Sony has launched the new URX-P41D two-channel portable receiver, supporting MI (Multi Interface) shoe with digital audio interfaces. The URX-P41D, comes with the same features included in the 4th generation UWP-D series, such as improved sound quality from digital audio processing, NFC Sync for an easy set-up between receiver and transmitter, and offers functions such as Auto Gain Mode and Output Level Control which makes the job of recording audio easier.

As part of the UWP-D Series, the URX-P41D will work with all UWP-D transmitters (backwards compatible with previous generations) and will be available as a stand-alone receiver, or as part of a new kit, the UWP-D27, which includes two UTX-B40 Bodypack Transmitters. The URX-P41D is geared towards XDCAM and Alpha lens users for broadcast and news productions, run and gun style interviews, and documentary and series productions.

• New features include:
• Digital audio interface to improve sound quality
• Sony’s Digital Audio Processing, which uses DSP for digital companding
• SMAD-P5 MI shoe adaptor enables direct digital audio recording, skipping the D/A and A/D process for better audio quality
• NFC SYNC function to allow quick channel setting
• Compact form factor with improved ergonomics
• Small form factor means URX-P41D can sit on top of the camera or ILC attached to the MI shoe or cold shoe
• External Microphone Input and Three-channel mixing function
• Stable RF reception using a space diversity reception system
• Auto Gain Mode and Output Level Control ensures levels are correct when out in the field

The URX-P41D and UWP-D27 are available from April 2022 onwards.

Røde Microphones has announced three additions to its market-leading range of creative solutions for vloggers. Introducing the Røde Vlogger Kits. Featuring a high-quality Røde VideoMic, tripod, phone grip, LED light and accessories, the Vlogger Kits contain everything an aspiring superstar needs to create incredible video content on a smartphone.

Røde Vlogger Kit Key Features

• All-in-one mobile filmmaking kit that includes a Røde VideoMic, Tripod 2, SmartGrip, MicroLED and accessories
• Options for iOS (Lightning) and Android (USB-C) devices, plus a Universal Edition (3.5mm)
• High-quality microphone that delivers professional, directional sound in any recording situation
• Three-position tripod with gimbal head – perfect for either handheld or tabletop use
• MicroLED on-camera light with diffuser and eight coloured filters for flawless shots
• Lightweight all-metal mount with rubberised grips, accommodates phones 65mm to 85mm wide

All-In-One Mobile Filmmaking Solution

The Røde Vlogger Kits are the perfect all-in-one solution for anyone looking to take their mobile content creation to the next level.

The range caters to every type of smartphone, with options for iPhone, which includes a Røde VideoMic Me-L with a Lightning connector, and Android devices, which features the new Røde VideoMic Me-C with a USB-C connector.

There is also a Universal Edition, which includes a Røde VideoMicro for use with smartphones that feature a 3.5mm input, such as older iPhones and Android models. This can also be used with Lightning and USB-C equipped smartphones using a certified adaptor. A Vlogger Kit for everyone!

In addition to these compact microphones, each Kit includes the new Røde Tripod 2, a sturdy three-position tripod with a gimbal head, the new Røde SmartGrip, a lightweight all-metal mount with rubberised grips for keeping smartphones stable and secure, and the new Røde MicroLED on-camera light, which slots neatly onto the SmartGrip.

Incredible Sound, Incredible Vision

Attention-grabbing vlogs are as much about great sound as they are great video, and the Vlogger Kits will ensure every moment is captured in full definition.

The single most powerful way to improve smartphone audio is to use an external microphone. The high-quality Røde VideoMic in each Kit will deliver crystal-clear sound in any recording situation. These are directional microphones that reduce background noise while focusing on what they are pointed at, ensuring audio is clean and intelligible. They are light, compact, and even include a furry windshield for filming outdoors.

In a first for Røde, the Vlogger Kits have been designed to help vloggers capture incredible video as well as incredible audio. Together, the Tripod 2 and SmartGrip will ensure every shot is stable and perfectly framed, while the MicroLED provides a professional look to any situation. There is also a clip-on diffuser with eight coloured filters for capturing warm skin tones, cool outdoor scenes, and everything in between.

Simple & Versatile

The Vlogger Kits have been specifically designed to vastly improve the look and sound of smartphone content while being incredibly simple to use. Anyone can be vlogging in seconds.

The VideoMic in each Kit plugs directly into a smartphone and connects seamlessly with any recording app. Just plug it in and go. They can also be configured for main or ‘selfie’ camera use for maximum flexibility, and the accessories are quick and easy to set up, ensuring vloggers never miss a moment.

The included accessories are super-versatile, with the ergonomic Tripod 2 supporting both handheld and tabletop use and its gimbal head allowing for flexible positioning. The MicroLED and its diffuser and eight coloured filters ensure vloggers can adapt to any recording environment, with over four hours of operation available on a single charge​ – more than enough for even the longest vlogs.

The Røde Vlogger Kits are the perfect all-in-one mobile filmmaking solution for home moviemakers, mobile content creators, YouTubers, TikTokers and run ‘n’ gun journalists – anyone who wants to capture unforgettable content that looks and sounds incredible.

The Røde Vlogger Kits are currently shipping worldwide and will be available in-store in the coming weeks.

Rode’s VideoMic NTG sees two worlds collide — namely, the VideoMic family of utilitarian tools for videographers, and the NTG line of broadcast-style shotgun microphones aimed at audio professionals. The result is a versatile supercardioid self-powered videography mic up for grabs at a reasonable price.

Rode has ensured VideoMic NTG isn’t picky about what it’ll work with. This is the only shotgun mic I can think of that will happily function with a smartphone, laptop, camera, tablet, field recorder, you name it. There’s more than meets the eye with this little mic.

FUNCTION ROOM

Rode’s focus on functionality shows itself in a number of nifty little hacks. A little cable guide on the Rycote mount lets you stow excess cable length and avoid a large dangly loop around the camera. The gain pot is an ergonomic ring at the base of the microphone with a clear numeric readout as you turn it. The USB-C connector not only functions as a charging port but also allows the mic to interface with a computer as an input device e.g. to a DAW; perfect for a quick podcast recording or putting down a GarageBand scratch track of a musical idea. No drivers were necessary with my Mac — I plugged it in and saw audio instantly thanks to the auto-sensing power toggle. As the icing on the cake, the VideoMic NTG’s TRRS port turns into a headphone output when used this way. 

The first button atop the mic toggles between 75Hz/150Hz HPF rolloffs while a long press will engage the high shelf boost, indicated by LEDs. The second button turns on a -20dB pad and a second press initiates the safety channel — a built-in measure of clipping insurance which records a second channel of audio at -20dB down to catch unexpected spikes cleanly. The LED next to these is a dB peak warning light.

Rode states a 30+ hour lifespan from the rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Supplied with the mic is the Rycote shockmount, a foam windshield and all necessary cables. The mic itself is built well and firmly slots into the shockmount. Weighing in at 94g, you’ll hardly notice the difference using it with a handheld camera rig or camcorder.

ON THE PHONE

Phone usability is invaluable. Plugging it into my Android smartphone with a USB-C to USB-C cable yielded instant level in my recording app and much better sounding audio than the built-in mics. In our editorial line of work we rely heavily on our phones to hastily record interviews and conversations with people. Video is also a big part of what we do, for which we use ‘proper’ cameras. I love that I can plug the VideoMic NTG into my phone to capture an interview, then move it straight to a hot-shoe to record audio on a professional camera. Just as easily I can take it home and plug it into my iPad to put down a quick recording of that song I’ve been writing. In today’s multi-device world, versatility equals bang for buck — and the Rode VideoMic NTG covers all bases.

As for the mic’s sound itself, it probably won’t blow your socks off. Especially if you’re a location recordist relying on purity and pristine signal paths. The mic’s self-noise (15dBA) is comparable to other shotguns of similar breed and it responds well when paired with a quality, quiet preamp. Tonally the VideoMic NTG has a slight low-mid lump that I felt compelled to scoop out more often than not — but that’s me nitpicking. The tight supercardioid polar pattern does an excellent job rejecting sound to the rear and sides of the mic. Overall, for capturing clean audio off the top of a camera, you can’t go wrong.