Well, content creators, it looks like our Australian friends at RØDE have leveraged their head start on the new year to ready an exciting new tool for run-and-gun productions in 2022: the VideoMic GO II, an updated version of the incredibly popular on-camera directional shotgun microphone. This new version expands the mic’s versatility by adding a USB port for digital compatibility with computers, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices, and it integrates many design elements from RØDE’s successful VideoMic NTG.
The terrific feature set that made the original VideoMic GO such a hit with on-the-go video makers is still onboard, including a small, lightweight design and shockmount to help absorb vibrations and reduce handling noise.
This version, however, improves the shockmount by upgrading to the same suspension-style design, with sliding rail and built-in cable management, used on the VideoMic NTG. It attaches easily to your camera’s cold shoe and features a 3/8" thread on the bottom for boompole mounting.
The supercardioid polar pattern gives the VideoMic GO II a very tight pick-up pattern that focuses audio capture on the subject at the end of the mic barrel. This provides video makers with a directional, on-camera solution that delivers much better sound than the omnidirectional mics built into many cameras and mobile devices. A foam windscreen is provided to help reduce wind noise for clearer recordings.
For outdoor shoots, the WS12 Deluxe Windshield (available separately) uses open-cell foam and synthetic fur to provide professional-grade wind and plosive reduction; a synthetic rubber seal keeps wind out of unused sockets.
The electret-condenser capsule operates on plug-in power from your camera or USB bus power from your phone, tablet, or computer. A flat, tangle-resistant cable (the SC14) is included to connect the mic’s 3.5mm output to a 3.5mm camera or device input. Cables to connect the USB port to your mobile device for a digital audio connection are available separately, including the SC15 and the SC16 cables for Lightning and USB Type-C devices, respectively.
If you’re using the USB connection to your recording device, the 3.5mm jack can also be used for real-time monitoring, helping to ensure you’re getting good results in the field. The USB port also means that the VideoMic GO II works with RØDE Connect software, so you can even use it as a USB audio interface for a wide variety of applications including podcasting and streaming.
Questions or thoughts about RØDE’s new VideoMic GO II? Let us know, in the Comments section, below!
0 Comments