How to Identify Fake Counterfeit Rode VideoMicro Microphones

Like you, I wanted a compact video microphone for my travels and chose the Rode Videomicro. Now onto the shopping aspect. I found Mercari and eBay had the Rode Video Micros for cheap. These are supposed to retail for $59.99, but found them for $15-25.

This is what a genuine RODE Videomicro Mic looks like purchased from an authorized reseller

We god tired of trying to differentiate the sound and quality between a genuine Rode microphone and a counterfeit. It’s a constant cat and mouse game where the counterfeiters perfect the areas that are easy to identify. So here it is! Here are photos of a genuine VideoMicro purchased in 2022.

Rode VideoMicro Genuine Retail Packaging looks like the following photos

Rode Video Micro Genuine Microphone with Accessories looks like these photos

Genuine Rode Stereo Cable has the logo printed on the red cable

Genuine Rode Microphone 19-22mm Camera Mount

Genuine Rode Mic should come with the following accessories

My Rode Microphone is missing the serial number. Is it fake?

I just bought a Rode Videomicro from Amazon. Package seems brand new, but the serial number is missing from the unit itself. Shouldn’t there be a serial number etched into the microphone? We contacted RØDE for an official answer on this. Here is Ryan from Rode’s response

Thanks for the message. The serial numbers for the VideoMicro have been removed from the microphones and are only located on the box next to the barcode.

Please let us know if that helps and if there is anything else we can assist you with. 

Kind Regards, Ryan from RODE Microphones

Where do I find counterfeit fake Rode microphones?

Are Rode Microphone on Mercari or eBay fake?

I wondered if the Rode Videomicro on Mercari just a really good deal or counterfeit. When something sounds too good to be true, it usually is, but I had some time before my travel and I can return it if it is. To avoid some hassle, I asked a reputable seller what the serial number was. I was given a reason why she couldn’t provide the serial number. She sounds nice enough. Let’s give it a shot

Does Mercari ship counterfeit Rode Videomicros?

The package arrived relatively quickly and here are the results. The Rode Videomicro looked like the package has been resealed with glue which was a red flag. The cables had “Rode” written on it. There was a serial paperwork also included. However, the videomicro itself was missing the serial number. The Rode Videomicro being sold on Mercari by this seller is a counterfeit. Someone had bought a counterfeit and a genuine Videomicro then swapped out the mic only.

How can you tell if a Rode VideoMicro is fake?

The counterfeiters and the people that shop on Amazon/Best Buy will buy the genuine one and swap out the mic so you cannot rely on the cable or packaging. Check if there is a serial number on the mic itself and if there is, check on Rode’s website. If the serial number is missing on the microphone, it can be concluded that it’s a counterfeit.

How to spot a counterfeit Rode Microphone before purchase

If you are buying from a third party, ask the seller to provide the serial number on the microphone itself. If they cannot, avoid the hassle. Other small details that are being identified on other pages like “Rode” being written on accessories or the quality of the metal can easily be fixed on the next iteration by the counterfeiters. Reddit and Youtube will have the same kind of questions, but counterfeiters are getting one step ahead to identify these fake mics. CHECK THE SERIAL # ON THE RODE’S WEBSITE

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