When it comes to recording videos, there’s a lot of emphasis placed on the picture itself. While image quality is undeniably important, good audio is equally as crucial. Many phones and video cameras are more than capable of capturing excellent video and decent audio. But a dedicated microphone is a must-have. For cameras and smartphones, the Movo VXR10-Pro external video microphone is a fantastic choice. Learn all about why this shotgun mic can improve your video shoots in our Movo VXR10-Pro review!
What is the Movo VXR10 Supercardioid Shotgun Mic – Specs and More
Microphones come in all shapes and sizes. When selecting a mic, the underlying technology matters a lot for specific purposes. For example, a mic for podcasting and YouTube video recordings differs from mics for filming. When shooting videos, often shotgun-style mics are best. A shotgun mic features a very directional polar pattern. The Movo VXR10-Pro is a supercardioid shotgun mic. Since it’s a subset of cardioid, the VXR10-Pro is designed to capture only audio from one direction. As such, it’s made to be mounted on top of a camera or smartphone, then aimed at the audio source.
The Movo VXR10-Pro features a supercardioid polar pattern paired with a 20Hz-18kHz frequency response, -36dB sensitivity, and 78dB signal-to-noise ratio. It’s got a line out for connecting to cameras and a headphone jack for monitoring audio. In the box, you’ll find the Movo VXR10-PRO external video microphone, a furry windscreen, TRS output cable, TRRS output cable, Rycote Lyre shock mount, and a hardshell case.
Movo VXR10-Pro external shotgun microphone specs:
- Supercardioid polar pattern
- 20Hz-18kHz frequency response
- -36dB sensitivity
- 78dB signal-to-noise ratio
- Connections: Line out, headphone out
- In the box: Movo VRX10-Pro shotgun mic, furry windscreen Rycote Lyre shock mount, TRS output cable, TRRS output cable, hardshell case
Movo VRX10-Pro Review – The Best Shotgun Mic for Most People
The Movo VXR10-Pro features an incredibly small footprint. As such, it’s highly portable and easy to mount on just about any camera whether a DSLR or action cam like the GoPro, as well as with phones. Because of its battery-free design, the VXR10-Pro features plug-and-play compatibility. Simply connect the included line-out on the Movo to a line-in on a camera and you’re ready to record. On the accessories side, the bundled shock mount, windscreen, and connection cables mean the VXR10-Pro is ready-to-use out-of-the-box. What’s more, the included hardshell case is great for keeping the Movo and its accessories organized and protected. With its compact form factor, the VXR10-Pro is ideal for portability.
Sound quality is excellent and noticeably better than the built-in microphones on most cameras and smartphones. While my Pentax K70 takes marvelous pictures and videos, its onboard mic produces tinny audio. But the VXR10-Pro alleviates that issue. I was able to quickly and easily get up and running with the Movo VXR10-Pro thanks to its battery-free operation and standard camera mount. Standard pricing at around $50 USD makes the Movo an absolutely terrific purchase.
Although the Movo VXR10 is a directional microphone, this supercardioid mic can still pick up some ambient noises. As such, it’s good for all sorts of shoots and can capture a more natural audio profile such as picking up background chatter when filming in a crowd or recording nature sounds.
Unfortunately, the included mounting bracket leaves a bit to be desired. The Rycote shock mount is pretty strong, but that means the Movo VXR10-Pro is actually a bit difficult to snap in. Disappointingly, the headphone output doesn’t let you monitor audio in real-time. Instead, it’s only compatible with full-on TRRS connections when you’re able to loop audio from your camera or smartphone back to the Movo itself. So the headphone jack is really just a monitor passthrough that relies an external device to enable live audio monitoring functionality. Of course, it’s a bit of a tradeoff, and the lack of battery power makes the Movo VXR-10 far easier to set up and use.
Should You Buy the Movo VXR10 Pro – Movo XVR10-Pro External Video Microphone Review Final Thoughts
Overall, the Movo VXR10-Pro is the best supercardioid shotgun mic for most people. It’s affordable, compact, lightweight, and comes with tons of accessories. Sound quality is excellent and decidedly better than most built-in DSLR or smartphone microphones. Lack of a battery makes the VXR10-Pro user-friendly with plug-and-play operation. Its universal Rycote Lyre shock mount works with tons of DSLRs, action cameras, and smartphone holders. For a solid shotgun mic that won’t break the bank but doesn’t compromise on audio quality, the Movo VXR10-Pro is a fantastic solution for recording audio.
Movo VXR10-Pro
$49.95
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Excellent sound quality
- Small, compact, lightweight
- Lots of accessories including a hardcase and Rycote Lyre shock mount
Cons
- Difficult to insert mic into shock mount
- Headphone passthrough relies on external devices
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