RODE VideoMic NTG Overview

The Rode VideoMic NTG offers video creators, run-and-gun filmmakers, voiceover artists, and podcasters the renowned sound quality of NTG shotguns in a versatile camera-mount mic, compatible with cameras, smartphones, tablets, portable recorders, and USB-equipped computers without needing additional adapters.

With focused directionality, variable gain, digital tone controls, and an internal USB-rechargeable battery, the VideoMic NTG provides clear audio and flexible functionality. Its aerospace-grade aluminum body makes it durable, compact, and lightweight—ideal for mounting on a camera or boompole.

The auto-sensing 3.5mm TRRS output, along with the included TRRS cable, ensures compatibility with various devices like cameras, portable recorders, mobile phones, and computers without extra adapters. Features like the peak warning light, -20 dB pad, and selectable safety channel make it easy to prevent distortion during recordings. When used as a USB mic, the 3.5mm jack also serves as a stereo headphone output for real-time monitoring.

With firmware version 2.0, the VideoMic NTG is now MFi-certified for Lightning-equipped Apple iOS devices, including iPhones, iPads, and iPods, when used with the Rode SC15 USB Type-C to Lightning cable.

Technology from the NTG5

The VideoMic NTG incorporates an annular line tube design—featuring acoustic perforations instead of traditional linear slots—borrowed from Rode’s NTG5. This design ensures a natural, transparent, and uncolored sound quality.

Directional Audio Capture

The supercardioid polar pattern of the VideoMic NTG focuses on sounds in front while reducing noise from the sides and rear. Its low-noise circuitry and sensitive condenser deliver more detailed audio compared to typical camera and recorder mics. With greater sensitivity than the VideoMic Pro+, it requires less gain for the same signal level.

Extensive Compatibility

The VideoMic NTG’s auto-sensing 3.5mm TRRS output automatically switches between TRS and TRRS configurations, so you can easily connect to cameras, mobile devices, or portable recorders without additional adapters. The dual-mono wiring ensures the mic’s signal is captured on both input channels.

Full USB Microphone Functionality

Using the VideoMic NTG as a USB microphone, you can connect it directly to your computer, smartphone, or tablet. It features an integrated analog-to-digital converter with 24-bit/48 kHz resolution, ensuring high-quality, uncompressed audio capture.

MFi-Certified for Apple iOS

With firmware 2.0, the VideoMic NTG is MFi-certified, providing full compatibility with Lightning-equipped iOS devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and iPods. Paired with the Rode SC15 cable, it offers:

• Headphone monitoring with full volume control
• Two-way audio for video calls
• A safety channel output at -20 dB for backup
• High-quality 24-bit/48 kHz audio conversion

Convenient Monitoring and Gain Control

When using it as a USB mic, you can plug headphones into the 3.5mm output for monitoring, with volume easily adjustable via the gain knob. The -20 dB pad button helps reduce the level for very loud sources, while a continuously variable gain control and peak warning light ensure optimal levels for any situation.

High-pass filter and triple boost

The high-pass filter, selectable at either 75 Hz or 150 Hz, reduces low-frequency noise from common sources like air conditioning or traffic. The selectable high-frequency boost enhances clarity and detail in the treble range, improving vocal intelligibility.

Selectable Safety Channel

A dedicated button sets the right channel to output at -20 dB lower than the left to prevent unexpected distortion from sudden loud sounds. This feature provides a safety track that can be recorded simultaneously with the main signal.

Rechargeable 30-Hour Battery

The internal lithium-ion battery provides up to 30 hours of operation and recharges in about two hours via USB Type-C. You can even charge the mic while using it by connecting it to a USB battery pack.

Manual or Automatic Power On/Off

The VideoMic NTG automatically powers on or off when connected to a compatible camera, responding to the presence or absence of plug-in power. It can also be manually turned on or off with a dedicated power button.

Durable Shockmount with Sliding Rail

Instead of traditional rubber band shockmounts that can snap, Rode uses a Rycote Lyre suspension-style shockmount, designed for use on cameras or boompoles. It reduces vibration transfer from the camera, and its sliding rail allows precise mic positioning. Built-in cable management keeps the setup tidy.

Windscreen for Noise Reduction

The included foam windscreen reduces unwanted wind noise from sources like light breezes, fans, or air conditioning. For outdoor shoots, an optional furry windshield (such as the Rode WS-11) is recommended, while the Rode WS-Chroma set (green and blue) supports chroma key composition to remove the windscreen from post-production footage.

Rode Connect Compatibility

The VideoMic NTG is compatible with Rode Connect, which allows recording with up to four mics on a computer, utilizing a digital mixer with level controls, solo/mute functions, and studio-quality audio processors. This feature is particularly useful for podcasters and streamers, offering virtual channels for remote guests, sound pads, and seamless integration of streaming apps and music.

FAQs for RODE VideoMic NTG

1. What devices is the Rode VideoMic NTG compatible with?

The Rode VideoMic NTG is compatible with cameras, smartphones, tablets, portable recorders, and USB-equipped computers. It also works with Apple iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, and iPod) when used with the Rode SC15 USB Type-C to Lightning cable.

2. Does the Rode VideoMic NTG require any adapters to connect to different devices?

No, the VideoMic NTG features an auto-sensing 3.5mm TRRS output, which automatically switches between TRS and TRRS configurations as needed. This ensures compatibility with various devices without requiring additional adapters.

3. Can I use the VideoMic NTG as a USB microphone?

Yes, you can connect the VideoMic NTG to a computer, smartphone, or tablet via USB. This allows you to use it as a digital USB microphone for recording directly to your favorite software.

4. How do I monitor the audio while using the VideoMic NTG as a USB microphone?

When using the VideoMic NTG as a USB mic, you can monitor audio by plugging your headphones into the 3.5mm output. The volume can be adjusted using the gain knob on the mic.

5. How long does the battery last, and how can I recharge it?

The internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 30 hours of operation. It can be recharged via the USB Type-C port in about two hours. You can also charge the mic while using it by connecting it to a USB power source.

6. What are the safety channel and -20 dB pad features?

• Safety Channel: This feature allows you to record the right channel at -20 dB lower than the left. It helps avoid distortion when there are sudden increases in volume, giving you a backup track with lower volume.
• -20 dB Pad: The -20 dB pad button reduces the level to handle loud sound sources, preventing audio clipping.

7. Does the VideoMic NTG have any tone control options?

Yes, the VideoMic NTG has selectable high-pass filters (75 Hz or 150 Hz) to reduce low-frequency noise and a high-frequency boost to improve clarity in the treble range.

8. How do I attach the VideoMic NTG to a camera or boompole?

The VideoMic NTG comes with a Rycote Lyre suspension-style shockmount, which can be attached to a camera or boompole. The shockmount features a sliding rail for precise positioning and built-in cable management for a tidy setup.

9. Is the Rode VideoMic NTG suitable for outdoor recording?

Yes, the VideoMic NTG is suitable for outdoor use. It includes a foam windscreen to reduce light wind noise. For more intense wind noise, such as in outdoor environments, using an optional furry windshield like the Rode WS-11 is recommended.

10. What is Rode Connect, and how does the VideoMic NTG work with it?

Rode Connect is software that allows you to record with up to four microphones on a computer. It includes features like level controls, mute/solo buttons, sound pads, and virtual channels, making it great for podcasters and streamers. The VideoMic NTG can be connected to Rode Connect, expanding its functionality for live broadcasts and multi-mic setups.

11. Does the VideoMic NTG turn on/off automatically with my camera?

Yes, when connected to the mic input of a compatible camera, the VideoMic NTG automatically powers on or off in response to the camera’s plug-in power status. There is also a manual power button for greater control.

12. What is the annular line tube design, and why is it important?

The VideoMic NTG features an annular line tube design, which uses acoustic perforations instead of traditional linear slots. This design, borrowed from the Rode NTG5, delivers a more transparent and natural sound, enhancing audio quality.

13. Can the VideoMic NTG be used for live streaming?

Yes, the VideoMic NTG can be used for live streaming when connected via USB to a computer or mobile device. It also works well with Rode Connect, providing additional features useful for streaming, such as customizable sound pads and integrated remote guest audio.

14. Is the Rode VideoMic NTG durable?

Yes, the VideoMic NTG features an aerospace-grade aluminum housing, making it durable, lightweight, and resistant to wear, which is perfect for field recording and run-and-gun filmmaking.

15. How do I avoid distortion during recording?

The VideoMic NTG offers several features to help avoid distortion:

• Peak Warning Light: Alerts you when audio levels are too high.
• -20 dB Pad: Reduces the input level to handle loud sources.

Selectable Safety Channel: Outputs a backup channel at -20 dB, so you have a lower-level recording in case of unexpected spikes in volume.