Røde recently debuted the VideoMic Go II, a sequel to their popular compact shotgun microphone and we gave it a long-term test with several reviewers (their comment in quotes below). First off, the VideoMic Go II is impossibly lightweight. At 33 grams, it almost feels like you’re holding a feather in your hand. “It’s just crazy light,” stated one reviewer, “only when I attached it to the shockmount, did it seem like I was actually using an external microphone.”
Making it compact and lightweight was Røde’s target when creating the VideoMic Go, but they wanted to expand on its versatility when developing the sequel. The technology behind the VideoMic Go II is based on the NTG5 shotgun mic, which we reviewed in 2020 and just loved.
Employing Røde’s proprietary annular line tube technology, the diminutive mic is able to capture full sound with a wide dynamic range (20Hz – 20kHz). “I was very surprised at the richness of the [VideoMic Go II], considering is size and weight…very impressive,” revealed one of our evaluators. Even better, the VideoMic Go II doesn’t require a battery and is juiced by the USB or 3.5mm connection.
With the supercardiod pattern, side rejection was notable. Røde specs the VideoMic Go II’s electret condenser with Signal-to-Noise Ratio of 79 dBA and an Equivalent Noise Level (A-Weighted) at 15 dBA. Our reviewers all agreed that the VideoMic Go II exhibited a low noise floor and provided “clean, crisp recordings” in a variety of environments. When things get challenging, such as windy, outdoor conditions, or noisy ambient settings, Røde comes through with their accessories. A quality windscreen made with high-density foam is included and fits the VideoMic Go II like a glove. If you find yourself doing field recordings, or shooting video outdoors for the most part, we highly recommend their WS12 Deluxe Windshield. Essentially, a mini Dead Cat, it works quite well and the superior construction will ensure it lasts a long time.
Speaking of accessories, this is an arena where Røde really shines. Most manufacturers don’t include must-have accessories, and when they do, they’re obviously low quality affairs. Not at Røde. The included shockmount is very well constructed and does a solid job at reducing vibrations and mitigating bumps and general jostling. When you do need to purchase an additional accessory, Røde doesn’t take advantage and charge exorbitant prices. They set an appropriate price point, so you can customize your application to your precise needs. Refreshing.
Røde VideoMic Go II Specifications & Features:
- High-quality compact shotgun microphone
- Super lightweight (just 89 grams with shotgun mount)
- No battery required to fuel condenser
- 3.5mm TRS output for use with cameras
- USB-C output for use with mobile devices (iOS and Android) and computers (macOS and Windows)
- Compatible with Røde apps
- Acoustic Principle: Pressure gradient electret condenser
- Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Output Impedance: 2K2 ohm
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 79 dBA
- Equivalent Noise Level (A-Weighted): 15 dBA
- Dynamic Range: 95 dBA Typical
- Sensitivity: -31dBV(28.78mV @ 94dB SPL) ± 1dB @ 1kHz
- Max Input: 110 dB SPL
- Output Connection: 3.5mm TRS / USB-C
- Computer Connectivity: USB-C (USB 2.0)
- Simultaneous I/O: Stereo input and output when in USB mode
- Power Requirements: 3.5mm plug-in power 2 – 5V / USB 5V
- Bit Depth: 24-bit / Sample Rate: 48 kHz
- Included Accessories: 1 x SC14 3.5mm TRS to TRS cable / 1 x Foam Windshield / 1 x SM8-R Shockmount
- Dimensions – VideoMic GO II microphone: Height: 120mm / Diameter: 21.6mm
- Dimensions – VideoMic GO II with included accessories: Length: 150mm / Width: 70mm / Height: 86mm
Røde outdid themselves with the VideoMic Go II’s connectivity. For videographers who are utilizing the VideoMic Go II as an external mic with their high-definition cameras, there is a 3.5mm TRS jack, which can be connected with the included cable. However, on the VideoMic Go II, Røde included a USB-C connection, allowing you to connect the microphone to smartphones and your computer. Even better, when using the USB-C connection, the 3.5 TRS jack now acts as an output for no-latency, headphone monitoring. “I just love how Røde ‘over-thought’ the connections on the VideoMic Go II…having the minijack act as an input and output when using USB is just brilliant.”
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If there was an overriding theme when reading the evaluations from each reviewer, it was the VideoMic Go II’s “versatility.” This really is “one portable mic to rule them all.” Røde made a savvy move to decouple the microphone from the mount, instead of the all-in-one construction of the original. This means you can employ the VideoMic Go II in a wide-variety of applications and not be restricted by the video-only form factor. Our reviewers used it as a portable field recorder, an onboard microphone with a DSLR, a computer microphone for Zoom calls, and even as a “lavalier” thanks to its small and lightweight profile. “Without the need for battery power, I’m not sure what this mic can’t do.”
“It always surprises me how decent the microphone is on my iPhone when recording unexpected environmental sounds, but after testing the VideoMic Go II, I’m going to seriously consider buying one of these and just throwing it in my pocket when I go out,” divulged one evaluator. For “gonzo recording” with a smartphone, it’s hard to beat the VideoMic Go II. But anyone who takes their social media output seriously, should also consider the VideoMic Go II to enhance the audio quality of their posts.
For $99 bucks, it’s hard to ding the VideoMic Go II on any front – you’re getting a lot of bang-for-the-buck. That said, the Movo VXR10 microphone often comes up as an alternative to the VideoMic Go II, and since it’s $60 cheaper, some folks feel it’s a better choice. Having compared the VXR10 to the VideoMic Go II, we couldn’t disagree more. First, the sound quality between the two is painfully obvious. The VXR10 doesn’t possess the body and depth of the Rode, and its cardiod pattern picks up a lot of unwanted noise and atmosphere. Second, the build quality of the Rode is vastly superior and this is also apparent in the cheapness of Movo’s included accessories. Finally, the VideoMic Go II’s USB-C connection makes this mic so incredibly versatile that the extra money is well worth the investment.
Conclusion
Røde’s VideoMic Go II is a winner. Not only for all the attributes mentioned above, but we have to give a lot of credit to Røde for the substantial and sophisticated enhancements to the original VideoMic Go. This isn’t simply a cosmetic polishing with one new feature. This is a fresh approach to a market need that pushes the VideoMic Go II into new applications and territories. Highly Recommended.
Røde VideoMic Go II Rating: 98%
Cheers:
+ Versatility
+ Value
+ Build Quality
+ Light Weight
+ Supercardiod pattern
+ Included Accessories
+ Onboard Monitoring
Jeers:
– Availability
Røde’s VideoMic Go II costs $99.99 and will be available shortly.
The Future: The only thing that our evaluators could come up with was a designated carrying case to protect the VideoMic Go II. The request would be a low-profile, slim form factor to maintain the compact size and light weight.
