Rode introduces mobile filmmaking mounts and wireless interview mic geared for content creators
Australian audio company Rode, known for its popular microphones and interfaces, is strengthening its position in the content creation category with the launch of three new products. The Interview PRO is a wireless microphone and recorder designed specifically for on-the-go interviews. Meanwhile, leveraging the trend of mobile filmmaking are the (rather straightforwardly named) Phone Cage and Magnetic Mount – two MagSafe based mounting systems for building custom smartphone videography rigs.
The Interview PRO is a handheld wireless condenser mic compatible with any of Rode’s Series IV wireless receivers (used in the Wireless PRO, Wireless ME and Wireless GO II systems), which means it can transmit directly to a smartphone, camera or computer over a 200 m range. Thanks to 32 GB of onboard storage, it can not only backup the transmitted audio but also do double duty as a standalone portable field recorder, much like the Zoom M2 MicTrak.
Notably, the Interview PRO records 32-bit float audio which, combined with Rode’s “intelligent GainAssist technology”, virtually eliminates the hassle of adjusting the levels to prevent distorted or inaudible recordings. An integrated pop-filter reduces plosives and wind noise, while the internal battery offers up to 25 hours of use.
The Phone Cage, as the name suggests, is a cage- or frame-style mounting system with sturdy aluminium construction that promises to “transform your phone into a pro filmmaking rig”. Apart from providing a stable grip for handheld filming, it offers a total of 33 thread mounting points (1/4-inch and 3/8-inch) and 5 cold shoe slots, allowing a versatile arrangement of accessories like microphones, lights, handle grips, arms and tripods. Cable management slots make the overall setup cleaner.
The Magnetic Mount serves the same function, only in a more limited manner. Ditching the common ‘cage’ structure, it uses three detachable arms connected to a MagSafe disk: two for cold shoe mounted accessories like a light and microphone, and one with a 1/4-inch thread mount for a tripod or handheld grip.
With MagSafe cases now available for a wide variety of smartphones, the two products are not exclusive to iPhones, although a separate purchase would be necessary for use with Android phones.
The Interview PRO is priced at $249 and will be available in May, while the Phone Cage and Magnetic Mount retail for $120 and $90 respectively, and will start shipping from April 24. All three can be pre-ordered from B&H Photo Video and other regional retailers.