Rode Stereo VideoMic Review
On-Camera Microphone
- Fixed X/Y Stereo Array
- Two 1/2" Condenser Capsules
- Camera-Mountable Stereo Recording
- -10 dB Pad
- Built-In Shockmounting System
- Standard Sized Shoe Mount
- 40 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency Response
- 3/8" Thread in Base for Boom Poles
- Includes Deadkitten Fur Wind Shield
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 147,929 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Rode Stereo VideoMic. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Rode Stereo VideoMic. For example, 74% of 24,503 users who have commented on the Noise cancellation of the Rode Stereo VideoMic have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 96 Reviews
Small Priced Mic Can Take Big Hits
Rode Stereo VideoMic On-Camera Microphone
Reviewed by Stephen Mumbles on B&H Photo Video
Let me start off by saying that I have examples of this mics performance in a very loud and very active live band setting. Youtube username is: bluefishswims There you will find 10 examples of this mic in action. :) The ten videos are the ones with the acronym DATH in the titles. Hope that helps. Now, onto the review.... I've read a lot of reviews and seen a lot of reviews in which people put down the mics performance indoors by saying that it doesn't pick up their voices all too well and picks up too much surrounding noise. Well, that's what this mic is meant to do; it's meant to pick up surrounding noise, which is why it's a Stereo mic. So, ambient sound and surrounding noise is what the SVM picks up best and if that's what you're looking for then this does that perfectly both indoors and outdoors. If you're trying to use this as a shotgun mic for interviews outside or for interviews inside then you will be disappointed because you will hear the A/C turning on, the hum of the television, and just every other noise alongside your voice. Your voice will not be isolated. This mic is not meant to isolate noise, it's meant to take in all noise. That out of the way, it performs Great if you're using it for Live Bands, big events, choir concerts, etc. It allows you to relive the entire Live Show experience to the fullest with Full Sound and just very clear audio. Just be sure to keep it pointed at the source though because it is a very directional mic. If you move it around then you'll hear the sounds shifting to your left and right ears and, as with any other mic, whatever is in front of it is loudest. It's great for vacations if you want something that is better than the built in mic on your camera. This is one that you can trust not to get distorted if any unexpected noises come into play. All-in-all it's a great buy and if there're enough sounds going on in the recording (as in a live band setting) then you'll hear no distortion, hissing, or buzzing. But when there's very little going on and you're just recording ambiance in an empty room then yes, there is some hissing and noise. The only other accessory I bought was an extension for it along with a boom pole. I use this mounted on top of my Canon Vixia HV30 and with the boom pole. works great. I plan on buying an extra shotgun mic just to have the best of both worlds (stereo and shotgun). The shotgun mic i'm going to get will probably be the Rode NTG-2. ... More
This mic is awesome!
Rode Stereo VideoMic On-Camera Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Here's a testimonial for you. I bought this mic not once, but twice. I bought it for use on my Canon 5D Mark II, and the sound quality on it is amazing! The built-in shock mount completely isolates noise from focusing or zooming the lens as well as other noise from hand-holding the camera body. I lost the first mic during a move -- it's in one of my boxes of stuff somewhere, I'm sure. But, I needed it, so I just bought another one. No regrets. The price is completely reasonable for the high quality audio you get from this mic. And the included dead kitty wind screen works like a champ too. Buy it. You won't regret it. One note... this is NOT a shotgun mic. So, if you are looking to isolate sound from the front only, this is not the mic you want. This one produces excellent wide-pickup stereo audio. ... More
Big Sound Small Package
Rode Stereo VideoMic On-Camera Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I bought this microphone to replace the sound generated by the lousy microphone built into the HD camera. For the price, I was amazed at the clarity and the stereo separation the Rode produced. I needed to use the -10dB switch to match the output of the onboard microphone, so the video production software could process the signal without clipping. The -10dB switch is a very nice touch. The unit also came with a dead cat cover for wind. I was not able to measure a difference in signal quality with the wind cover on or off. The Rode also comes with a 80 Hz roll off filter for camera noise and wind. Didn't need it as all my filming was indoors with a hard drive based unit. The unit is semi isolated by suspension with flexible bands that attach to the mount. I was able to take the microphone off the mount and turn the mount backwards to keep the head of the microphone from sitting too far forward on the camera. The Rode uses phantom power through a 9V battery onboard the unit, and does not draw from the camera hot shoe. There is a power light on the Rode itself to let you know that it is on. Rode states the battery is good for atleast 100 hours of operation. I've shot at least 25 hours with it so far in the first several days and believe their estimate to be accurate. For specialized cameras like the Sony prosumers you will need an adapter that mates to the Rode's hot shoe so the unit will mount on the camera itself. The Rode was easy to use, and fast to setup. I can recommend this to people who are technically challenged as the directions are easy to follow and the results are immediate. I only have two cautions: 1. The Rode picks up EVERYTHING in a live room. 2. Sitting on top of my Sony was not the most secure perch because of the adapter so you have to be careful not to bump it too hard or it will move and/or fall off the camera. This is more a function of the adapter to Sony fitting than the Rode, but with the weight up top, it does promote sway if you bump it. All in all, I have been very pleased with the results I get from this stereo microphone. ... More
Very nice STEREO sound!
Rode Stereo VideoMic On-Camera Microphone
Reviewed by Todd on B&H Photo Video
I use this with a Canon 5D Mk II. I found the 5DmkII's built-in mic picked up all kinds of noise when handling the camera, including focusing, and the IS motor working away. It is also highly susceptible to wind noise. If that wasn't enough, it's only a mono mic! So I got this SVM, which is my first pro mic, and I love it. It has good stereo separation, a nice cardoid pickup pattern, and eliminates all the handling noises from the camera so you can shoot hand-held video if you want to. It also has a nice coiled cord that when wrapped around the hot shoe mount, never gets in the way of the camera controls. The mic also came with some tips on its use, which helped me get started with it. The mic comes with what Rode calls a Dead Kitten windshield. So far, I have not heard any wind noise with the DK on. I just leave it on all the time. The build quality seems to be very high, and feels lightweight without being flimsy. Minor Con: If you switch back to shooting stills using the 5DmkII's viewfinder, the rear of the mic tends to poke you in the forehead. You can get around this by using Live View. Not sure if it's a pro or con, but the Dead Kitten evokes a *lot* of questions, and even more stares! ... More
Rode Stereo VideoMic on Canon 5D mk2
Rode Stereo VideoMic On-Camera Microphone
Reviewed by Randy on B&H Photo Video
I use this microphone with my Canon 5D mk2 DSLR camera for video. Wow, what an improvement over the built in mic. With the built-in mic, I used to hear all the camera noise, every time I touched the camera the mic would super magnify any noise I made. Not any more. The Rodes microphone is suspended in it's holder by rubberbands so that it is very isolated from the camera. I use the Rode mic for video recording of School music performances in auditoriums and it is very nice. Very high audo quality. As has been noted in other reviews: Don't forget to turn the mic on! Turn off Image Stabilized lenses (you can hear the gyros) not as loud as with built in mic, but the Rodes still picks up a little noise if you leave gyro on. On the 5D mk2, consider the on-board mic for emergency use only. I suspect any add-on mic would be an improvement, especially in reducing unwanted camera function noise. This one also records very good audio. ... More
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Great standard aux mic
Rode Stereo VideoMic On-Camera Microphone
Reviewed by Cyburbs on B&H Photo Video
The in-camera mic on my ag-hmc40 is ok, but the Rode stereo unit is much, much better. A shotgun mic would be better to pull speech out of the background noise, but they are not stereo, and my budget is for one good mic. The pin plug is fine for my uses. If I ever switch over to using XLR, I can always use an adapter to update it. The sound quality is high, and it floats on rubber o-ring bands. It comes with the furball, dead-cat wind cover which works excellently. At $., its the best on camera mic for general use. If I want better long range speech quality, I think I will invest in a wireless lavalier setup to compliment this mic with an XLR setup. I need to purchase the case made for this model so it won't bang around in my video backpack when not in use. Stay away from buying cheap microphones. At this pricepoint, I consider this the minimum quality I would ever think of buying. After all you wouldn't put a cheap attachment lens over your your expensive prime zoom lens, and spoil the quality. The Rode SVM is an excellent general mic for all purpose use. A shotgun mic is for news type use, a lavalier is for someone you know, and a stereo mic is just a great upgrade from the cheesy in camera mics. ... More
Excellent quality - Not for DSLR
Rode Stereo VideoMic On-Camera Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
This mic has a whole lot of quality for the price. Unfortunately, the results with my 5D Mark II were not satisfactory. It is not the mics fault. Used in another device, this mic is superb. Left / Right phasing is great and very precise. Does not have enough output for the 5D Mark II audio processor to deal with. Results are a high frequency hiss that has nothing to do with camera motors, Image Stabilization or room noise.
The Mic to Get!
Rode Stereo VideoMic On-Camera Microphone
Reviewed by Taku on B&H Photo Video
I first purchased the Rode VideoMic (non stereo). I was very disappointed because the reviews online where RAVING about that mic, mostly due to it's $ price tag and the fact that it does output ok sound. Most people seemed to overlook the STEREO VIDEO Mic; I know I did because it did cost about twice as much. But let me tell you, THIS MIC IS WORTH IT! The sound is VERY crisp, my first use of it was at a concert. I was basically on stage, and it was extremely loud. I was worried that this mic would be overburdened and record distorted muffled sound. It didn't. I recorded the performance flawlessly! If you're a pro-sumer or even a professional videographer that needs a relatively inexpensive yet sturdy mic, this is the one to buy.Pros: -made from metal, feels more sturdy-is full stereo, no need for that extra step in post production of duplicating a mono track-shock mounted so it muffles movement-looks greatCons:-honestly...none right now. ... More
Not for loud concerts.
Rode Stereo VideoMic On-Camera Microphone
Reviewed by Average Mr on B&H Photo Video
My intended use was for live recording at a rock concert with my Canon Vixia S21. After dealing with microphones that distort under heavy percussion and bass, I thought this mic's 134 db SPL limit would handle it. It doesn't as is distorted badly. It wasn't a matter of over-driving the camera's audio system... the camera wasn't over-driven at all. The microphone elements just don't have enough dampening in this design and heavy percussion tends to batter the elements. This semi-directional mic is more suited for lower volume, close range events. It rejects noise 90 degrees from the sides and 180 degrees to the rear quite well and has an excellent nearly flat response. Stereo imaging is awesome. No hiss or other noise was noted. Like all Rde products, it's built tough. This unit features a powder-coat cast aluminum housing & shock mount. I should point out that you need a Vixia mini-shoe adapter to use this mic or anything that requires a regular shoe on Canon's Vixia line. ... More
Good microphone...a few notables...
Rode Stereo VideoMic On-Camera Microphone
Reviewed by Bailey32928 on B&H Photo Video
I purchased the SVM because I was tired of the on-board mic quality of my HV30. The microphone arrived, and I have been pleased with the results. A few things to note: (1) occasionally check the seating of the mount bracket. I noticed it comes loose and I have actually had it come all the way off. (2) make sure you remember to turn the dang thing on. If you are use to only the on board mic, then no doubt you will have some occasion where halfway through a shoot, you suddenly remember to turn the mic on (might be a good second purchase for headphones). (3) the deadcat that comes with it...if you are going to use, you'll want some sort of bracket to put distance between it and the front of your lense...i've had little hairs appear at the top of my screen during a shoot. Remember, this is a Stereo Video Mic...so ambient noise in a room is picked up and this is not as directional as other mics might be. Otherwise, good sound quality for the price! ... More
Great for recording live music!
Rode Stereo VideoMic On-Camera Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I bought this mic to aid in capturing videos of my wife's bands live performances, and I must say, I think it was a good decision. It caused me to spend a little more than I wanted to for the whole camcorder package, but the results are sounding very good so far. I've tried capturing videos in the past, and the bottleneck has always been the audio quality. The small, built-in mics on today's cameras are too easily overpowered by the audio levels at live rock music shows, but the combo of this mic with a camera that has the ability to attenuate the incoming audio signal worked out beautifully! the mic, itself, also has a high-pass filter option, that helps attenuate low frequency sounds, and there is also a -10dB attenuation switch that helped bring the audio into a range that could be recorded with good quality. The only negative thing I can say is that, with a wind screen attached, the wind screen is somewhat visible in wide angle shots, but this is probably more to do with the mounting setup on the camera than the mic itself. I would definitely recommend this mic to someone looking to record stereo sound at live music performances. ... More
Good Mike, some design problems
Rode Stereo VideoMic On-Camera Microphone
Reviewed by Jane on B&H Photo Video
I got this mike to use on a DSLR with HD video. Took it on a weekend of photos and video of steam locomotives in Nevada. I can't comment on the sound quality as I have not evaluated it. However I have had 2 serious durability and use issues. First, the battery compartment has a spring on the bottom of the 9V compartment. This pushes up on the battery so much that even with the door closed, the power contacts are erratic. I had to stick foam on the bottom of the door to get it to work. Second the metal clip that slides into the hot shoe broke apart, it is a thin metal casting, not solid metal. Now perhaps I handled it too roughly, but just carying the tripod with camera and mike mounted will break the hot shoe clip. Called Rode and they will repair under warranty, I pay shipping. Both these items seem to be design issues, so caution may be indicated with this unit. ... More
Not Too Impressive/Kind of Dissapointed
Rode Stereo VideoMic On-Camera Microphone
Reviewed by Derrick Fo'Real on B&H Photo Video
I purchased the Rode SVM to attach to my canon hf200 for concert settings. in these environments, the SPL can get very loud which brings distortion along with. I purchased the Rode and gave it a test run at a show first weekend after buying, only to be left with a somewhat distorted, but pretty full sounding recording. i then looked into the juicedlink cx211 to use as the intermediate since the headroom within the canon builtin preamp seemed to not be able to handle the loud environments. i did go ahead and incorporate the juicedlink into the mix. once again, only to be left with very little headroom within the trimpod levels and again, left with a great sounding recording, BUT, slightly distorted. not major, but enough to make it not worth the spent monies. i also purchased a zoom h4n, and straight out of the box in the same environments it does an AWESOME job. i wish i would have gone with the zoom from the beginning. if youre recording LIVE, LOUD rock, heavy rock, the SVM just doesnt seem to have dampening to do so. i even added an inline attenuation on the fly control, and still distorts! ... More
This mic is intense!
Rode Stereo VideoMic On-Camera Microphone
Reviewed by K.M on B&H Photo Video
I use this mic with my Cannon Vixia HD Camcorder to record the organ and choir at my church and the pipe organ at my other church. It picks up the lowest tones of the pedal and highest pitches of the smallest pipes...if you can spare a few extra dollars definitely upgrade to this mic...you wont be disappointed!
Totally disappointed 😞
Rode Stereo VideoMic On-Camera Microphone
Reviewed by Chaka on Guitar Center
After reading all the reviews I was hoping this would be a great mic for recording live rock music. I was wrong. First attempt at testing the mic I recorded a live practice of a three piece rock band and after properly adjusting the levels on my Nikon 7500D camera the recorded sound was awful. It was very distorted on any loud parts. The meter never hit the reds during recording. I tried many different configurations some using the -10db switch some not, some lower sound levels some higher all with distortion and low quality sound. Every time the internal camera mic sounded way better than the Rode mic. I had different musicians listen and and they all picked the internal camer mic recorded audio over the Rode audio hands down. I tried one final test recording a live performance at a music venue with quality sound and ample room size. I adjusted the sound levels and recorded half the show with the Rode and the other with the internal mic. Again it was the same problem. The vocals were ok but every drum hit or loud sound gave a bad distorted fuzzy sound. The internal camera mic was clear and decent but much better than the Rode never having that distorted sound. I'm not sure how everyone uses this mic unless I got a bad one or something is wrong with the camera although the camera is brand new too. Would love a quality mic to record audio to go along with the high quality 4K video from the camera. Had to return the mic. ... More
big but effective
Rode Stereo VideoMic On-Camera Microphone
Reviewed by Ben on B&H Photo Video
I bought this for use on a Canon still camera with video. I have had a Sennheiser for over a year, and it died recently, so I went looking for something more durable. Compaired to the Sennheiser, this item is LARGE (around 2 inchs in diameter, and 8-9 inches long). However, on early tests, the sound quality was excellent, and I really liked the placement and clarity of labeling on the three control switches. The dead cat wind screen is a bit much, but at least it is dark gray and not white or tabby. It is easy to tell if a switch is on, particularly for power, and remember to switch it off when done. On the Sennheiser, I was always forgetting to turn off the power and ended up killing a battery at every shoot. ... More
Nice stereo separation
Rode Stereo VideoMic On-Camera Microphone
Reviewed by mflane on B&H Photo Video
I bought this for use with my Canon 5dmk2. I needed something external to prevent camera sounds that plague the built in microphone. The Stereo VideoMic is shock and vibration isolated and does the trick. Stereo separation is good, and overall sound quality is good. I've used this on a boom pole and it performs well in that capacity, as well. Buy an extra set of rubber bands to keep in your bag!
Rode built tough/quality sound
Rode Stereo VideoMic On-Camera Microphone
Reviewed by Clive carrying Canon on B&H Photo Video
I use this to record audio of live music concerts, not The Rolling Stones but rather music school (of rock). I use a Canon 5D mark 2 HDSLR camera,and purchased this based on other reviews that commented on it's effectiveness in such settings and it fully lived up to my expectations. It is solidly built with aluminum frame - feels like a pro piece of kit. It is somewhat expensive, however quality of audio picked up by the mic, and construction quality seem to be in line with price. It is not a light weight mic, other mics may be, but this one is 1960s era weight. It feels like something that could take a hit and not be damaged. Overall this mic is of solid construction but more importantly delivers high quality audio recording capability to an HDSLR camera. ... More
Good two-in-one
Rode Stereo VideoMic On-Camera Microphone
Reviewed by JD media ninja on B&H Photo Video
I have two uses for this mic. 1. during shooting on the field with it attached to the top of an slr camera. In this usage I find it is good enough (nothing special). It does not have a very far range like a shotgun would, but for subjects within a few feet the audio is much better then from the original slr camera internal mic. It also picks up great ambiance. 2. The other big thing I use this mic for, and why I like it, is for in studio usage. The mic was purchased for a small business that needed a mic we could use on camera for interviews, but also to plug into a computer and use in a studio like fashion for voice overs. In this regard, the mic has been a great two-in-one punch. With the help of a little amp, the mic works great in a controlled studio environment were you can get up close. ... More
Not For 5D Mark II in Quiet Environments
Rode Stereo VideoMic On-Camera Microphone
Reviewed by Anindha on B&H Photo Video
I bought this because it seemed on paper the best solution for the Canon 5D Mark II. I am no expert on sound, but from what I have read, the mic doesn't have sufficient amplification, which results in the 5D increasing the gain to compensate. This results in a low level hissing sound. I tested the mic with the TV on a normal volume and the hissing sound basically makes the audio unusable, even when using the high-pass filter. I didn't test in a louder environment, such on the street. The sound out of the mic is great, but the lack of preamp, and flaw in the autogain of the 5D means it is not the ideal solution. I am going to try the Zoom H4n, which isn't as an elegant solution as this, and quite a bit more expensive, but will give more flexibility and hopefully better audio. ... More
