The VideoMic from Rode is a cost effective shotgun microphone that can easily be mounted on a video camera because it features an integrated shockmount that attaches to the camera's shoe. The VideoMic is lightweight, and when mounting on a camera it does not appear in the frame. Its super-cardioid polar pattern attenuates sounds from the sides. The result is a signal that sounds closer to the camera, even when shooting in noisy environments or at moderate distances.
A 3/8" thread at the base of the shockmount allows you to use the VideoMic on any standard boompole. With the addition of a longer 1/8" male to female stereo mini-plug cable (like the Rode VC1), and a boompole (Like the Rode Mini Boom), you can radically improve the audio in your video work. A special 1/8" mini-plug to XLR adapter (the Rode VXLR) is also available to use the VideoMic on a professional camera.
Replaceable rubber O-rings suspend the microphone on the shockmount and protect against noise due to movement and handling. An attached, coiled cable terminates to a 1/8" (3.5mm) mini output connection. The VideoMic features a condenser element that utilizes a standard 9 Volt battery (sold separately). The microphone will run for approximately 100 hours on a single battery. This microphone was used in the making of the low-budget blockbuster hit film Paranormal Activity. If you're wondering if you can get good sound with the VideoMic, wonder no more.
| Transducer | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Super-cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz Selectable HPF @ 80Hz / 12dB /octave |
| Dynamic Range (Typical) | 114dB (per IEC651, IEC268-15) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 74dB (1kHz rel 1 Pa; per IEC651, IEC268-15) |
| Maximum Input Sound Level | 134dB (@ 1% THD into 1k ohm) |
| Power Requirements | 9 Volt DC Alkaline |
| Output Impedance | 200 ohms |
| Output Connectors | Stereo mini jack - 1/8" (3.5mm) |
| Pad | -10 and -20dB |
| Low Frequency Roll-Off | 80Hz / 12dB octave |
| Dimensions | 8.84 x 4.02 x 2.55" (250 x 102 x 65mm) (Length x Height x Diameter) |
| Weight | 6.21 oz (176g) |