VS
Versatile audio quality on the go
After doing days and nights of research for a good quality and affordable lavalier for light interviews and freelancer work, I finally decided to go with the Rode SmartLav+ as it seemed the best investment for long-term use and a good balance between price-quality-features.
This lavalier is designed primarily to use in conjunction with smartphones to record the audio off-camera in situations where it's not possible or feasible. And it does this brilliantly. The audio quality is on-par with more expensive Shure or Sennheiser lavaliers if placed and used correctly. I recommend using RecForgeII for recording your audio, it's available on both Android and iOS.
The lavalier comes with a pouch, velcro cable strap, foam pop shield and a clip. I am not a big fan of the clip design because it's difficult to loop the cable due to the narrow cable slot. I much prefer the Sennheiser free loop system. Also a bit disappointed that the Rode lav is not compatible with other clip systems due to its small size. I have a few other clips mainly from Sennheiser and none of them work. This means you have to get creative when it comes to placing the lav in certain conditions.
Also I think the cable is a bit short, if it was 150cm it would have been perfect. I tried to use it on a laptop during a video call and it pretty awkward to have it routed under my shirt and into the laptop sitting on the desk.
Overall I'm happy with the purchase and can recommend this to anyone looking for a great lav at a decent price.
Oh and make sure to check out the windshield and cable adapter if you plan to shoot outside or use it with a non-smartphone device.
This lavalier is designed primarily to use in conjunction with smartphones to record the audio off-camera in situations where it's not possible or feasible. And it does this brilliantly. The audio quality is on-par with more expensive Shure or Sennheiser lavaliers if placed and used correctly. I recommend using RecForgeII for recording your audio, it's available on both Android and iOS.
The lavalier comes with a pouch, velcro cable strap, foam pop shield and a clip. I am not a big fan of the clip design because it's difficult to loop the cable due to the narrow cable slot. I much prefer the Sennheiser free loop system. Also a bit disappointed that the Rode lav is not compatible with other clip systems due to its small size. I have a few other clips mainly from Sennheiser and none of them work. This means you have to get creative when it comes to placing the lav in certain conditions.
Also I think the cable is a bit short, if it was 150cm it would have been perfect. I tried to use it on a laptop during a video call and it pretty awkward to have it routed under my shirt and into the laptop sitting on the desk.
Overall I'm happy with the purchase and can recommend this to anyone looking for a great lav at a decent price.
Oh and make sure to check out the windshield and cable adapter if you plan to shoot outside or use it with a non-smartphone device.
5
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GO
A really handy mic to have in your bag
I bought this mic almost as an aside and have been incredibly glad that I did. Having the ability to connect a good lav mic to your smartphone phone in a pinch has saved me on several occasions. Like they say about cameras, the best one is the one you have with you.
If you get this mic, be sure to get the minifur as well for use outdoors.
One thing to be mindful of, if you want to use it with trs devices you'll need to get an adapter cable (rode SC-3).
The only downsides are the clip, which can be fiddly. Also the cable could've been a bit longer, but you can easily buy an extension if needed.
By no means perfect but it is excellent value, and for that one time you need it in an emergency, it's priceless.
If you get this mic, be sure to get the minifur as well for use outdoors.
One thing to be mindful of, if you want to use it with trs devices you'll need to get an adapter cable (rode SC-3).
The only downsides are the clip, which can be fiddly. Also the cable could've been a bit longer, but you can easily buy an extension if needed.
By no means perfect but it is excellent value, and for that one time you need it in an emergency, it's priceless.
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i
Rode SmartLav+
One of the best Lavalier microphone, incredible sound. Its so easy to use!
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A
A big step up
I bought the original SmartLav and was unhappy with the self noise.
It seems that Rode listened to their customers and came out with this.
For this price range, you simply cannot get better. Yes you need a smart phone to operate this Lav mic but surely everyone has one now don't they?
I regularly produce videos and podcasts and this had made getting audio into my productions very simple.
The app is smooth and the audio quality is superb. I edit a little bit in post (low cut roll off) but apart from that, this SmartLav+ does everything you need it to at a budget that everyone can afford.
It seems that Rode listened to their customers and came out with this.
For this price range, you simply cannot get better. Yes you need a smart phone to operate this Lav mic but surely everyone has one now don't they?
I regularly produce videos and podcasts and this had made getting audio into my productions very simple.
The app is smooth and the audio quality is superb. I edit a little bit in post (low cut roll off) but apart from that, this SmartLav+ does everything you need it to at a budget that everyone can afford.
3
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T
This is a great all round Lav mic
I purchased the Rode Smart Lav+ so I could use it with an assortment of smart devices as well as traditional 3.5mm TRS inputs via the Rode SC3. This is a great all round lab that will get you out of an audio pickle. The It won't match a top brand lav, then again it is not priced the same. However for 80-90% of everyday recording situations it works fine.
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RP
Outstanding value
We bought this for vlog and podcast recording. We wanted an unobtrusive lav mic that would simply work. It absolutely does that job. Stellar, crystal clear audio. It'd be nice if it would work on Android devices without an adapter, but at this price point you can't have it all.
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s
Damaged
The package was damaged . They don't think about fragile products at all.
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PW
great mic
even with Sennheiser or Shure beltpacks - works amazing, quality is good and noise levels low.
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D
Superb Price/Quality
I have bought two of these for live events and commercials.
PROS
Price;
Low noise;
Nice cable and clip;
CONS
There are better lavalier microphones in the market but they far exceed the price of the Rode Smartlav+. The Rode Smartlav+ has good build quality and sounds professional, there isn't much else I can ask for!
PROS
Price;
Low noise;
Nice cable and clip;
CONS
There are better lavalier microphones in the market but they far exceed the price of the Rode Smartlav+. The Rode Smartlav+ has good build quality and sounds professional, there isn't much else I can ask for!
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A
A fantastic little Lav Mic
I recently got the SmartLav+ as I was in dire need of a Lav Mic, but had a very small budget. I needed it for a short film I was making. This is entirely worth the money, and honestly has the quality of a much more expensive piece of kit. It's clear, with a strong signal. I can record directly into my phone, or use the Rode SC3 and record into my Zoom H-6. This is highly recommended for people starting out in the audio business, whether it be in film or podcasting, and for professionals who don't have a gigantic budget, this is a great choice!
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