New mic – and a shock (mount) from Rode

Rode has updated its venerable Stereo VideoMic Pro for late 2016 with a handful of new features.

Most obviously, the shockmount is now the Rycote Lyre suspension system which is claimed to be practically indestructible, unlike the elastic band type of system that was used in the original design.

There are changes to the mic itself as well though with a new pair of matched condensor mic capsules which, Rode says, have “higher sensitivity and lower self-noise”. The mic cable has been reinforced too with a thicker, Kevlar braid to help withstand any sources of electrical interference. Note that the mic itself is still unbalanced but as it will likely be mounted on top of a camcorder and the cable length inherently short, we doubt this will present much of an issue.

Topping it all off is a revised foam windshield, though a proper windjammer is, as always, recommended for outside use.

More info at www.rode.com/microphones/stereovideomicpro

Rode’s mic accessory line also gets a refresh, with the SM3-R camera shoe shockmount and SM4-R boompole/microphone stand shockmount now featuring a dual Rycote Lyre suspension with four mounting points. This makes them compatible with the entire range of short RØDE pencil condenser mics or longer shotguns. See www.rode.com/accessories/sm3-r and http://www.rode.com/accessories/sm4-r

And the PG2-R pistol grip’s now got Lyre as well – blimey, Rycote must be grinning from ear to ear – plus a revised handle. It’s at www.rode.com/accessories/pg2-r

Finally, who’d have though an XLR cable could be made interesting? The PG2-R Pro cable has an intermediate junction point along its length which is designed to clip into the Rode mic mounts and take the strain of any yanking, pulling or other mishandling the mic gets while filming. It’s similar to the system implemented on the Rode Blimp windjammer. See www.rode.com/accessories/pg2-r-cable