Rode VideoMic Pro Compact Directional On-camera Microphone
The Rode VideoMic Pro Compact Directional On-camera Microphone is a true shotgun microphone designed for use with camcorders, DSLR cameras and portable audio recorders as a source of primary and reference audio.
At the heart of the VideoMic Pro is an all-new 1/2″ condenser capsule that provides broadcast-quality audio via a 3.5mm minijack connector (outputting the mono signal to both left and right channels) with an incredibly low self-noise of just 14db. A super-cardioid polar pattern ensures that surrounding audio is minimised, and your recording is focused on the subject in front of the camera.
The integrated Rycote® Lyre® based shock mounting system separates the VideoMic Pro capsule and electronics from its mount, providing isolation from external physical factors that may cause unwanted rumble and vibrations in the microphone. Constructed from a single piece of hard-wearing thermoplastic, the Lyre® provides superior acoustic suspension to traditional elastic solutions, and will never wear out, sag or snap.
Easily accessible on the rear face of the microphone are the power, filter and level controls. In addition to the microphone’s native 40Hz-20kHz response a selectable high-pass filter at 80Hz is available, which will prevent low end noise such as air conditioners and traffic from being recorded.
Below these controls are the level settings, which attenuate or boost the recorded level as required. The -10dB level attenuation (or PAD) is ideal for recording loud sound sources, such as live music, motorsport, or interviews where the subject is very close to the camera. The +20dB level boost is designed for use with DSLR cameras, allowing the user to reduce the camera’s preamp level (or mic-input level), effectively reducing the amount of noise generated by the camera’s comparatively low quality audio circuitry.
The microphone uses a standard sized shoe mount for on camera use, and features a 3/8″ thread in the base of the mount for easy boom pole mounting.
The VideoMic pro is battery powered, and provides over 70 hours recording from a single 9V battery.
Rode VideoMic Pro Key Features
- Rycote® Lyre® shock mounting onboard
- All-new capsule with lower noise and higher sensitivity
- Broadcast recording quality condenser microphone
- Compact form factor (150mm/6” length)
- Ultra lightweight (85g/3oz)
- 9V battery powered – over 70 hours use (alkaline)
- Integrated shock mounting
- Integrated foam windscreen
- 3.5mm stereo mini-jack output (dual mono)
- Two step High Pass Filter (flat, 80Hz)
- Three position level control (-10dB, 0, +20dB)
- Camera shoe mount with 3/8” thread for easy boompole mounting
Rode VideoMic Pro In The Box
- VideoMic Pro Compact Directional On-camera Microphone
Rode VideoMic Pro Specifications
Acoustic Principle | Line Gradient |
Active Electronics | JFET impedance converter |
Capsule | 0.50″ |
Address Type | End |
Frequency Range | 40Hz – 20kHz (selected HPF @80) |
Output Impedance | 200Ω |
Maximum SPL | 134dBSPL |
Maximum Output Level | 6.9mV (@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1KΩ load) |
Sensitivity | -32.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (20.00mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz |
Equivalent Noise Level (A-weighted) | 14dBA |
Weight | 85g |
Dimensions | 100mmH x 75mmW x 170mmD |
FAQS
Where can I order replacement shock bands for my VideoMic?
- The rubber shock bands are available to order as a pack through your local distributor. Please use our technical support page to find your nearest distributor.
Why did RØDE use a very thin cable on the VideoMic Pro & Stereo VideoMic Pro?
- The VideoMic Pro (and Stereo VideoMic Pro) audio cable is designed with an ultra light, multi strand shielded dual core cable. This allows for far lower noise transference when compared to the older style cable used in many video microphones currently on the market. The chosen cable is incredibly strong and is rated to several thousand flex cycles, ensuring that the cable lasts a long, long time.Of course if this is not enough, the VideoMic Pro comes with our industry leading 10 year warranty, ensuring complete peace of mind.
What 9V battery does RØDE recommend?
- We recommend an Alkaline or Lithium battery for the best possible battery life. All RØDE specifications have been carried out using this type of battery. If you use a slightly lower power battery, the mic will work but may not meet our published specifcation.
How do I put on the VideoMic Pro DeadCat windshield?
- The Deadcat VideoMic Pro needs to be fit with the V cutout at the top of the mic, when pulled back the two tabs connect together over the top of the windshield, the microphone windshield stays attached to the microphone when fitting the Deadcat.
Can I upgrade my VideoMic Pro to use Rycote Lyre shockmounting?
- No. Unfortunately previous generations of the VideoMic Pro are incompatible with the new Rycote Lyre onboard shock mounting system.
Will my RØDE VideoMic fit into the hot shoe mount of my camera?
- The RØDE cold shoe adaptor is a standard size adaptor, also known as a universal shoe mount. This standard shoe is suitable for the majority of camera attachments.If your camera has a different, or custom adaptor, please contact your camera manufacturer for information on converters to fit the universal shoe connection.
Will the VideoMic range microphones connect to a tripod?
- Yes, all of our microphones in the VideoMic range have a standard 3/8 thread built into the bottom of the cold shoe mount for connection to a boompole, mic stand or tripod.
Why do I get a low level noise sound when recording on my camera?
- This is usually caused by the function of “Automatic Gain Control” or “AGC” on the camera.Basically, when the camera cannot sense an audio input signal it automatically increases the gain of the input. It is increased so much that the noise floor in the camera microphone amplifier becomes audible .The AGC can be disabled on some cameras and it is worth checking with you camera manufacturer for information on this, which can sometimes require a firmware update to the camera.RØDE have created the VideoMic Pro to help combat this issue, the VideoMic Pro contains a 20dB pre amplifier, boosting the mic signal so that the camera will see a good signal level and not engage its AGC.
We recommend setting your audio levels manually to achieve an optimum signal to noise ratio and disabling the AGC of the camera.
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