Godox VDS-M2 Shotgun Microphone Released – Portable, Versatile, and Affordable

Audio Gear News

by Francesco AndreolaMarch 30^th, 2022

Godox recently released a new compact shotgun microphone: the Godox VDS-M2. This super-cardioid condenser mic is compatible with cameras, smartphones, tablets, and laptops and offers a great amount of control for fine-tuning your audio recording. It is now available for purchase for $229.

Godox has been particularly prolific lately. In fact, over the last month, the company has launched a series of lighting and audio products, including the Godox SL300II and Litemons LA LED lights as well as the MoveLink LT1/UC1 wireless microphone system for smartphones and tablets.

Among the new product launches, there’s also a new compact directional shotgun microphone: the Godox VDS-M2. This versatile product is suitable for a wide range of applications, from sound recording out in the field to podcasting and streaming. So let’s take a look at what it has to offer.

Godox VDS-M2: a versatile shotgun microphone

The new Godox VDS-M2 is a super-cardioid condenser microphone that comes in a quite portable form factor. According to Godox, its flat response and low noise levels should deliver a natural reproduction of sounds. 

The microphone connects to cameras, smartphones, or tablets via a 3.5mm jack cable without the need for tedious adapters. Indeed, the microphone automatically understands whether it’s attached to a TRS or TRRS device and behaves accordingly.

The USB-C charging port is also useful to connect the microphone to a laptop or other Android devices, for example. Interestingly, when using the USB-C to transfer the audio signal, the 3.5mm port can be used as a headphone output for audio monitoring. A pretty smart design choice!

Buttons and controls

Audio levels are adjustable using a control dial on the back of the unit. The dial offers a continuous range of values from 1 to 15. Several buttons populate the surface of the unit, offering useful info and precise control over the recorded signal.

These include 75Hz and 150Hz low-cut filters, high-frequency boost, a -20db PAD, and a safety channel function. A series of LED indicators will inform you whether these functions are enabled or not and will also provide a warning when signal clips.

Power options

The VDS-M2 features a built-in 500mAh battery that should provide about 25 hours of recording time, according to the company. The battery can be charged via a dedicated USB Type-C port.

Moreover, when connected to a powered-on camera, the microphone automatically turns on. If you want to turn it on or off manually, you can still do so by relying on the on/off switch.

Design and mounting options

The Godox VDS-M2 measures 17.3×2.2cm in size and, thanks to its aerospace-grade aluminum construction, only weighs 156g. The mic is mounted onto a shock-absorbing mount that reduces vibrations and comes with a windproof sponge.

Moreover, it offers various mounting options, including 1/4”-20 and 3/8”-16 threaded holes as well as a cold-shoe mount to attach it on top of DSLR and mirrorless cameras.

In the box

• VDX-M2 Microphone
• USB-C Connecting Cable
• 3.5mm TRRS-TRRS Audio Connecting Cable
• Windproof Sponge
• Shock-absorbing Bracket
• 3.5mm TRS-TRRS Audio Connecting Cable

Price and availability

The new Godox VDS-M2 is now available for purchase from B&H. Its official retail price is $229. That is a reasonable amount for a product this versatile, but not as cheap as the ultracompact RØDE VideoMic Go II.

Do you have any experience with Godox audio products? What do you think of this new VDS-M2? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!