Vidpro XM-88 Review
Long Shotgun Microphone
- For Interviews, Film Shoots, Promo Vids
- AA Battery or Phantom Powered
- Mounts to Stand, Pole, Tripod, or Camera
- Supports XLR, 3.5mm & 1/4" Connectivity
- Excellent Off-Axis Rejection
- 100 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency Response
- Switchable High-Pass Filter
- Shockmount, Stand Mount & Hand Grip
- Furry Windshield & Foam Windscreen
- Durable Aluminum-Alloy Construction
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 2,928 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Vidpro XM-88. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Vidpro XM-88. For example, 74% of 127 users who have commented on the Sound quality of the Vidpro XM-88 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 41 Reviews
At any price...a Great Kit!!
Vidpro XM-88 Long Shotgun Microphone with Location Recording Bundle
Reviewed by Craig on B&H Photo Video
I rarely give any product 4 STARS (much less 5) as there are always those irritables that take it down a notch. But the XM-88 Shotgun Mic Kit is not one of those products! As an up and comming production outfit, maintining high production value is key to our success. And so often times its the audio that suffers in video production and after extensive research online, I purchased the XM-88 a few weeks ago. The first question unboxing this Microphone that came to my mind was, Why doesn't every shotgun mic come equipped like this one??? Everything you need to get started in any situation is right in the box! Using it with an Canon XA25, I have found the Microphone to be pretty much neutral with out much coloration on either end of the scale. And the truth is, when you do spend so little on a peice of equipment, you just don't expect much anyway, but this Mic really works great in interview style shoots. The included cables are not top notch, but they work!! Why 4 and not 5 stars...?, I still can't figure out how to attach the handle for handheld situations, and insted of finger grips on said handle (that was shown in the descriptive image)its just a straight dense foam covering it instead. And lastly, I could not audibly hear any difference in changing the pattern setting (cardioid and supercardioid) of the XM-88. The bottom line is, for the money, or even as a cheap backup, this Kit is untouchable for what it delivers. I expected a tinny, hollow sound in the back of my mind to be honest, even after reading reviews and hearing sample audio. But none of this was present. With a professional looking carrying case, and all the accessories to to record on the fly, the XM-88 is one of the best values in recording audio when you budget cannot afford the very top rated Shotgun Microphones! ... More
Way better than the small, dedicated DSLR on-camera shotgun
Vidpro XM-88 Long Shotgun Microphone with Location Recording Bundle
Reviewed by Lana L on B&H Photo Video
So much of what I would write about the positive features of this mic have already been noted in extensive reviews, so I will skip directly to the point re how this microphone compares to others in this price-point for DSLR cameras (in my opinion). It's just leaps and bounds better than the cheap-feeling, plastic dedicated DSRL microphones that I have tried -- including a few of the Rodes. Some Pros: The accessories that come with the mic would cost far more than this unit if one were to purchase them separately. I found nothing lacking other than perhaps a bit sturdier cold-shoe mount. That being said, the dedicated DSRL short microphones that are around this price are far cheaper and won't hold up nearly as well as this unit. The sound quality on this mic is very good, with decent blocking of off-axis noise. I am finding that with a good audio program in post, I can make this mic sound far more expensive if I get the capture right while shooting. This is where a dedicated sound tech really makes a difference, as they can work even more wonders with this mic on a field mixer. You really do get what you pay for in terms of sound -- the technician more-so than the microphone, in my opinion. A good sound tech can make most of these less-expensive microphones sound a lot more expensive. I recommend buying this microphone and also a good field mixer if you can't afford to hire a sound technician. Running this through a mixer gives far better control, and thus far better end product. This mic is very versatile. I am very happy with my purchase. I will probably get a few more to have on hand that I can run from different locations into a mixer because the output can rival that of far more expensive units. It's not a high-end Rode or Audio-Technica, but it gets the job done with the right conditions and a user who has some knowledge of sound capture. I've not had any issues with run-and-gun style shooting either, and usually clamp it onto my DRSL cage instead of directly on the camera. Buy it -- it's not going to break the bank, and B&H has an excellent return policy if you aren't happy. ... More
Great value
Vidpro XM-88 Long Shotgun Microphone with Location Recording Bundle
Reviewed by michael F. on B&H Photo Video
I'm an amateur movie maker looking to get great results. By profession I'm an Electronics engineer. The microphone is good in terms of the signal to noise ratio,(hiss) there seems to be very little hiss. This is excellent. Signal level is not high when using it with the 1.5v battery. Don't have phantom power to try it, but might be improved. The accessories are good for what you pay. The shock mount seems flimsy but does the job. The cables and connectors are fine. Anyone haveing problems is pulling the cables out by the wire,not the connector base. Whats Great: The mic has a LED to show that the power is on. The switch (On/Cart/Super Cart) is very positive with a nice click. I can definately hear the difference between the Cart and Super Cart settings. Others who can't were probably in a small room and picking up sound reflections from the walls of the room. Not so Great: The dead cat is more like a dead kitten, and the sponge wind filter is very delicate. Overall excellent value for money. Yes, I would advise someone who is'nt a Pro to purchase. No,I don't work for the company. ... More
Good enough for the price
Vidpro XM-88 Long Shotgun Microphone with Location Recording Bundle
Reviewed by Dimitrius on B&H Photo Video
I was looking for a cheap solution to help me in my productions with two cameras. I just bought this microphone two weeks ago and I liked the results until now. There is no big difference between the cardioid and super cardioid position switch, but it's OK. If you have a low budget to buy a shotgun microphone, it's a good choice.
Great Microphone Starter Kit!
Vidpro XM-88 Long Shotgun Microphone with Location Recording Bundle
Reviewed by Myles on B&H Photo Video
After looking at several videos and reviews online for budgeted mic kits, I decided to buy this one. I mostly wanted this kit because of the mic, shock mount, windscreen and carrying case. The cables that come with it appear to sound fine when plugged in. At first I didn't like the sound of the mic until I powered it with phantom power from my recorder/interface. The battery power made my recordings sound too noisy, but as soon as you use phantom power instead, the quality sounds really good. It's also a plus to have a low-cut frequency switch on the mic to help reduce wind rumble when recording outside. The hand grip works well if you don't move your hand too much. And there isn't a lot of hissing response at all after that. Well worth the investment for anyone on a budget. ... More
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Nice mic for the money
Vidpro XM-88 Long Shotgun Microphone with Location Recording Bundle
Reviewed by Greg on B&H Photo Video
Needed a decent shotgun mic for lower budget shooting. Im not a big pro company so budget was the key word. Read lots of reviews and this seemed like a good choice, although i was concerned about the few reports of high signal to noise ratio (hissing) when i first plugged in the mic and put the headphones into my dvx200, i heard the hiss and was a little upset. But, after, adjusting some settings in the camera and on the mic i was able to get the right combo to make it completely go away. Its a big mic with a lot of cool accessories. If youre on the fence i say do it. ... More
Took a shot in the dark with this... And it hit the target!
Vidpro XM-88 Long Shotgun Microphone with Location Recording Bundle
Reviewed by Jim K on B&H Photo Video
I was not sure about the XM-88 Shotgun Microphone Kit when I ordered it, but I am happy I did. The kit comes with everything you will need to start using the mic as soon as you get it. I am currently using this kit with my Canon DSLR to shoot quick videos around the shop. The mic has all the connections I need to hook it up with my camera. The sound is great indoors and is a vast improvement over the internal camera mic. For the price this is well worth picking up, you will definitely hear the difference! ... More
Excellent Value For The Price!
Vidpro XM-88 Long Shotgun Microphone with Location Recording Bundle
Reviewed by Rick Azzaro on B&H Photo Video
I purchased the XM-88 for us with my Panasonic AG-AC160A and I must say I was very impressed. Audio quality is excellent, phantom or AA compatibility is really useful and the kit includes EVERYTHING you'll need to operate the microphone. Great buy!
Does what it's suppose to
Vidpro XM-88 Long Shotgun Microphone with Location Recording Bundle
Reviewed by Vaclav on B&H Photo Video
I was at first skeptical since this mic is much cheaper than others and provides all the accessories you need. But let me tell you. It all works very well. I'm really happy that it comes with both XLR and 3.5 jack hookups that way I can plug it into my camera when on the run or into a preamp XLR for premium sound quality. All the accessories work great too, Only the foam cover seems a bit cheap. but I use the wind screen fluff more anyways.
Awesome sound
Vidpro XM-88 Long Shotgun Microphone with Location Recording Bundle
Reviewed by Bet on B&H Photo Video
Before purchasing this item I was somewhat skeptical because of the reviews I've read. However I've used this product and found that the device and the mechanics of it worked rather well. Wires weren't pulled out when I detached my cables from the bottom. I've come to realize it's the person mishandling the device rather than the device itself. It's a great item for a great price.
Great performance for the money
Vidpro XM-88 Long Shotgun Microphone with Location Recording Bundle
Reviewed by PWE-Media on B&H Photo Video
I needed a good inexpensive shot-gun for a video shoot of staged employee interactions with customers. The mic performed as expected. The kit has everything I needed. The shock mount and pistol grip worked out great. The only downside was the dog; didn't really help in a windy situation. Another deficit is the power switch cover came off when we removed the mic from shock mount and we didn't notice it until we were setting up at the next location. Hopefully, I can order a replacement from VidPro.
Not bad for the price
Vidpro XM-88 Long Shotgun Microphone with Location Recording Bundle
Reviewed by Larry Alan on B&H Photo Video
I have had no trouble with this mic. In fact I have been shocked by the performance of it thus far. Upon reading some of the other reviews I became a bit nervous but after using it with my Zoom H6 I came to realize that this mic was a steal. A quality product at an amazing price. The reason for the 4 stars is because the cable and the fur windscreen are junk.
Great kit for price
Vidpro XM-88 Long Shotgun Microphone with Location Recording Bundle
Reviewed by Jared on B&H Photo Video
This is a great kit for the price, however I have yet to get really clean audio using it. It comes with everything imaginable in the kit, which is really nice. I always end up having to run a noise filter on it when editing though. Pros - The shock mount is pretty sturdy. The case is actually really nice. Decent audio range. Cons - Audio always has a slight his, even with a high pass filter.
Super Sound for the PRICE......
Vidpro XM-88 Long Shotgun Microphone with Location Recording Bundle
Reviewed by steve on B&H Photo Video
Works very well for the price point. Comes with everything you need to shoot right out of the case. Seems well made and the sound quality good. Doesn't sound like a$1500.00 shotgun but excels for the price. For the high end guys a little tweaking in post will give you a very professional sounding piece....
Good Starter
Vidpro XM-88 Long Shotgun Microphone with Location Recording Bundle
Reviewed by DHH on B&H Photo Video
I purchased 4 of these microphone kits to work with my Zoom H6. The kits had everything I needed to start recording including an AA battery to power the microphones and a long SLR cord. I set them up on camera tripods with 1/4-20 connectors.
Good Mic For the Price
Vidpro XM-88 Long Shotgun Microphone with Location Recording Bundle
Reviewed by joshjem20 on B&H Photo Video
For what you pay this is a good mic, the bonus is all of the accessories you get, plus the case. This Mic comes with everything you need to get started minus a mic stand. That being said the mic cable included is relatively poor in quality. The Mic itself does a great job of picking up sound and is quite frankly the best buy you can get for the money.
Surprises come in all shapes and sizes
Vidpro XM-88 Long Shotgun Microphone with Location Recording Bundle
Reviewed by Alejandro Mejia on B&H Photo Video
Being a no budget filmmaker, this shotgun mic was an outstanding deal. The wind muffs work well outside, and the mount is fine. Although it isn't the best quality, it deserves 5 stars.
Good for the price
Vidpro XM-88 Long Shotgun Microphone with Location Recording Bundle
Reviewed by Dan on B&H Photo Video
I have had pretty good experience with these mics. I have a total of three and use them with middle school students so I didn't want to spend a lot. They work well and give the youth a feel like they are working with high end equipment, so they meet my needs. Sound is good for my needs.
Very Good Product
Vidpro XM-88 Long Shotgun Microphone with Location Recording Bundle
Reviewed by The Director on B&H Photo Video
I am using this shotgun mic for my antibully film. The sound is coming out very well. It's a nice inexpensive shotgun mic that can get the job done for you on small to mid size projects.
Great for Beginner
Vidpro XM-88 Long Shotgun Microphone with Location Recording Bundle
Reviewed by PML Studios on B&H Photo Video
This kit is very great because it has everything you need to get started.Have used it for a short film and interviews,I'm prepping to use it for my feature film.Great for beginners working on budget.
