I realized that when I said this mic replaced the original VideoMic Go, I was actually thinking of and describing the VideoMicro. I guess I should go get my micro mics in a row.

Tip for Rode: Make a version of this mic targeted specifically at 'work from home' people looking to improve their audio. Include a clip attachment for use at the top of a laptop screen or monitor so people could attach it right next to their webcam. Since the mic is so small/light, a desktop stand could be designed with a heavy base & gooseneck for infinite placement options. Finally, add some user friendly software like the Shure MV7 has. I've spent the last two days researching mics for 'out of frame' use for Zoom calls, and making KZfaq videos etc, and it's been a challenge finding a good option. Please consider what I've written, I am certain this would be a huge seller. And Tom, another great video here, I just subscribed.

Three thoughts: 1- the NTG sounds so much richer in the super scientific test. 2- I'm a little bummed the super scientific tests aren't consistently delivered in 4:3 VHS effect. 3- Three weeks ago I got the exact same tripod you're using in your studio. I guess the Fx3 can't function without it.

When I first got the VM GO II, I wasn’t expecting to love it… but I do. It’s so awesome and amazingly versatile. Like you, I have also been using it a lot as a USB mic. Great video!

Bro you've made every comparison under the sun and I love you for it. I've googled a couple of different comparisons today and your channel has popped up for all of them.

I started recommending this to teachers/faculty. Teachers just want a mic to work across phone, computer and camera. It was so difficult trying to explain which works where, mainly cuz they don’t care about tech lol which is fine, they just want something to work dang it.

I absolutely love my Videomic NTG; it’s a really exceptional mic, especially for all of its versatility. About the issue of the rechargeable battery: be very sure to register the mic with RODE to up the warranty to 10 years. The company mentioned to me that should anything happen with its battery during normal use, it can replace it so long as it’s under warranty. So yeah, do that. Thanks for the excellent video.

easily the best review i've watched. love the humor, conciseness, thoroughness, structure, and dog. 5/5

The fact that you did even something as simple as throwing in that Voiceover Gem won me over! Awesome video Tom! New Subscriber here!

I bought the Rode VideoMic Go II a few weeks ago as my travel mic. The small form factor, lack of battery, and good sound quality were all factors that helped me decide to buy one. I do use my Rode VideoMic Pro + as my main studio mic, but I’m glad that I won’t be traveling with it anymore. As far as my little Rode VideoMicro…it’s now retired to be a backup mic that I’ll keep in a bag just in case.

Thanks! I have the NTG and this actually convinced me that I should go ahead and get a GO II. When you go back to back, the NTG is obviously better by a mile, but I've been using the Sennheiser MKE 200 instead of the NTG on my desk because I can leave it plugged in without worrying about power. It seems like the GO II gets a decent amount of performance while being very compact and convenient.

Just bought this mic and outa the box it was broken. Called rode and they confirmed it was broken. They said about three weeks turn around time, and I had to beg them to send a prepaid return label. I wont be buying another rode product. Not good customer experience. They should have sent a new one right away with a return label in the box. Wish i had gotten another mkh600. But wanted the automatic on off. Lesson learned. Love your videos btw👍

That boom extension off the fluid head is a brilliant hack. why have I not seen this in 15 yrs of production and countless youtube consumption? Bravo.

The usb-c is awesome. Can’t tell you how many times I forgot to turn my old video mic pro on bc I was trying to save the 9v battery during long recording days. Loving the Buck Blue watch band btw.

Fantastic! Since I’ve sold all my full frame cameras…I’ve been *wondering* about a good mic to use when I want to go out…but I don’t want the mic to be BIGGER than the camera. 🤷‍♀️ Thanks for showing us this and even a little comparison! Now I feel it’s a great fit!

I have both a Rode NTG and a Rode VideoMic Go II. When my NTG quit, I purchased another VideoMic Go II while I waited for Rode to fix it. They couldn’t fix it so they replaced it with a new one. I like the fact that the VideoMic doesn’t have a battery. I think there is very little difference between the NTG and the VideoMic in terms of the sound. The NTG gives you more control but I use two GH5’s one GH5 Mk2, and one GH6 and I don’t need these features. I shoot live theatre, concerts, and dance shows with multiple cameras.

Used the Go II for the first time today for a livestream and holy moly. What an incredible little microphone. I almost want to say the sound is buttery vs the iMac’s built in sound. Thank you for the great review. It helped me make my decision and I love how easily I can hook it up to my iPhone and iPad as well.

The advantage of a shorter mic is that the capsule can be brought closer to the source without entering the frame. It also helps eliminate phase issues indoors especially in untreated rooms.

Thank you, I have been researching for a few days on what Mic to get for my multiple setups for on the go filming and your video is the reason why I have decided on the NTG!!!! Your page is awesome, I really enjoy your videos and always super helpful when I am looking to upgrade my equipment

Awesome video, Tom! I love me GO 2. It currently lives on my top down camera, which has an added advantage of having scratch audio that is so good, I'd feel totally comfortable using it as main audio if for whatever reason my main mic craps out 👌

This is amazing review. Honestly to me the Rode NTG is the best option. One thing I hate about it is the fact you can't replace the battery. It would be amazing if you could unscrew like a flashlight and in case of emergency, battery died and you don't have time to change it, you can just put in a "non" rechargeable battery. Or if the battery starts dying, so you can put a new "rechargeable" battery.

As an Aussie I’m super proud of Røde’s reputation and as owner of a NTG I can’t fault it except for its length. Sometimes gets into my shots when mounted in a GoPro Hero7 but that’s it. Reason I found this video was I was surprised that the GoII had usb support which made me wonder why I went the NTG in the first place. I decided to invest in good mic for my voiceOver content and have NOT regretted it. Only now when using my shotgun for streaming it can get in the way of camera. BUT as Tom says, that’s MY problem. Not the mic’s.

Wow great one, Tom! I’ve been looking at the NTG lately and you sealed it for me! Thanks!

I have both the NTG and the Go ii. I have not been able to determine a significant sound difference. I like the options available on the NTG, especially the attenuation. I shoot multicam live theatre, concerts, and dance shows. I have two GH5s, one GH5 ii, and one GH6. The NTG was perfect for the original GH5s as they only allow you to attenuate the signal to -12 db. The GH5 ii, and the GH6 can attenuate to -18 db. The Go ii is a very hot mic so this ability of the GH5 ii, and the GH6 made it very suitable. I really appreciate the fact that the Go ii does not have a battery which means that I have one less thing to think about. My Rode NTG has quit and I'm hoping to get it fixed; however, in the mean time I purchased a second Go ii. I also record directly from the sound board on an audio recorder and I use a Sound Devices Mix Pre 3 and a Rode NT4 on the edge of the stage. I also use the Audio Technica AT4073a and the Panasonic DMW-MS2. Rode replaced my Rode VideoMic NTG with a brand new one even though it was 3 years old. The NTG has a 10 year warranty.

Great review! I had no idea that this nifty little mic was a thing. Definitely could use one

VideoMic Go II sounds 99% as good as the NTG for your talking head indoor video and perfect for Zoom calls, Teams meetings over USB-C. The best way to use the VideoMic Go II with a new iPhone or iPad is via USB-C, I wouldn't bother with TRS or TRRS as mentioned at 9:20. I wish it came with a 3/8 to 1/4 mount adapter included in the box to use with the mini manfrotto tripods as you have.

My NTG died on me but I wasn't sold on the Go II. Gonna buy another NTG. Thanks, Tommy Boy!

Great video. Just in time, too. I've been pondering the Go II vs. the NTG. Ordering the NTG now 🙂 Also, happy to see my name as the latest addition to your Channel Supporter screen. You produce really worthwhile and useful content.

Perfect timing because my Deity V-Mic D3 Pro internal battery won't charge and the company will not help exchange the defective microphone. Great video!

I’ve been looking at all kinds of mics for my videos and I think the Go II is what I’m going to get after watching this video. Thanks Tom!

I was looking for a new mic and it was between these two at first. But in the end i got the sony ecm-b1m and the auto gain is soOooooo nice to have.

I find that the NTG is richer when I listen with headphone (not with speaker). But for overall I think the difference is so minimal its not really worth the price difference.

By the way, watching your videos and explanations makes my purchase diction of all my Rode products, I can't even count how many i got, thanks for every single of them Tommy

Finally got hold of a pair of the video mic go II s for my students to work on podcasts with Rode Connect and to make vlogs. Together with 2 Rode NT minis they can learn how to plan, record and mix podcasts with relatively cheap gear. They’re not getting their hands on my SM7B, Podmics and Rodecaster Pro………as that’s my own gear not my University’s…..

I needed as compact microphone as possible as it's meant to be connected to my phone and be ready to be drawn from my pocket at any given time outside, so I bought the Go II. No regrets, it's amazing mic in the terms of sound quality & compactness, although the NTG beats the Go II in sound easily. Also bought a dead cat (WS12 Windshield) to go with it. Very cool setup.Thanks for the informative video with plenty of audio tests!

the NTG sounded clearer, the VideoMic Go II sounded a bit more muddled but considering the price difference it sounds great and a bit of EQ would minimise that.

Another wonderful Video! I purchased the Go II awhile back and I have been loving it. I love what you said about user error. I feel like if you dial it in it’s wonderful! When I use it, you may hear flaws and that is definitely user error! 😂

Just the video i was looking for! Thanks for this

Thanks for the reivews! I'm getting the Videomic NTG for my run and gun shooting. Cheers :3

Neat little mic. Seems like a vlogy kinda mic. I have the Deity D4 Duo vlogy mic which is also pretty nice but has a fair amount of wind pickup as well as transfer through the shock mic for bumps and thumps and such. Someone is going to have to do a Deity D4 Duo vs Video Mic Go II comparison one day. 😉

I cant ever get my VideoMic NTG to sound NEARLY as good, crisp and clear as yours does. I would love to see a tutorial on how you set these mics up with settings ect. Here recently I've been running it directly to my PC and using audacity to record so I can export as 32bit float but still can't quite get something in the settings right. I always get frustrated and go back to my RODe Wireless Go's. Considering the cost I would love to use it more often.

Awesome video! I was looking for a good alternative to a lav mic to use with my laptop when I'm doing videos while not at home. Based on your video, the GO II with no battery to worry about and arguably comparable sound to the NTG make it a clear winner for my uses. Thanks for the great comparison!

This was a great and very comprehensive review. It helped me make my decision on upgrading from the trusty VideoMic Pro for the past 8 years.

Yes!!! Been waiting on this one!

Wish the mount was bright cherry red! Doesn't help with the old "stealth" approach, eh? BTW, I have the Video Mic NTG, as well as about a dozen other RØDE mics. :)

Hi Tom! I have been enjoying lots of your educational KZfaq videos, and from what I learned watching it, I got a Rode VideoMic GO II for my Zoom training and meetings. I am super happy with my purchase, and I believe I have saved many unnecessary mistakes thanks to you. I remembered I saw one video where you showed a very short interview with Allen Williams. He mentioned the importance of spending a big part of our budget on treating the room to get the best sound quality versus spending most of the money getting an expensive mic. I have been trying to look for that particular KZfaq video, but I can not find it. Can you please let me know which specific video is that so I can revisit it? TQ!

Instructive & fun, I discover audio recording and hardware, thank you!

The dads jokes are gold 😆👏

You might have convinced me to add one to my setup right above my monitors for when I don’t want the lewitt in view or switching between camera angles!!

I liked the NTG, but transcended to SVMX. Stereo is magnificent, and if someone tries to mug me I can take it off the camera and bludgeon them with it. Still has a pretty small footprint too. Plus, the red X goes with the red G :3

how would we upgrade our audio with XLR seems you would need a Cinema camera with built in xlr or a top handle

I had to pause and wait till my laughter stopped. The words "piece of garbage", the whoosh sound and the cameo of the Neewer mic got me SO hard and SO unprepared...😂🤣🤣

“ You know this is a scientific test because there is a.. Lab coat “ 🤣 ☠️

Awesome review thanks. Very helpful

Thanks for this comparison! So awesome to know about options and get some scientific tests ;) Rode makes some really amazing products!

I've been using the VideoMicGOII for nearly two months now. So far, so good. I like the headphone monitoring feature and the Rycote-style shock mounts.

Since the USB-C port on the NTG allows for connecting to a PC, I guess it is charging while in use. So when the internal battery eventually fails to hold a charge, it can be used as a PC USB mic.

if you're looking for a USB podcast / zoom / voice recording mic - go 2 is the one. Just bought it and honestly, I'm planning to sell my mkh 416

Awesome review, thank you sir!

I am digging the NTG more I find but I love the size of the Go ll you're right the bigger the mic the more you get looks lol

Great review, Tom! I just bought a wireless go II and I’m curious if the quality will be similar with the stick adapter, when using for desk voiceovers.

I just picked up the video mic go 2 and have been recording some narration using rode central. I then transfer as wav or mp3 to editing software or music recording software to edit further. Super simple interface and the mic sounds great. Frees up room on my desk and let’s me concentrate on my content a little better.

Dude! You've helped me SO MUCH to take the first big step in starting my own hiking podcast. I just bought the NT1 with the SM6 Shock Mount and Pop filter, and the Rodecaster Pro. I'm learning so much, so fast. But I have a HUGE question that is driving me crazy. The mic is crazy sensitive and I'm loving it. However, it picks up every click, pop, and squish that my tongue and lips make. I sound like an ogre sometimes. Is there a podcaster secret? Is there a Rodecaster Pro setting I don't know about? How long before I learn the Rode secret handshake for lipy-smaky settings? Love your work! The Entabulator episode was epic!!!

Great review. The dad jokes alone earned the like right off the bat.

Wow, excelente video. Ando analizando cuál de ellos me funcionará mejor para entrevistas en calle (Noticiero).Saludos desde México

Hi Tom can you make a comparison video between the Rode Video MicGo II and the all new Rode VideoMicro II? Looking forward to this if you can make one!

For USB, I can also recommend the RØDE NT-USB Mini. Just sayin'. That's what I use for all my Zoom sessions, etc.

@TomBuck I am big fan of your channel and I just started my own channel called creative labs llc. I was hoping you could do a review on Dji Wireless mic and how it can used in the daily workflow.

Hey Tom we got the same tripod. I call it « The Anvil » 🤣🤣 I got a Sachtler for outdoor shootings, the Manfrotto is à pain in the butt to carry

Great comparison!! FCP bonus tip thrown in for free!!! Lmk when you decide you offer a FCP course......js

I don't think I've seen on youtube better light, color and detail and bokeh in a picture like this sitting at a desk. Do you have a video of you sharing your lighting scheme? What's the lens here? I want to look this good on my work video calls with my dudes.

3:09 yes so WHY make the cradle bits red. Or at least offer an all black version.

TONS of great info, if these are shotgun mics, why did you review them on the desk? Does this defeat the purpose? I need an overhead non-xlr mic.

thx for your detailed review, helps a lot

Hi Tom I'm curious about how you power the NTG microphone. Is it possible to power via USB at the same time as the sound goes analog directly to the camera / Atem Mini. I have a fixed setup for teaching via MS Teams with teleprompter and a PodMic, but want to get the microphone out of the picture. My setup will be on 8-10 hours every day. My choice is between Røde NTG and NT5. I hope you will answer my question, I can't find it anywhere. Thanks in advance.

A very unpleasant post-signal hum appears on the track captured via the Videomic GO II. As soon as you say something, sometimes a kind of resonant hum comes into the silence. Videomic NTG does not do this - so it is clear who is the winner in this case. The Videomic GO II is completely unusable for me for that reason.

Thanks for sharing video mic go 2 might be what I'm looking for

Man this is soo strange. I purchased my Videomic Go II in Australia, and the Microphone is made of metal, as is the base plate. At least I think it is, I think it's Aluminium?

Loved the review, thanks!

Hey Tom! Would really appreciate it if you could make a review between the Rode Videomic Go II vs the new Rode Videomicro II!

Does the VideoMic Go II get power via the 3.5mm cable? Or does it need power via USB? Did you have any issues with interference?

Actually, I'm having a plan to get a Rode VideoMic GO II for my future vids, But with my limited budget... I have 2 mics, One is the Boya BY-MM1 (I brought it back in 2019) and Another one is A 7RYMS Minbo Mini... (Brought in November 2021) They both sounds really good and it makes a "Bit" of difference between the audio quality... My Boya one is separated for my camcorder and a 7RYMS one is for some of my cameras that I used the most to record my most of the vids... Oh, Probably my old 2015 Samsung Galaxy A7 that I have with me... But, Tbh. My 7RYMS Minibo Mini does sounds very good and also it is used in the most of my videos. (I'm "Still" currently using it) Until I have enough money to buy that Rode Mic that you have talkin' about... And still also having my plan to get a new better camera and upgrades for my Samsung Galaxy A7 that i was talking about... and oh, My camcorder too... which I would have to wait... Until I have more money on my budget to buy them... And I would use them as much as my quality on my YT vids may rise... And also... I'm a new subscriber... from Thailand... Greetings from Thailand! =) /🇹🇭 /

Mr. Buck, you should see if you can do a review of the PreSonus PD70. A “budget” mic with similar aesthetics as the SM7B. Because aesthetics are always a part of a selling point. I think it’s worth checking out though.

Great video Tom! Two items: 1. Both mics: Any issue with using a 8' or 10' cable from mic to my Canon m50 camera? 2. As a backup, can I record (USB to PC) while at same time connect mic cable to my Canon m50?

I’ve been having some sibilance issues with the GO II but otherwise I love it. So great.

Love this review. I purchased the Go II as a quick, cheap mic for my new R6 Mark II... hoping to use the Wireless Go II system to have the connectivity to do interviews with a boom. Any suggestions for placement as doesn't have quite the reach the NTG has?

hey Tom, I wish you could test MKE 400 vs NTG in different distance for us 👏🏻🗣

Yikes - NTG by a 1.000 miles!!! Great review - but definitely a bad review for GO II. Had higher hopes for it.

I had to Go 2 leave a comment because this video was so helpful

Awesome review! I'm considering buying one of them to record nature sounds,like birds and other animals, but i can't decide if it's necessary to buy NTG for that or if the Go II will be as good. Have you tried them for that purpose?

What’s the best way to fix this mic onto the Sony FX3 XLR handle?

Have you done any sound effects processing on the RODE NTG that is used for outdoor recording? Because my NTG is at about the same distance from you outdoors, but the background sound is not as quiet as in your video. I also connected it to the camera and used it.

You really ought to compare the MKH50 to the RØDE NTG5 as they are both XLR mics.

Oh yes. The NTG has a subtle depth projection that outperforms the GO II. The latter has this high mid punch probably due to the size, maybe even because of the plastic body. This was, however, most obvious when tested outdoors. It's also easy to edit that audio and make it a bit smoother on the GO II. Definitely a fantastic value for the money. Kudos to your recording settings that truly showed all aspects of these mics.

Thanks for all the time and effort you put into your videos, Tom. Two questions, is that an Earthworks Ethos on the boom arm that you briefly swung into view? Also, odd question, can you tell me the dimensions of your studio? Looks like it’s maybe a standard bedroom perhaps 11 or 12 feet square.

..in some cases, plastic has advantages..this is one of those cases, i think..price and weight.

My favourite mic was the original go, super cool 😎

Thanks for this amazing video. Does RODE video mic Go II compatible with iphone?

Great 2 little mic's, I wonder if the gain of WirelessGo is good enough to pair it with WirelessGo? for a wireless boom?

What A video! you never disappoint