Building on breakthrough developments made with the VideoMic Pro+, the latest addition to Røde’s VideoMic range is the VideoMic NTG.
The VideoMic NTG features the same annular line tube technology as the NTG5, with acoustic perforations along the length of the microphone in place of the linear slots found in other shotguns and on-camera microphones. The mic claims a flat frequency response, highly directional supercardioid polar pattern, and very low self-noise.
There is a switchable75Hz/150Hz high-pass filter (at) to address wind, traffic, air conditioner and other environmental noise, plus a high frequency boost to enhance detail and clarity – particularly useful when using a furry windshield. A switchable -20dB pad accommodates recording very loud sound sources, and for added security, a switchable safety channel that records a separate channel at -20dB in case the main channel clips.
The infinitely variable gain control on the rear of the mic allows precise tailoring of the output level to a recording device. This is an active control that can deliver anything from mic level to a headphone level output, providing flexibility and improving DSLR sound quality. A dB peak warning light indicates when the internal preamp is clipping – in these situations, the -20dB pad can be quickly engaged to attenuate the incoming signal.
An auto-power function automatically switches the mic on when the camera is turned on, ensuring it’s always ready to record, and also helps conserve battery life by switching the mic off when it’s unplugged or the camera is turned off. The VideoMic NTG contains a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides 30-plus hours of recording, which is charged via USB-C (empty to full in two hours).
An auto-sensing 3.5mm output intelligently switches between TRS and TRRS to accommodate both cameras and mobile devices.
The VideoMic NTG is also a fully-featured USB microphone. Its class-compliant USB-C output allows users to plug directly into a computer, tablet, or smartphone, turning it into a desktop USB mic for recording voiceovers, podcasts, gaming or livestreaming.
Headphones can be plugged into the 3.5mm output for seamless monitoring of audio while using the USB output. The headphone level can be adjusted by the variable gain control. This also means the VideoMic NTG can be used as a desktop headphone amplifier.
‘The VideoMic NTG is a hybrid microphone that brings the signature broadcast-quality sound of our NTG shotgun range to a compact, feature-packed VideoMic,’ says Røde founder and Chairman Peter Freedman. ‘This is the next chapter in the VideoMic story, combining decades of research and development of high-quality microphones for professional filmmakers and broadcasters with a deep understanding of the needs and wants of the modern content creator. With the VideoMic NTG, we have once again redefined what on-camera microphones are capable of.’
More: www.rode.com
