I am delighted to inform you that our Australian friends at RØDE Microphones has officially embraced Android users (while continuing to embrace iOS users) with the announcement of three additions to its market-leading range of creative solutions for vloggers. I tested the USB-C version. It features the VideoMic Me-C, tripod, phone grip, LED light and accessories. This is my review article, including an outdoor audio/video test recording.

What comes in the USB C Edition kit:

• VideoMic Me-C directional microphone for USB Type-C devices
• Rubber mic clip
• RØDE WS9 windshield (artificial “dead cat”)
• SmartGrip
• Tripod 2
• MicroLED On-Camera Light
• Clip-On diffuser
• 8 x colored filters
• USB Type-C cable

What’s outstanding about the VideoMic Me-C microphone:

The built-in preamp and A-to-D (analog to digital) supports up to 48 kHz (the absolute standard for audio sampling for video, see 48kHzAlliance.com) and up to 24-bit resolution (see this article). It also as a built-in DAC (Digital-to-Analog) to allow playback from the connected device via a 3.5 mm TRS stereo jack to connect headphones. The same DAC and 3.5 also works for latency free monitoring and to hear a remote panelist via a service like Cleanfeed, Hangouts, Skype, Teams or Zoom.us (see my prior articles).

Here are the official specs of the microphone:

Acoustic Principle: Pressure gradient electret condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

Frequency range: 20Hz – 20kHz

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 74.5 dBA

Equivalent Noise: 19.5 dBA SPL (A-weighted as per IEC651)

Maximum SPL 115 dB SPL (1 kHz @ 1m)

Power requirement bus powered USB device 5VDC-100mA

Analog outputs: 3.5mm headphone

Device connectivity: USB Type-C

Simultaneous I/O: 1 in, 2 out

Bit Depth: 24-bit

Sample Rates: 44.1 kHz (not recommended, see 48kHzAlliance.com) and 48 kHz

Direct Monitor: Yes (latency free)

Bus powered: Yes

Android requirements: Android OS 10 or higher

Pickup pattern:

Frequency response:

About the SmartGrip

The SmartGrip can officially accommodate any phone between 65mm and 85mm wide. My Moto G Power (known as Moto G8 Power outside of the US) was a tight fit, but fortunately is compatible. It has a built-in cold shoe.

About the Tripod 2

In my opinion, the Tripod 2 is the weakest of all of the otherwise wonderful kit. As a table tripod is too short for most desks or tables (more appropriate for a standing desk or at a bar). As a handle to hand-hold the rest of the other wonderful components, it works, but should really be substituted by a good gimbal. You’ll see shakiness in the video ahead.

Outdoor audio/video recording

The below recording was shot with the Moto G Power (know as the Moto G8 Power outside of the US) inside of the SmartGrip. I used FilMiC Pro to record at 25p at 48 kHz. I edited with Final Cut Pro. No audio noise reduction or equalization has been applied.

As you will see, it is shaky video, although the audio is very good, considering the distance (arm’s length) in the windy location. I recommend combining this kit with a good gimbal or tripod.

Ratings

Build quality and appearance of the overall kit

Audio quality at its price point and distance (outdoors)

Stability and height of the Tripod 2

I would recommend a good gimbal for handheld use and a proper table tripod for standard desktop use.

General value for price

Conclusions

For its US$149 price, the RØDE Vlogger Kit — USB C Edition is an excellent value. The sound quality is very good outdoors at an arm’s length. I love the fact that it can record 48 kHz 24-bit audio and that it has latency-free monitoring. I would highly recommend combining it with a good gimbal or standard tripod instead the included Tripod 2.

Photo credit

The still photo was shot by Sandra Pulgarín Rua.

(Re-)Subscribe for upcoming articles, reviews, radio shows, books and seminars/webinars

Stand by for upcoming articles, reviews, books and courses. Sign up to my free mailing list by clicking here. If you previously subscribed to my bulletins and no longer receive them, you must re-subscribe due to new compliance to GDPR. Most of my current books are at books.AllanTepper.com, and my personal website is AllanTepper.com. Also visit radio.AllanTepper.com.

Si deseas suscribirte (o volver a suscribirte) a mi lista en castellano, visita aquí. Si prefieres, puedes suscribirte a ambas listas (castellano e inglés).

Suscribe to my BeyondPodcasting show in English or CapicúaFM en castellano.

FTC disclosure

No manufacturer is specifically paying Allan Tépper or TecnoTur LLC to write this article. Some of the other manufacturers listed above have contracted Tépper and/or TecnoTur LLC to carry out consulting and/or translations/localizations/transcreations. Many of the manufacturers listed above have sent Allan Tépper review units. So far, none of the manufacturers listed above is/are sponsors of the TecnoTur , BeyondPodcasting CapicúaFM or TuSaludSecreta programs, although they are welcome to do so, and some are, may be (or may have been) sponsors of ProVideo Coalition magazine. Some links to third parties listed in this article and/or on this web page may indirectly benefit TecnoTur LLC via affiliate programs. Allan Tépper’s opinions are his own. Allan Tépper is not liable for misuse or misunderstanding of information he shares.

Copyright and use of this article

The articles contained in the TecnoTur channel in ProVideo Coalitionmagazine are copyright Allan Tépper/TecnoTur LLC, except where otherwise attributed. Unauthorized use is prohibited without prior approval, except for short quotes which link back to this page, which are encouraged!