No matter what, you will always need an on-camera microphone. For run-and-gun situations, on-camera mics might be your only quality audio. With a team, it might only be a back-up; yes, dual-system sound is superior, but there is no reason not to have a Plan B, if only for PluralEyes-style syncing, running directly into the camera.
But a back-up is only useful if it’s useable. When you find yourself in the edit room saying, "Man, I can’t hear that very well— what did the on-camera microphone get?" you’re going to hope you had a solid solution hooked up as your on-camera mic.
With that in mind, the Australian company RØDEcontinues to work to improve its line of on-camera microphones, including today's update of the Stereo VideoMic Pro. Originally released in 2012 and designed for stereo audio recording while mounted in the hot shoe of a dSLR, the microphone has been a very popular competitor of the Sennheiser MKE line of on-camera mics.
Today’s updates add the Rycote Lyre suspension system to further isolate the microphone from noise created by the camera or the operator. There are also new condenser capsules, a new windscreen, and a kevlar-braided cable for connection to the camera body. The Rycote Lyre, constructed from a single piece of thermoplastic and designed for superior acoustic suspension that won’t sag or snap, will also be available as an upgrade for other shock mounts in the RØDE family.
Rycote Lyre by RØDE.Credit: RØDE
Tech specs
- Rycote Lyre shock mount
- 1/2” condenser capsules
- Power and EQ controls on mic
- Two step high-pass filter (flat, 75Hz)
- Three position level control (-10db, 0, +20db)
- 100 hours of use via 9V alkaline battery
- Billeted metal 3/8” camera shoe mount
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