Rode VideoMic Pro+ Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Rode VideoMic Pro+ Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Equipped with expanded power options, extended tonal control, and a redesigned windscreen in a smaller footprint than the VideoMic Pro, the Rode VideoMic Pro+ is optimal for mobile journalists, vloggers, budget filmmakers, and run-and-gun shooters in need of a flexible camera-mount shotgun mic that's also at home on a boompole.

With versatile battery/USB power options, upgraded RF immunity, adjustable gain, and multiple clarity-enhancing features, the VideoMic Pro+ can meet the demands of videographers working in a range of indoor and outdoor environments.

This compact and lightweight shotgun microphone feature an integrated shock mount that mounts directly to your camera or boompole and reduces noise from various vibrations. The reworked windscreen design minimizes wind noise, making it well suited for outdoor shoots. The 3.5mm TRS output and detachable cable ensure proper hookup to your camera, and the selectable safety channel prevents accidental distortion by providing a duplicate audio signal at a lower level.

Whereas most built-in camera microphones pick up sound from all directions, this microphone utilises a super-cardioid polar pattern to focus on sound in front of it while attenuating sound from the sides and rear. Its low-noise electronics and sensitive condenser element deliver more detailed audio than the mics typically found in cameras and portable recorders.

A detachable straight 3.5mm cable is included for easy hookup to your camera. The microphone's 3.5mm TRS jack is wired in a dual-mono configuration, ensuring that the mic signal is sent identically to both input channels of your camera or portable recorder.

Included with the VideoMic Pro+ is the LB-1, a rechargeable and removable lithium-ion battery that provides up to 100 hours of operating time per charge. If you don't have time to recharge the LB-1, just remove it and pop in two AA batteries (available separately) instead. The built-in battery door stays attached to the mic and simplifies battery changes. You can even power the mic via a USB connection to an external battery pack or charger.

In addition to a power button, this microphone features a defeatable auto on/off function that mitigates unnecessary battery usage. When connected to the mic input of a compatible camera, the VideoMic Pro+ automatically turns on or off in response to the presence or absence of plug-in power. So, the mic shuts off when it detects a loss in power, either from powering off or disconnecting the camera.

The high-pass filter can be set to 75 Hz or 150 Hz to roll off low-frequency noise from common sources such as air conditioners and traffic. Knowing that intelligibility is crucial, Rode outfitted the VideoMic Pro+ with a selectable high-frequency boost, which enhances detail and clarity in the treble range.

To enable optimal recording levels, the VideoMic Pro+ boasts a 3-stage gain control. Like the low roll-off and high-frequency boost, the gain control is digitally switched for precision and convenience. The +20 dB setting is ideal when recording to cameras, as it boosts the signal without requiring extreme gain on the camera's inferior preamp. Select the flat setting when routing the mic into a dedicated high-quality preamp, or switch to the -10 dB option when loud sound sources threaten to distort your recording.

When source levels get unexpectedly louder, you risk overloading the recording. By pressing the power and dB buttons simultaneously, you can set the mic's right channel to output 10 dB lower than the left channel. This lets you record a safety channel and the main signal to your camera at the same time.

The main status LED uses red, blue, and green colours to indicate the current power source, charging status, and remaining operating time. Additional LEDs are allocated for indication of the safety channel, high-pass filter, high-frequency boost, and gain settings. An onboard light sensor allows it to adjust the LED brightness level in response to ambient light.

Understanding that the rubber bands used in many shock mounts can snap and stretch, Rode chose to integrate a rugged Rycote Lyre suspension-style shock mount. This simplifies the setup of the mic and inhibits the transfer of vibrations from the camera. Plus, the bottom of the shock mount features a camera shoe mount with a 3/8" thread, ensuring easy attachment to your camera or a boompole such as Rode's Micro Boompole (available separately).

The VideoMic Pro+ has an updated and optimized foam windscreen to minimize unwanted wind noise from breezes, fans, heaters, and air conditioners. For maximum reduction of wind noise in outdoor environments, consider a furry windshield such as the Rode DeadCat VMPR+ (available separately).

Expand the microphone's device compatibility with Rode accessories such as the SC4 and VXLR (both available separately). The SC4 is a short cable that lets you connect the VideoMic Pro+ directly to a smartphone or tablet equipped with a 3.5mm TRRS jack. The VXLR adapter is the ideal solution when you want to record the VideoMic Pro+ to a camcorder or mixer that has XLR inputs.