Comica Audio VM10 PRO Mini Supercardioid Digital/Analog Shotgun Microphone for Cameras & Smartphones

Considering the Rode equivalent? Save $50 and Buy THIS..

Rode isn't the only company to have either a mini, or at least small-ish shotgun/directional microphone with USB-C output. Now, this model from Comica, Deity has one, I believe Mackie does as well? (on top of Rode having more than one). But out of those, the only one that gets close to the Rode's quality of audio, at the same size, is this Comica. The Deity we briefly owned and had some issues with it recognizing the USB port (apparently some were fine and others had issues? Though it was noticeably larger and more of a competitor to Rode's VideoMicNTG in size). Haven't tried the one from Mackie, but when you can get the versatility of this Comica for $50?? Haven't had the need to try it. Not only are you going to get the same solid performance as the Rode, but you're getting a FULL PACKAGE here. Every cable, adapter, mount, windscreen, anything you could think of, and all with a very nice hard shell carry case. I'll take this over the Rode equivalent all day. Cons: There is ONE caveat if we're splitting hairs, we heard it in a review before purchasing so we were already expecting it. But for us, on both Mac and Windows (its a Windows VM, but it's as close as I personally get on my custom rig.. suggest anyone not on Mac to start migrating to it or Linux soon, MS is not doing good things (kind of like Adobe.. we parted ways with them as well and have actually been more productive and getting more compliments. I think we'd become so adjusted to Adobe we just weren't doing anything new or fun anymore? and Windows has always been horrible for audio anyway LOL), but regardless of operating system or computer, the gain dial on the microphone itself needs to be pretty much CRANKED (or very close to it) and you still might need to boost it a little depending on where you are and what kind of processing you have going. Pros: Literally everything else, and that one con is a nitpick considering you don't even hear any kind of preamp noise or anything else when turning it up. The mic itself just feels SOLID. It's one of those pieces of gear you pick up and say OH.. wasn't expecting that.. Connects to literally ANYTHING, and we've had ALL of our devices immediately recognize and start using it, minus one and that wasn't the microphones fault. Full package deal. No need for extra Rycote mounts, windscreens, OTG cables, or anything else. It's all RIGHT HERE, and for half the price of the competition. If you don't believe me on the sound quality, we're not promoting links but there is a video review that mentions the gain dial as well, and compares it directly side by side.