RØDE said the pair of microphone capsules in the Stereo VideoMic X are acoustically matched and have shock mounting built in at the capsule level. The mic can be powered either by +48 volt phantom power or via a standard PP3 9 volt battery.

Priced at $799, the RØDE mic is far higher priced than most low-cost on-camera microphones. Many cheaper shotgun microphones use AA batteries which, in some cases, under power the microphone capsules. The 9-volt battery should provides ample voltage and will last for about 30 hours.

RØDE is calling the Stereo VideoMic X the ultimate broadcast-grade stereo microphone for on-camera use. Utilizing all-metal construction, it is robust and designed for professional use. It also provides high levels of resistance to RF interference. The mic features a matched pair of half-inch true-condenser capsules, configured in a stacked X-Y configuration, providing a highly-immersive soundscape.

Each capsule is supported by the Rycote Lyre shock-mounting system, providing isolation from vibration as well as knocks and bumps. Digital switching on the rear of the SVMX allows the user to control the level adjustment (-10dB or +20dB), high-pass filter (0/75/150Hz) and an innovative high-frequency boost (+6dB @ XHz) designed to boost the intelligibility of dialogue.

In a first for RØDE’s VideoMic range of microphones, professional-grade balanced outputs are available on the side of the body, in addition to the RF shielded 3.5mm stereo output cable. An outer dome structure provides physical protection for the sensitive capsules, while reducing wind noise in the same manner as RØDE’s Blimp wind shield.

There is a standard 3.5mm output in addition to stereo balanced XLR outputs, using mini XLR connectors. Users can run audio from both the 3.5mm output and from the XLR outputs at the same time allowing the connection of two devices at once.

The microphone also comes with controls on the back featuring “high frequency boost,” a three-stage high pass filter and a level adjustment which includes a -10db pad (for recording loud sources) or a +20db boost.

RØDE suggests that the high frequency boost can be used to increase the high frequency sensitivity to compensate for using the included wind shield. The high pass filter operates at 0, 75 and 150Hz, which RØDE suggests can remove unwanted low frequency audio such as traffic noise or air conditioning. The extra controls are accompanied by LED lights to indicate when they are active.

The mic, which weighs 300 grams, comes with a rugged pop shield and furry windshield. It is made entirely of aluminum. The mic has a full 10-year warranty.

RØDE said the microphone provides “immersive audio.” Beyond camera mounting, it can be mounted on a boom pole and used for recording foley or environmental sounds. It also works well recording live music and for other applications where a high-quality stereo microphone is needed.