Audio For Film 101: Which Video Microphone Is Best For You - RØDE VideoMic Comparison

Released 06 Sep 2019, Last Updated 21 Mar 2022

RØDE VideoMics are the perfect on-camera microphones for a huge range of filmmaking applications. From vloggers to professional videographers, there’s something in the range to suit everyone’s creative needs. But if you’re a filmmaker, there’s a good chance you’ve been faced with the task of deciding what mic best suits your craft – and this can be daunting with so many options to choose from. Below we’re going to be looking at our VideoMic range, explaining what each mic is, what their features are, and why certain mics might be suitable for you.

A Note on Shared Features of all VideoMics

So we don’t go on repeating ourselves below, it’s worth noting that all RØDE VideoMics share some specs and features. Firstly, they all feature professional-grade Rycote Lyre shock mounting for reducing handling noise. Virtually indestructible, Rycote Lyre will never sag, snap, or wear out. The suspension structure is composed of a hard-wearing thermoplastic and is far more effective at minimising unwanted vibrations and handling or cable-borne noise than standard elastic suspensions. All of the mics come with standard accessories, such as cabling and quality windshields for recording in less than ideal environments. And all of our VideoMics are built using the highest quality components in our state-of-the-art facility in Sydney, Australia, and come with our industry-renowned warranty.

With that out of the way, let's take a look at what makes each one unique and why you might choose one over another. 

VideoMicro

The VideoMicro is an ultra-compact on-camera microphone, perfect for filmmakers who need to be fast and nimble. It is the smallest offering in the VideoMic range and it’s also the most affordable.

What Are the Key Features?

• Ultra-compact design – it weighs just 42g and measures just 80mm long, which makes it perfect for run and gun filmmakers, vloggers, and more.
• Cardioid polar pattern – unlike the rest of the range, the VideoMicro features a cardioid polar pattern, making it a little less directional than the other VideoMics and delivering a more natural sound when recording indoors.
• No battery required – rather, it runs on plugin power delivered directly from your camera or recording device (you can read more about different types of power here).
• Finished in high-grade ceramic anti-glare black coating.

Why Would You Choose It?

The VideoMicro is the perfect microphone for vloggers, run and gun filmmakers, travel videographers – anyone looks for a compact, lightweight mic that will elevate their sound significantly above what most cameras deliver. It’s the perfect companion for small DLSRs, compacts cameras like a GoPro, or smartphone rigs. The cardioid polar pattern also makes the VideoMicro a good option for filmmakers looking for an affordable mic that delivers a more open, less directional sound. Most shotgun mics and other video microphones feature a super- or hyper-cardioid polar pattern, so the VideoMicro is a useful addition to any kit bag.

VideoMic GO

The VideoMicro’s bigger brother, the VideoMic GO is another lightweight option for vloggers and run and gun filmmakers. It is also very affordable and is dead-simple to operate – designed to be ready to record whenever you need to go.

What Are the Key Features?

• Compact design – the VideoMic GO is larger than the VideoMicro, measuring 167mm long, making it more akin to a classic shotgun mic. This also means it’s a little heavier at 73g, though this is still very light.
• Super-cardioid polar pattern – delivering a more directional audio image, focusing on sound from the front, while rejecting sound from the sides.
• No battery required – the VideoMic GO also runs on plugin power from your camera or recording device.
• No complicated switching, making the VideoMic GO very easy to operate.

Why Would You Choose It?

The VideoMic GO is also a great option for vloggers, run and gun filmmakers, or anyone looking for a simple, compact on-camera mic. So, why would you pick the VideoMic Go over the VideoMicro? The key difference is the super-cardioid polar pattern, which is more ideal for recording dialogue and other situations where you want to isolate your sound source from distracting background noise. Being longer and slightly heavier, the VideoMic GO may also be bulky on some smaller camera or smartphone rigs, so if you shoot on these formats, consider choosing the Micro. That being said, the tighter directionality of the VideoMic GO makes it more suitable for use with a boompole or for recording a voiceover at home, making it a very versatile mic in its price range.

VideoMic GO II

Like the original VideoMic GO, the VideoMic GO II offers superb sound quality while being very simple to use, but it also has a few tricks up it's sleeve that make it extremely powerful and versatile. It’s ultra-lightweight and packed with innovative next-gen features that make it a fantastic addition to every content creators kit.

What Are the Key Features?

• Revolutionary acoustic design that delivers unmatched transparency and a rich, full-bodied sound 
• 3.5mm TRS output for use with cameras and USB-C output for use with smartphones, tablets and computers
• Ultra-lightweight (just 89 grams) and compact, making it highly portable and useful in a wide range of content creation applications 
• Incredibly easy to use – powered by your device meaning no batteries required and no complicated switches or controls – just plug it in and go
• Compatible with RØDE apps for accessing advanced features, powerful audio processing, and studio-quality recording on any device

Why Would You Choose It?

The VideoMic GO II expands on the legacy of the original VideoMic GO by taking its well-renowned features into the next generation. It has both a 3.5mm TRS output for capturing high-quality audio with a camera, as well as a USB output for plugging directly into smartphones, tablets and computers, making it a super versatile choice for content creators of all kinds. The VideoMic GO II is also compatible with the entire RØDE app suite including RØDE Connect for recording professional-quality podcasts and RØDE Central for unlocking powerful DSP when being used in USB mode, including a high-pass filter, high-frequency boost pad and more.

The VideoMic GO II mounted on the SmartGrip connected to a smartphone

VideoMic NTG

The VideoMic NTG is an extremely versatile compact shotgun microphone that offers more features than any other product in its class. Not only is it an incredible on-camera microphone that is ideal for a wide variety of filmmaking applications, but it also has a USB output for plugging directly into computers. This allows the VideoMic NTG to be used as a fully-featured USB microphone, complete with headphone output and level control.

What Are the Key Features?

• Revolutionary design that delivers unmatched transparency and a natural, uncoloured sound.
• Variable gain control that allows you to precisely adjust the mic’s output, from mic level to line level to headphone level.
• Auto-sensing 3.5mm output automatically switches between TRS and TRRS
• Digital switching – controls high-pass filter, - 20dB pad, high-frequency boost, and safety channel.
• In-built rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides 30+ hours of recording. Charges via USB-C in just 2 hours.
• Compatible with RØDE apps for accessing advanced features, powerful audio processing, and studio-quality recording on any device

Why Would You Choose It?

The VideoMic NTG is so much more than just an on-camera mic. With its high-quality shock mounting, sliding cold shoe rail, and integrated cable management, it’s perfectly at home atop any DSLR or mirrorless camera. But it’s also light and compact enough for use with smartphone rigs and small cameras and rugged enough to be used on a boom pole or pistol grip on-location, and it can be used on a desktop as a USB mic.

Whether it's podcasting, filmmaking, gaming, livestreaming, content creating – you name it, the VideoMic NTG is a do-it-all, Swiss Army Knife microphone that is capable of handling anything thrown at it. The VideoMic NTG is also compatible with RØDE Connect, a simple and powerful software solution for livestreaming and podcasting, allowing you to connect up to 4 VideoMic NTG's for a fully-fledged podcasting or streaming setup.

The VideoMic NTG connected to a tablet

VideoMic

The original VideoMic! This is the one that started it all, and although it has gone through a few iterations as more mics have been added to the range, at its core it's the same high-quality video mic it was when we released it in 2004.

What Are the Key Features?

• Super-cardioid polar pattern – delivering more directional audio, focusing on sound from the front while rejecting sound from the sides.
• -10dB and -20dB gain pad to help ensure you don’t overload your camera’s preamp when recording loud sound sources.
• Selectable high-pass filter (at 80hz) for reducing rumbling noise.
• Runs on 9v battery.

Why Would You Choose It?

The VideoMic is a great option for filmmakers who like the compact size of the VideoMic GO but are looking for more options to work with. Where the VideoMic GO is designed with simplicity in mind, the VideoMic’s gain pad and high-pass filter offer greater flexibility when recording. If you only shoot indoors in a stable acoustic environment, these controls may not be of much use to you. But if you often shoot outdoors where traffic or wind noise can plague your recordings, the high-pass filter will come in handy; or if you often record in loud environments, the gain pad will be very useful. These features need more volts to operate than plug-in power can provide, hence the need for a 9V battery. The drawback? A heavier mic (171g vs the 73g VideoMic GO). Again, this is still quite light, but it’s something to consider when making your decision.

VideoMic Pro

Now we’re getting to the top end of the range. The VideoMic Pro is the industry standard in on-camera microphones and one of our best-selling mics, a great option for recording both primary and reference audio in a wide range of filmmaking and broadcast applications. 

What Are the Key Features?

• Super-cardioid polar pattern.
• Ultra low-noise operation – resulting in cleaner, clearer audio.
• Higher sensitivity.
• Compact form factor – 150mm long and just 85g, which is extremely light for such a feature-rich mic.
• 3-position gain control – including a +20dB boost, which is perfect for use with DSLR cameras, allowing you to turn down your camera level, effectively reducing the amount of noise generated by the camera's comparatively low-quality preamp.
• High-pass filter (at 80hz) for reducing rumbling noise.
• Runs off 9V battery.

Why Would You Choose It?

As the name suggests, the VideoMic Pro is ideal for filmmakers looking for a more professional-grade microphone. While it does come in at a higher price point than the VideoMic, it packs in loads of new features that are very useful. The updated capsule and circuitry deliver broadcast-quality audio that will sound incredible in any filmmaking scenario. The option to switch on a +20dB boost allows you greater freedom when recording quieter sounds such as Foley or dialogue, giving you a clean and detailed audio image without any hiss or background noise from your camera’s preamp. It’s also incredibly light at just 85g, making it ideal for use on long shoots or as a boom mic.

VideoMic Pro+

The VideoMic Pro+ is the top of the VideoMic range, a feature-packed mic that can be found in the hands of some of the world’s most respected filmmakers and content creators. It offers the same handy features found in the VideoMic Pro, including the updated capsule and circuitry, as well as some useful pro features.

What Are The Key Features?

• Super-cardioid polar pattern
• Ultra low-noise operation
• Higher sensitivity
• Digital switching – controls 2-stage high-pass filter, 3-stage gain control
• Removable cable for increased flexibility when connecting to different recording equipment
• High frequency boost – enhancing detail and clarity in your recordings, ideal for when you are using a deadcat windshield.
• Safety channel ­– a switch that engages a second audio channel recorded at -10dB. This is super helpful if you are recording a sound source that fluctuates in volume. If the sound gets too loud and begins to distort, the safety channel (recorded at a lower volume) will always be there as a backup.
• Automatic power function – detects when the mic is unplugged from your camera, turning the power off to help conserve battery life
• More power options – the VideoMic Pro+ can be powered with the included LB-1 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery via microUSB, offering a massive 100+ hours or charge or continue charge on-the-go using a portable power pack. It can also be powered by two AA batteries.
• LED indicator – for keeping track of power source and charging status.
• Optimised windshield shape – for more effective reduction of wind noise.

Why Would You Choose It?

The VideoMic Pro+ performs brilliantly in a wide range of filmmaking scenarios. It has been designed to offer maximum flexibility, with features that will ensure you can record broadcast-quality audio in just about any situation in the field, in the studio, anywhere. If you’re a filmmaker looking for a do-it-all video mic that is compact, rugged, affordable and sounds incredible, this is for you.

Stereo VideoMic Pro

Comparing our stereo VideoMics to the mono VideoMics above is a little tricky as they are inherently different microphones. In a nutshell, our stereo VideoMics feature two capsules – arranged in an XY configuration – that capture two channels of audio, representing a more natural-sounding audio image akin to what our ears hear. Stereo mics are ideal for recording natural ambience, live music, immersive broadcast audio, sports and more. We have two mics in the range: the Stereo VideoMic Pro and Stereo VideoMic X.

Like its mono sibling, the VideoMic Pro, the Stereo VideoMic Pro is the industry standard in on-camera stereo audio capture. It even shares a similar feature set.

What Are The Key Features?

• Pair of high-quality ½-inch condenser capsules arranged in an XY configuration – captures an accurate soundscape in any environment.
• Ultra lightweight, compact form factor – just 116g, which not a whole lot heavier than the VideoMic Pro and will sit just fine atop any DLSR camera.
• High-pass filter (at 75hz) for reducing rumbling noise.
• 3-position gain control (-10dB, 0, +20dB) – which is particularly useful if you are using the mic to record live music or other loud sound sources.
• Runs off 9V battery – over 100 hours from a single battery.

Why Would You Use It?

Stereo mics are ideal for capturing a more natural soundscape, closer to what we hear rather than what you have your camera pointed at. They are a useful addition to any filmmaker’s kit bag. If you find yourself needing to record ambience for a scene – atmospheric nature sounds, the natural reverberation of a space, or a crowd at a show – a stereo mic is what you need, and the Stereo VideoMic Pro is an excellent option.

Stereo VideoMic X

The Stereo VideoMic X is the ultimate broadcast-grade stereo microphone for on-camera use. Like the VideoMic Pro+, it is packed with professional features and controls, with a couple of tricks up its sleeve that you won’t find on its mono counterpart.

What Are The Key Features?

• Rugged aluminium construction – it is incredibly robust and can handle regular use in the field, even in the most rigorous recording situations, but is still lightweight enough to never be a burden on-set.
• 3.5mm minijack or balanced mini XLR output for connection to professional field recorders.
• High-pass filter (75hz, 150hz)
• High frequency boost – perfect for enhancing detail and clarity in your recordings, especially when using a deadcat windshield
• 3-position gain control (-10dB, 0, +20dB)
• Runs off 9V battery (30 hours battery) or 48V phantom power (for continuous recording).
• Rugged dome windshield – similar to RØDE’s award-winning Blimp.

Why Would You Use It?

Like the VideoMic Pro+, the Stereo VideoMic X is designed to offer maximum flexibility when shooting in the field, with an array of features that will ensure your audio is always broadcast-grade. One of the most important features is the XLR outputs, which allow you to output to an external recording device rather than your camera. This will significantly improve the quality of your audio, as these will have better preamps and more features. At 300g, the Stereo VideoMic X is heavier than the Stereo VideoMic Pro and is better suited for use with professional camera rigs rather than handheld DSLRs. It is the perfect mic for critical recordings – nature documentaries, music performances and sports broadcasts, and much more.

As you can see, there are a lot of options to consider when choosing a RØDE VideoMic. Some of the mics in the range are vastly different from others and may not be relevant to you – it’s unlikely you’d need a Stereo VideoMic X to record your vlogs! But others are quite similar. Take a moment to think about what features you need, what you don’t, and what your budget is to make your decision. They are all excellent mics, so it really comes down to what you need. And if you find yourself in a variety of scarious in the field, there might be multiple VideoMics that are suitable ­– you can never have too much gear!

Check out our range of VideoMics here.