The Versatile VD-Mic Shotgun Microphone Is Only $59

The RØDE VideoMicro is a tough microphone to beat for its compact size and price point. Godox has introduced the VD-Mic, putting it in direct competition at the same $59 price tag. 

The VD-Mic is a lightweight and compact directional shotgun microphone, offering improved sound quality to your recording over the on-board microphone found on your camera or smartphone. The inexpensive microphone is ideal for vlogging, livestreaming, and other close proximity video work where quality audio is necessary. 

At 3.1" (8 cm) and 40g, the VD-Mic is light enough to mount to any compact camera or pair with a smartphone or tablet, as it includes both TRS and TRRS cables in the box.

One shortcoming when using it with a smartphone in comparison to the RØDE VideMic ME, which plugs directly into a phone without any cable management, is that the VD-Mic will need to be attached to a 1/4-20" mount, either in a rig or other capacity. That said, the 3.5mm input design is our preference, like the VideoMicro or the slightly more expensive Deity V-Mic, as it offers more value in terms of versatility. 

Spec-wise, the VD-Mic is comparable to the RØDE VideoMicro as it has a frequency range of 100-20kHz and a cardioid pickup pattern that will reject rear sounds while recording. Like the RØDE version, it also comes with a Rycote shock mount to prevent unwanted handling noise, a foam windshield, and a furry for noisy environments. 

The Godox VD-Mic is available now for $59. The company also makes an inexpensive WMicS1 UHF wireless system ($249) and a WH-M1 ($129) wireless handheld microphone with a very respectable range.