RØDE - VideoMic Pro

I use my iPhone 14 as a webcam (easy if you have a Mac). I record the video (HD) directly to my computer for easy editing. I use an external mic (Røde). it has worked better than my Android (Pixel 9), the Sony (ZV-1F Vlog), and a bulky Canon with lens.

Are you looking for on camera shotgun mic? or wireless lav mics? I use the Rode Wireless Pro for lavs and I've liked them quite a bit. Range is good, sounds is good, kit comes with a lot and they record internally for a backup if the sinal cuts. For on camera shotgun I use the Rode Video Mic Pro and it's also great though I think I'd like to try the Sennheiser MKE 400 I've heard good things and I don't wanna have to keep buying 9v volt batteries for the Rode. Also I have a Rode NTG 5+ and with an xlr to 3.5mm cable I've used it with my Z6III succesfully so I guess that's an option too if you need a longer or ofcamera shotgun.

Reviving this debate again. Bought an Android CarPlay Unit for my Peugeot (looks OEM and works great! —sorry haters), but I’m looking to get better microphone audio specifically for calls (wired 3.5mm). Any recommendations? Already tried: Olympus ME34 (Standard, mounted on steering wheel column). Rode VideoMicPro (Great when close, mounted on steering wheel column). Currently looking at the Rode SmartLav+ or Sony ECM-LV1 or maybe super high-end Shure WL185MW Cardioid.

I'm baaaack!!! Okay, so it turned out to be quite hard to piece together a rig \*exactly\* like mine above. As I mentioned earlier, this was assembled from random bits and pieces from a lifelong career and hobby in photo & video. So that is the bad news, which is actually some **good** news… I have found an alternative that bypasses all the shenanigans (clamps/adapters/doohickeys) and just allows you to put the mic directly ON the tripod. Bonus: It’s also cheaper than the initial *rebuild* of my setup I had put together. 3\* Pieces will give you the same functionality as mine. 1. Tripod 2. Shotgun Mic 3. Audio adapter for your phone if it does not have a headphone jack \*4. Audio Cord Splitter (dedicated mic/headphone) This is not essential, but allows you to monitor the mic input with headphones. I often don't do this, but it is a fun thing to do. NOT Sponsored by B&H, but they've treated me well over the years, so they get the links. Shop local if you can! :) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **1. Small Rig Beauty Pod 1.5K Flexible Mini Tripod @ $25** [https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1665641-REG/smallrig\_3446\_beautypod\_1\_5k\_flexible\_mini.html](https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1665641-REG/smallrig_3446_beautypod_1_5k_flexible_mini.html) **2.** \*Bad news #2\* My mic is a bit of overkill IMO: Rode Video Mic Pro @ $230 + $40 for the deadcat (fuzzy). I would recommend a smaller, more portable version that includes the fuzzy wind protection.  **Rode Video Micro II @ $80** [https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1738295-REG/rode\_vmicroii\_videomicro\_ii\_ultracompact\_camera\_mount.html/accessories](https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1738295-REG/rode_vmicroii_videomicro_ii_ultracompact_camera_mount.html/accessories) I am a fan of Rode gear, very robust and high quality. That said, microphones are fairly delicate tools, so try to treat them with care.  **3. Phone audio adapter (TRRS) for your specific model of phone:** Lightning or USB-C options linked below, choose based on your phone’s charging port. \~$15 [https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1561511-REG/saramonic\_sr\_c2002\_apple\_lightning\_connector.html](https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1561511-REG/saramonic_sr_c2002_apple_lightning_connector.html) \-or- [https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1580724-REG/comica\_audio\_cvm\_spx\_uc\_3\_5mm\_trrs\_usb\_c\_audio.html](https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1580724-REG/comica_audio_cvm_spx_uc_3_5mm_trrs_usb_c_audio.html) **\*Optional** **4. StarTech Headset Output Splitter for Dedicated Mic & Headphone Plugs @ $7**  [https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1571226-REG/startech\_muyhsmffadw\_3\_5mm\_male\_to\_headphone.html](https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1571226-REG/startech_muyhsmffadw_3_5mm_male_to_headphone.html) This is all untested, but based on my knowledge and experience should work great for this purpose. Should you choose another style/brand of microphone I would look for one that is listed as a "Shotgun Mic" and has a very directional pattern. This should be listed in the description somewhere. For assembly... The tripod has a slot on the side called a "cold shoe" you will place the base of the mic into that slot and screw down the locking ring. from there its a matter of daisy chaining the cord and adapter to your phone which will be placed in the included phone mount on the tripod screw. \*If you choose to incorporate the splitter, put it between the audio out from the mic, and before the phone adapter. Plug in a set of earbuds and you now have a method to monitor what the microphone is picking up. I recommend using just one ear to begin with, as this can be slightly disorienting at first. Best of luck! Report back if you go ahead with the build! Happy birding!

We use the pro one (I think which ever has .32 bit float) we have use them on the boom with a phantom power adapter. We love em!

Rode video mic. But it’s consumer grade. A big step up from phone mic for close (2-4ft). Not “top quality” because that implies you’re using a proper preamp

The rode videomic is all right for getting the ambient sound. Mine can also plug into one of the two dji mic remote wireless microphones so I can place them independently of the camera. The internal sound recording is good enough for matching the audio if you forget to clap.

I used an apogee duet for 10+ years professionally. It's great. I'd prob get a rode condenser mic if i were you. If you know how to work it, an sm57 can also take you around the world

All cameras have bad preamps and recording directly to them gives sup-par results. Only you can decide the levels of your standard. The RØDE mics are not bad - the camera's preamp is. Zoom H4n was a good choice 10 years ago. A contemporary suggestion would be a Tascam X6 if you want build in microphones like the Zoom H4n. If you want to add your own mics; Zoom F3 or Tascam FR-AV2 are good options.

Not strictly true. This is for self tape auditions so realistically they’re not looking for studio quality. The rode video mic would be good as attaches to the phone / iPad. If you can conceal a clip on wireless mic, rode do these too?