It has been a staple of videographers, YouTubers and vloggers for years, but the Røde VideoMic Pro has just got all grown up. Launched at the Røde Show 2017 event in Las Vegas, the new Røde VideoMic Pro+ adds a load of advanced new features that should make it the new standard for camera mounted mics. We sent Lok Cheung along to the event to find out more about the new microphone - watch his video preview above.
So what exactly are the new features? To start the VideoMic Pro+ has a 75Hz and 150Hz high-pass filter, and a -10/+20 decibel output level selection. To help the sound quality the windshield has been redesigned, and the mic capsule has been repositioned to help reduce the effect of any vibrations.
Click here to read more about the Røde VideoMic Pro+ and the VideoMic SoundField
Røde has finally got rid of the 9v battery. The new VideoMic Pro+ uses two AA batteries, but it also has a new removable LB1 lithium-ion battery. This new battery promises up to 100 hours of use, and it can be recharged via a MicroUSB connection in around 2 hours. And, to make sure that you save power, the VideoMic Pro+ will also detect when it is plugged in to a camera, and automatically turn the mic on and off. So gone are the days of forgetting to switch the microphone on when you hit record on the camera!
RØDEShow 2017 New Product Releases from RØDE Microphones on Vimeo.
Røde VideoMic Pro+ : Connectivity
The final key new feature is that the VideoMic Pro+ has a rear-mounted 3.5mm jack socket. This allows for a variety of different cables to be connected, so you can use a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable for camera or sound recorder connection, or a 3.5mm jack to TRRS jack for use with a smartphone. And of course you can use a 3.5mm to XLR jack for external recorders.
Overall the improvements on the handling and usability of new Røde VideoMic Pro+, such as the addition of the rechargeable battery and choice of cables, should mean that it becomes the number one choice for accessory shoe mounted microphones.
There is currently no word on pricing or availability, but we expect it to be on sale in the next couple of months.
When it is available the Røde VideoMic Pro+ will be available for hire from HireACamera.com
