Summary#
The RØDE VideoMicro II is an ultra-compact on-camera shotgun microphone that dramatically improves video audio quality without adding bulk. Weighing just 39 grams and measuring 80mm long, it delivers focused, directional sound with no batteries or complicated controls. Perfect for vloggers, filmmakers, and content creators who want professional audio in a pocket-sized package.
At a Glance#
Product : RØDE VideoMicro II
Brand : RØDE
Best For : Content creators and vloggers who need professional audio without adding weight to their camera rig
Form Factor : Ultra-compact on-camera shotgun microphone, 80mm x 22mm
Buy Now : 🇺🇸 RØDE VideoMicro II on Amazon US | 🇩🇪 RØDE VideoMicro II on Amazon DE
Key Highlights:
- Supercardioid pickup pattern captures focused audio while rejecting side and rear noise
- No batteries required — draws power directly from the 3.5mm connection
- Innovative HELIX isolation mount eliminates handling noise and vibrations
- All-metal construction in a 39-gram body that fits in any pocket
- Complete kit with foam windshield, furry windshield, and dual cables for cameras and smartphones
Who Should Buy This#
The RØDE VideoMicro II hits a sweet spot for creators who want a massive audio upgrade without the complexity or bulk of larger microphones. It delivers broadcast-quality directional sound that competitors charge two to three times more for.
Perfect for:
- Vloggers and YouTubers who need clear, focused voice capture without carrying a separate audio recorder
- DSLR and mirrorless camera users who want to replace their camera's mediocre built-in microphone with something professional
- Smartphone filmmakers who shoot on iPhone or Android and need a compact mic that works via the included TRRS cable
- Run-and-gun shooters who need a reliable microphone they can mount in seconds without fiddling with batteries or settings
Design & Build Quality#
The VideoMicro II is built like a miniature tank. The all-metal body feels solid and premium despite weighing less than two AA batteries. At just 80mm long and 22mm in diameter, it disappears on top of a camera — you barely notice it is there.
RØDE redesigned the shock mount for this generation. The new HELIX isolation mount grips the microphone firmly and prevents the flopping issue that plagued the original VideoMicro. It snaps onto any standard hot shoe or cold shoe mount and keeps the mic stable even during active shooting. The integrated cable management keeps your setup clean and tangle-free.
Key Features#
Annular Line Tube Technology for Focused Audio#
The VideoMicro II uses RØDE's proprietary annular line tube technology — a first in a microphone this small. The supercardioid polar pattern captures sound directly in front of the mic while rejecting noise from the sides and rear. This means your subject's voice comes through clearly even in noisy environments like busy streets or crowded events.
Zero-Battery Operation#
There are no batteries to charge, no power switches to forget, and no complicated menus. The VideoMicro II draws all the power it needs through its 3.5mm TRS connection. Plug it into your camera's mic input and hit record. This simplicity makes it the most reliable microphone in your kit — it works every single time.
HELIX Isolation Mount System#
Handling noise ruins more video audio than anything else. The HELIX mount uses a suspension system that isolates the microphone from knocks, bumps, and vibrations transmitted through your camera body. Whether you are walking, panning, or adjusting settings mid-shot, the mount absorbs movement so your audio stays clean.
Dual Windshield Protection#
RØDE includes both a foam windshield for light indoor use and a furry WS12 "dead cat" windshield for outdoor shooting. The furry shield significantly reduces wind noise, making it viable for outdoor recording in moderate conditions. For heavy wind, you may need additional coverage around the shock mount area, but for most shooting scenarios, the included windshields handle the job.
Universal Compatibility#
The box includes two cables: an SC13 TRS-to-TRS cable for DSLR and mirrorless cameras, and an SC7 TRS-to-TRRS cable for smartphones and tablets. This dual-cable approach means one microphone covers your entire kit. It works with Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, GoPro, iPhones, and Android devices out of the box.
Technical Specifications#
Acoustic Principle : Pressure gradient electret condenser
Polar Pattern : Supercardioid
Frequency Response : 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio : 78 dB
Output Impedance : ~2.6 kΩ
Dimensions : 80mm length x 22mm diameter (3.14 x 0.85 inches)
Weight : 24g (mic only), 39g with HELIX isolation mount
Connector : 3.5mm TRS output
Power : Plug-in powered (no batteries)
Included Accessories : HELIX isolation mount, foam windshield, WS12 furry windshield, SC7 TRS-to-TRRS cable, SC13 TRS-to-TRS cable
Pros & Cons#
Pros:
- Professional-grade directional audio from a 39-gram microphone
- No batteries needed — zero maintenance, always ready to record
- HELIX mount eliminates handling noise far better than the original VideoMicro
- All-metal construction survives drops and daily abuse
- Includes everything you need: two cables, two windshields, isolation mount
- Works with cameras, smartphones, tablets, and GoPros out of the box
Cons:
- Wind noise can be an issue when wind hits the shock mount from the side or rear
- No USB output — cannot connect directly to computers for streaming
- Highly directional pickup means off-axis subjects sound noticeably quieter
- At under $90, it costs more than budget alternatives, though it outperforms them significantly
Final Verdict#
Buy it. The RØDE VideoMicro II is the rare compact microphone that delivers genuinely professional audio quality without compromise, earning its spot as the number four best-selling professional video microphone on Amazon with 4.4 stars from over 1,000 reviews.
Our recommendation: If you shoot with multiple cameras or devices, grab two — at this price point, you can outfit your entire rig for less than one premium wireless system. Check current availability: 🇺🇸 RØDE VideoMicro II on Amazon US | 🇩🇪 RØDE VideoMicro II on Amazon DE