RØDE Stereo VideoMic Pro Review and Test

[@JeffLobdell]

solid review, wished more people showed this amount of field test examples!

[@videosandvideosandvideos]

Ordered it as I got to 4 minutes of your video! Thank you for such an AMAZING review. I just returned the Rode Videomic, because it was awful... the HISS/Noise was ridiculous, and it did not have the 20dB boost to eliminate the hiss. Much appreciated video!

[@FenderClem]

Best microphone test I've seen (or heard) in a while! Well done! Nothing like getting it out there in real wold situations. I was wondering what they (SVMP/ VMP) would sound like together too!

[@DeanMccormick]

Brilliant! Thanks for capturing such a wide diversity of sounds ;).

[@sipapito]

Great review no wind noise at all,great base sound at the end and the black and white part you did was great!

[@wilkie010]

Thanks for the wonderful info friend. By the way. As a vocalist. I must say you have a great speaking voice. Keep making vids.

[@ChakLong]

Lovely audio quality.

[@Sheety33]

Rode should seriously be paying you for this demonstration video. Well done and excellent sounds of course.

[@monkey401]

Very good review! Best I've seen on youtube so far. =)

[@TomGiddings]

Just ordered one having heard the work this did with the fireworks. Cheers for the review!

[@theredheadnerd]

You can put it anywhere and extend the cable to plug it in to the H1, which will eliminate the handling noise. The H1 will most likely capture the sound of the Rode better than any camera.

[@cactustweeter2890]

I've been thinking about this microphone. Nice demonstration of its audio qualities. Thank you.

[@bunchofkeys]

You are great, one of the best reviews I've seen in the last time! Thanks :)

[@rastAsia]

I had a look at the specs. Its the same great mic we know, but cradled in a more compact suspension to suit smaller format HD camera. Brilliant move from Røde.

[@theredheadnerd]

Hey thanks! My voice was recorded with the H1 and the band was recorded with the Sony. With the Rode as a front end on either of the recorders, there isn't really a sonically discernable difference.

[@r.reynolds9053]

Thanks for taking the time to post these samples recorded with the Rode stereo videomic pro. I've been researching DSLR microphones for video, and had almost decided on the Tascam TM-2X, but this review has been very instrumental in helping me find the best product to suit my intended purpose for purchasing an external mic. Kudos on posting such a great presentation that has been very helpful and much appreciated!

[@tylkoheptrus]

It's so much more than a great review and test! It's a very good social observation :)

[@kencomedi]

Excellent review!! I just purchased one, to capture the sound in my recording studio sessions! I wasn't sure if this would be the right mic, but after seeing this, there is no doubt in my mind!! Thank you so much dude!!

[@ecz28]

Just got one of these microphones, sounds great hooked up to my Canon T5i. Must have watched 10 different videos and yours was the best for listening. People asking about settings. What seems to work best on mine, 20+ on the mic, manual audio on camera, move the cursor all the way to the left then tap 7-10 times to the right, zero hiss at those settings for me.

[@HavanaNewYork]

Thanks! We were looking for videos on KZbin on how we may improve the sound quality on our video recordings of live performances. We found your video presentation very informative -your examples are wonderful!

[@shaolin95]

I am thinking about adding this to my Canon HF-M40..I hope it does well directly to the camera. Awesome video.

[@prepperpov5852]

AMAZING video! WOW!

[@jankomaj7932]

thank you Mr.TRHN! This review saved me much time... I need a to shoot a live gig footage and this seems is the right one.

[@theredheadnerd]

Thanks! It performs very well plugged directly in to most cameras/camcorders. My particular DSLR has a limited frequency response, so I prefer to use an external recorder.

[@SgtPnkks]

this is definitely high on my list for when it comes time to step up to a better mic

[@TheKraayyy]

great review! was searching for some various live footage..... Well I got it :) Thanks!

[@Freakphoto]

Having the Zoom (or other portable recorder) in the chain will allow you to vary the audio level going into the camera, which will be the best way. Unfortunately your cameras probably do not have meters to see when their inputs are distorting. You will want an audio attenuation cable (like Sescom LN2MIC) in between the recorder and the camera. Then you can just lower the output level of the recorder to avoid distortion on your camera. This way, you wouldn't need to sync anything in post.

[@SomeStrangemysterious]

Fabulous mic. If I didn't just buy the video mic pro I might have gone for this one. It really handled the musicians well, but the fireworks sounded very compressed like muted pops and no dynamics there.

[@TheBroadcastStudio365]

Fantastic review. Thank you! 👍

[@theredheadnerd]

Try lowering the audio input level on your camera. That is most likely where the noise is coming from. Start with the Rode on the 0db setting first. Lower it to -10 if you get distortion with loud sources. I use a Nikon D7000 in conjunction with external audio recorders.

[@letsgothriftshopping84]

a+ video thanks 4 the great work put video together

[@AnimeTube7Junior]

perfect video

[@PaulsMedia2024]

Great video and great mic. I am buying on today after watching this! I already have a Zoom H6, but for walkabout this looks like a prefect job. And I don't think the "X" at $799 is worth the extra for me. Thanks for the great quality of this review.

[@MrCliffordBrown]

You should put an affiliate link to somewhere on here because I just bought the videomic pro through Guitar Center from watching this video. And great job, thank you!

[@musicforindies]

great tests thanks, you mentioned you use the Stereo mic pro with a pcmd50 - the x/y d50 built in mics are much better than the x/y stereo mic pro though wouldn't you agree? thanks for sharing, great tests.

[@Freakphoto]

You can check your documentation to see if those cameras let you have manual level control of mic input. They may have a non-defeatable automatic gain control which will ruin your sound. Especially difficult is the fact that most cameras don't have audio meters. In a loud situation, the Rode would normally be set to -10 and you adjust the input level on your cameras from there. I almost always use an external recorder because many cameras just can't handle a loud signal, even if the mic can.

[@davidgoco1]

Great job sir!

[@_JeffMart]

This was the best audio test video I have seen, thank you, you have made my decision much easier! Also wondering if you have a full video of that awesome accordion guy and where I might be able to watch that. I really enjoyed him haha

[@Freakphoto]

...Also, make sure you test before you go out. Record a loud signal on the recorder, then play it back into your cameras and see which output level (on the recorder) gives you good sound. Then you will know where to set it when you are at a concert.

[@svaphrodite]

Very useful to me since my primary interest is recording musical performance where the band is in an L shape with drums, keyboard and bass on the left while horns and vocalist are straight ahead. With a mono mic, the drums are too loud. I hope this stereo mic will let me adjust appropriately in post.

[@NigelldJong]

Great Review! I just bought the mic and this video convinced me to. But I'm still figuring out when to use which setting on the mic it self. What are the settings U use on a daily basis? And what setting while talking on it like you do in the beginning of this review?

[@theredheadnerd]

Thanks, I was just considering using a VMP to record straight to my camera while also using a SVMP/portable recorder at the same time. They could even all fit on my hotshoe...

[@theredheadnerd]

Thanks, everything was captured with the Rode mic, no board mixes. The D50 has good mics, too, but I can't say they are better. The d50 can't handle loud sound as well as the Rode. 120dB max input on the Sony vs 134dB with the Stereo Videomic Pro.

[@thezogs95]

Amazing microphone

[@theredheadnerd]

The Rode and the Sony were mounted on camera. And yes, the Rode was plugged into the Sony. I used the audio from the camera to sync to the Sony/Rode audio in post production. The Rode should sound sweet plugged straight into the D5200.

[@kornelijekovac9793]

Fantastic review!

[@theredheadnerd]

Not only is there no level control, but your camera has auto gain control which makes hiss worse. You could try the +20db setting on the Rode and see if that helps. My D7000 at least has low, medium, and high settings. But mainly I use an external recorder and sync sound with Final cut Pro X.

[@jamessd7677]

Neat review, i gotta get one now, thanks.

[@rastAsia]

What's the difference with this Pro vs the older version? Did they use a new improved mic capsule or just the addition of the +20dB? Anyhow, the 12:54 bonus made it worth the watch. ;-)

[@theredheadnerd]

I think I have access to a VMP, so I might be able to put something together. I have other videos that I am currently working on for both of my KZbin channels. They are different types of mics, though. The VMP is more directional, which helps in pinpointing what you want to capture, where the SVMP is more "all-encompassing." Although both are sweet mics that can pull double duty and then some.

[@everybodylovesscout]

Great video thank you! The girl at 10:20 has a really great voice

[@musicforindies]

sounds great, the band at the beginning sounds like the recordings coming from the desk it wasn't was it?, if you're recording into the D50 then why not just use the D50 mics surely they're way better than the Rodes, anyway great test thanks for sahring nicely shot edited etc a great package thanks.

[@torque91]

Came for the mic review, stayed for The Dead Milkmen on accordion!!

[@AdamRoxby]

I have a Canon Legeria M52 so I will have to do some experimenting. I guess it doesn't work with an iPhone. Thanks once again for getting back to me.

[@titussoft]

Great! Just ordered one after viewing your video. Thanks a lot again!

[@rustynails113]

So if I watch that second belly dance clip over and over again, after 4 hours am I supposed to call my doctor. ;>)

[@PonySixfinger]

great examples. Rode have just sold another. great video.

[@theredheadnerd]

From the specs you gave, you should get quite acceptable quality with just the camera/mic combo. Just keep an eye on the levels! I was thinking of upgrading to the D600...

[@AdamAus85]

Oh and I just ordered one, cheers. Should do a good job of picking up the sights and sounds of India come end of the year.

[@ChrisDeJuanMusic]

Great video, very clear... I'm a musician too and this is the best DSLR camera mic i've come across... Gonna order one right now! :)

[@ninjalightning2631]

Totaly awesome review ,one question though have you ever tried video mic stereo X any tips on comparing talking about the the tip,THANK YOU FOR THE BONUS :)

[@robertgmarquez3932]

I'm trying to understand how you had this setup. Did you have the Rode mounted onto the camera or was it on a boom pole? The mic wire from the Rhode was plugged into the "mic in" port on the Sony PCM-D50? Was the PCM-D50 mounted onto the camera or you somehow carried it separate. Did you let the camera mic also record using its mic and later replace the video audio with the PCM-D50 audio while syncing it with the video? Wish this was shown. I'm thinking of trying this on a Nikon D5200.

[@2100BLF]

It really handled the fireworks transient "noise" sweetly!!!

[@lijian1982]

I bought this stereo mic for my canon 6d dslr, directly into the dslr Sounds great enough, thanks!

[@Thejohnnyoshow]

Awsome im getting one this is just what i am looking for

[@chbrosz]

awesome video -- would have loved a comparison of these same scenes with the Rode VideoMic Pro (the shotgun one) ----- but thanks!

[@ChrisReyzShowReel]

Thanks, this video made me decide to opt for the rode stereo mic pro as oppose to the regular video mic pro. The stereo imaging is impressive and sounds so clear. I was wondering, do I need an external device for recording the audio or will I get the same results plugged straight into my camcorder? I have a sony handycam cx360ve by the way.

[@digitaldj22]

Hello and thank you for the mic tutorial..It really made me decide to buy this mic versus the shotgun version. Also, how did you get your video to have everything in focus with your dslr. I hope to see more of your great videos...cheers

[@theredheadnerd]

Check out the Humboldt Folklife Festival video on my other channel (redheadfreakin) which uses both mics. Unfortunately the vmp was plugged into my Nikon d7000 which has very poor audio quality. It was used for most of the interviews while i used the SVMP for everything else. There were some event sound problems, too.

[@ozy311]

Great video. Thanks for the demo. I just ordered one!

[@nighthawkzjp]

nice review and clips! I'm visiting the Philippines thinkn about grabbing a mike for recording live sound with my GoPro. I'm quite convinced that this will do a good job after listening to all the music example provided. Ohh yeh, and i know where all these clips r recorded. right in my backyard! I live in Petrolia and realized quickly that most of the clips were recorded in Arcata CA. Thanks!!

[@theredheadnerd]

You should be able to get pretty good sound plugged straight in. My camera (Nikon D7000) has a limited frequency response so I really need an external recorder.

[@Sharkwater1995]

Do you think this microphone would be able to handle much louder scenarios? Such as front row at a rock concert?

[@richardjehl1455]

I am looking for a mic like this Rode to put on a Panasonic HC V770 camcorder I am going to have. Will this Rode adapt to this model ?

[@Gr8Believer]

How come no reviews show when to use certain settings like high pass filter with or without other db settings?

[@KhunDennie]

Thanks for the vid.. just wonder why would you use a Sony recorder if you can just put the jack straight into the cam? I'm thinking to get one for my Canon 5D.. recording acoustic guitar ;) I'm not into video making.. but wish for a decent sounds quality when recording guitar and other music plays.. just like in your vid ;)

[@theredheadnerd]

Thanks! Check out the Humboldt Folklife Festival video on my other channel (redheadfreakin) which uses both mics. Unfortunately the vmp was plugged into my Nikon d7000 which has very poor audio quality. It was used for most of the interviews while i used the SVMP for everything else. There were some event sound problems, too.

[@AdamRoxby]

Hi there. I record live acoustic music on a Canon HD camcorder, I keep hearing people talking about using this with a DSLR but how will it handle just being plugged directly into a camcorder? Many thanks for your video, best one about this mic that I have seen (and I have seen a lot).

[@rymdskrotet]

Hello. During the fireworks, the sound was a bit....well, muffled exept for the explosions. But the sound was not picked up in a way that (from my guess) a firework use to sound. Is there a limitation in sound pressure on this microphone, or does it have do to with the settings? Thank you for a nice video! =)

[@Pyromil0]

Which settings did you used for the Fireworks footage? Because it sounds a bit muffled. Btw, thanks for this great video. Very informative!

[@Soldier1287]

did you like edit the audio cause that sounds nearly perfect. Almost like a NTG 2 or NTG 3 Sounds close to studio quality with the funk band

[@JohnChereson]

Great Video, Great Sound, Great Job!

[@XxxCR1SPYxxX]

can it be used to record vocals like blue yeti?

[@hardjuan2587]

Would the quaity downgrade a lot if i just use the Stereo videomic pro conected to the camera to record sound?

[@BillyRayBlackwood]

Hi, amazing video! Was your voice recorded with the H1 or the Sony PCM-D50? And same question for the first band, that sound is the best! Thanks a lot.

[@MarcyAvila]

good bonus xD

[@theredheadnerd]

The Pro is less than half the weight and has improved shock mounting and stereo imaging. It could very well be the same capsule, just formatted differently.

[@pioneer7777777]

Hi there, great video - I wondered what kind of stabilization you used for the D7000 while recording video. Do you have very stable hands or were you using some kind of brace? Also, for focusing, how do you have your camera setup. Any response is appreciated, thanks!

[@Freakphoto]

Thanks! I was using a cheap shoulder mount/grip and using my other hand to focus.

[@christophedus5050]

really nice sound ! by the way what's the name of the band at 9:44 ? the woman singer has a really great voice !

[@Freakphoto]

The Zoom H1 works well for not much money. I got a shock mount for mine that can mount it in the hotshoe. I have a triple mount that can hold 2 mics and the recorder. You can plug the mic into it or use it by itself (it has built in mics also). You can run the line out to your camera. I use Final Cut Pro X which can automatically sync the recorded audio to the video footage.

[@simon48745]

If i attach this to a sony cx730e without using the PCM d50, what will the sound quality be like?

[@ozy311]

Do u recommend disabling the SLR auto gain, drop it low and turn on the +20db? I'm going to record a concert next weekend on the new EOS-M.

[@YNKINC]

Muy bueno el video , gracias por compartir

[@AgoraphobicNews]

would this mic be good for heavvy metal concerts? I have SOny FDR AX 33 camcoder.

[@Freakphoto]

I can't say one is better than the other. The sound is good with either one. The Rode weighs less, though!

[@delamottestrings]

Thanks! Rode should pay you... I bought the mic after seeing your video. It sounds good, but I think the way you did the audio (external) makes for a better sound... I'll have to try what you did.

[@theredheadnerd]

I think I used Final Cut Pro X's built in Bass Enhancer (Fat EQ). Add it to the audio track and in the options it defaults to +7dB @64Hz. Just change it to +10dB at 40Hz.

[@ChrispyArt]

Great review! Etremely useful. Thanks for putting so much effort into it! I notice you were using the Nikon D7000 to shoot the videos but you recorded onto the Sony D50. I might not be able to afford an external recorder for now, do you have experience with directly plugging it into the D7000? Thanks!

[@Freakphoto]

The D7000 has limited audio quality. Most newer cameras will sound fine with the mic plugged straight in.

[@theredheadnerd]

I think the problem is not with the mic, but what you have it plugged into. The Rode can capture very high spl. What are you recording with?

[@Unknown-y9v]

this helped a lot. thank you.