The Rode VideoMic Pro has been the staple of vloggers and YouTubers the world over since its initial release. It’s also extremely handy as an on-camera mic to get a good track in camera to let you more easily sync footage to a master audio track in post. But the VideoMic Pro is not perfect. Rode listened to feedback from its customers about the VideoMic Pro and last year announced the VideoMic Pro Plus. We had the opportunity to see one side-by-side against its predecessor recently at The Photography Show, and chat with the guys about the differences and advantages that Plus offers.
Separate control for output levelsAutomatic safety channel creationTwo stage high pass filter at 75 & 150HzHigh frequency shelfDetachable 3.5mm socket allows use with both cameras and TRRS phone socketsLocking 3.5mm connector to prevent cables from being accidentally pulled outImproved microfibre windshieldRedesigned power system & battery housingImproved battery life with 2xAA batteriesRØDE LB1 LiIon battery pack with in-mic chargingContinuous external power via USB socketAutomatic power system to turn it on or off with the camera (as well as manual on/off)
For me, that last one should be the headline feature. That it automatically turns itself off when you turn the camera off is huge. No more will you turn on your camera to find out that your battery’s dead because you forgot to turn your microphone off (something I see far too often in vlogs). This single feature alone is worth the upgrade for anybody who vlogs.
But the redesigned housing, Lithium Ion battery improved life when using regular AA batteries, and also the option of USB power are also a big deal. If you power your camera from USB, too, with something like the Tether Tools Case Relay, then it’s simply a case of adding a second cable for the microphone and it’ll go for as long as your camera. The high pass filter, detachable and locking 3.5mm socket, separate control for output levels and the automatic safety channel are also very nice features to help minimise problems. The safety channel will be extremely handy for those shooting run & gun who don’t always have time to adjust their audio levels before hitting record. Overall, it’s a fantastic improvement over the VideoMic Pro. If you already have the VideoMic Pro, you’ll have to judge for yourself whether it’s worth paying the extra. But if you don’t and you’ve been thinking about an on-camera mic, I’d definitely go for the VideoMic Pro Plus over its predecessor. The Rode VideoMic Pro Plus is available to buy now for $319.99. If you want to check out some of the other things we saw during The Photography Show, have a look at these…
