Your Guide to the Best RØDE Microphones

RØDE NTG5 

The NTG5 is a short, ultra-lightweight shotgun microphone ideal for use in the most demanding recording applications. Featuring a revolutionary acoustic design with circular ports replacing the linear slots found in other shotgun mics, it offers unmatched transparency and a more natural, uncolored sound. Combined with a tightly controlled frequency response, smooth off-axis response, and very low self-noise (just 10dBA), the NTG5 sounds spectacular in a wide variety of applications, particularly location recording and demanding filmmaking scenarios where superlative audio is the imperative. No excuses.

The NTG5 is a boom operator’s dream, weighing a mere 76g and measuring just over 20cm, making it ideal for use on long, demanding shoots. It features RF-bias circuitry to ensure reliable performance in adverse environments, with excellent resistance to high humidity, severe cold, dampness, and dust. And it comes with a WS10 deluxe windshield, PG2-R pistol grip, and other accessories—the perfect location recording kit.

VideoMic NTG 

When you need a microphone with versatility, the VideoMic NTG is the perfect solution. Not only can it be used shotgun, but it can be paired with DSLRs, mirrorless, and smartphones as an on-camera mic, or with a pistol grip. It's also a fully-featured USB microphone that can be plugged into a computer, tablet, or smartphone. On top of that, the 3.5mm jack doubles as a headphone output for seamless monitoring of audio while using the USB output. 

On-Camera Microphones 

If you own a mirrorless or DSLR camera, the quality of the internal microphone may not be great. Even when speaking in close proximity it can pick up the surrounding environment, making the audio hard to understand. By mounting a microphone on top of the camera, it will dramatically improve the audio. RØDE has a number of solutions for cameras as well as smartphones to step up your game. 

VideoMic Pro+ 

The RØDE VideoMic Pro+ is a new addition to the best-in-market on-camera category. It is a true shotgun microphone designed for use with camcorders, DSLR cameras, and portable audio recorders as a source of primary and reference audio.

Equipped with a Rycote Lyre suspension, it improves on the existing VideoMic Pro capsule/line tube and windshield. The Automatic Power Function is ideal for the run-and-gun shooter as it automatically turns the microphone off when unplugged from the camera. The microphone also features digital switching to ensure the user has ultimate capture of the audio signal at the source, reducing post-production and editing times.

On top of that, there's a 2-stage high pass filter to reduce low frequencies such as rumble from traffic or air conditioning. A 3-stage gain control features up to +20dB function designed to improve audio quality on DSLR or mirrorless cameras, while the high frequency boost will boost high frequencies enhancing detail and clarity in the recording. Better yet, the VideoMic Pro+ can be powered by the all-new and included RØDE LB-1 Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery, 2 x AA Batteries, or continuously via micro USB.

VideoMicro 

If size is important, the VideoMicro is worth considering, especially to improve the audio quality of smartphones. The compact mic is designed to improve the audio quality of your videos by incorporating a high-quality cardioid condenser microphone capsule for great quality audio recordings when used with a wide range of cameras. 

A directional microphone, the VideoMicro reduces distracting peripheral sounds and focuses on the audio in front of the camera. Its pickup is more forgiving than RØDE’s other on-camera microphones providing a more natural sound when recording indoors. Perfect for capturing incredible audio to accompany inspiring vision. The microphone body is made from aluminum, giving it a high level of RF rejection. 

The VideoMicro is very user-friendly as there are no switches or batteries to worry about—just plug in and go. 

Vlogger Kit

The Vlogger Kit is available for iOS and USB-C devices and there's also an option for universal phones with a 3.5mm input.

Both the iOS Vlogger Kit and USB-C edition comes with the VideoMic Me, tripod, phone grip, LED, and accessories. The Universal Kit comes with the VideoMicro instead as well as the same accessories. 

Whether you’re just starting out vlogging or looking to add another level of quality to your videos, the Vlogger Kit is the perfect solution.

Wireless 

There are several benefits to wireless audio, and the most beneficial one is that you can record audio at distance without compromising quality. RØDE has several wireless kits geared towards different types of creators including a Filmmaker Kit, Newsshooter Kit, and Performer Kit. The Filmmaker Kit is the perfect choice for the professional user. 

Filmmaker Kit 

The RØDELink Filmmaker Kit provides everything you need to start shooting video wirelessly, including a receiver, transmitter, and broadcast-grade lavalier microphone.

The receiver (RX-CAM) features an OLED display with information on level, battery status (receiver and transmitter), mute, and channel selection. The unit can be mounted on a standard camera shoe mount, 3/8" thread, or belt-clip, and for added versatility, the shoe mount can be located in one of two positions. The lightweight transmitter (TX-BELT) can be fitted to a belt or clothing and features a locking thread to ensure the microphone connection is as secure as possible. RØDE also includes an omnidirectional lavalier in the kit to provide the highest possible audio reproduction quality.

The system runs off RØDE's Series II 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption. Something unique about the wireless is that it's able to constantly monitor and hop between frequencies to maintain the strongest possible signal level at a range of up to 100 meters (over 100 yards) in a straight line of sight. 

Wireless Go

The Wireless GO is an ultra-compact digital wireless microphone system that is unique in its clip’n’go versatility, incredibly compact form-factor, and unmatched price accessibility. It’s the perfect wireless mic solution for content creators in all disciplines: filmmakers, on-camera presenters, newsgatherers, vloggers, and more.

Available in black or white, the system comes with a receiver and transmitter that has a built-in microphone.

The wireless operates using a 2.4GHz digital wireless transmission with 128-bit encryption designed to deliver crystal clear audio under any conditions. The internal omnidirectional condenser microphone delivers broadcast-quality sound and the transmitter can be easily clipped on to the clothing of your talent. The transmitter also has a 3.5mm input that allows you to use the Lavalier Go for even more versatility. 

With a rechargeable internal battery, you can expect up to seven hours on a full charge, including a battery-saver mode to take your Wireless GO on the go. 

No Film School's podcast and editorial coverage of the Sound Week 2020 is sponsored by RØDE.