Rode VideoMicroFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 43 mentions across 11 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment48%
PROS 48%
CONS 52%

Rank based on 43 mentions across 11 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want an affordable, compact shotgun mic mainly for a camera
  • You're okay learning small setup tricks like cable routing and mic orientation
  • You film mostly indoors or in calm outdoor conditions

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You frequently film in windy outdoor conditions
  • You plan to use it mainly with a phone or PC and need strong output levels
  • You need built-in noise-cancelling safety features found on pricier Rode mics

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal soundMinimal monitor and drum bleedTrusted for regular gig useDistracting large logoHigh price tag
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal sound
Minimal monitor and drum bleed
Trusted for regular gig use
Distracting large logo
High price tag
2Premium
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner SatisfactionExceptional Sound ClarityGreat for Field RecordingHigh PriceNot Omnidirectional / More MuffledUltrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner Satisfaction
Exceptional Sound Clarity
Great for Field Recording
High Price
Not Omnidirectional / More Muffled
Ultrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
3Premium
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operationClean, distortion-free audioSolid build quality
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operation
Clean, distortion-free audio
Solid build quality
4Premium
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibilityVersatile across instrumentsStrong, non-boomy low endPrice barrier for some buyersUnclear M/S and connector design questionsLacking low-mid presence on some vocals
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibility
Versatile across instruments
Strong, non-boomy low end
Price barrier for some buyers
Unclear M/S and connector design questions
Lacking low-mid presence on some vocals
5Mid
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound qualityVersatile onboard EQ switchesBuilt-in gain boostHigh price for some buyersUncertain added value over existing setupFiddly dip switches
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound quality
Versatile onboard EQ switches
Built-in gain boost
High price for some buyers
Uncertain added value over existing setup
Fiddly dip switches
6Mid
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57Excellent on acoustic guitarDurable, long-lasting buildCan sound harsh in some applicationsAppearance not universally likedInconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57
Excellent on acoustic guitar
Durable, long-lasting build
Can sound harsh in some applications
Appearance not universally liked
Inconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
7Mid
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocalsStriking, attractive designRecognizable, notable reputation
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocals
Striking, attractive design
Recognizable, notable reputation
8Premium
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm characterCompetitive with top-tier micsFull-bodied, rich low endHard to distinguish from cheaper alternativesVery high pricePositioning-sensitive
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm character
Competitive with top-tier mics
Full-bodied, rich low end
Hard to distinguish from cheaper alternatives
Very high price
Positioning-sensitive
9Premium
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67Warm, creamy tube toneAttractive appearance
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67
Warm, creamy tube tone
Attractive appearance
Best value
10Mid
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tonePreferred over U87ai in blind testsLow sibilance / smooth highsAudible distortion noted at price pointCan sound muddy or bass-heavyCardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tone
Preferred over U87ai in blind tests
Low sibilance / smooth highs
Audible distortion noted at price point
Can sound muddy or bass-heavy
Cardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
You are here
31Budget
Rode VideoMicro
Excellent value for the priceGreat sound quality on camerasCable-notch trick eliminates bounce noiseLow output levels on phones and PCsDead cat falls off and performs poorly in windBackground hiss and white noise
Rode VideoMicro
Excellent value for the price
Great sound quality on cameras
Cable-notch trick eliminates bounce noise
Low output levels on phones and PCs
Dead cat falls off and performs poorly in wind
Background hiss and white noise

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

A tiny mic that massively outperforms its price tag. Multiple users call it one of the best bargains in recording, impressive given its small size and cost. Owners who've had it for years still praise how good it sounds, and one compared it favorably even after trying pricier USB condenser mics. The VideoMicro II is described as sounding close to Rode's pricier Go II, making it a strong value choice for creators on a budget.

The dead cat and wind performance are a recurring headache. Several commenters say the included dead cat falls off constantly and performs poorly in wind, with one reporting hours of unusable footage from a simple straw test. Others confirm wind creates static or stuttering audio even with the windscreen on. Users insist you should always use the dead cat outdoors, though it doesn't fully solve strong wind or gust problems.

Cable bounce and low output levels trip up new users. Many describe a frustrating bouncing noise from the stock cable hitting the camera, fixed easily by clipping the cord into a notch on the mount. Separately, users report very low levels and hiss when connecting to phones, PCs, or certain sound chips, sometimes requiring maxed-out preamps or extra gear. Facing the mic toward the subject rather than away is repeatedly cited as a simple fix that dramatically improves sound.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?