Budget DSLR Shotgun Microphones: Movo VXR5000 Pro

Continuing on from my review of the Movo VXR4000 Pro, the VXR5000 Pro from Movo seems like more of an evolutionary change than a revolutionary one. The overall design and aesthetic is pretty much identical to its predecessor, with the overall build being the main difference - it's made of hefty aluminum. Now, hefty may not be the first word that comes to mind when describing aluminum and its generally light properties, but the VXR5000 Pro is one hefty piece of equipment! It feels much more solid and heavy in the hands, as opposed to the light and plastic feel and construction of the VXR4000 Pro.

All aluminum construction and revised suspension system put the VXR5000 a level above its predecessor.

The newer unit carries over the same features as the VXR4000 Pro: +/-10 dB adjustments and a high-pass filter. However, though suspension system on the VXR5000 Pro continues to use a rubber band mechanism, it is completely revamped; presumably to accommodate for the extra weight of the aluminum construction. It does a great job of absorbing bumps and vibrations when filming, and I didn't notice any extra sounds from camera movement when recording with it attached to my DSLR.

The VXR5000 Pro carries over the same features of the older VXR4000 Pro model.

When comparing the sound quality of the VXR5000 Pro to the older VXR4000 Pro, I submit that I did not notice any differences at all. That's not to say that it didn't produce great audio though! Like its predecessor, the VXR5000 Pro produced crystal clear audio that mimics the actual sound by recording a full range of frequencies. In other words, you'll hear the lows and highs of whatever it is that you'll be recording. Although I can't confirm this, I assume Movo used the same components on the inside of both the VXR5000 Pro and VXR4000 Pro models, while only changing the exterior build materials and suspension design.

 Overall, the evolutionary changes brought to the VXR5000 Pro are welcome ones. My main gripe with the previous model was the plastic build that made the older unit feel like a toy (though lighter and more portable as a result). If I had to choose one over the other, I'd definitely opt for the VXR5000 Pro for its sturdy aluminum build - especially considering that the price of the VXR5000 Pro is CHEAPER than the VXR4000 Pro for reasons unbeknownst to me! The build quality feels like something that will last for years to come, though that remains to be seen in real world use. I don't think you can go wrong with choosing one or the other. The VXR4000 Pro offers a lighter build that'll help in making your gear lighter, while the VXR5000 Pro gives the heavyweight quality that feels like it'll last a lifetime. It all comes down to personal preference, since they seem to produce the same audio quality.

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for my upcoming review of the Blue Snowball desk microphone, as well as the YouTube video review of all three units that'll come out soon.

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