My Rode Videomic GO II microphone review! Rode Videomic GO II at B&H: bhpho.to/3rdoecW / WEX UK: tidd.ly/3AfX4WB Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs Gordon's In Camera book: amzn.to/2n61PfI / Amazon uk: amzn.to/2mBqRVZ Cameralabs merchandise: redbubble.com/people/cameralabs/shop Gordon’s retro gear channel: ruclips.net/user/dinobytes Equipment used for producing my videos Sony A6400: amzn.to/3hul53c Sony e 24mm f1.8: amzn.to/2TqWNzk Rode NT USB mic: amzn.to/3AdHcUp Rode Wireless Go II mic: amzn.to/3xkCvGo Rode Lavalier Go mic: amzn.to/3ygzzKY Godox UL150 light: amzn.to/2VpVbXE Godox QR-P70 softbox: amzn.to/3yQfGdF MacBook Pro 14in (16GB / 1TB): bhpho.to/3HiafJL 00:00 - intro 00:24 - features 02:34 - vlogging with Videomic GO II 04:14 - USB recording with Rode Videomic GO II 06:01 - Rode Central app 07:06 - Rode Videomic GO II tests 15:25 - verdict Music: www.davidcuttermusic.com / @dcuttermusic As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Super comprehensive! Including the fact you can change gain through the rode app is the critical piece that most other reviewers missed! Thanks for your thorough work and research!
Good review. I have the rode NTG, rode wireless go II, and rode video micro. They are all great mics with their own strengths. I really like the rode video mic go II. It looks like they made another great product. It's a bit disappointing that they don't include a wind jammer or sell it for a more affordable price. $30 dollars is a bit much. It should be more like $20 but that's my opinion. Have a great day Gordon!
Thanks! Yes, I wish it came with one BUT that's because I often use them outdoors. I guess there'll be some who'll NEVER take them out so they'd wonder why they're paying for an accessory they won't use...
Excellent review and coverage. After watching yours and another review, I’ve decided to pick up this mic. It seems like a great midpoint between the videomicro and the VideoMic NTG.
Doesn't look like this is available quite yet on Amazon, B&H does have it in stock, hopefully Amazon stocks it so I can save a bit of money and maybe scoop it up with the optional wind screen. Cheers for the informative vid and tests, very impressive sound!
Great review. Interestingly, at 50cm, Sony's built-in mic sounds best to my old ears. Sony built-in picks up more surrounding noise, but it sounds most natural to my ears.
you know what? I know the NTG has a broader and flatter response, but I really prefer the sound of the Go II for an on camera mic. the rolloff just seems to work better, especially as something that would be useful for recording video in noisy environments (like at a con, for example). The immediate benefit is that it reduces wind noise, but another benefit of rolling off low frequencies is freeing up some headroom for built in preamps. Low frequency sounds carry a LOT of energy and, if you're looking to keep your sound clean for a camera preamp that may not be as quality or customizable as a dedicated recording device, rolling off those low frequencies does the trick.
Sounds good! I like the relatively compact design - I have the Pro+ and it does stick out pretty far forward with wide angle lenses - this seems to avoid that issue.
woah this is beautiful, I seldom use my video mic pro plus because I dont need it for my iPhone / its too big I loved the video mic go, and this one would be perfect for my smaller cameras :D
Thank you!! LOVE YA! 💖 Finally I found my mic. That's it, period. Geez I was watching tons of mic reviews... Lavs, USB, XLR... (Love your reviews always!) Finally a real universal, "all purpose"mic! 👍
Fantastic video thanks Gordon! If I were looking for a shotgun mic, this would definitely be the one! Wasn't expecting the comparisons to the new mics which are awesome - and confirmed I'm too connected(!) to using a lav. Cant wait for the Lav 2 review - though my Rode Lav 1 is absolutely perfect and all that I think I need...... Think I'll save my money for saving up for a Rode Wireless Go 2!
Thanks Neil, it really depends what you want. Lavs inevitably sound thin next to shotguns BUT are so easy to achieve decent results almost anywhere and at any distance. Shotguns are great in a more controlled environment, close to talent and in a dead room with no wind noise. I think the audio in your videos sounds great and if you're feeling too tethered, get an extension wire or a wireless system, although I sometimes feel the Wireless Go intros a little harshness to the sound, but is unbeatable for convenience.
Thanks for the great review Gordon! If one already owns a first gen VideoMic Go, is it worth it to upgrade to a VideoMic GO II… factoring the need to purchase that extra fluffy “dead cat” accessory?
Awesome video, man !! I find it slightly funny that we both have Panasonic G9 and Samsung S20 .. haha. I use an NTG2 with Zoom H5 and the sound is top !
For some reason when I record blog in my camera is it suppose to turn on? I do not see a difference with or without the mic, will I see the difference inside the computer when editing?
Good day to you !! What is the maximum distance of its proficiency or ability ? I’m searching for a microphone that will easily pickup vocal conversations during meetings of a distance of 20’ maximum.
Great Review Gordon! One thing really stuck out to me when watching many reviews on this mic however. The customizability of the RODE app appears to only be applicable to the USB-C connection into your mobile device or computer. It does not appear to carry the settings over when you use it with your 3.5mm jack to your camera 3.5mm jack. Would you be able to confirm this? The ability to adjust these settings to be used on your mirrorless camera would make it much more powerful and it would be disappointing to know if it did not. Given that the Wireless Go ii can carry these settings over and utilize the 3.5mm jack I don't see a reason why it would be an issue as well other than a firmware update. Perhaps using a USB-C from Videomic Go ii to 3.5mm into camera would work?
I think you are correct, the custom settings only apply or stick with USB C connections on this model right now. I'll ask them about it next time we speak.
Hi Mia, my outdoor tests with the Go II and VMP+ were NOT with the fluffy covers as I didn't have them available. i do now though, so a retest is worth doing! And yes, I often use the lav mic with the wireless go - you can see some examples in my retro dino bytes channel when I'm outdoors with cameras.
Hi Gordon please dont laugh but I have a samsung note 4...the TRS to TRRS Microphone Cable wire does not work on my note 4 for on the go for recording. I have a micro usb port on the note 4 for charging, and a headphone jack...would I need a wire that goes from the usb of the rode mic to the micro usb port of the phone to power it up?...or would I need a wire that goes from the usb of the rode mic to the 3.5mm to get the best power for best recording on the go?..thanks and a have a great day my friend!
@@cameralabs Thank you my friend! I got the micro usb wire, and it's working and recording now along with a new trrs to trs wire that's working and recording as well...but no light from the mic turns on when recording on the go..is the light supposed to be on as well when using it on the go? or just when using on desktop?...would connecting the mic to a usb power bank on the go turn the light on and get the best sound?
The NTG will be better quality and has the chance to boost the output levels more. If you're shooting commercial weddings, it's worth spending the extra as in this case it's not much more.
I am looking into a USB mic to use for zoom calls. Have been looking into other options like hyperx solocast, razer seiren mini, and blue yeti nano. watched your review and wanted to know if this will be a better option because this will be more versatile with more uses down the road, like with a camera or phone. would you recommend this over those. i dont have any other uses except virtual meetings now
@@cameralabs thanks for the response. I want something for virtual meetings and getting something that works for conference calls and has other uses makes it worth to spend the money. I tested the hyperx solocast, while it does get the job done, it is limited to that single use only. so wanted to ask if you had any advice for me.
@@hikmatamin I think it depends how you're going to mount the mic. A shotgun like this has to be on a stand or on top of a camera and if you're not using that camera to film you, it doesn't make much sense. Maybe a wireless lav mic system like the wireless go ii would be more flexible.
The lav mic didn’t sound very good, did it? I wonder if the placement could be improved. I’m no expert, but as I understand it, the correct placement should be around 20 cm from the mouth. To me it looks as if yours is a little too high, so that maybe your chin gets in between?
Yeah it's possible, but for the clothing I wore, that's the best position. Lavs are best with jackets so you can point them up, but this new model has a slightly different pickup so I'm not sure.
Better than this one? Yes, if you have $250 to spend, get the NTG or similar, but if you only have $100, then this is a geart choice that will greatly improve your results over cheaper or no external mics.
My Rode Videomic GO II microphone review!
Rode Videomic GO II at B&H: bhpho.to/3rdoecW / WEX UK: tidd.ly/3AfX4WB
Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs
Gordon's In Camera book: amzn.to/2n61PfI / Amazon uk: amzn.to/2mBqRVZ
Cameralabs merchandise: redbubble.com/people/cameralabs/shop
Gordon’s retro gear channel: ruclips.net/user/dinobytes
Equipment used for producing my videos
Sony A6400: amzn.to/3hul53c
Sony e 24mm f1.8: amzn.to/2TqWNzk
Rode NT USB mic: amzn.to/3AdHcUp
Rode Wireless Go II mic: amzn.to/3xkCvGo
Rode Lavalier Go mic: amzn.to/3ygzzKY
Godox UL150 light: amzn.to/2VpVbXE
Godox QR-P70 softbox: amzn.to/3yQfGdF
MacBook Pro 14in (16GB / 1TB): bhpho.to/3HiafJL
00:00 - intro
00:24 - features
02:34 - vlogging with Videomic GO II
04:14 - USB recording with Rode Videomic GO II
06:01 - Rode Central app
07:06 - Rode Videomic GO II tests
15:25 - verdict
Music: www.davidcuttermusic.com / @dcuttermusic
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Super comprehensive! Including the fact you can change gain through the rode app is the critical piece that most other reviewers missed! Thanks for your thorough work and research!
You're welcome, it's important to try out and test everything about a product in a review!
Who wants to use a blinking app to change the gain though.. should be a small button 🤦♂️
@@ChrisEdward94 if only they had a another product with that functionality 🤡
This is one of the best reviews for this Rode Videomic GO II. Congrats.
Thanks!
as a video mic pro plus owner, this is one of the best videos I've seen with testing and comprehension bravo!!
Thankyou, glad you found it useful!
Thanks for a detailed review.
Glad to see a G9 still being used in 2022.
Yes, it was nice to show it here and in action on the vlogging clip!
Thank you for this exellent, in-depth review. Seems like anything sounds better than the built-in mic.
Good review. I have the rode NTG, rode wireless go II, and rode video micro. They are all great mics with their own strengths. I really like the rode video mic go II. It looks like they made another great product. It's a bit disappointing that they don't include a wind jammer or sell it for a more affordable price. $30 dollars is a bit much. It should be more like $20 but that's my opinion. Have a great day Gordon!
Thanks! Yes, I wish it came with one BUT that's because I often use them outdoors. I guess there'll be some who'll NEVER take them out so they'd wonder why they're paying for an accessory they won't use...
Love how simple you kept this. This is the best review that helped me make my decision! So precise!
That's what I aim for! Hope you enjoy my other videos too!
Excellent review and coverage. After watching yours and another review, I’ve decided to pick up this mic. It seems like a great midpoint between the videomicro and the VideoMic NTG.
Doesn't look like this is available quite yet on Amazon, B&H does have it in stock, hopefully Amazon stocks it so I can save a bit of money and maybe scoop it up with the optional wind screen. Cheers for the informative vid and tests, very impressive sound!
Thanks, and yes it only came out a few hours ago, so it'll be a short while before it's in stock.
Waiting for Amazon to stock it so I can scoop it up. Would get it on another website but I have gift cards on Amazon
Great review. Interestingly, at 50cm, Sony's built-in mic sounds best to my old ears. Sony built-in picks up more surrounding noise, but it sounds most natural to my ears.
you know what? I know the NTG has a broader and flatter response, but I really prefer the sound of the Go II for an on camera mic. the rolloff just seems to work better, especially as something that would be useful for recording video in noisy environments (like at a con, for example). The immediate benefit is that it reduces wind noise, but another benefit of rolling off low frequencies is freeing up some headroom for built in preamps. Low frequency sounds carry a LOT of energy and, if you're looking to keep your sound clean for a camera preamp that may not be as quality or customizable as a dedicated recording device, rolling off those low frequencies does the trick.
Great review as always Gordon
Sounds good! I like the relatively compact design - I have the Pro+ and it does stick out pretty far forward with wide angle lenses - this seems to avoid that issue.
Yes, the ability to slide back and forth is really useful...
Gordon, that was excellent. Thanks so much for all the effort and information
Glad to help!
woah this is beautiful, I seldom use my video mic pro plus because I dont need it for my iPhone / its too big
I loved the video mic go, and this one would be perfect for my smaller cameras :D
Definitely!
Thank you!! LOVE YA! 💖
Finally I found my mic. That's it, period. Geez I was watching tons of mic reviews... Lavs, USB, XLR...
(Love your reviews always!)
Finally a real universal, "all purpose"mic! 👍
You're welcome!
Fantastic video thanks Gordon! If I were looking for a shotgun mic, this would definitely be the one! Wasn't expecting the comparisons to the new mics which are awesome - and confirmed I'm too connected(!) to using a lav. Cant wait for the Lav 2 review - though my Rode Lav 1 is absolutely perfect and all that I think I need......
Think I'll save my money for saving up for a Rode Wireless Go 2!
Thanks Neil, it really depends what you want. Lavs inevitably sound thin next to shotguns BUT are so easy to achieve decent results almost anywhere and at any distance. Shotguns are great in a more controlled environment, close to talent and in a dead room with no wind noise. I think the audio in your videos sounds great and if you're feeling too tethered, get an extension wire or a wireless system, although I sometimes feel the Wireless Go intros a little harshness to the sound, but is unbeatable for convenience.
Two things I don’t like about Rode mics the extra large logo and that bright orangish red colour.
Good work on the review!
Have a good week!
Hey Gordon. Brilliant Video test. It clearly seems this updated Rode Videomic go11 is a much better product to the first Viveomic go. Thanks, Man
Brilliant review - answered all my questions. Thank you very much.
You're welcome!
Thanks for the great review Gordon! If one already owns a first gen VideoMic Go, is it worth it to upgrade to a VideoMic GO II… factoring the need to purchase that extra fluffy “dead cat” accessory?
Well it sounds better and has USB output if either of those are important to you?
Is it just me or the Lav mic just sounds so much better than the rest? - to my ears anyway
It really is a personal choice.
Not an expert but I agree it sounds Way better because the lav doesn't capture that echo for some reason
Thanks for a great review Gordon!😉👍
You're very welcome!
Very thorough review.
Thank you.
It's difficult to really get a true picture of what the sound is doing from one mic to another without normalizing the sound
sounds great imo
Your videos are double fantastic very informative and entertaining.
Thankyou!
Awesome video, man !! I find it slightly funny that we both have Panasonic G9 and Samsung S20 .. haha. I use an NTG2 with Zoom H5 and the sound is top !
Thank you for this comparison!
For some reason when I record blog in my camera is it suppose to turn on? I do not see a difference with or without the mic, will I see the difference inside the computer when editing?
Fab test as always! Thanks!
I recently bought this microphone but why do I always have some “hiss” sound?
Thanks for this amazing content! 🇭🇺🙏
You're very welcome!
would be nice to see a sound quality comparison between deity d3 vs rode videomic go ii
It would be nice. I have no contact at Deity though.
Good day to you !!
What is the maximum distance of its proficiency or ability ?
I’m searching for a microphone that will easily pickup vocal conversations during meetings of a distance of 20’ maximum.
I wouldn't use a shotgun like this much more than 6 feet away, and ideally closer still.
what cord is that you are using to connect to your phone?
usb c
Can't believe Rode didnt take the opportunity to call it the RODE Go-to VideoMic!
Hi gordan. How do I connect this to a gopro 10? Just usb c to usb c now?
Good question - you may still need the media mod, I'll be doing some tests for this in the very near future.
Great Review Gordon! One thing really stuck out to me when watching many reviews on this mic however. The customizability of the RODE app appears to only be applicable to the USB-C connection into your mobile device or computer. It does not appear to carry the settings over when you use it with your 3.5mm jack to your camera 3.5mm jack. Would you be able to confirm this? The ability to adjust these settings to be used on your mirrorless camera would make it much more powerful and it would be disappointing to know if it did not. Given that the Wireless Go ii can carry these settings over and utilize the 3.5mm jack I don't see a reason why it would be an issue as well other than a firmware update. Perhaps using a USB-C from Videomic Go ii to 3.5mm into camera would work?
I think you are correct, the custom settings only apply or stick with USB C connections on this model right now. I'll ask them about it next time we speak.
That would be great! Please let us know how it goes 🙏 Thank you!
Mine arrived today from B&H. One thing - how do you turn down the headphones volume (usable in USB mode) I have about deafened myself
Use the Rode Central app on your computer or phone when the mic is connected over USB.
Can you test to see if you’re able to connect this mic to a ride wireless go to create a wireless boom setup?
Yes I'll try that in a future video
Great video, Gordon! Very helpful. Did you use the fluffy cover on the Go 11 outside?
Do you use the lav mic with a Rode Wireless Go ever??
Hi Mia, my outdoor tests with the Go II and VMP+ were NOT with the fluffy covers as I didn't have them available. i do now though, so a retest is worth doing! And yes, I often use the lav mic with the wireless go - you can see some examples in my retro dino bytes channel when I'm outdoors with cameras.
@@cameralabs thank you so much, your channel is great.
@@MiaHessMusic thanks!
Hi Gordon please dont laugh but I have a samsung note 4...the TRS to TRRS Microphone Cable wire does not work on my note 4 for on the go for recording. I have a micro usb port on the note 4 for charging, and a headphone jack...would I need a wire that goes from the usb of the rode mic to the micro usb port of the phone to power it up?...or would I need a wire that goes from the usb of the rode mic to the 3.5mm to get the best power for best recording on the go?..thanks and a have a great day my friend!
Not sure about a note 4, but most phones can power modest USB devices through their charging ports, so yes, you'd need a USB c to micro usb
@@cameralabs Thank you my friend! I got the micro usb wire, and it's working and recording now along with a new trrs to trs wire that's working and recording as well...but no light from the mic turns on when recording on the go..is the light supposed to be on as well when using it on the go? or just when using on desktop?...would connecting the mic to a usb power bank on the go turn the light on and get the best sound?
Looks Good Sir
For a Wedding Video shooter what would you recommend? this NTG or something else?
The NTG will be better quality and has the chance to boost the output levels more. If you're shooting commercial weddings, it's worth spending the extra as in this case it's not much more.
Ntg not 150€ better. More like 40€ better as how IT sound. This rode go ii IS very good. Getting mine today
I am looking into a USB mic to use for zoom calls. Have been looking into other options like hyperx solocast, razer seiren mini, and blue yeti nano. watched your review and wanted to know if this will be a better option because this will be more versatile with more uses down the road, like with a camera or phone. would you recommend this over those. i dont have any other uses except virtual meetings now
I've not used the other ones, sorry.
@@cameralabs thanks for the response. I want something for virtual meetings and getting something that works for conference calls and has other uses makes it worth to spend the money. I tested the hyperx solocast, while it does get the job done, it is limited to that single use only. so wanted to ask if you had any advice for me.
@@hikmatamin I think it depends how you're going to mount the mic. A shotgun like this has to be on a stand or on top of a camera and if you're not using that camera to film you, it doesn't make much sense. Maybe a wireless lav mic system like the wireless go ii would be more flexible.
@@cameralabs ok great. I didnt think about mounting option much. the pictures on amazon show a small tripod so I thought I can do that same.
@@hikmatamin that's possible if you're happy with that solution.
''' THANKS ............!
Why do I always have the “hiss” sound with this microphone
What is it connected to? Are your levels too high?
@@cameralabs it was connected to a canon eos 600d, and no, I even lowered the level
@@sunnymei have you tried it as a USB mic yet on a computer, tablet or phone?
@@cameralabs yes, and it sounds crystal clear
@@sunnymei so that points to your camera and or the audio cable, maybe some interference or a bad pre-amp in the camera.
The lav mic didn’t sound very good, did it? I wonder if the placement could be improved. I’m no expert, but as I understand it, the correct placement should be around 20 cm from the mouth. To me it looks as if yours is a little too high, so that maybe your chin gets in between?
Yeah it's possible, but for the clothing I wore, that's the best position. Lavs are best with jackets so you can point them up, but this new model has a slightly different pickup so I'm not sure.
@@cameralabs oh, so it isn’t omnidirectional? Most lavs are, I’m told.
@@skakdosmer it's different in some way, I've not looked into this particular one yet.
Oh no! Yet another microphone to tempt me…
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
The lav mic sounds terrible
Take a hint vloggers get a better mike
Better than this one? Yes, if you have $250 to spend, get the NTG or similar, but if you only have $100, then this is a geart choice that will greatly improve your results over cheaper or no external mics.