Rode VideoMic Go II Review - The Ultimate Comparison Video

This video is intended to be a definitive comparison between the Rode VideoMic Go II and every similarly priced video microphone, including the Boya BY-MM1, Deity V-Mic D4 Mini, Rode VideoMicro, Deity V-Mic D4 Duo, Sennhesier MKE-200, Sennhesier MKE-400, 7RYMS MinBo M1, Deity V-Mic D3, and Deity V-mic D3 Pro.

00:00 All Microphone Features and Studio Sound Samples
11:51 What makes the VideoMic Go II Special
14:26 Outside Sound Comparison
19:41 Background Noise Rejection Comparison
24:25 My Conclusion

[markwiemels]

*** Note - There was an error in my Maximum SPL list, The Deity D3 has a maximum SPL of 130 db

[phillipii]

1. RODE VIDEOMIC GO 2
2. BOYA 1:15
RODE 1:32
3. DEITY D4 MINI 1:44
RODE 3:00
4. RODE VIDEOMICRO 3:25
RODE 4:25
5. 7RYMS 4:34
RODE 5:35
6. DEITY D4 DUO 5:50
RODE 6:35
7. Senn MKE 200 6:55
RODE 7:51
8. DEITY V MIC D3 8:00
RODE 9:00
9. DEITY D3 PRO 9:15
RODE 10:14
10. Senn MKE 400 10:48

[jaimetan]

I love how much DETAIL you put into this one. It was definitely worth it repeating “this is the rode video mic 2” again and again. Thank you for doing these in-depth reviews! 🙌

[gerardoguillen]

I took a shot every time you said “we’re back on the video mic go 2”. I am now deceased. Thanks for the review though.

[EatSeeTV]

Hi Mark, Thank you so much for putting this comparison review together.
The audio samples you've provided are by far the best I've watched/listened to comparing the Videomic Go II with other mics I have been considering. The waterfall test is one of the most demanding "real world" scenarios I can imagine myself in while shooting and has solidified my decision that the Go II is the right choice for the work I do.
I already own the Videomic NTG. It would have been nice to hear it side by side the Go II to get a feel for how similar, or not, they could be. But, the D3 Pro is (IMHO) the next best mic to the NTG so you've filled that gap too.
I'm sure (as you said) it was daunting to record the repetitive clips of the Go II but the audio pallet refreshers are SO crucial and appreciated.
You really have provided the best on camera shotgun mic comparison video I've ever seen.
Thank you! - Dennis


PS: Rinse and repeat this video's structure staring the other mics in this lineup and you'll have an easily searchable encyclopedia of on camera mic content available for the YT masses to binge watch!

[Emerald_City_]

I've been watching this sort of reviews for at least ten years, and you have such a personal air around your presentation that it's something of a relief whenever I drop by. Keep doing this fine work, and good health to you and your family, Mark!
P. S. It's remarkable how different these mics sound indoors and outdoors. The trick with the waterfall is a gem. Somehow Rode manages to stay consistent. Maybe due to my age, but I do miss a bit of openness in higher registers; on the other hand, the sound of two Sennheisers misses a body, lower end. I still don't know which one to get, the new DJI Mic 2 is too expensive and rather mediocre sounding, but o-ho so practical. Information overload? Not AT ALL! In the end, I would just include the neck-to-neck comparison of the two best of the contenders.

[NitrosDen]

One word "BRILLIANT!"
Thankyou for using your time, money and resources to do this video. You deserve many more subscribers.
New SUB!

[chrisso]

Outstanding work, Mark, thank you for such a detailed, comprehensive and honest review of the RØDE Video Mic Go II. It’s a tough call to decide which I prefer but it’s so great to hear all these samples next to each other. You got yourself another subscriber. 👍

[markwoollard]

Best comparative review of small on-camera mics I've seen (and heard 🙂). Thanks for putting it together. Just ordered the Rode VideoMic Go II.

[EliMandarin]

This is the best VideoMic comparison I have ever seen! Thank you for your excellent work, Mark! It’s really good and I love it! ❤

[IsomPhilips]

Another hidden expense for the Rode VideoMic GO II are the cables needed to use with smartphones. For iPhones you need the SC-15 cable or the SC-16 cable for Android phones. Also, I have a newer MacBook Pro which only has USB-C ports so a USB-C to USB-C cable is necessary. Fortunately for me I already had those cables when I purchased the mic. The SC-15 is $25 and the SC-16 is $15. Great review and thanks for putting the SPL issue in perspective!

[faspetend]

Nice work and a great reference video with all the samples. The MKE 400 was impressive and the all the Deity mics did well along with the Rode. Rode has a good base response. I was not expecting much from the 7RYMS, but it sounded good. Now days it's difficult to go wrong with any mic. Just need to find the right one for your voice and purpose. Great job Mark!

[allentuckermedia]

Love this video. And I was surprised to learn about the deity duo. I record sports and during pregame speeches for example, I can focus on the person speaking but also get good player/crowd chants as well.

Awesome review

[zmirc]

Respect! It's the review I was looking for. Thanks for having the samples + the repetition.

[milospopovic]

Daaamn so so so freaking good video. Ultimately the best and most detailed mic comparison for this category. You rock bro! 💪🔥 All the best and just keep doing it. Once again thanks a lot for this incredible review/comparison and so much effort that you've put into making it. It has been so helpful. Awesome! All the love from Serbia ❤💪😁🔥

[nextbestyes]

This video was VERY helpful. Exactly what I needed. I imagine this took FIVEever to make, but I want you to know I really appreciate all your effort. Thank you!!!

[ayu_anime]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS DETAILED REVIEW, YOU ARE AWESOME MARK!

[apark]

Awesome and informative video. Were the sound tests raw or post EQ?

[vassiton]

I just posted my first video using the Rode Videomic Go II. It took me a while to get the computer settings right in windows as well as Davinci Resolve, but once done it sounded amazing. I like the sound character and features of the Sennheiser Profile better but the rode is more versatile as it is useful on camera, outside. One note, I had to get an adapter for the 5/8" mount as my mini tripod is 1/4"-20.

Thanks for the work showing the sound comparisons.

[FloridaHardcore]

Which would you recommend for small concerts?