RØDE launches new Video Mic Go II – a versatile compact shotgun microphone

If there’s one thing Australian sound and video technology company RØDE don’t do it’s sit still. Despite having a microphone for every occasion, there’s a new one on the market that ticks a while lot of boxes.

The Rode Video Mic Go II is an extremely lightweight shotgun style microphone that could easily be used in Vlogging, Video production, video conferencing, gaming – you name it.

Thanks to the USB-C and 3.5mm TRS output you have a limitless number of devices the Rode Video Mic Go II can connect to.

In my testing, I’ve been using an iPhone connected with a USB-C to lightning cable direct from the Video Mic Go II to the iPhone.

You could connect this to a computer, use it as a microphone on a zoom call, or on a live stream – whatever you need.

And of course, with a 3.5mm TRS output, you can also plug it into a DSLR camera for video production.

Overall the sound is full bodied as advertised, and quite directional. I still find a Lapel is a better approach for a vocal presentation, but for a simpler point and shoot production with great audio, the Rode Video Mic Go II is a robust and easy to use solution.

It works best – in my testing – at a range of 1-2meters from the microphone, and it’s quite directional so going off to the side or back will impact sound quality.

For those on a PC or Mac, the Rode Video Mic Go II also works with the Rode connect software, allowing you to set any audio processing or access advanced features.

It’s a great microphone for creating TikTok’s, Instagram or YouTube vlogs, as well as a simple one to keep at the desk for better audio on conference calls.

“When we released the VideoMic NTG in 2019, we completely revolutionised on-camera audio, as we have been doing for well over a decade,” says RØDE CEO Damien Wilson. “With its highly innovative acoustic design and USB recording capabilities, it pushed the boundaries of what a compact shotgun mic was capable of. Not only was it ideal for on-camera use, but it also became a go-to for mobile content creators, an excellent portable recording solution for podcasters and streamers, and a do-it-all microphone for filmmakers.” 

“The VideoMic GO II combines these same features with the ultra-lightweight and easy-to-use form factor of the original VideoMic GO to offer a highly versatile yet approachable microphone ideal for a wide variety of creators, from beginners to seasoned professionals. The next generation of compact shotgun microphones has well and truly arrived, and once again, RØDE is leading the charge.”

It’s utterly lightweight, and as with most Rode products – it, just, works.

Should come in around the $150 mark in Australia.