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 | Recording to Mobile Device |
| Form Factor | Mobile Device Mic / Shotgun Mic |
| Intended Sound Sources | Vocals, Speech/Voice Over, Instrument |
| Sound Field | Mono |
| Operating Principle | Pressure Gradient |
| Capsule | Electret Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Orientation | End Address |
| Circuitry | Solid-State |
| High-Pass Filter | None |
| Gain Adjustment | None |
| Frequency Range | 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Maximum SPL | 115 dB SPL |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 74.5 dB |
| Equivalent Noise Level | 19.5 dB SPL A-Weighted |
| Output Connectors (Analog) | 1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS |
| Output Connectors (Digital) | 1 x Lightning |
| Headphone Connector | 1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm |
| Wireless Connectivity | None |
| Bluetooth | None |
| A/D Conversion | 24-Bit |
| Sample Rate | 44.1 / 48 kHz |
| OS Compatibility | iOS *As of October, 2019: Check with manufacturer for the most up-to-date compatibility |
| Bus Power | Lightning |
| Operating Voltage | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Color | Black |
| Mounting | Direct Connection to Mobile Device (via Integrated Hardware) Mic Clip/Stand Adapter (Included) |
| Mounting Thread Size | No Mount Included |
| Included Case | None |
| Included Filters | None |
| Construction Material | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | H: 1 x W: 0.8 x L: 2.9" / H: 25.7 x W: 20.2 x L: 73.5 mm |
| Weight | 1 oz / 28 g |
| Package Weight | 0.25 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 7.2 x 5.05 x 2.65" |
RODE VideoMic Me-L Reviews
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.
Performance is only okay
The microphone's performance is a little bit bit better than using my iPhone 12 pro built in microphone. If the individual is farther than 3 ft. the audio signal drops such that the recording picks up reverb or hollow sound because of room acoustics. A wireless mic is better for distances further than a couple of feet.
Great sound!
I'm quite pleased with this little microphone. It doesn't have to do much to improve on the omnidirectional microphone found on the iPhone, but this one does a lot! For any web content filmed on an iPhone, you can't go wrong! Very pleased with this purchase. Excellent little mic to keep in the kit.
Great concept - - poorly designed
As other reviewers have pointed out - had high hopes as it would obviate the need for a connection cable for earlier Rode mic's to newest iPhones without speaker input. I had tried several cables, and all suffered from noise / interference Sadly the design of Lightning connection on the Rode mic is such that it WILL NOT fit onto an iPhone with a protective case. The fuzzy wind protector also makes it hard to visualize if a proper connection has been established I trimmed/cut out a 1 section along protective case which did allow the mic to fit onto iPhone . It did not compromise overall integrity of outer protective case. Another issue is that the mic connects to bottom of the iPHone. When in use , most software (eg- Rode app) will not flip 180 degrees. As such - can only hold iPhone upright in normal position with mic projecting forward from bottom of iPhone. The Rode mic does work well with Rode Reporter audio app giving superior recordings to internal iPhone mic.
It's good
All fine
Sound quality is good, but doesn't work with a case.
The sound quality of this mic is good, even when recording outdoors. My main complaint is that 1) there isn't a good way to change the sound levels of the mic - though that is probably more of an Apple problem than a fault of the mic. and 2) it doesn't connect if you have a case on your phone. My case is the slim silicon apple mag safe case, so I cant imagine that there is a case for which this would work. Not a deal breaker, but kind of annoying to have to take your case off before recording.
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.
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