio needs of novices and pros alike.

TECH SPECS

• Connector: 1/8″ Stereo
• Physical Type: Shotgun
• Pickup Element: Condenser
• Super-Cardioid: Pickup Pattern
• Flat Frequency Response: 40Hz-20kHz
• Stereo/Mono
• Wired/Wireless
• Battery required: 9V
• Phantom Power no
• Band: n/a
• Diversity: n/a
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 60dB SPL

STRENGTHS

• Lightweight
• High Pass Filter
• Amazing Performance

WEAKNESSES

• Might obstruct some controls ( gain control)
• Wind Screen works only for light wind
• Unbalanced 1/8″ Stereo Mic pin

Relevant posts:

• RE20 Microphone Review 2023: Top Full Guide
• Blue Microphone Yeti Pro Review

FAQs

Are Rode Microphones worth it?

This mic is ideal for many video-centric applications, such as recording interviews or dialogue in outdoor environments or outdoor settings. After testing it, we can say that Rode has primarily succeeded in its goal of delivering a transparent, broadcast-quality mic at a low price.

What are Rode microphones review used to do?

ABT Electronics Inc. RODE VideoMicPro is an actual shotgun mic that can be used with a DSLR camera, camcorders, and portable audio recorders to provide primary and reference audio.

Can I use a rode microphone for a voiceover?

A cheap USB microphone for vocals and voice acting. It doesn’t need a pre-amp and comes with self-monitoring. This Rode condenser microphone is ideal for professional use and comes with a shockmount.

This mic is excellent for voiceovers. It comes with a hard case, shockmount, and XLR adaptor. It is a super-cardioid polar pattern microphone with a pop filter.

What is a high pass filter rode VideoMic, and how does it work?

HPF, a low-frequency cutoff setting that reduces rumble or other low-frequency noises picked up by your mic while recording, is available.

Is shotgun mic good?

A shotgun microphone can be used as a highly directed mic. It is sensitive to its direction and rejects off-axis noise and loud environments. This makes the shotgun mic an excellent tool to capture dialogue on film.

Is the Rode Podcaster in need of a shock mount?

Podcaster comes with a robust RM2 mic ring mounting. Professional applications will appreciate the optional PSA1 boom and shock mount PSM1.

How can I make the sound quality of the rode shotgun mic better?

What’s the difference between rode VideoMic Pro & Pro Plus?

The Pro Plus is an updated version of the VideoMic Pro. Although it looks very similar from the outside, the Pro Plus is much smaller. However, it has many essential upgrades, such as automatic power switching. The Pro Plus can turn on the camera when it is plugged in and switch off when unplugged.

What is the safety channel on Rode Videomic NTG?

The signal-reducing pad (or an attenuator) is proper when recording in loud environments. However, the safety channel is helpful when your sound volume is likely to fluctuate quickly or frequent loud noises.

The safety channel activates, and a second track is simultaneously recorded at 20dB less than the first track. This is due to the gain control setting.

Conclusion

Rode microphones are very cost-effective and will serve both studio and live purposes. The microphone sounds great and comes with a variety of accessories to make their use as painless as possible. It is an affordable microphone, and it comes with three different microphones, ensuring that all your miking audio needs are fulfilled.

Also, they look pretty cool and aren’t as intimidating as many more expensive microphones, making them an excellent choice for both studio and live music use.

So, if you’re looking for a high-quality microphone that won’t break the bank, then the Rode brand is a must. Thanks for taking the time to read Hooke Audio review. If you’ve got any questions, don’t hesitate to post them below.