Equipped
with expanded power options, extended tonal control, and a redesigned
windscreen in a smaller footprint than the VideoMic Pro, the Rode VideoMic Pro+
is optimal for mobile journalists, vloggers, budget filmmakers, and
run-and-gun shooters in need of a flexible camera-mount shotgun mic
that's also at home on a boompole.
With versatile battery/USB power options, upgraded RF immunity,
adjustable gain, and multiple clarity-enhancing features, the VideoMic
Pro+ can meet the demands of videographers working in a range of indoor
and outdoor environments.
This compact and lightweight shotgun microphone features an integrated
shockmount that mounts directly to your camera or boompole and reduces
noise from various vibrations. The reworked windscreen design minimizes
wind noise, making it well suited for outdoor shoots. The 3.5mm TRS
output and detachable cable ensure proper hookup to your camera, and the
selectable safety channel prevents accidental distortion by providing a
duplicate audio signal at a lower level.
Whereas
most built-in camera microphones pick up sound from all directions,
this microphone utilizes a supercardioid polar pattern to focus on sound
in front of it while attenuating sound from the sides and rear. Its
low-noise electronics and sensitive condenser element deliver more
detailed audio than the mics typically found in cameras and portable
recorders.
A
detachable straight 3.5mm cable is included for easy hookup to your
camera. The microphone's 3.5mm TRS jack is wired in a dual-mono
configuration, ensuring that the mic signal is sent identically to both
input channels of your camera or portable recorder.
Included
with the VideoMic Pro+ is the LB-1, a rechargeable and removable
lithium-ion battery that provides up to 100 hours of operating time per
charge. If you don't have time to recharge the LB-1, just remove it and
pop in two AA batteries (available separately) instead. The built-in
battery door stays attached to the mic and simplifies battery changes.
You can even power the mic via a USB connection to an external battery
pack or charger.
In
addition to a power button, this microphone features a defeatable auto
on/off function that mitigates unnecessary battery usage. When connected
to the mic input of a compatible camera, the VideoMic Pro+
automatically turns on or off in response to the presence or absence of
plug-in power. So, the mic shuts off when it detects a loss in power,
either from powering off or disconnecting the camera.
The
high-pass filter can be set to 75 Hz or 150 Hz to roll off
low-frequency noise from common sources such as air conditioners and
traffic. Knowing that intelligibility is crucial, Rode outfitted the
VideoMic Pro+ with a selectable high-frequency boost, which enhances
detail and clarity in the treble range.
To
enable optimal recording levels, the VideoMic Pro+ boasts a 3-stage
gain control. Like the low roll-off and high-frequency boost, the gain
control is digitally switched for precision and convenience. The +20 dB
setting is ideal when recording to cameras, as it boosts the signal
without requiring extreme gain on the camera's inferior preamp. Select
the flat setting when routing the mic into a dedicated high-quality
preamp, or switch to the -10 dB option when loud sound sources threaten
to distort your recording.
When
source levels get unexpectedly louder, you risk overloading the
recording. By pressing the power and dB buttons simultaneously, you can
set the mic's right channel to output 10 dB lower than the left channel.
This lets you record a safety channel and the main signal to your
camera at the same time.
The
main status LED uses red, blue, and green colors to indicate the
current power source, charging status, and remaining operating time.
Additional LEDs are allocated for indication of the safety channel,
high-pass filter, high-frequency boost, and gain settings. An onboard
light sensor allows it to adjust the LED brightness level in response to
ambient light.
Understanding
that the rubber bands used in many shockmounts can snap and stretch,
Rode chose to integrate a rugged Rycote Lyre suspension-style
shockmount. This simplifies setup of the mic and inhibits the transfer
of vibrations from the camera. Plus, the bottom of the shockmount
features a camera shoe mount with a 3/8" thread, ensuring easy
attachment to your camera or a boompole such as Rode's Micro Boompole
(available separately).
The
VideoMic Pro+ has an updated and optimized foam windscreen to minimize
unwanted wind noise from breezes, fans, heaters, and air conditioners.
For maximum reduction of wind noise in outdoor environments, consider a
furry windshield such as the Rode DeadCat VMPR+ (available separately).
Expand
the microphone's device compatibility with Rode accessories such as the
SC4 and VXLR (both available separately). The SC4 is a short cable that
lets you connect the VideoMic Pro+ directly to a smartphone or tablet
equipped with a 3.5mm TRRS jack. The VXLR adapter is the ideal solution
when you want to record the VideoMic Pro+ to a camcorder or mixer that
has XLR inputs.