GEAR MINI TESTS
RODE VIDEOMIC GO II £99/$99 rode.com The Rode VideoMic Go has always been a fuss-free and simple shotgun mic, ideal for those who can be overwhelmed by complicated audio settings. No batteries to charge, no levels to set on the mic, just plug the TRS lead into your camera and you’re pretty much there. Job done. The newMark II version is just as simple, while now offering an improved acoustic design from the VideoMic NTG and NTG5 shotgun microphones, along with a USB-C output for smartphones, tablets and computers. For this, you need an additional USB-C to Lightning, USB-C to USB-C, or USB-C to USB-A cable, depending on your device. In USB mode, the 3.5mm jack functions as a headphone output for zero-latency audio monitoring and playback – turning the VideoMic Go II into a fully-featured USB mic. However, as a normal mic plugged into a camera, there is no monitoring option. You have to go via the headphone port for this. Connecting via USB opens up features on the suite of Rode apps. Rode Central is a desktop and mobile app that gives you access to a high- pass filter, high-frequency boost, pad, and complete control over the input and headphone output levels. Rode Connect is a free podcasting and streaming software, while the
Rode Reporter app for iOS and Android devices gives pro-level recording on a smartphone. For vloggers or podcasters there are plenty of options. Most Pro Moviemaker readers would be more interested in the mic as a traditional, on-camera shotgun. Here, its lack of external adjusters in terms of gain, pad, high-pass, high- frequency or wind noise reduction means it can be a bit frustrating. These have to be accessed via the app, for which you require connection to a smartphone or computer. And as the mic doesn’t have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth built-in, it needs to be physically plugged in – via a cable that isn’t supplied. While we’re nitpicking, there’s no obvious tally light to let you know the mic is working. Plus, you have to buy a fluffy dead cat as an optional extra to cut down wind noise. The mic does come with a professional-grade shock mount and
HIDDEN TALENT There may be no external controls, but the new Rode mic is adjusted via the app
SPECIFICATIONS Capsule: Supercardioid electret mono condenser External controls: None Frequency: 20Hz to 20kHz Sensitivity: -31dBV at 1kHz Output: 3.5mmTRS, USB-C Digital audio: 24-bit, 48kHz sample rate OS compatibility: Android, Windows, iOS, macOS 10.15 Dimensions (wxh): 21.6x120mm/0.9x4.7in Weight: 89g/0.2lb (with SM8-R) has a rugged all-metal body, which uses the latest Rode audio technology. That’s where it’s really good, as its short shotgun design helps cut out unwanted noise from anything but the subject, and the audio in general is full-bodied and rich. For something so small, light and inexpensive, it’s a great performer. It works for everything from cinema cameras to mirrorless and compacts – and as a smartphone recording rig. PROMOVIEMAKER RATING: 8/10 Decent sound from a small, useful mic Pros: Works on camera or via USB, very light Cons: No external adjusters
INSTANT UPGRADE The Go II has lots of new tech built-in, but is still nice and compact
“Its short shotgun design helps cut out unwanted noise fromanything but the subject”
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PRO MOVIEMAKER
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