Shure VP83 vs Rode VideoMic Pro

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[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Dave, always good to hear about other options!

[@MrTORISSIMO]

This must be one of the most detailed and informative videos on shotgun mics I have seen. Thank you for this awesome video!

[@DjsVideoProductions]

Thanks Dave! Glad I purchased the Rode. I thought I was subbed to you. Whoops! I just did. Thanks for all the reviews. I received the Gh4 2 weeks ago and never thought about updating the firmware until I went on your blog page. Learning a lot from you and glad you take the time to do great tutorials and reviews. Going to use your link to B and H for future purchase to help support your very informative channel... Thanks again..

[@DaveDugdaleColorado]

DjsProductions Hey thanks for the support!

[@NathanBLawrence]

I switched to the Shure about two months ago and I haven't looked back. It's so small that I can fit it in my bag very easily, and it's so durable that that I don't have to worry about treating it gently when it's in there. I agree that the rejection on the Shure is also better, and I find the way it reproduces sound in general to be a little more pleasing. That said, I always just found the VideoMic to be just a tad bass-y for my taste. I do a lot of extra audio work in post as well, so having something that seemed to gather more data, albeit not necessarily as cinematic-sound out of the box, was appealing to me.

[@sharedknowledge6640]

Another great review but I think the Shure sounds more natural and crisp. Rode has their signature upper bass/lower midrange emphasis and I get some like that. But if you were used to the Shure, and one day switched to the Rode, it could easily sound kind of "tubby" or "muddy" in comparison. The Shure sounds more like a similar priced Audio Technica or Sennheiser mic--it's arguably the Rode that is deviating from the norm. You normally want a camera lens and sensor that accurately represents the image. If you want to doctor up image quality most prefer to do it in post--not have their camera screw up every image for them. So it's sort of odd to me some people prefer microphones that are the equivalent of a camera that say tints everything orange or visibly softens every image. Rode seems to be one of those brands that many people buy because of the brand rather than the performance--much like Beats headphones. There are far better headphones available for similar money but they don't have the same cool factor. And, in this case, I think the Shure, AT, Sennheiser, or Azden are all more accurate than a similarly priced Rode but they don't have that huge Rode logo on the foam cover.

[@BasicFilmmaker]

Agreed. I think when it comes down to it, the Rode sounds better. Thanks for the review.

[@scotlandish4718]

thanks for the comment

[@diegocortes8645]

Wow Dave you have the best comparisons and reviews. You are very thorough.

[@Bicyclechris]

Yet another great in-depth product review. I think you will enjoy the Windows 10 Tech preview, it remains fast and efficient like 8.1, but we get our beloved start menu back (sort of), as well as removed the pull-out charms from the left-side of the screen. I've been on the preview build for a while, (working at MS) and I can tell you that overall, it is very solid. I've never run into any major issues, and driver compatibility has been seamless. There are some new bells and whistles in regard to voice-activated search, and some of the new UI takes a bit of getting used to, but keep in mind that the software is still in a beta state. Good luck with your OS upgrade, and keep up the great work.

[@DaveDugdaleColorado]

Thanks, so far it looks good, just started using it last night.

[@JayWandersOut]

That 9V versus AA would make up my mind.

[@DanBrokenfor]

I decided on the VP83F a few months back as it comes with a separate controllable headphone output which is really useful for getting live sound to a person operating a boom, for instance. No need to run a cable back from the camera so that they can hear etc. The sound comparison to me at the end wasn't shockingly bad for the Shure, if anything it just had a crisper and more pronounced top end, nothing that couldn't be changed in post with some eq. I'm listening through my studio monitors just in case anyone wonders. I always post process the sound anyway with compression, EQ and if necessary gating and limiting, so to adjust the high roll-off wouldn't be much of a problem for me. I would also say that the Canon 5D3 preamp in the camera isn't that great dealing with crisp top end sound, so this may have contributed. Anyway, thanks for the comparison Dave!

[@FenchelJanisch2]

Interesting kind of mic test! Keep it up, Dave!

[@Itsmellslikehonor]

+Fenchel & Janisch Love your channel Fenchel, watched a lot of videos before buying my 1st DSLR :p

[@DonivDecap]

An incredible review. Thank you so much for this. Would love to see more reviews done this in-depth!

[@tebasak1]

Thanks to you, I'm going with the Shure. Very through review, and excellent tests. You sold me.

[@sonic_exe3044]

Why is your circletoons HD’s Playlist

[@BongRecords]

Excellent Review. I am really into recording music and voiceover, but you know, people thinks that because you own microphones, it's gonna be the same stuff in the wide area of film making, this gave me a clue. I've been doing research aaaall day. Thanks for taking the time to do this video.

[@romari2706]

The Shure sounded clearer. The Rode sounded muffled. I would rather have the clear sound of the Shure.

[@TheKingPhisher]

Same...I prefer the Shure.

[@falsegod1969]

@CircleToonsHD why is this in the ms paint animations playlist

[@travisraab]

Dave could you compare the vp83 against the videomic ntg?

[@swagonman]

I listened to your video through my hifi audiophile system. I find the VMP too boomy in the bass. I know this diminishes if you step back a bit from the mic. The Shure doesn't do this, but instead has increased treble, which will work less well on certain voices and better on other voices. From 3 to 6 feet away, I bet the Shure is better for voice intelligibility. I've listened to a lot of on-camera mic reviews, and these two mics are the best sounding in compact form-factor, per my opinion. Easily the best sounding overall is the Sennheiser MKE600 shotgun (but not the MKE400), but it is just slightly too long for a DSLR. There are some reviews that really show how outstanding it is. BTW, I bought the VP83 + dead kitten in the end, and I am very happy with it. It's done very well on my Fuji XT-1 and a friend's Nikon DSLR.

[@JoeCnNd]

The shure sounded good until the last scene with the hiss.

[@youknow-i1c]

JoeCnNd lol thought the exact same thing smh

[@effectsmaster1]

The "hiss" is really nothing more than a high shelf boost for added presence. The shure also has a bit more of a mid scoop as well. You could easily adjust both of these with a simple EQ move. However, like he mentioned in the video, sometimes its better to not have to EQ in post. I always EQ in post though.

[@SNEAKchannel]

it the best of comparison!! i love when you say and silence

[@brooks.anderson6742]

Very helpful comparison of the Shure and Rode mics. Thanks.

[@rishigunness9794]

the shure had more high frequencies but i didn't think it was too much. i feel if you got the shure and did a little EQ adjustments you would get the sound you want and all the other benefits like the noise rejection. down side is now you have one more step in your post production workflow.

[@Design39media]

Dave big fan of your videos. Was in the market for the Rode. I am a musician as well as web developer/videographer and quite familiar with the Shure line. I had no product knowledge of their camera mics though. This review opened my eyes to the Shure though. Amazing. Thank you!

[@KoriMoncur]

What were your in-camera audio recording settings? Canon cameras (among several others) tend to pick up a lot of feedback, not because of the mic, but rather because of the pre-amp in the camera body consistently searching for an audio signal (even with manual audio recording on). The Shure mic is significantly more sensitive than the rode, thus if you use similar settings as the Rode, then the Shure will surely (pun intended) pick more audio feedback. I have found if you turn the in-camera gain to 3-4 notches above zero, and in the Shure mic turn the mic-output gain to 0 dB and the in-mic gain to +10 dB (these are two separate settings on the Shure mic) you will find it is significantly superior in clarity and overall sound quality when compared to the Rode. Let me know your thoughts.

[@romari2706]

This is a completely valid point. The source of the hiss is probably the camera itself.

[@romari2706]

Dave's comparison is a poor one since he does not show his settings - so it cannot be reproduced by others. And I suspect, the camera setting for the Shure were not optimized for it like the Rode's was optimized.

[@codyrush5857]

This is the most eloquent, throwing of shade I have ever heard.

[@DihelsonMendonca]

You can install magic lantern on Canon cameras and be happy.

[@droidrage7880]

Thank you, I wonder how many people were like me and were convinced you were gonna go with the Shure. I even ordered one 3/4 of the way through the video, but then got my cancel in time so I could order the Rode. Phew! Glad I listened to the VERY END. lol

[@MISSYANYI]

This was a great review. Sold on the shure until the last test. Now I'm debating. Can someone help me with a reco? I make beauty videos and looking to upgrade my sound quality. Which one should I purchase ?

[@worldtravelingtv1828]

What did you get MISS YANYl in your upgrade microphone one two or three microphones?

[@nicoletiana]

I have the M50 with a 11-22mm lens for the rode videomic pro plus. such a great combo for sit down videos and vlogging.

[@SeanandHaley]

Thanks for this review! It answered all of my questions and it helped me make my decision on which microphone to buy.

[@Megabean]

I've been using the Zoom H5, its so versatile and it offers 24 bit wave. I just plug the line out into my camera and use the camera's track as a backup/reference.

[@corentinoger]

There's a lot more whitenoise (hiss) in the Sure recording. Usually this comes from the camera preamp having to amplify a weak signal too much. I wonder if this means signal level is weaker on the Sure. Was the mic on +20dB setting?

[@onegreenev]

Dave, So you can use the iPhone to control and monitor video with the A7S? I thought that you could only use the phone to control in picture mode. My A7R won't allow me to control video.

[@DaveDugdaleColorado]

Pete McWade that's odd.

[@onegreenev]

Dave Dugdale Once I open the smart remote control I get the dialog box that says: The movie shooting mode of this application is not supported on this device. It's always been that way. I can take pictures remotely with it but no movies. The dialog box is on the camera not the iPhone.

[@onegreenev]

Dave Dugdale Dave, Nope, Smart Remote movie recording is not supported on the A7R, A7, A6000, A5000, Nex-6, Nex-5T, and Nex-5R I just checked online and even uploaded the most recent update. Still no recording support for the A7R. Damn. It sure would help setup the focus for video when I must do this alone.

[@DaveDugdaleColorado]

Pete McWade wow, I didn't know that, thanks for letting me know.

[@NekitaNet]

Dave Dugdale Using Kdenlive myself, but if the out of camera audio is good, I might still put a valve rectifier plugin right on the time lined clip. Not sure if you could do that with your video processing software, but perhaps the Shure sounds a little bit more natural if applied.

[@rctv-uk3126]

When I change the battery on my videomic pro I am convinced I'll break it (every time!)

[@DaveDugdaleColorado]

I know what you mean!

[@love4musicuk]

Me too!

[@rodemic]

***** Dave Dugdale RCTV-UK we're aware of this issue and are looking at it.

[@rctv-uk3126]

RØDE Microphones Getting a reply from a manufacturer is refreshing, I am sure I am not the only one waiting to see what you come up with next. Like Dave I love the sound from this mic. ATB Malc RCTV-UK

[@peterxyz3541]

RØDE Microphones I'm curious, I got a question (I'm not an audio person). How does one go about 'rejecting' sound from behind the mic? How hard or easy is it to do this? It seem like ALL shotgun mics have some tiny bit of pick up from the rear. Or, does one "want" the tiny bit of pick up of sound from behind the mic? As a non-audio person, I would assume the designers would increase thickness of casing or have vibration buffer to shield the rear. Also, the slots, to reject side sounds. Why have slots when a solid body tube can shield sound waves from the mic that's resting inside a 12" tube? Would a double tube configuration work better to reject side sound? Thanks. Thanks for actually being present and accessible.

[@PeteWoronowski]

Thanks Dave Enjoy and appreciate your reviews. I have been very happy with my Rode Video Mic Pros I do understand your build quality mentions but I have.never run into those problems and do like the sound better. Very best to you always Pete

[@clinteverettvideo]

Great review and comparison. The Shure mic doesn't cut the high frequencies as much, so there's a little more hiss / air noise as a result. I still think the Shure sounded really good, and I like that you can record the audio to directly to an SD card. Plus, it has a headphone jack for monitoring, which is a huge bonus since my A6300 does not.

[@danielsifuentes-bradford8028]

I wonder why they don't sell those shure mics in the stores

[@usachef100]

they both sound pretty good. the shure is a bit thinner sounding...but could probably be improved in post by adding a bit more bass to the audio. this was good to see...i will now check out more KZbin videos on the shure.

[@ClassroomTechnologyBlog]

I like the Rode, almost no "hiss" sound. Sounds more professional to me! Thanks for the review!

[@WhiteDragonflyMedia]

I just realized that I bought the new Rode mic pro just because of the rycote and the printed logo on the sides, without doing any research...how shallow am I?

[@KayosWONER]

if you move/shake the VP83 do you hear a rattle I just got a new one from amazon and when I shake it a little it rattles.

[@rockofnine849]

Have you done a comparison on the Rode STEREO Video Mic Pro vs another product?

[@Sutterjack]

I've used the Rode VideoMic pro and I really like the sound quality, though I've been looking for a alternative because of the Rodes's CRAP build. Unfortunately I'm not fiully sold on any alternative mic yet ( in this price range) Thank you for this useful and objective review!

[@JohnCorrea]

You nailed it, I knew what your conclusion would be, I've been through the same exact issues and I keep coming back to the Rode Video Pro. I do hope Rode listens to you though, that damn 9v battery, overall build quality and a lot better rejection would be perfect!

[@DaveDugdaleColorado]

Let's hope someone from Rode is watching and reading the comments. I want a Videomic Pro II.

[@rodemic]

Dave Dugdale Hey Dave, we're watching and are looking how we can fix the issues you pointed out.

[@JohnCorrea]

Perfect timing! I was going to ask you (Dave) if you've tried some of the other models (Stereo Mic Pro and Mic Pro X) that have come out since the VMP. None of them look like direct replacements to the VMP but I haven't heard if they have any of the fixes we want in the VMP. That new X model looks interesting. Oh wow $800 yeah that's in a different ball park! :)

[@DaveDugdaleColorado]

RØDE Microphones thanks!

[@cnrmoose]

Which would be better for filming youth football from the bleachers and minimizing crowd noise, while maximizing the on field sounds? Thanks to anyone who has experience in this area.

[@tomgriffiths3239]

I don't have much experience in this area but according to the comments the Shure has more hiss in higher frequencies so if there is going to be a lot of screaming and cheering that will probably cause hissing on the Shure. I would go for the Rode for you.

[@jhellier]

Shure sounds like it has more emphasis on the higher frequencies (and more hiss). Rode has more emphasis on mids and low end (and less hiss). I actually think the Shure sounds better (clearer) with less distracting low end?

[@romari2706]

1. The hiss is from the camera's mic settings being incorrectly set for the Shure - which is much more sensitive than the Rode. 2. The Rode has a bass emphasis whereas the Shure has a flat frequency response. Many people including Dave prefer the bass emphasis since it sounds "richer" though it isn't accurate. 3. You can get the same sound on the Shure that the Rode has by equalizing the sound in post-processing. But as Dave said, he doesn't like doing post-processing. So this represents extra work for him. This is like the work of having to synchronize audio and video when each are recorded by separate devices.

[@subatomica5669]

Work that takes a few seconds?

[@DihelsonMendonca]

Sorry, Dave, but the Shure mic sounds clearer, crisp. It has less bass than Rode, but this can be corrected on post production. If you edit enough, you can get the same sound from both mics, but a crisp sound, a treble sound is better to improve S/N ratio. I´m listening on a pro audio studio, with Alesis loudspeakers and Yamaha pro mixer.

[@moltenpros]

I own the Shure and I love it; internal recording and external send, audio quality is great with no need for post. I never owned the VMP but I have own other Rode lav microphones and they produce too much noise.

[@rsilvers129]

The sound is so close and if you like the off-axis rejection, build quality, and battery type then it seems like Sure is better.

[@Brownboy42069]

Hrm, I agree, the Rode does sound better. Do you think you could do a review of the VP83F internal recorded audio versus the Rode recording to a Zoom H1? About the same total price as the Shore, just not as compact.

[@MidnightHabit]

My Rode started giving me distortion when recording loud sounds (It's had a long life), so I've been shopping for a new shotgun mic and was considering the Shure. After hearing this comparison, I think I'll just get another Rode. The Shure sounds thin.

[@maialinobabe4232]

Which do you prefer between Shure VP83 and Rode Stereo VideoMic Pro Rycote for my use: my sons, birthday, excursions. I prefer a natural and surrounding sound. THANK YOU

[@wongho1]

Thanks for your comparison! That's really helpful!

[@ovidiumarin1699]

Congrats for this review. The test showing RF interference from WiFi or 4G transmitters is very helpful. I purchased a Rode VideoMic Go to use for live streaming and it is unusable. Any WiFi router or streamer in close vicinity to Mic will ruin the Video transmission. For me the Shure is the only way to go.

[@genjii931]

FYI - Rode just announced the new NTG4 and 4+ the other day, for $349 and $399 at B&H, starts shipping early February, I think, as successors to the NTG2; would be worth checking out. One has battery power, one does not.

[@kx2channel-o_o]

Thank you for uploading the video! It helps me!

[@davidmohl9093]

What's with the hiss on the shure? Would the integrated flashrecorder version get rid of it?

[@erickmonroy3105]

I own both mics and use them for different situations. I believe with this test, the settings set for the Shure could have been better adjusted. The Shure is much more sensitive than the Rode. I think the hissing could be dropped down considerably by adjusting the settings a bit better. You can record sound without hiss with the Shure VP83F and not the Shure VP83. It records the audio straight into a memory card and you just have to sync it later in post.

[@onjofilms]

Glad I bought the Shure than. Thanks.

[@CentrLampa]

My opinion. At RODE high frequencies therefore it is less noise are crushed.

[@wyoruss]

You helped me a lot! Thanks!

[@zachnfine]

The hiss on the Shure VP83 lines on the end is way worse than that of the VMP. Much higher noise floor. I don't know if it's the mics fault or the way the whole setup is configured, but this video sells me only on the EMF isolation within the Shure and not its sound quality or noise level.

[@billyandpk]

I actually liked the sound of the Shure, although it did not seem that different. Good video - thanks.

[@SinisterSkip]

Honestly I'm not convinced that the Shure VP83 has worse audio quality. As been said, it's got a bit less low/lowmid emphasis, that means it's different, not worse. On top of that remains, the better build quality & batteries.

[@oldfarmshow]

Thank you, good review!!

[@pine2apple]

How often do you have to replace the battery?

[@bokeflo]

Thanks Dave Great comparison. I clicked your link to Chad's video and found out that my SennHeiser MKE400, which I was reasonable happy with, kinda sucks... Thanks for that LOL! I guess it really is relative.

[@Stephenhaake]

The self noise i noticed on the Shure was enough to sway me for Rode... now, how about Rode VidMicPro+ vs Sennheiser MKE440! Lol

[@mcol3]

Shame the VP83 is not available anywhere in the UK!

[@richardstringer93]

It sounds to e n my professional active studi monitors that the Shure has just as good sound quality where clarity is concerned except that it lacks a little low frequency but that can be adjusted in video editing software via vst audio plugins like a parametric or graphic equalisation, plus if you use a compressor plugin you could use a valve compressor plugin as they provide more warmth to the sound. So basically in video editing software about a +3db boost on an equalizer at a centre frequency of about 230hz with a Q of 1.66 should do it.

[@perryperi]

Great review Dave, could you do an outdoor review?

[@Mashhour454]

nice vedio Can you tell me what kind of camera you used in this vedio and lens please

[@MedHug]

Nice comparasion Dave.

[@popstars4444]

Hi Dave, I'm a record producer for over 20 years have used hundreds of mic's. I agree with you completely. I have tried loads and I now own a Rode for quick video and think it's flimsy and the battery hatch is rubbish but its got a way better sound than it has any right to have. The point I want to make is that the lack of off axis discrimination helps with the rich quality the sound and the excellent off axis discrimination is actually hurting the Sure's sound.. the slightly more omnidirectional Rode is better in low noise enviroments and actually nicer generally but is less 'shotgunny' than the Sure, which would be better in a noisy enviroment... everything is as always, a compromise, :-)

[@DarrenTun]

I still can't decide

[@dontana671]

Both are really good mics. All the the other stuff are pretty close so either one would do a shooter justice.

[@MrEnuek]

how do you mount the microphone to you tripod. wat sort of adapter do you use

[@liorlifshitz9969]

Which mic will be good for recording live music like piano,Orchestra?

[@humbleprogress1226]

It is kind of a trade off with these two mics. One is not necessarily better than the other. One is a condenser and the other a dynamic microphone. When you go with the condenser, it will naturally pick up better quality from the source but will likely also pick up noise surrounding it better (as can be seen by the hiss test). The dynamic mic will focus strictly on what's in front of it and isolates your voice more while revealing less of the background noise. So you'll have a tough choice to make. Do you want the mic that gives you better vocal quality but perhaps allows some background noise into your videos (Shure CONDENSER mic)? Or....do you want to try to get rid of the background noise in your videos (Rode mic), knowing you're sacrificing some vocal quality in comparison to the condenser? Choice is yours.

[@JohnOShaughnessy]

great comparison, I understand the beef over construction too, but I think the Rode sounds more natural... I like Rode mics and used to own a Rode NT1 studio mic which lasted me 20 years, until it "disappeared".... but couldn''t find the magician who made it disappear either

[@puddytat62]

yeah guess flat out of the mic the rode does sound a bit fuller BUT i would say you likely can fatten up the Shure in post... regardless of the warranty on the rode if it is flimsy which most people feel it is then I would stick to something a bit beefier. So far none of these actually hit the mark in total score for me but build quality is critical .. maybe just a cold shoe mount and some other mic might suffice... dunno

[@marcsantamaria4097]

Hi Dave or anyone in the know, what wire can I use to extend the mic from the camera closer to the subject for the Shure?

[@Xquisitefilms]

What is the App called ? :(

[@brandonerga1589]

Hey Dave Dugdale and film community! Quick question. I'm just wondering if people think the 700D (T5i) or 600D (T3i) is better or on par with the 7D for film making? I have a Canon 7D and a couple of lenses (I'll list the lenses at the end). I'm wondering if I should sell my 7D and buy a 700D for $549, or the 600D for $456 which would leave me with roughly $500 left over to buy more gear such as a lav mic (I do have a rode video mic pro but a lav would be great for interviews). I hate that I'm limited to 12 minutes of filming on the 7D. Kinda sucks when doing interviews... Lenses I have are as follows: ( EF-S 18-55mm , EF-S 55-250mm, EF 50mm , 58mm 2X Professional Telephoto Lens, High Definition 58mm Wide Angle Lens)

[@josephbohme7917]

Dave could you let a sound guy get your two talking files and unknowingly produce the best post after messing with them. Post might be able to voila this weakness so a preset fix for this Shure mic could work Yes the Shure sure outputs more white noise and resonates more -- could you ever windscreen it..

[@WilliamGuth]

excellent comparison. we're both mics run straight to camera? do you ever use a pre amp?

[@andybowman9697]

Wow tough choice. Just listed in detail with some Sony WH1000 MX3 phones and I agree the Rode has better sound with no EQ fixes, but the Shure is much quieter and has better rejection which is pretty important. Fix one in post or fix the other with an acoustical shield, hmm..

[@gossipgal1418]

So in an updated review what would you recommend ?

[@GinAmber]

Thanks for video, decided !

[@g5digital]

Hi Dave, Recently I experienced this audio interference from a mobile phone whilst using the Rode Video Mic Pro and Sony A7s. It was bad enough to make the audio totally unusable. I have used various Canon DSLRs with the Rode in the past and have never had any interference. Do you think this is an A7s specific problem?

[@1650million]

It´s a nice review Dave, but a few thoughts pop to mind: 1) You´re not telling us which settings you´re using in each mic, and those settings could obviously affect the final result. You´re supposed to compensate the possible differences in mic gain using different in-camera settings to make both sound as good as possible, and since you don´t even "remember" those settings, per your own admission, I presume your final results may be a bit "tainted". 2) The use you´re giving your Videomic Pro is a quite peculiar one, and not the one this mic is designed for. Most people would want to see how this mic performs while shooting in the field, documentary-style, and as such, the final results could be significantly different from what you´re getting here. 3) If the ultimate quality from a similar setup is desired, the VP83F,, with integrated recorder, would give you a much better result than any of those, a similar mic in bulk and price that you keep forgetting about, and don´t even mention. It´s obviously one more step in post, but it would have a much lower noise floor than the Videomic Pro, which is the main problem of the VP83, according to your review. Anyway, thanks for your test.

[@Schoolprojectsforus1]

I actually agree with you, it seemed that the video was a little biased to the rode videomic pro. I'm not stating that Dave is helping out rode or is affiliated with the company. I just want a fair review that shows the settings for both microphones, testing outside wind noise, and seeing the purpose and audience for the Shure microphone. To those who said that Shure is downgrading in quality, it is like saying that audio technica, sony, and AKG is degrading in quality. They're just catering to different audiences is all. Though to be honest, I did say that sony was becoming worse throughout the year, so I should be careful for stating such fallacies as well.

[@tptrsn]

Good review Dave! I too have found the VMP to be the best thing overall for on-camera applications. A good boomed XLR style supercardioid with a balanced inputs is a lot better for me in the space I usually work in. In fairness though, I never did actually test to see how the VMP would be on the boom with a 10 or 15ft cable back to the camera, I just ASSumed it would be worse. Lol

[@Austin_Brady]

Not sure how many people are listening to these off good speakers, but the Rode Video Mic Pro definitely has more low end, which is something you want in male voices. That has my vote. Thanks for the video Dave!

[@StaySharpFacas]

Just a quick question, I bought the shure, when its input in the Sony Alpha A6500, do I have to extract the audio later from the SD card or the audio from the mic is already built up in the mic? The SD is just a "bonus" file or something? Thanks

[@peterschleger]

Dave, Good review and if you ever sell used cars, let me know. I had not seen this, but did buy the Rode Pro at B.& H primarly for its store display. I am an Adorama fan except when B & H is more appropriate. My client and I are happy with the Rode. I had to buy the Canon SX 60 HS as the cheapest way to use an external mic. I am a Canon fan, powershots only. Hernia days are over.

[@Johnny641]

I have the Shure and I thinks it a nice package, I also bought the Shure Deadcat for out side use. Not sure I could really tell any difference in the sound clips. I think overall the Shure wins due to build quality and the other things you mentioned in the review. I avoided the rode as the mic lead looks so weak although not heard any one complain that one has broken.

[@YoMoma777]

These mic`s seem pretty awesome by all reviews and I`m tempted to buy one. But, I wont be you tubing or vblogging or interviewing at all, so I`m just looking for a high quality mic to pick up sounds of memories I will be recording. What are my choices there? Do I stick with the shotgun mics?

[@personperson9591]

Shure knows what they're doing, what they did with their mic is roll-off the frequencies outside of the standard speech range; this helps with all the things it has advantages in (off-axis, wind, RF, etc), plus where he records these, because it's an non-ideal room it has way too much reverb naturally which I think sound horrible, he may think that makes it sound fuller but that's really just a lot of echo filling out that lower end. Most run-and-gun shotguns are designed similar, since they're setup to record speech in less than ideal environments; they aren't traditional condenser mics where you want to grab all the freq you can, they're designed to operate in noisy environments, to cut out non-speech elements, to cut through wind and off-axis noise. I don't think the Rode amplified those lower ranges so much as they just didn't roll them off. If you're in a perfectly-ideal environment like an isolated recording booth, I probably wouldn't choose that Shure either, but for what it does and its intended purpose, I'd choose it any day of the week over the Rode mic.

[@malcolmpotter]

I stuck with the Rode but agree on build quality. One thing that you should never do and it applies to both my hobbies is when on a shoot anywhere switch your phone OFF. Nothing worse than with say a video client than your phone ringing. EF is a big issue also with my other hobby Treasure Hunting so when on video/photo shoot or treasure hunting Phone OFF lol. Thanks for the review Mal

[@rodemic]

The VideoMic Pro comes with a 10 year extended warranty upon registration. Let us know if anything happens to it and we'll sort it out.

[@DutchDiederik]

Both sound good but have a different character. The Rode has more bottom end. The Shure has more of a broadcast-mic quality to it. I guess it comes down to preference.

[@landonbailey]

great video thanks!