Introduction
RØDE, renowned for its wide range of audio products such as headphones and microphones, has ventured into the realm of smartphone accessories.
As high-end video production increasingly moves to smartphones, RØDE has developed various accessories to facilitate mounting microphones and LEDs onto mobile devices. One such accessory is the RØDE Magnetic Smartphone Accessory Mount, designed to expand the shooting options for MagSafe-compatible smartphones.
Design and Specifications
Magnetic Mount Disc
The RØDE Magnetic Mount features a black, RØDE-branded metal disc measuring 57 x 12 x 57 mm and weighing 75g. This disc is designed to magnetically attach to the back of MagSafe smartphones, such as the iPhone 15 Pro Max. It can also stick to other brands of smartphones if they are encased in a MagSafe-compatible case. The disc includes four slots at the top, left, bottom, and right to accommodate additional metal accessories.
Additional Components
The kit includes:
- Long Cold Shoe Arm: Measures 97 mm in length and weighs 15g.
- Short Cold Shoe Arm: Measures 52 mm in length and weighs 9g.
- 1/4 Inch Tripod Mount: Measures 113 mm in length and weighs 31g.
The tripod mount slides into the bottom slot on the magnetic disc and features a 1/4-inch mounting thread for attaching to tripods. The other cold shoe arms can slide into any of the remaining three slots, allowing for the configuration of various accessories such as a shotgun mic, wireless receiver, or LED light.
Performance
To test the RØDE Magnetic Mount, it was taken along on a video shoot in London. The setup involved filming with a Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI stabilizer to achieve smooth pans, tilts, and rolls. However, the stabilizer’s roll motor left no room to plug in a microphone. This issue was resolved by detaching the iPhone 15 Pro Max from the gimbal and attaching the RØDE Magnetic Mount to the back of the phone.
Practical Usage
The short cold shoe arm was slid into the top slot of the magnetic disc, and a JOBY Wavo Plus shotgun mic was attached. This setup allowed for recording interviews without needing a wireless mic. Additionally, the long cold shoe arm was used to attach an LED light from a SmallRig Creator Kit, illuminating the subject in a dark alleyway.
The tripod arm was inserted into the bottom slot, and a mini metal tripod was attached to hold the rig steady during interviews. The cold shoe mounts slid easily into the slots and remained firmly attached, ensuring that none of the accessories would fall off during use. The metal arms were also easy to remove when packing up the kit.
Design & Handling
Ease of Use
The RØDE Magnetic Mount’s design makes it incredibly user-friendly. The magnetic disc maintains a strong grip on smartphones, ensuring stability during use.
On only one occasion did the magnetic disc detach from the iPhone, which is significantly better performance compared to the RØDE Magnetic Phone Cage, which was more prone to losing its grip under leverage pressure.
Versatility
Unlike some smartphone cages that block the USB-C port, the RØDE Magnetic Mount’s cold shoe arms are long enough to provide ample space for attaching microphones and other accessories. This design flexibility allows users to mount mics and LEDs without the constraints typically associated with phone cages.
Performance
Field Testing
During the field test, the RØDE Magnetic Mount proved to be a reliable companion. The ability to easily attach and detach accessories made it a versatile tool for different shooting scenarios.
The magnetic disc’s strong grip ensured that the setup remained stable, even when moving between different shooting locations.
Practical Application
In practical use, the mount allowed for seamless transitions between different filming setups. The short cold shoe arm was perfect for mounting a shotgun mic for interviews, while the long cold shoe arm facilitated the attachment of a fill light for low-light conditions. The tripod mount provided additional stability, making it easier to capture steady footage.
Verdict
Pros and Cons
The RØDE Magnetic Mount is a simple yet effective solution for expanding the capabilities of MagSafe-compatible smartphones. It allows users to attach multiple accessories, thereby enhancing the quality of their video production.
However, for a minimal price difference, the RØDE Magnetic Phone Cage might be a better investment due to its additional cold shoe mounting points and threads for attaching third-party cage handles.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the RØDE Magnetic Mount is a valuable tool for anyone looking to elevate their smartphone video production. Its ease of use, versatility, and strong magnetic grip make it a reliable accessory for both amateur and professional videographers.
While the Magnetic Phone Cage offers more mounting options, the Magnetic Mount’s compact design makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer to travel light.
Conclusion
The RØDE Magnetic Smartphone Accessory Mount offers a practical and efficient way to enhance the video shooting capabilities of MagSafe-compatible smartphones.
Whether you are a casual user or a professional videographer, this accessory provides the flexibility and stability needed to capture high-quality video and audio. With its simple yet effective design, the RØDE Magnetic Mount is a worthy addition to any smartphone filmmaker’s toolkit.
