Rode VideoMic NTG / Go II / Micro II Compared!

I compare the features and provide audio samples of the Rode VideoMic NTG, VideoMic GO II, and VidoMicro II. Which one is right for you?
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🎙 VideoMicro II
Amazon: amzn.to/3KO02av
Rode Store: semiprotech.link/VMICROII
Reverb (used): semiprotech.link/VMICROII_reverb
🎙 VideoMic GO II
Amazon: amzn.to/41jejTF
Rode Store: semiprotech.link/VMGOII
Reverb (used): semiprotech.link/VMGOII_reverb
🎙 VideoMic NTG
Amazon: amzn.to/3KO0A03
Rode Store: semiprotech.link/VMICNTG
Reverb (used): semiprotech.link/VMICNTG_reverb
🖥 SemiPro Tech+Gear Website : semiprotechgear.com
Audio Notes:
Raw Audio samples normalized to -16 LUFS with -1dB limiter, no processing applied.
Processed Audio samples include noise reduction, EQ, de-essing, and compression.
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FTC Disclaimer: This video is not sponsored. Product/service links included above may be affiliate links, which means I can make a small commission through purchases. This helps to support my channel and website. If you so choose, feel free not to use the links provided.
00:00 Introduction
00:51 Feature Overview
02:58 Audio Samples
05:36 Feature Details
08:21 Rode Capture App Demo
10:17 Rode Connect App Demo
12:50 Summary & Recommendations
#microphones #contentcreation

[@Optimistic_lad]

Such a great video and in depth review, Just ordered a Go 2 after watching this! keep up the good job brother!

[@semiprotech]

Thank you so much!

[@mhmedia_wetellyourstories]

Thank you for the great video, super helpful! Really appreciate your effort making this review!

[@taylor1038]

I ordered the Go II right before this video, I'm glad the video reaffirmed my purchase decision.

[@ianzhengUX]

Nice comparison video! Very clear and thorough

[@creativcluster]

Great mic comparison. When you mention processed what are the steps involved to process the raw sound?

[@arcforceworld]

very well made video, sir. You sold me on that video mic go 2.

[@skakdosmer]

The best in this test is ... the MKE 600.

[@karon42]

Thanks for the great comparison! Have they fixed the USB processing problem of the VideoMic NTG since the publication of this video?

[@jamalnasir526]

thanks i needed something like this

[@mauriciodeoliveira4500]

Great! What microphone are you using at the beginning of the video?

[@paulsearles]

What a great video, thanks! So tight and smart.

[@semiprotech]

thank you!

[@OdoI]

Any experience using the GO II in sports videography? Trying to decided between the NTG, GO II, or he Rode VideoMic.

[@user-jy8ky1yt3p]

Greetings! I choose a microphone for my phone, for recording a musical instrument, I stopped at the rode videomic go ii and comica vm10 pro. The distance at which the recordings will be made will not always be close. What would you recommend? Is it worth overpaying for Rode?)

[@alex--.--]

Great review! I finally made my mind. The sound greatly improved in the processed version, do you mind telling us what did you do to it and how? Thanks!

[@semiprotech]

Sure! I used the same plugins in Logic Pro to process each of the samples, but made different adjustments to each one. These are plugins I've acquired over the last two years but you can achieve most of this with free and stock plugins as well. This is the signal chain I used, and it's what I use for all my videos where processing is applied: - Waves Clarity Vx Pro: about 25% processing to reduce room noise - EQ: Cuts to pull down the muddy or unpleasant areas - it varies by mic but for example with the GO II I pulled down -2.2dB at 510Hz with a Q of 2.3 and also -1dB at 240Hz with a Q of 1.8. I also apply a high pass filter at 75Hz with a slope of 24dB/oct. - De-Ess (FabFilter Pro DS): I set the threshold until it was cutting about -2dB max in the range of 5k to 11k Hz. I tend to eyeball this one until it sounds the way I want it to. - 2nd EQ: I like to EQ in two stages - for this one I added a +1.5dB high shelf and +1dB at 100Hz with a Q of 1.8. - Rx8 De-Click: removes mouth clicks (set on latency-free, sensitivity 3 / widening 0.5) - Comp1 (FabFilter Pro C2): First compressor I set with a higher threshold just to pull down the highest peaks so the second compressor doesn't work as hard. Threshold: -6, Ratio: 2.5:1, Attack: 1ms, Release: 50ms, makeup gain: +1dB - Comp2 (Waves CLA-2A): Second compressor is a slower, more musical compressor. This one only has two main control knobs. I had the gain at 34 and peak reduction at 43 which provided an average of -2 to -3dB peak reduction. - Limiter (FabFilter Pro L2): Modern setting, -2dB ceiling, 3ms lookahead, 160ms release, input gain varies by how much is needed to reach an average of -16LUFS output loudness.

[@alex--.--]

@@semiprotech Oh wow, this sounds like a lot of work. Kudos to you for explaining every step, I doubt that I'll be able to reproduce them, but maybe I'll come back later to your comment and start understanding some of the words haha. Thank you for taking your time and explain everything, it's a rare occurence here on YT.

[@semiprotech]

@@alex--.-- Sure thing! Couple things I do in there are a bit overkill for making a youtube video...but I started learning audio processing a couple years ago to produce a podcast and I learned to love the process so now I over-think everything. A big part of the end result is getting a quality recording with low noise and you can get a great sounding result even with just a few basic things in free software like Audacity or Garageband. This is sounding a like a video I should make!

[@royaltykidstv]

Should my camera volume always be at the lowest bar and then the volume in my Microphone is the only thing I adjust? I have the Rode NTG

[@jaypeepasilan6768]

It's possible to that I can the audio using my dji3 and put rode mic ntg and EDIT to my cellphone? I don't have PC by the way.thank you 😊

[@LUCYAAIKO]

Hi! Which one would u recommend for a beginner in filming that wants a clean audio when filming facecam but also good audio when vlogging outside ? ( between the two first, NTG is too expensive 💀)

[@semiprotech]

Hi! I would recommend the VideoMic GO II. The USB output makes it more versatile because you can use it with smartphones and computers in addition to your camera.

[@losangeles1973]

Can you recommend a budget phone that would be compatible with videomic???

[@kenyattagreig-harris8171]

Dope vid I’m about to start my podcast idk which I should get for my basement & it’s a group of us like 3 ppl or more

[@miguelsuarez1511]

Thanks... great review. the GO II would be my choice.

[@misterliquidcity]

Quick question do you notice that sync issue when plugging this up to the usb port while using your camera? I will need it to make a lot of zoom calls and meetings plus videos. Great videl

[@semiprotech]

Hi! I do not notice any audio delay issues with the USB connection on the GO II or the NTG when using it for zoom or microsoft teams. I get a little bit of a delay when recording with OBS (about 200ms) but that is due to the video encoding time so that's normal. For virtual meetings you shouldn't have any audio sync issues.

[@misterliquidcity]

@semiprotech oh OK thanks for clarifying that to MD

[@invalidred]

Thank you for the video. Is Rode VideoMic GO 2 not as good for in home office setup? I use a mac and I can install software, I was wondering about the audio quality, does the Rode NTG have better audio quality? I REALLY liked the home office setup you showcased with Rode NTG on boom arm tucked away from camera view. THIS IS EXACTLY what I wanted, but could never visualize it before. Thanks to your video, I know better. You are the best!

[@semiprotech]

The VideoMic GO II actually sounds fantastic over USB and very much on-par with the NTG. Since you'll have access to software, not having the physical controls on the mic shouldn't be as big of a deal so honestly I'd say the GOII is probably the better buy. There's an interesting software/DSP difference with them actually: in Rode Central, the GO II has controls for the high pass filter and high shelf, but no other DSP features. The NTG has no controls at all Rode Central, just firmware updates. In Rode Connect, both microphones have access to the high pass filter plus the high shelf as well as the aural exciter, big bottom, compressor, and noise gate. Not a very consistent experience, but the GO II actually has more control in Rode Central than the NTG does.

[@user-iq6dr2du2y]

VideoMic NTG is very good if you set camera level to 1 and gain knob on mic to 10.Very important:camera level to 1, so there won't be any noise.

[@mattconstance2196]

Curious of the sound quality when these mics are boomed or mounted with the audio feeding direct in to the Roadcaster behind you.

[@semiprotech]

Hi! The VideoMics don't have a direct way of connecting to the Rodecaster Pro 2 without using adapters. They have 3.5mm output and the NTG & GO II have USB-C as well. The Rodecaster Pro 2 does not have a 3.5mm input and the mics are not recognized over a direct USB connection. The VideoMic NTG supplies its own power so you could use a 3.5mm to 1/4" TRS cable into one of the Rodecaster's combo jack inputs. But for the GO II and Micro, they need plug-in power at a low voltage, so you can't directly connect them. You would need an XLR to 3.5mm adapter that also converts 48v phantom power to 3-5v plug-in power, like the VXLR adapter that Rode makes. So it's possible to get the signal into the Rodecaster, but the VideoMic line is designed primarily for connecting to cameras, smartphones/tablets, and computers.

[@shahikc297]

Hi there, I am thinking to buy Rode video microphone ll I want to use that for my asmr cooking video, i have a doubt , when we record the video of cooking in the camera and the sound on the mic, will the sound sinc automatically when we upload the video to the editor ? Or do we need to edit and add the sounds according to the clips... Thanks and waiting for your reply.. Subbed ❤

[@semiprotech]

Hi! If you use the 3.5mm output into your camera (or the USB output into a phone if you record with your phone) you will not need to sync the audio in your video editor. You would only need to sync the audio to the video if you record the audio separately from the camera.

[@shahikc297]

@@semiprotech Thank you so much for your reply 🙏

[@lukakoprivica]

Great video! Very, very nice.

[@semiprotech]

Thank you!

[@DDandelion67]

Which of these mics is best for recording live music at shows? I had the VideoMic 2 but returned it and bought the NTG because of the pad but haven’t used it yet. Thanks.

[@minxu1662]

Hi, does The VideoMic 2 clip when you record live music? I wanted to get one for rock band recording. Thanks!

[@comandotech1]

Friend please can you help me. What microphone do you recommend, Rode videomicro, Rode videomicro II, Rode Videomic go. I need a shotgun microphone to record concerts with my cell phone, most of the time the events are in closed places and I am very close to the band, the sound is strong. They have told me to record directly from the console but it is not an option for me because I do not have access to it, I also saw the boya mb 2021 microphone and it costs much less than the 2 roden, almost half, I would have to save about 2 months, thank you so much.

[@semiprotech]

For a very loud source like live music where you're close to the speakers, the Rode VideoMicro and VideoMic GOII may not be the best choices if you're using the 3.5mm output because they have a max SPL of 110dB and they do not have a pad to decrease the level when using the 3.5mm output. If you can use a USB connection into your phone, the VideoMic GOII has a pad that can decrease the level -20dB but that is only available when using the USB output and you engage the pad in the Rode Central mobile app. So that would work with the VideoMic GO II and you'd be safe as far as the max SPL. Another option to consider would be the Comica VM10 Pro. It has both USB and 3.5mm output, and even without a pad the max SPL is 120dB and there's a gain control dial so you can turn it down for loud sources. I love the VideoMic Go II sound quality over USB and it works very well for multiple scenarios, but if you're looking for an option that's a little more budget friendly the VM10 Pro is worth a look.

[@SatsiriWinberg]

You need to select the rode connect audio in and out, not the videomic NTG directly, then APHEX will work. At least thats how it works for me. (On previous rode connect software thought)

[@semiprotech]

Unfortunately I still get the distorted sound with the APHEX processing turned on even when I use Rode Connect as the audio source in OBS or Audacity/Logic. If that worked for you it's making me wonder if I have a faulty NTG...I might reach out to Rode to see if they can help. Thanks for letting me know that worked for you!

[@Solidegg]

What mic would you recommend for recording Concerts Live Music loud stuff est?

[@semiprotech]

I would suggest the VideoMic NTG for louder sources like live music because the max SPL is a bit higher at 120dB. The VideoMic GO II and Micro II both max out at 110dB and I'm not a live sound expert but I think concerts can get up into the 100dB+ territory especially if you're right near a speaker. If you are frequently recording close to speakers at live events, you might even want to consider a mic with a higher max SPL in the 130dB range like the Rode VideoMic Pro or Pro+.

[@krzysztofkardynal6415]

For now with app, for me Rode VideoMic Go II i ts class for hisown. Thank You for this video, very needed.

[@stepahinigor]

Oh wow. Choosing a keyboard - your review helped. Choosing an out-of-video mic for wfh calls - again your review helps. Я собираю свой WFH сетап, ZV-E10 + Sigma 16mm + VideoMic NTG... I'm almost sure that VideoMic NTG is better, but the price of Go II looks interesting. As I understand Go II gives bad sound through 3.5 directly into the camera (I watched your other video), although through usb-c it sounds good and the difference in sound is not as big as the price difference with VideoMic NTG. I plan 99% of the time to use the boom arm mic above my head/monitor for calls, connected to the mac or to the ZV-E10 directly. The second option is convenient because you don't have to select separate video and audio sources every time in Google Meet or somewhere else (this selection is not memorized often). What do you think? Is it worth overpaying $140 for the VideoMic NTG or will the Go II be enough? Anyway thanks for such a detailed review! You must have 100k subscribers minimum with such quality content.

[@JarradShaw]

I feel so silly… I’ve owned to Go II and did not realize I had the opportunity using the Rode Capture app on my iPhone. Dang! Thank you so much

[@semiprotech]

Glad it was helpful! The Rode app (and the new blackmagic camera app) is great because you can control the gain level in the app which you cannot do in the apple native camera app.

[@7otrebla863]

what microphone would you recommend for live concerts

[@semiprotech]

Out of these 3 mics, I would recommend the VideoMic NTG because it has a higher max SPL at 120dB. Live concerts I believe can exceed 100dB especially if you're close to speakers, and the max SPL of the VideoMic GO II and Micro II are both 110dB which could be cutting it close.

[@janbogosyan909]

Hi which mic do you think have better audio MKE600 vs NTG ? I am thinking of getting one of this two

[@semiprotech]

Hi! If your budget allows you to go up to the price of the MKE600, that probably would be my first choice because the power is provided by a replaceable AA battery or phantom power from an interface or recorder, whereas the NTG has a non-removable battery and only outputs over 3.5mm or USB. The USB connection is handy for using with a computer, but if you won't be using it much, I think the MKE600 provides slightly better sound and you don't have to worry about the internal battery wearing out. I do have another video with audio samples from both of them and some other overhead/boom mics if you haven't seen it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/amjMo5KBZrmqgNk

[@janbogosyan909]

@@semiprotech Thank you a lot for the detailed answer, I will watch the video to hear the difference. In my country MKE600 is only 65$ dollar more expensive than NTG so the price its not a big problem, I read some people says the NTG battery can dies after few months of use and you cannot replaced it so I am worried about that. Do you have any problems with the NTG battery ?

[@semiprotech]

I haven't had any issues with my NTG battery and I've had it for about a year. I use it in every video that I make as the mic for my B camera and I also use it over USB-C with my iPhone sometimes for shorts too. Eventually the battery won't hold a charge but it's supposed to take years for that to happen, not months. Sounds like some individuals may have gotten a bad battery but I think it should be covered by warranty if it fails in just a few months. But that is the benefit of the MKE600, you never have to worry about it at all!

[@shahikc297]

Which one do you suggest to record asmr cooking video?

[@semiprotech]

In my opinion the VideoMic NTG will give you the best results for a clear & crisp sound over the 3.5mm output to a camera. If you're recording with a smartphone, the VideoMic GO II is also a good choice because the USB output sounds quite nice as well.

[@shahikc297]

@@semiprotech Thanks for your reply.. I appreciate it 🙏

[@Tsitman]

What is that phone and mic tripod /stand / holder ?

[@semiprotech]

The stand is an Ulanzi MT-16 and the phone mount is an Ulanzi/Pictron ST-27. The phone mount is all metal and works great - more than one cold shoe for attaching stuff. The stand is plastic and ok for light duty work, but I wouldn't call it super durable. Ulanzi does make a metal version of that stand though I believe it's the MT-47.

[@joshiyolo]

I heard that Rode doesnt go well with Samsung?

[@palestar828]

I heard those rode apps are terrible even reading the 1 star reviews. So how are we supposed to use the mics without the app? Any other apps you would recommend?

[@skakdosmer]

Most 1 star reviews of any product come from people who just don't know how to use it correctly.

[@semiprotech]

Last time I looked at reviews for the Rode Reporter app specifically, the majority of one-star reviews are quite old. Rode has tended to not make big, splashy updates to their free software but they have made updates to allow newer products to function. I personally have not had issues with the Rode Reporter app on iPhone. I've had a couple buggy things happen with Rode Capture, the new video app. Specifically when I recorded at 30fps the audio was not synced properly. Never had that happen in my tests with 24fps though, and that app is newer so I would expect some updates.

[@joelgrebinsilvestri]

i have the videomic 3 ro microphone but i dont know how to assemble with the minipod manfrotto i cant put it. how u do it? thank you

[@thechannelofdannyboy]

Hi, I think you said Wireless Go II several times when you actually meant to say 'VideoMic Go II.' The Wireless GO II is meant to connect your microphones to a transmitter so that the audio can be transmitted to a receiver connected to a camera.

[@semiprotech]

You're right - unfortunately I also own the Wireless Go II and they share the "Go II" half of their names. I actually said it incorrectly several more times while recording and caught myself, but some still made it through without me noticing. It was a struggle that day!

[@taylor1038]

I was really thinking of getting a Sony Mic because of how well it works with Sony cameras. But I gotta say I much prefer the flexibility of Rode. A lot cheaper as well

[@AR-bj5et]

Why did the Micro sound the best out of all three of these? I'm listening on DT880s and even on them it sounded better than the more expensive ones at a distance and close up. The Go was the worst of the three, sounded muffled and picked up a lot of the room from a distance in particular but it took the processing really well close up, the NTG was sibilant and also picked up more of the room than the micro although not as bad as the Go. What a weird lineup of mics.

[@travisp.hodgkinson.artist]

NTG knocks the others out of the park. The difference is massive. I use the NTG3 and that's just leagues ahead again. But as for these comparisons, the NTG is a very clear winner.

[@skakdosmer]

I own the Go II and the Micro II. The NTG has a non-replaceable battery which is a total dealbreaker for me. I sometimes leave any piece of gear unused for months on end, and that's very likely to kill a lithium battery. I've experienced that in the past.

[@semiprotech]

Very fair point! I like the sound of the GO II over USB - doesn't help much if recording in the field unless you're using a smartphone, but the sound over USB is a bit less muddled compared to the 3.5mm output.

[@paolagarrido992]

Can I use any usb c cable?

[@semiprotech]

With a computer or android device, any USB-C cable should work. If you're going to connect to an iPhone, you would either need to use one of Rode's USB-C to lightning cables (sold separately of course) or the USB camera adapter from apple.

[@BikeStuffPDX]

Wow, the NTG is so much better

[@semiprotech]

It seems like it might have something to do with the NTG supplying its own power vs the other two relying on plugin power from the camera. The VideoMic GO II actually has noticeably better sound when connected over USB, much closer sounding to the NTG.

[@BikeStuffPDX]

@@semiprotech Not really helpful in the field though. I decided to go with the Sony mic that powers itself directly off the hotshoe.

[@1Ricky1]

w

[@djteknovibe93]

The test isn't accurate because when you tested the microphones on top of the camera, when you tested the Micro II the camera was closer to you, that's not a real world comparison because if you're shotting video of anything or yourself you're not going to move the camera forward and risk having you being too close to the camera JUST to get the microphone closer to you. The camera needs to be exactly the same distance from you and if the sound is rubbish because the smaller microphone is further away from you then that's how it is.

[@semiprotech]

Hi there, as it says in the on-screen text, the distance of the on-camera test for the Micro II was 4 feet, which was the same as the other tests. I had to re-film the test and I used a tighter-angle shot because my recording area was messy. I use a zoom lens for my "A" camera so I can get multiple shots from it. I simply zoomed in to not show my messy desk when I re-filmed that test, but the microphone was still 4 feet away from me, the same distance it was for the other on-camera tests. Also, in my opinion that part of the test was only to point out that NONE of them should be used on-camera at that distance. Any microphone is going to pick up way more ambient room tone and reflections at that distance or greater and should be positioned much closer to the subject if it's going to be used as the primary audio (not scratch audio).