Modern iPhone cameras are extremely powerful video recorders, but they typically require accessories like lights and microphones to ensure professional results. Audio equipment maker Rode just announced a pair of devices aimed at simplifying this process, so streamers don't have to build a cumbersome rig in the computer room or transport one to an outdoor space.
The Rode Magnetic Mount It's exactly what it seems. It's a MagSafe mount with a couple of connection points for accessories like the aforementioned lights and microphones. There are two adjustable hot shoe arms that allow people to use the phone in portrait or landscape mode. For the uninitiated, “cold shoe” refers to metal connection stands that lack power, while “hot shoe” would refer to metal connection stands that feature electronic contacts.
It's not just for iPhones, as any smartphone fitted into a MagSafe-compatible case should work. The Rode magnetic mount is made of high-quality aluminum, making it more expensive compared to the endless barrage of similar products on amazon. costs amazon;elmt:;cpos:2;pos:1″ href=”https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL01hZ25ldGljLVNtYXJ0cGhvbmUtQWNjZXNzb3J5LU1hZ1NhZmUtQ29tcGF0aWJsZS9kcC9CMENZTFc0WUtLP3RhZz1nZGd0MGMtcC12LWVrLTIwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJmMmJkMWJkMy1mM2M4LTQ5MmYtODFmZi1kZDJlYjZhNWQ1NDYifQ&signature=AQAAAY2xU4nD2_p0HO8H-JURsUzUVNyFKYzg_hJ1oMhZm_Bq&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FMagnetic-Smartphone-Accessory-MagSafe-Compatible%2Fdp%2FB0CYLW4YKK” class=”link rapid-with-clickid etailiffa-link” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank” data-ylk=”slk:$90;elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:amazon;elmt:;cpos:2;pos:1;itc:0;sec:content-canvas”>$90 and starts shipping on April 24.
I rode too announced the phone cage, which promises to “turn your smartphone into a professional movie platform.” This is basically a beefier version of the aforementioned accessory, with five hot shoe mounts to attach anything a budding filmmaker might need, all while keeping the phone secure and snug within its cage.
To that end, the mounts come with a variety of thread sizes to hold accessories like tripods and handles. There are also slots for cable management, as five accessories could mean five cables snaking around and threatening to ruin that perfect shot. Again, this is for MagSafe models, starting with the iPhone 12. It will also work with another brand of smartphone inside a MagSafe compatible case. The Phone Cage starts shipping on April 24 and costs $120.
Rode recently purchased rival audio equipment company Mackie and announced a renewed effort to design and launch products for content creators. It seems these frames are part of that push. The company also just launched a new dual-receiver wireless lapel microphone for multi-microphone setups.
