Guy says: "When we put the RODE Reporter head to head again the Sennheiser MD46 handheld mic that we have used the past few years, my initial impressions were that the Sennheiser sounded crisper. I thought, hmm...it must be the double basket grille of the Sennheiser vs. the multi layer grille of the RODE. The next test was indoors with a household fan on the highest setting from a distance of 3 feet. The Sennheiser MD46 was pummeled. The RODE sounded perfect. While the RODE Reporter is definitely flatter, I'll take the usefulness of the added wind protection any day. They both offer the same form factor, with different pickup patterns. On axis the cardioid pattern of the Sennheiser sounds clearer in the high frequencies, but if the reporter forgets to cue the mic towards the sound source (as often the case with inexperienced on-camera talent) you will have your audience struggling to hear. They both sound best when used within a realistic 2-3' working distance. Ideally you'd have both in your kit, but if I had to choose just one "stick mic" for my kit, it would definitely be the RODE Reporter."
Designed for handheld interview and presentation applications, the Reporter features an omnidirectional dynamic capsule that is designed to allow the user freedom of use, without the technique related issues typical of directional end-address microphones. Additionally its frequency response has been specially tailored for voice reproduction, to maximise intelligibility and deliver crisp, clear results in almost any condition. The microphone features a durable die-cast aluminium alloy body coated in a discrete matte black anti-glare finish. An innovative multi-layer mesh basket protects the microphone from environmental noise without the need for a bulky and distracting foam wind shield. It is supplied with a removable microphone ‘flag’ that can accommodate high-visibility branding. The Reporter is covered by RØDE’s industry-leading support guarantee, with a twelve month warranty ‘out of the box’ that is easily increased to ten years free of charge, following online registration of the microphone.
The RODE Reporter is the result of over 30 years of dedicated research and experience in microphone design and manufacture across many fields, from music, to broadcast and location sound. The RØDE Reporter has been specifically designed to deliver a full and rich sound quality when used in the reporting and news gathering field. With its high wind noise rejection and tailored frequency response, the Reporter delivers clear, broadcast quality sound. LOW HANDLING NOISE • Internal shock mounted capsule reduces unwanted handling noise • High wind noise rejection • Custom internal plosives screen to reject vocal plosives and unwanted wind noise OMNIDIRECTIONAL DYNAMIC MICROPHONE CAPSULE • Frequency response optimised for speech intelligibility • Enables the use of field recorders without the ability to supply phantom power • Omnidirectional pickup pattern ensures smooth, even pickup from any direction EXTRA LONG HANDLE • Well balanced, for comfortable handling over long periods • Allows for mounting of traditional microphone flags • Ensures that you get closer to the source DIE CAST ALUMINIUM BODY • Durable body will withstand the tough conditions encountered in the field and during transport • Light weight for easy handling • Robust connector, to keep a firm hold on XLR cables and withstand frequent connections MICROPHONE FLAG • Highly durable Polycarbonate / ABS plastic • Blank, two-sided for easy screen printing MATTE FINISH • Ideal for video or TV production, when the microphone must be discreet • The Reporter is a handheld dynamic microphone, designed for use in the field of news gathering and reporting. • The Reporter features an omnidirectional capsule. For this reason it is not always necessary to move the microphone back and forth between the interviewer and the person being interviewed. • In a typical interview scenario the microphone should be held at around chest height between the interviewer and the person being interviewed, to ensure that the microphone picks up the speakers in the immediate vicinity clearly, while reducing the level of any background noise.
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