Rode VideoMic Directional Shotgun Microphone

zZounds' Take on Rode VideoMic Directional Shotgun Microphone

A must-have accessory for videographers, the Rode VideoMic shotgun microphone provides the crisp audio quality of an external mic with the convenience of a standard camera shoe mount. It's the ideal solution for improving audio quality when you're shooting solo on a DSLR. When you can't run a separate boom mic, don't let your camera's lackluster on-board microphone be the weakest link in the chain. Upgrade your on-camera mic to the Rode VideoMic and be a true "one-man-band" videographer -- with uncompromised camera audio.

Still Using Your Camera's On-Board Mic?

When photojournalists demanded a still camera that could also capture HD video, the industry responded with digital SLRs like the Canon 5D. As it turned out, shooting video on DSLR cameras was so convenient, even pro filmmakers started getting in on the action. But digital SLR cameras lack a professional on-board microphone -- and even full-sized HD video cameras can benefit from a better mic. Fortunately, any camera with an audio in jack can accept input from the Rode VideoMic. There's no need for XLR audio inputs: the VideoMic's 8" coiled output cable terminates in a standard-size 3.5mm (1/8-inch) plug, which fits in your camera's stereo audio mini jack, sending the microphone's mono signal to both sides of your video's stereo audio track. A mono shotgun mic is excellent for recording dialogue and interviews. If you'd like to record in stereo on two discrete channels for a better sense of "space" (say, if you're shooting orchestral performances, or a nature documentary), you may want to switch to the more specialized Rode SVM Stereo Video Microphone.

Boom For The Buck

Video pros go to great lengths to get amazing shots, and the Rode VideoMic can help you deliver location audio that sounds as good as your images look. The VideoMic is a highly-directional hypercardioid shotgun microphone that cancels audio from the sides and back of the mic, in order to better pick up your source in noisy environments or at far distances. The microphone is self-powered from a standard 9-volt battery for 100 hours, with an on/off switch on the back. With a flat frequency response save for a smooth, airy slight boost in the highs, this mic captures accurate, realistic voices and ambiances. Engage the high-pass filter switch to roll off bass frequencies below 80 Hz, eliminating hum from machinery or wind, and maximizing voice intelligibility. You can add the optional Rode "Deadcat" wind sock to deliver clean audio when rolling in windy environments. Best of all, this professional-quality shotgun mic is available at a much lower price than even entry-level XLR boom microphones.

Standard Shoe Mount Fits Most Cameras

The Rode VideoMic's integrated shock mount with replaceable rubber rings is designed to isolate the mic from rumble and vibrations from your hands or tripod -- no assembly required. Underneath the all-in-one mic/shock mount, there's a standard-size shoe mount made to fit most video cameras, with an oversized fastening wheel that makes quick work of attaching the VideoMic to your shooting weapon of choice. If you'd like to go dual-system and use your VideoMic on a separate boom pole (or you want to use the mic separately in the studio for VO or ADR sessions), just unscrew the shoe fastener to access 3/8-inch and 1/4-inch threaded holes for use on a boom pole or mic stand. You'll want to use Rode's optional VXLR adapter to connect the VideoMic's small plug to a standard XLR cable. zZounds will include the Rode PG1 Cold Shoe Pistol Grip for free, which mounts on your camera, allowing you to rotate your VideoMic independently.

Features:

- Runs over 100 hours on one 9-volt battery
- Highly directional supercardioid pickup pattern
- Accurate frequency response
- 1/8-inch output fits your camera's audio input
- Records mono audio to both stereo tracks
- Standard shoe mount fits most cameras
- 80 Hz bass roll-off switch filters out hum and wind noise
- On/off switch

Manufacturer's Description for Rode VideoMic Directional Shotgun Microphone

Record crisp and clear audio with the Rode VideoMic Directional Shotgun Mic. A professional grade shotgun microphone, the Rode VideoMic Directional Shotgun Mic
easily attaches to any digital camera or boom that utilizes the standard shoe-fitting.

The VideoMic relies on a standard 9 Volt battery that, when fully charged, should have an operational life of approximately 100 hours. And, while it is a full sized mic, it's mounting keeps it out of frame, and it's ABS construction and design lend it a high level of durability.

Paired with the microphone's supercardioid polar pattern, the permanently attached shock mount and replaceable O-rings eliminate almost all unwanted noise, leaving you with only the highest quality sound.

With a simple interface, low price, and dependable quality, the Rode VideoMic Directional Shotgun Mic is used and enjoyed by professionals and amateurs alike.

Features and Specifications:

- Camera shoe-mount with 3/8" thread
- 9 Volt battery operation
- Capacitor microphone
- Designed & manufactured in Australia
- One year warranty
- Boom pole
- Stereo mini-jack
- High-pass filter switch
- 176 gram weight
- Line gradient acoustic principle
- Frequency range of 40Hz-20kHz zZounds is an authorized dealer of RODE products.

Operation power:
The VideoMic is designed to operate from a 9 V battery (ANSI:1604A or IEC:6LR61). The battery is conveniently located within the support arm of the microphone. A fully removable access cover and a 1-way insertion mechanism ensure ease of loading. The battery will provide more than 100 hrs. of continuous use due to a low consumption of only 5.0 mA.

Operation output impedance:
The microphone will operate satisfactorily into a load impedance as low as 1 k ohms. If a load below this is used, the output signal level will be reduced.

- Acoustic principle: Line plus Gradient
- Directional pattern: Super-Cardioid
- Frequency range: 40 Hz ~ 20 000 Hz selectable HPF @ 80 Hz/12 dB/octave
- Output impedance: 200 ohms
- Signal noise ratio din iec 651: 74 dB (1 kHz rel 1 Pa; per IEC651, IEC268-15)
- Equvalent noise:20 dB SPL (per IEC651, IEC268-15)
- Maximum spl: 134 dB (@ 1% THD into 1 k Ohms)
- Sensitivity: -38 dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (15 mV @ 94 dB SPL)+/- 2 dB (at 1 kHz in free field into open circuit)
- Dynamic range din iec 651: 114 dB (per IEC651, IEC268-15)
- Power supply voltage: 9 V DC Alkaline Battery (ANSI:1604A or IEC:6LR61)
- Current consumption: 5 mA
- Battery life: >100 hours
- Output connection: Stereo mini jack plug - 3.5mm mini-jack
- Weight: 176 grm. (6.21 oz.)
- Dimensions width: 250mm
- Dimensions depth: 65mm
- Dimensions height: 102mm

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging

with Mount and Free PG1 Pistol Grip

Shipping Weight: 1 lbs

with Mount

Shipping Weight: 1 lbs

Shipping Dimensions: 11 x 5 x 3 in