Rode’s $90 MagSafe mount lets you connect professional lights and microphones to your iPhone

Modern iPhone cameras are extremely capable video recorders, but they often require accessories like lights and microphones to ensure professional results. Audio gear maker Rode has just released two gadgets designed to simplify the process, so streamers don’t have to build bulky equipment in their computer rooms or haul it to outdoor spaces.

Rode Magnetic Mount. It’s a MagSafe mount with a pair of connection points for attaching accessories like the aforementioned lights and microphones. There are two adjustable cold shoe arms that allow one to use the phone in portrait or landscape mode. For the uninitiated, a “cold shoe” refers to a metal connection bracket that lacks a power source, while a “hot shoe” refers to a metal connection bracket that has electrical contacts.

It doesn’t just work with iPhones, as any smartphone with a MagSafe-compatible case will work. The Rode Magnetic Stand is made from high-grade aluminum, so it’s priced higher compared to the endless options on Amazon. Priced at $90, shipping starts on April 24th.

Rode also promises to “turn your smartphone into a professional filmmaking device.” This is basically a more robust version of the accessory above, with five cold shoe mounts for attaching anything a budding filmmaker might need, while keeping your phone safe and snug in its cage.

To this end, the mount incorporates a range of thread sizes for attaching accessories such as tripods and handles. There are also cable management slots, because five accessories can mean five cables snaking around and potentially ruining a perfect shot. Again, this applies to MagSafe models starting with iPhone 12. Phone Cage will start shipping on April 24 for $120.

Rode recently announced a renewed effort with Mackie to design and launch products for content creators. It looks like these mounts are part of that push. The company also just launched a multi-mic setup.