Q: Do I need to charge the VideoMic GO II?
A: The VideoMic GO II runs off plug-in power supplied by the connected device and does not contain an internal battery, so it does not need to be charged.
Q: Is the VideoMic GO II compatible with RØDE Connect?
A: Yes, the VideoMic GO II is fully compatible with RØDE Connect, allowing you to connect up to four of the microphones to a computer, with complete control over the input level and audio processing.
Q: Can I use the VideoMic GO II as a USB microphone?
A: Most definitely! The VideoMic GO II features a USB-C audio output that allows it to be connected to computers and mobile devices and used as a fully featured USB microphone. When used in USB mode, the 3.5mm TRS output can be used to connect headphones for audio monitoring and playback.
Additional cables are required for connecting the VideoMic GO II to computers and mobile devices via USB, such as the RØDE SC16, SC17 or SC18 for devices with a USB-C input, or RØDE SC15, SC19 for iOS devices with a Lightning port (note: to use the VideoMic GO II with an iOS device, you must use the SC15 or SC19).
Q: Can I adjust the VideoMic GO II’s settings?
A: When being used with a camera, the VideoMic GO II is designed to be a simple plug-and-go microphone with no controls or switches ensuring minimal fuss. You can use the manual gain control on your camera to adjust the input level if required.
When being used in USB mode, the input level and headphone volume can be adjusted from the computer or mobile device it’s connected to or with RØDE Central or RØDE Connect (computers), RØDE Central Mobile or RØDE Reporter (mobile devices). These apps can also be used to activate the high-pass filter, high-frequency boost, pad and other audio processing (RØDE Connect only).
Q: How do I connect the VideoMic GO II to a smartphone or tablet?
A: If you have an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning input, you will need the RØDE SC15 or SC19 (note: standard USB-C to Lightning cables will not work).
If you have a device with a USB-C input, such as an Android smartphone or iPad Pro, you will need a USB-C to USB-C cable like the RØDE SC16 or SC17.
You can also plug your VideoMic GO II into your smartphone or tablet using the 3.5mm output with the RØDE SC7 cable (available separately). Using the USB-C output gives you access to a host of features including headphone monitoring and access to advanced features using RØDE Central, so we highly recommend this option if possible.
Q: Can I mount the VideoMic GO II onto a boom arm, boompole, tripod or microphone stand?
A: Yes, on the bottom of the VideoMic GO II’s cold shoe mount there is a 3/8” screw thread, allowing it to be mounted to boom arms such as the RØDE PSA1 and PSA1+, boompoles, tripods such as the Tripod 2, and microphone stands. You may need a thread adaptor to attach it to these accessories (we recommend the RØDE Thread Adaptor kit).
Q: Why does the supplied shockmount have a sliding rail?
A: The sliding rail is particularly useful for making sure the VideoMic GO II doesn’t protrude within the frame when using a very wide/ultra-wide lens and also allows it to be pushed forward in case it is blocking the viewfinder of a camera.
Q: Why does the Level Peak Warning LED only work in USB mode?
A: When using the 3.5mm analog output, the peaks will depend on the gain setting in your camera, so you should use the audio meters on your device to monitor for peaks.
In USB mode, the VideoMic GO II utilises an internal preamp, so the LED will alert you to any loud peaks that may clip the input.
Q: When using the VideoMic GO II as a USB microphone, can I turn off direct monitoring?
A: Yes, you can do this within RØDE Central on PC or Mac computers, or by using RØDE Central Mobile or RØDE Reporter on iOS or Android devices. Please note that when the VideoMic GO II is being used with RØDE Connect, direct monitoring will always be on.
Q: When should I use the supplied foam windshield?
A: The foam windshield is designed to mitigate moderate wind noise and plosives. You should also use it if the microphone is being moved (for example, on a handheld camera or boom arm), or if you are speaking directly into it. If it is mounted on a static camera in an indoor environment, you can remove it. The windshield features a high-quality open-cell design that is very acoustically transparent, so will not noticeably affect the performance of the microphone.
If you are using the microphone outdoors in a high-wind environment, we recommend using the WS12.
Q: Can I use an extension cable when mounting the mic on a boom?
A: Yes - if you are using the 3.5mm output, you can use any high-quality 3.5mm extension cable (but be aware that the longer the cable, the higher likelihood of interference from other electrical devices). We suggest using the RØDE VC1 or SC8 when mounting the VideoMic GO II on a boompole. You can also use the Wireless GO II for a wireless solution.
If you are using the USB output, be aware that very long USB cables or USB cable extenders can be problematic, and their performance may depend on the recording device being used. Use a high-quality USB extender, ideally an ‘active’ one, for best performance.
Note: RØDE cannot warrant the performance of the microphone when used with third-party cables.
Q: Can I use the pad function when using the 3.5mm analog output?
A: The pad function only operates when using the VideoMic GO II in USB mode. When using the 3.5mm analog output, you should use the gain control on your camera to ensure the recording level is not too high.
For more information or questions about our RØDE products, please contact us here.