RØDE Stereo VideoMic X: A precision on-camera stereo mic

RØDE Stereo VideoMic X: Tests and Commentary

RedShark News contributor Paul Moon shares another great test video, this time featuring the RØDE Stereo VideoMic X.

We announced the release of venerable microphone maker RØDE's latest and greatest stereo mic back in September of last year. For those that missed it (or are click-averse), here's the skinny: the Stereo Videomic X features a high-ish price tag ($800) and a bevy of features to justify that premium pricing, including a dual capsule setup XY configuration, phantom and battery power options, balanced mini-XLR outputs, low / high pass filters and a signal booster, for use with those cameras with less-than-stellar pre-amps.

Of course, this doesn't really tackle the question of how good the RØDE Stereo VideoMic X is in use. For that, we have a test and commentary video from filmmaker Paul Moon of focuspulling.com. According to Moon, this is a top-of-the-line mic, but for many, it could be overkill:

"Considering its hefty $800 price tag, the usual advice applies: Don't get want you want, just get what you need! If you need top-quality stereo capture, with excellent wind reduction and isolation from vibrations, using high-fidelity condenser microphone elements in a stereo X-Y pattern, this is the best on-camera stereo capsule on the market. It's also future-proof if your rig grows, with mini XLR balanced ports that take 48V phantom power. Yet, if you do light documentary work, this video also suggests that in-camera stereo microphones often perform really well and might be enough for your needs to begin with."

For those interested in the RØDE Stereo VideoMic X and the quality of stereo audio it can capture, check out Moon's video below.