RØDE Releases Six New Products

At IBC 2015, RØDE announced six new products; including two new microphones, a pair of carbon fibre boompoles, an XLR interface for Apple iOS devices and an XLR adaptor for the company's RØDELink 2.4GHz digital wireless system.

RØDE announced two new on-camera microphones as part of its VideoMic family – the VideoMicro, and the VideoMic Me. Measuring just 80mm long, the VideoMicro is a small, lightweight on-camera microphone designed for use on compact cameras. As a directional microphone, it reduces peripheral sounds and focuses on the audio in front of the camera. Its pickup is more forgiving than RØDE's other on-camera microphones, thereby providing a more natural sound when recording indoors.

Included with the VideoMicro is a camera shoe mount with Rycote Lyre shock mount. Featuring a suspension structure composed of a hard-wearing thermoplastic, the Lyre is more effective at minimising unwanted vibrations, handling and cable-borne noise than traditional elastic suspensions.

The VideoMic Me is a high-quality directional microphone designed for Apple iPhone and iPad. Featuring a TRRS connector and adjustable mount, it is compatible with a range of Apple devices and can even accommodate some cases. It features a headphone jack located at the rear, to allow for monitoring and playback without removing the microphone. Both microphones include a furry windshield and feature bodies made from aluminium, giving them RF rejection. The microphones are finished in RØDE's ceramic anti-glare black coating.

In the mobile audio space, the company announced the i-XLR, a digital XLR interface for Apple iOS devices. Used to connect professional XLR microphones to an iPhone or iPad to record audio in the field, the i-XLR allows reporters, correspondents and audio professionals to capture professional interview dialogue to an Apple smartphone or tablet. The design provides the user with the ability to record without accessing the mobile device, and an LED indicates the recording status (in supporting apps). A headphone jack with variable level is located on the body to allow the operator to monitor their audio during interviews, and for low-output dynamic microphones, the i-XLR features a +20dB level boost, giving the microphones a high level of clean gain.

To accompany the i-XLR, RØDE previewed an updated version of its RØDE Rec app that supports remote record functionality for the new interface device, as well as a set of EQ presets for industry-standard interview microphones, that optimise the audio for consistency across recordings, as well as an optional 'safety track' that can be set at a lower level.

The RØDELink digital wireless system was released earlier this year. Currently available as the 'Filmmaker Kit', including a camera mounted receiver (RX-CAM), beltpack transmitter (TX-BELT) and broadcast-grade lavalier microphone, its 2.4GHz digital communication technology allows for secure transmission of audio at ranges up to 100m.

RØDE is also expanding the RØDELink range, with the launch of the 'Newsshooter Kit', which includes a camera-mounted transmitter and the new XLR transmitter (TX-XLR). It easily connects to handheld presentation microphones as well as shotgun microphones, with a 3.5mm input and headphone output. Providing one-touch sync with RØDELink receivers and supplying P48 phantom power, the unit can be powered by 2 x AA, a Sony MPF970 battery or continuously via Micro USB.

RØDE also plans to make each of the RØDELink devices available separately, so customers can mix and match to suit their needs.

Lastly, the company introduced two new professional carbon fibre boompoles. Weighing 535gm (18oz), the new RØDE Boompole Pro extends to 3m (10') and collapses to 810mm (2'8"). Each of the five pole sections is comprised from carbon fibre making it lightweight, yet strong. The sections are easily extendable with one hand thanks to a twist-lock mechanic. Designed for use with professional shotgun microphones such as the RØDE NTG3 as well as the Blimp windshield system, the Boompole Pro joins RØDE' boom pole range which now consists of five models.

In addition, RØDE announced the Micro Boompole Pro, a thin version of the full-size carbon fibre model, optimised for use with the new VideoMicro microphone. Using a unique modular design, the Micro Boompole Pro's three sections combine to a maximum length of 2.2m (7'2"). Using an industry standard 3/8" thread, the sections can also be used to extend the Boompole Pro.

The VideoMicro, Boompole Pro and Micro Boompole Pro are shipping now, and the VideoMic Me, i-XLR and RØDELink Newsshooter Kit will be available Q4 2015.

Image: RØDE's VideoMicro

www.rode.com

(JP)