Introduction
The Rode Stereo VideoMic is a versatile microphone that’s perfect for capturing high-quality audio in various recording situations. In this review, we’ll delve into the microphone’s features, performance, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
- Sturdy construction: The Stereo VideoMic boasts a robust build, ensuring durability in the long run.
- Compact and lightweight: Its portable design makes it easy to carry around, ideal for on-the-go recording.
Sound Quality
- Crystal clear audio: The microphone captures audio with exceptional clarity and fidelity.
- Stereo recording: With its dual-capsule design, it delivers a true stereo sound, adding depth to your recordings.
- Low noise: It minimizes background noise well, resulting in clean, professional audio.
Ease of Use
- Plug and play: The Stereo VideoMic is incredibly user-friendly, requiring no complex setup.
- Powered by the camera: It doesn’t need additional batteries, drawing power from your camera.
- Integrated shock mount: Reduces handling noise for smoother recordings.
Versatility
- Suitable for various applications: Whether you’re filming interviews, live music, or nature scenes, this microphone adapts to any situation.
- Directional pickup: Its cardioid polar pattern focuses on the sound source, reducing unwanted noise from the sides.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Durable construction
- Compact and light
- Easy to use
- Versatile for different recording scenarios
- No need for batteries
- Integrated shock mount for reduced handling noise
Cons
- Limited reach: It’s ideal for close recording but may not capture distant sounds well.
- No windscreen: You may need to buy one for outdoor use.
Conclusion
The Rode Stereo VideoMic is an impressive microphone that offers excellent sound quality, a durable build, and versatility for various recording situations. It’s a good choice for content creators and videographers. While it has some limitations in terms of range and gadgets, its many advantages make it a valuable addition to your recording gear.
Kevin –
Very nice build and sound quality. I’ve had no issues thus far. The plus 20 boost is really awesome
Will Long –
The first mic I received had unbalanced capsules. The right channel was much louder than the left (I had to put my ear up to my speaker to hear that it was even working at all), and didn’t seem to change based on where the sound was coming from. The audio quality/range overall was unimpressive. After requesting an exchange, the second mic I got is balanced, however it has the same low-end recording quality. It sounds muffled, like it’s missing a chunk of mid-high range frequencies and just overall clarity. I haven’t put it on a spectrum analyzer or done any other comparisons, so I can’t provide exact numbers, it’s just seat-of-the-pants with a bit of experience.I also haven’t had any other Rode mics, so I don’t have a basis for comparison with their other items but this one at this price point is absolutely unimpressive. I thought Rode mics were meant to be pro-level but it’s hard to tell the difference between this and a cheap lav mic. I was hoping to use this as a multipurpose mic, recording live music, interviews, and car audio. Unfortunately I think it will be relegated to only non-essential car audio/b-roll.
davubu –
Easy to operate and provides great audio on my D750. I appreciate that I can listen to the recording level. I recorded a friend playing guitar in the outdoors and got a great recording.
one bad cat –
I’ve been using Rode microphones for a decade, but when I decided to replace my previous model, I was dismayed to find out that the right channel wasn’t working on the new one – it would pick up very loud sounds, but nothing more. I took the microphone apart, and lo and behold – a pretty lousy soldering job, with one of the microphone wires just dangling there.Normally, I’d write this off, but there are several other reviews complaining of the same problem with one of the channels being shot and barely audible. So while these are very good microphones, I think their QA really isn’t what you’d expect for a premium product like this.
Nate in Florida –
expensive, kind of bulky, 9 volt battery, learning curve. excellent sound quality I wish I had bought this sooner
Sol 솔 –
One side of the mic stopped working immediately. I then bought the more expensive Rode Stereo VideoMic X, and it happened again, one side stopped working after 6 months! Now Rode says they have discontinued it and don’t have parts to repair it…even though it is under warranty. Clearly Rode has a problem; this is low-end consumer junk not build for even delicate real world use.I’d buy the Sennheiser stereo mic, or invest in a real pro-grade mic.
Amazon Customer –
This microphone does not work reliably. If you move your camera during use, you get operation sounds that ruin the audio. I sent my original back to Rode and they replaced it; the replacement did the same thing. The microphone is good; it just doesn’t function reliably when mounted on a camera–meaning it is essentially useless and a big waste of money.
David Huting –
Very disappointed in this microphone, especially for the price. The wind screen they sell for it DOES NOT WORK, and when filming outside this microphone pics up wind noise/distortion anytime there is even the slightest breeze, making the audio unusable. If you are looking for high quality nature sounds, look elsewhere.
Leslie –
Does the job, and That is all you can ask of these types of goods. Sound is almost as good as the Zoom H series mics I was used to, but I wanted the audio to go straight into the camera, so tried this mic. I use a Rode dead-kitten on mine, and this has to fit over the foam, rather than replace the foam.It’s audio quality is at least equal to the competition, the X-Y stereo is brilliant.The mic moves a bit on the Rycote stabilizer, but i’ve not picked up any handling nose yet.I tried it out at a Rail station attached to a Panasonic HC-VX1 camcorder at different settings, see video attached.
Hausmetzger –
Richtige gutes Mikrofon!Das ist, was man von einem Rode erwartet. Ich verwende es auf meiner DSLR für YouTube Videos und bin rundum zufrieden.