At the IBC Show in Amsterdam, Rode were showcasing some new additions to their line up. First up was the new i-XLR that has just started shipping. The i-XLR has a XLR input connection and a lightning output for connecting to iOS devices. This allows you to attach professional microphones and then record the audio on your smart phone or tablet. To work in conjunction with the i-XLR, Rode have also announced a new app called Rode Reporter.
We were also shown the new Rode Stereo Video Mic Pro designed for use as an on camera microphone. The Stereo Video Mic Pro features an all new capsule and integrated Rycote® Lyre® based shock mounting system. Like the VideoMic Pro, the Stereo VideoMic Pro features a +20dB level boost specifically designed to provide a higher quality signal with DSLR cameras.
Also shown was a new version of the their lightweight headset microphone called the HS2. The HS2 is a low profile, ergonomic headset microphone that provides clear audio for any application where the microphone needs to be in close proximity to a presenter’s mouth. The microphone features an adjustable corrosion resistant stainless spring-steel boom arm and headband connected to pliable hypoallergenic silicone ear strips for maximum flexibility and user comfort.
Rode also showed us three new shock mounts that can be used for various applications. The SM3-R is a suspension shock mount with camera shoe adaptor for mounting various RØDE microphones onto a camera via the standard hot/cold shoe mount. The SM4-R is similar to the SM3-R, but attaches to a stand or boompole with 3/8″ or 5/8″ thread. The PG2-R is a pistol grip shock mount designed to reduce handling noise when recording with shotgun microphones in hand held or boompole mounted applications.
Finally Rode have just announced that their long awaited Newsshooter wireless kit is about to start shipping. The RØDELink Newsshooter Kit is a very versatile wireless microphone solution that can be used with XLR microphones. It comes with a camera-mounted receiver and an XLR transmitter. The receiver (RX-CAM) features an OLED display with information on level, battery status (receiver and transmitter), mute and channel selection. The unit can be mounted on a standard camera shoe mount, 3/8″ thread or belt-clip, and for added versatility the shoe mount can be located in one of two positions. The transmitter (TX-XLR) easily connects to handheld presentation microphones as well as shotgun microphones, with a 3.5mm input and headphone output.
