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If you're shooting mobile iOS video and want better audio than what your phone provides—or if you need to record VO or ADR on the go—the Rode VideoMic Me-L is worth your consideration. This is a shotgun mic that plugs right into iOS devices via a lightning port, using the connection point as a mount as well.
The mic focuses the audio capture on what's directly in front of the capsule thanks to the directional polar pattern. It's primarily intended for use with iOS devices, though it does offer a 3.5mm TRS jack, which can be used for monitoring or for backup analog recording, provided you've plugged in the mic to a lightning port. Even though the mic can mount directly on top of your iOS lightning port, it comes with a dedicated mic clip should you rather use it as well as a furry windscreen for achieving a better sound in windy conditions.
- For Mobile Video or Mobile VO
- Shotgun-Style Mic with iOS Connector
- Included Mic Clip & Furry Windscreen
- 3.5mm & Lightning Connections
RODE VideoMic Me-L Overview
- 1Description
- 2Perfect for Mobile Video and More
- 3Broadcast Quality
- 4Versatile 3.5mm Jack
RODE VideoMic Me-L Specs
| Primary Applications | |
| Form Factor | |
| Intended Sound Sources | |
| Sound Field | |
| Operating Principle | |
| Element Type | |
| Polar Pattern | |
| Orientation | |
| Circuitry | |
| High-Pass Filter | |
| Gain Adjustment |
| Frequency Range | |
| Maximum SPL | |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | |
| Equivalent Noise Level |
| Output Connector | |
| Digital Output Connector | |
| Headphone Output | |
| Wireless |
| A/D Conversion | |
| Sample Rate | |
| OS Compatibility | |
| Mobile App Compatible |
| Bus Power | |
| Operating Voltage |
| Color | |
| Mounting | |
| Mounting Thread Size | |
| Included Case | |
| Included Filters | |
| Construction Material | |
| Dimensions | |
| Weight |
| Package Weight | |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) |
RODE VideoMic Me-L Reviews
Cannot Recommend
I bought this to record ship horns on a bucket list vacation. Worked when tested the first time (if you don't count having to buy cheap extender from Amazon to make it work with my iPhone 12 Pro in a case). On subsequent testing, it consistently demonstrated audio tearing, no matter what the subject matter was. Tested all possible ways, including removing case and not using extender. Now it is too late to return, so my advice is don't buy. Sad; thought Rode a good choice until now.
Doesn't work for me
This mic did not clip securely into my iPhone 14 Pro Max. Falls out. Also my iPad Pro Max will not accept the lightning jack. Very disappointing.
Audible hiss, low volume. Stay away
I love my expensive full size RODE shotgun mic so I expected the Me-L to be a vast improvement on the iPhone 13 pro max mic. To my surprise, it was unusable. Low, low, volume and udible hiss in my head-to-head comparison. I had bought two and they both had the same hiss and low volume problem. I wrote to RODE. Crickets. Returning them thanks to B&H being the best place to buy equipment.
okay for voice note recording, but that may be about it
Purchased this as a means to easily capture audio while video recording from an iPhone but it only seems to work through the rode recorder app, which doesn't capture video. not ideal.
It worked as advertised
The RODE VideoMic Me-L worked as advertised - it was very easy to start working - just plugged it right into my phone - and it captures voices very well when in an appropriate room. Excellent for a quick pickup or other short pieces.
Workaround for docking issue.
My iPhone 14 is protected by an Otterbox. To overcome the mounting problem that the Me-L presents, I bought a package of two dock extenders through Amazon made by Desoficon. No need to remove the box or modify it to accommodate the mic. The set of two extenders costs $9.99. The mic works well in noisy situations. Some wind noise is apparent even with the "dead cat" windscreen.
Good one to have
I love it. Easy and compact. Good quality audio capture for smart phones
Frustrating design
Like a lot of other reviewers I am frustrated by aspects of the design of this mic. I also have had to hack out a section of my phone case to get the lightning connector to fit. But at least that was a successful workaround. More frustrating is the dead-cat fluffy, which appears in the edge of frame when I use the wide-angle lens on my iphone12 mini. This probably wouldn't be an issue on a larger phone where the distance between lens and the mic would be greater. But for me there seems to be no workaround on this one as neither Rode or anybody else appears to have made a slimmer foam pop filter for this mic
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