After examining the build quality, features, audio quality and value for money I answer the all important question, "Is it for you?" I found some interesting differences between the Sony and Canon cameras. Hope you enjoy the video. If you have any questions please ask. I will do my best to answer them.
Many thanks for uploading this video! I just bought RODE VideoMic Pro Plus and I am using it on Sony AX53 4k camcorder. Damn this setup makes me happy :) I've never owned any external mics before, but I think this takes the cake when it comes to recording audio. It's great not to have any camera lens zooming sounds on video, also +20 db boost helps me a lot! I would definitely recommend this mic to anyone. The only downside to me is the price.
Great to hear your first hand experience with the mic. I agree it is a high price but understandable compared to the features and build quality. Really appreciate you taking the time to add your comments. Thanks so much.
Hello Gary. I am looking at purchasing the Rode mic pro and you video was very informative, thank you. I am in the UK and I heard you are on the Sunshine Coast. I am a professional ukulele player and appeared at the Sunshine Coast ukulele festival in both 2016/17 in Kenilworth. I hope to return once Covid is more under control. I have subscribed to your channel.
Great video Gazz ! I was trying to figure out the difference of setting vs the conditions. Gave you a sub because you explained the setting very well ! Cheers mate
Excellent review content with perfect delivery. Love the way you are concise and factual without the ra-ra we are sometimes subjected to by UA-camrs. Keep up the good work. I've subscribed and given you a Thumbs Up.
Great video. At around the 2:30 mark, you have a flash bracket holding the mic. I really like that bracket and was wondering if you could tell me where I could get it. All info would be greatly appreciated.
That is an old classic I have had for years. I seaarched a couple to give you some options. This is one from B&H that may help: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/419200-REG/Smith_Victor_701520_TR_56_Camcorder_Accessory_Mounting.html/BI/21821/KBID/28187/kw/SMTR56/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xSMTR56 This is one from Amazon that may help: geni.us/ULANZI_U-Grip_Pro
Sir Gary, your presentation was most informative and fun to see. Between you and a lady's vid I saw before yours I am all but slavering over this tool/toy and will be going to the Guitar Center store here in Arvada, Colorado, USA to try it out there on my Panasonic Lumix FZ 1000. The onboard mic is good for kwik 'n dirty work but I want strong pick up with some isolation for people I meet on my trips which may take place in public venues or outdoors.
That’s will be good if you can actually try it out on your camera Gweedo. Nothing better than to set it up and record for your self. Just a little tip, take someone with you so you can simulate how you are going to interview inside and outside on the street if you can. This will give you some real time examples. Hope it works out for you.
I called Guitar Center here, which is actually listed at Westminster, and the fella said they do not have it in store and so ordered it from the Kansas City warehouse. The good part, I have a very generous 45 days to return if I am not satisfied. :-) Thank you for a response, Gary ! . Gordon . (Gweedo is my handle.)
Great hear you have a return policy on your purchase Gordon. You will be able to try it out for a while. I really hope it works as well for you as it has for me.
Preliminary testing looks good, Gary. I love the powering options and Db boost function which I may well use in a setting where I am a distance from the cam, and when I am carrying it, with the mic attached, go with no boost. I turned on the high frequency boost and so far can't tell there is a difference. More time with the unit is necessary for a best appraisal. I have a small tripod and a 25ft. cable I bought at a hardware store for when I want the mic on a table with the cam back a ways and on the tripod. The coherent and up close sound I get on playback is most appreciated. The mic picks you up even when you are directly behind it and has a reasonable side to side grab when you are in front of it, a plus if you are at a table with others. The sound pickup trails off the further off axis you go so testing for group talk is necessary before doing a recording.
Really glad it has worked out well Gordon. The powering options are great. The high frequency boost is designed to balance the audio with extra wind socks installed.
At 02:34 - interesting bracket/mount you use. What is it and where can I buy this? Thanks for an honest review with practical information. Its helps me make my choice.
The camera I was using to do the testing of the microphones was a Canon 80D and the camera cage was Neewer. I have them listed in the Amazon Shop: geni.us/GaryDmedia-Amazon-Shop
Great contents about audio. Im about to buy this one but I got confused with Zoom H4n Pro. Ended up buying the Zoom for DSLR. But I was really peaking this mic for a long time. But upon searching, I figured out H4n Pro has a lot of options when recording audio. Please correct me if I am wrong or I should have bought this Rode instead of H4nPro? Thanks and Subscribing. Already saw the H5 vid.
You are right. The Zoom H4n Pro has a lot more options and of course is a stand alone 4 channel recorder that can be used for many things. The Rode mic does one job well. Feeds good quality one channel audio for your video recording. If you only want to improve the cameras audio, the H4n Pro is not the best option but if you wanted a device that can be used for recording live music then you have the best recorder. You can always buy a cheaper mic later to improve your camera audio like the Rode Video Micro. It is very good for the price. Hope that helps.
Thank you for your presentation. I recently purchased the mic. I recalled you mentioned the function to activate the auto ON / OFF, how do I access this feature? much appreciated. thank you.
Thanks for this review. I use a Sony AX100 camcorder with this Rode VideoMic Pro Plus. Just wanted to confirm something I think you said. As a rule, one should always set the auto level on a camcorder down to a very low level and set the Rode external mic to +20db?
Yes Darryl, that is a general rule with most DSLR cameras especially the Canon EOS series. Your camcorder may not be quite so bad. You will have to just do some testing. The benefit of the Rode mic is that it has very clear audio, so raising the level of the mic and reducing the sensitivity of the camera’s audio input insures that you get the best audio possible. If there sounds like there is distortion you will need the reduce the output of the videomic pro. Hope that helps.
Great review! Is it safe to say the Pro Plus has a large advantage over the Pro if the primary recording use will be to interview subjects outdoors? I'm curious if you noticed a significant advantage with the upgraded high pass filter or if this was negligible ?
Joe, the pro plus has some great upgrades but as noted in the video the quality of the audio is very similar if not the same. Even though the pro does not have those extra filter options, the same effect can be obtained in the editing process of your video. The only advantage I see is minimising post production work.
*subbed* much love from canada! i'm trying to decide what i should do because i have a video mic go on my canon 60d and its really noisy indoors but outdoors it seems to be okay but i'm not sure what i should upgrade to
Great to hear from you. The VideoMic Go does not have its own power supply so it won't have the advantage of the VideoMic Pro series of boosting the volume up to minimise internal camera noise. I think that may be your problem as the 60d is known for a noisy audio input. One other thing, do you set your audio to manual and not auto?
i set my audio to manual if its a controlled environment but most of the time its auto because i don't want to forget. sometimes i set it too low and i forget to put it back if its run and gun vlogging and the whole clip is ruined but i'm just not sure if i should get the rode pro or pro + i have my eye on the pro + what do you recommend? i also saw a video that recommended just getting a lav mic for internal because thats where i notice the most noise while its quiet. i don't notice it outdoors in noisy environments because the noise gets over powered i guess
I definitely would start with a lav mic on a lead. Boya have a cheap one that is very good. At the end of the Pro Plus video I help you decide which of the two would be better for each individual. Hope it works out for you.
do you think plus is worth it when I don't have the pro version ? looking to buy either pro or proplus. right now I can get Pro for 180 brand new vs 300 for pro plus. looking to do some vlogs. ty
The audio quality for all intents and purposes is the same. You can filter out low noise in some editing programs but it can be a bother. The VideoMic Pro Rycote version is a very good Mic. You just have to work out if you want those extra trimmings.
It’s wonderful to see your back. I appreciate your videos so much. Just wanted to say THANK YOU so much once again for helping me with my zoom device a while back. Take care, CHEERS!!
+SAS-ASMR Thanks so much for your kind words. I really appreciate your support. As you know it does take a lot of time and commitment to create content.
Hi, Gary. In what way is this mic better than the old version when recording a live concert? I'm wondering which one to get and I do sometimes record music. And do you use a Dead cat with the Pro+?
There is a dead cat sock that can be purchased. This is only when recording in wind. Both mics are very similar, just the pro+ has extra features. You will find the recorded sound in your case is no different.
On the underside of the cold shoe mount there is a thread that a boom pole can screw into. The cold shoe is the name given to the part of the microphone that slides onto the camera.
Yes that's it. Just remember you can't expect full range sound if you cut out the low end. Only use it when you need to reduce low end background noise. Thanks for commenting.
Your welcome. Actually got mine for 2 months ago now, but never haven’t a curious touching the button. However I got to the point that I was having a problem on the wind, so that’s why I search for guide to show me how it works eliminating the wind. So thanks for that vivid clear review.🙂 God bless.
Wow great review and has helped me decide on my purchase, which has today arrived. Any tips that you can offer for initial settings on the Rode, for recording live music in small clubs and pubs, music is guitars, keyboards and drums
Good to hear the video helped you make a choice Andrew, depending on how loud and how close you are to the sound source you may not need the +20dB setting and yo may need to add the 75Hz roll off. Keep the volume low on the camera. Apart from that, run a test recording and listen carefully for any distortion. Enjoy your new mic.
![Røde VideoMic Pro Plus - In-Depth Review - Comparison to Rode VideoMic Pro [4K]](/img/n.gif)
Wonderful review. Just subscribed. I love how in depth you go in this review with the various settings the mic has.
Thanks for the feedback Dee. I appreciate it. The Pro+ does have some very handy extras.
After examining the build quality, features, audio quality and value for money I answer the all important question, "Is it for you?" I found some interesting differences between the Sony and Canon cameras. Hope you enjoy the video. If you have any questions please ask. I will do my best to answer them.
Good to see and hear from u again Gary, many thanks for extensive review, sandy
+sandy anderson Thanks so much for your comment. Yes it's been a while.
Many thanks for uploading this video! I just bought RODE VideoMic Pro Plus and I am using it on Sony AX53 4k camcorder.
Damn this setup makes me happy :)
I've never owned any external mics before, but I think this takes the cake when it comes to recording audio. It's great not to have any camera lens zooming sounds on video, also +20 db boost helps me a lot! I would definitely recommend this mic to anyone. The only downside to me is the price.
Great to hear your first hand experience with the mic. I agree it is a high price but understandable compared to the features and build quality. Really appreciate you taking the time to add your comments. Thanks so much.
I could feel your care and concern for those who are searching for the best mic for users👍👍👍Thanks much👍👍👍🤝
Thanks Leonardo, there is a lot of sales hype out there. I'm happy the video was helpful.
Hello Gary. I am looking at purchasing the Rode mic pro and you video was very informative, thank you. I am in the UK and I heard you are on the Sunshine Coast. I am a professional ukulele player and appeared at the Sunshine Coast ukulele festival in both 2016/17 in Kenilworth. I hope to return once Covid is more under control. I have subscribed to your channel.
Just exchanged my pro for Plus. Can't be any more happy with plus. It's a must in my book, and I'm a begainer.
That’s good to hear. Yes I agree. The extra features put it in front of a lot of others on the market. The auto on/off is the best feature I think.
Great video Gazz ! I was trying to figure out the difference of setting vs the conditions. Gave you a sub because you explained the setting very well ! Cheers mate
Thanks Ty, appreciate the support. I’m glad the video was helpful.
Excellent review content with perfect delivery. Love the way you are concise and factual without the ra-ra we are sometimes subjected to by UA-camrs. Keep up the good work. I've subscribed and given you a Thumbs Up.
+RemekTek Media thanks so much for your support. Great to hear your comments.
This is VERY helpful. And helped me finalize my decision. thank you!
Great to hear Steve. Thanks for letting me know.
Informative review. Was tossing up between the pro and pro+ for my new sony ax53 and this review has helped in that decision. Thanks.
So glad to hear it was helpful and I appreciate you letting me know. Thanks so much.
thanks Gary. very helpful.
Great to hear, thanks.
Another excellent review filled with great info
So glad I subscribed to your channel
Cheers, Pete
Thanks Pete, there is a lot to say about this mic. I appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Gary Davies you have a great channel, very appreciated.
Excellent video, so glad I found this before I made a purchase, the plus is the way to go for me👍🏼
Great the video was of help. I appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Thank you sooo much!! First video ive ever seen that shows how to use safety travk in premiere pro!! Thx!!!!!
Great to hear. I glad the video was helpful to you Jimmy. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
awesome overview! thank you!!
Happy to hear the video was of help. Thanks for letting me know Tihkal.
Great video. At around the 2:30 mark, you have a flash bracket holding the mic. I really like that bracket and was wondering if you could tell me where I could get it. All info would be greatly appreciated.
That is an old classic I have had for years. I seaarched a couple to give you some options. This is one from B&H that may help: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/419200-REG/Smith_Victor_701520_TR_56_Camcorder_Accessory_Mounting.html/BI/21821/KBID/28187/kw/SMTR56/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xSMTR56
This is one from Amazon that may help: geni.us/ULANZI_U-Grip_Pro
@@GaryDmedia awesome! Thanks!
Sir Gary, your presentation was most informative and fun to see. Between you and a lady's vid I saw before yours I am all but slavering over this tool/toy and will be going to the Guitar Center store here in Arvada, Colorado, USA to try it out there on my Panasonic Lumix FZ 1000. The onboard mic is good for kwik 'n dirty work but I want strong pick up with some isolation for people I meet on my trips which may take place in public venues or outdoors.
That’s will be good if you can actually try it out on your camera Gweedo. Nothing better than to set it up and record for your self. Just a little tip, take someone with you so you can simulate how you are going to interview inside and outside on the street if you can. This will give you some real time examples. Hope it works out for you.
I called Guitar Center here, which is actually listed at Westminster, and the fella said they do not have it in store and so ordered it from the Kansas City warehouse. The good part, I have a very generous 45 days to return if I am not satisfied. :-) Thank you for a response, Gary !
.
Gordon
.
(Gweedo is my handle.)
Great hear you have a return policy on your purchase Gordon. You will be able to try it out for a while. I really hope it works as well for you as it has for me.
Preliminary testing looks good, Gary. I love the powering options and Db boost function which I may well use in a setting where I am a distance from the cam, and when I am carrying it, with the mic attached, go with no boost. I turned on the high frequency boost and so far can't tell there is a difference. More time with the unit is necessary for a best appraisal. I have a small tripod and a 25ft. cable I bought at a hardware store for when I want the mic on a table with the cam back a ways and on the tripod. The coherent and up close sound I get on playback is most appreciated. The mic picks you up even when you are directly behind it and has a reasonable side to side grab when you are in front of it, a plus if you are at a table with others. The sound pickup trails off the further off axis you go so testing for group talk is necessary before doing a recording.
Really glad it has worked out well Gordon. The powering options are great. The high frequency boost is designed to balance the audio with extra wind socks installed.
At 02:34 - interesting bracket/mount you use. What is it and where can I buy this?
Thanks for an honest review with practical information. Its helps me make my choice.
Thanks Ruud, I appreciate your comment. The Amazon website link to the camera cage is here: amzn.to/2Z12eot
great unbiased review.
Thanks, I appreciate you letting me know.
I wouldn't even consider the old version when having the PLUS model available. The battery itself is enough reason to go for the PLUS.
Yes the battery compartment has been a cause of much anxiety from videographers. Great to hear your comment, thanks.
Hi, I admit the video is perfect, I just want to know the name of the camera and mic mounting kit there, thank you for your response.
The camera I was using to do the testing of the microphones was a Canon 80D and the camera cage was Neewer. I have them listed in the Amazon Shop: geni.us/GaryDmedia-Amazon-Shop
Great contents about audio. Im about to buy this one but I got confused with Zoom H4n Pro. Ended up buying the Zoom for DSLR. But I was really peaking this mic for a long time. But upon searching, I figured out H4n Pro has a lot of options when recording audio. Please correct me if I am wrong or I should have bought this Rode instead of H4nPro? Thanks and Subscribing. Already saw the H5 vid.
You are right. The Zoom H4n Pro has a lot more options and of course is a stand alone 4 channel recorder that can be used for many things. The Rode mic does one job well. Feeds good quality one channel audio for your video recording. If you only want to improve the cameras audio, the H4n Pro is not the best option but if you wanted a device that can be used for recording live music then you have the best recorder. You can always buy a cheaper mic later to improve your camera audio like the Rode Video Micro. It is very good for the price. Hope that helps.
Thank you for your presentation. I recently purchased the mic. I recalled you mentioned the function to activate the auto ON / OFF, how do I access this feature? much appreciated. thank you.
Thanks for this review. I use a Sony AX100 camcorder with this Rode VideoMic Pro Plus. Just wanted to confirm something I think you said. As a rule, one should always set the auto level on a camcorder down to a very low level and set the Rode external mic to +20db?
Yes Darryl, that is a general rule with most DSLR cameras especially the Canon EOS series. Your camcorder may not be quite so bad. You will have to just do some testing. The benefit of the Rode mic is that it has very clear audio, so raising the level of the mic and reducing the sensitivity of the camera’s audio input insures that you get the best audio possible. If there sounds like there is distortion you will need the reduce the output of the videomic pro. Hope that helps.
Great review! Is it safe to say the Pro Plus has a large advantage over the Pro if the primary recording use will be to interview subjects outdoors? I'm curious if you noticed a significant advantage with the upgraded high pass filter or if this was negligible
?
Joe, the pro plus has some great upgrades but as noted in the video the quality of the audio is very similar if not the same. Even though the pro does not have those extra filter options, the same effect can be obtained in the editing process of your video. The only advantage I see is minimising post production work.
@@GaryDmedia Great, thanks.
Can you buy an XLR adapter
How did you check the audio levels from the camera of the mic?
thanks
Thanks for commenting, I appreciate it.
*subbed* much love from canada! i'm trying to decide what i should do because i have a video mic go on my canon 60d and its really noisy indoors but outdoors it seems to be okay but i'm not sure what i should upgrade to
Great to hear from you. The VideoMic Go does not have its own power supply so it won't have the advantage of the VideoMic Pro series of boosting the volume up to minimise internal camera noise. I think that may be your problem as the 60d is known for a noisy audio input. One other thing, do you set your audio to manual and not auto?
i set my audio to manual if its a controlled environment but most of the time its auto because i don't want to forget. sometimes i set it too low and i forget to put it back if its run and gun vlogging and the whole clip is ruined but i'm just not sure if i should get the rode pro or pro + i have my eye on the pro + what do you recommend? i also saw a video that recommended just getting a lav mic for internal because thats where i notice the most noise while its quiet. i don't notice it outdoors in noisy environments because the noise gets over powered i guess
I definitely would start with a lav mic on a lead. Boya have a cheap one that is very good. At the end of the Pro Plus video I help you decide which of the two would be better for each individual. Hope it works out for you.
do you think plus is worth it when I don't have the pro version ? looking to buy either pro or proplus. right now I can get Pro for 180 brand new vs 300 for pro plus. looking to do some vlogs. ty
That is a difficult spot to be in. At the end of the video I discuss if it is worth it. Check out my conclusions about the very question you ask.
Gary Davies - AudioTTR I did watch. Just can’t decide 180 for pro or 300 pro plus :(. Think 9volt battery can be a pain but 120 Dollar difference..
The audio quality for all intents and purposes is the same. You can filter out low noise in some editing programs but it can be a bother. The VideoMic Pro Rycote version is a very good Mic. You just have to work out if you want those extra trimmings.
It’s wonderful to see your back. I appreciate your videos so much. Just wanted to say THANK YOU so much once again for helping me with my zoom device a while back. Take care, CHEERS!!
+SAS-ASMR Thanks so much for your kind words. I really appreciate your support. As you know it does take a lot of time and commitment to create content.
Yes absolutely :))) keep up the great work, looking forward to more of your awesome review ;).
Thanks for doing real-world tests on those audio boost / filter settings. Very helpful!
I appreciate your feedback. The new filters give you better options.
Hi, Gary. In what way is this mic better than the old version when recording a live concert? I'm wondering which one to get and I do sometimes record music. And do you use a Dead cat with the Pro+?
There is a dead cat sock that can be purchased. This is only when recording in wind. Both mics are very similar, just the pro+ has extra features. You will find the recorded sound in your case is no different.
Can you share how you attached the mic to a boom stand? What attachments do I need to get? Thanks! Really enjoying your videos!
On the underside of the cold shoe mount there is a thread that a boom pole can screw into. The cold shoe is the name given to the part of the microphone that slides onto the camera.
Gary, my friend. I just became a subscriber and a fan of yours! Excellent review!
Thanks Ivan, I appreciate the feedback. I'm glad the video was helpful.
the battery looks like it'll last way longer then my zoom h1n
Yes Daniel, it does last a long time.
thanks for the video!!
I appreciate the feedback. Glad it was helpful.
Thank you for the indepth review. I was TORN between the Pro and the Pro +. You just made it easier for me to decide. Thanks again!
Great to hear. The video was a bit long but there was a lot of things to consider. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
So the best settings to reduce background noise is to set it to (+20db & high pass filter 150) and set +1 gain in Sony camera I believe?
Yes that's it. Just remember you can't expect full range sound if you cut out the low end. Only use it when you need to reduce low end background noise. Thanks for commenting.
Thanks for your clarification Gary!
I don't know much about sound, but I love technical anything, explained WELL.
Thanks Mark. Appreciate it.
Thank you! Very informative review. God bless.
That’s great to hear. Thanks for letting me know, I appreciate it.
Your welcome. Actually got mine for 2 months ago now, but never haven’t a curious touching the button. However I got to the point that I was having a problem on the wind, so that’s why I search for guide to show me how it works eliminating the wind. So thanks for that vivid clear review.🙂 God bless.
Wow great review and has helped me decide on my purchase, which has today arrived. Any tips that you can offer for initial settings on the Rode, for recording live music in small clubs and pubs, music is guitars, keyboards and drums
Good to hear the video helped you make a choice Andrew, depending on how loud and how close you are to the sound source you may not need the +20dB setting and yo may need to add the 75Hz roll off. Keep the volume low on the camera. Apart from that, run a test recording and listen carefully for any distortion. Enjoy your new mic.
@@GaryDmedia thanks for this - its usually pretty loud LOL, noted about the 75mhz and camera volume, really looking forward to trying this out