RODE Lavalier Review

[Ed Burnett]

I just posted some thoughts on the new RODE Lav mic at my blog: Phoric Films – Review of the RODE Lavalier

I was inspired by Chad Johnson's excellent (and superior) comparison of the RODE Lav against the Saken COS11D, Sennheiser ME-2, and Tram TR50, and decided to do a quick informal video of my own, additionally comparing it to the Audio-Technica AT899.

RODE Lavalier Test on Vimeo

[Bill Davis]

In my sound editing suite, listening in controlled circumstances in an accoustically treated studio, monitoring on Mackie 824s in a nearfield arrangement - all three are similar sounding - which is to say they sound like moderatly priced, prosumer mics. I will note that the Sennheiser capsule has a AUDIBLY more open upper mid range and top end so it would get my vote if I was forced to rely on one of these.

But sorry, none of them would earn a permanent place in my working kit.

FWIW.

[Andrew Smith]

Your preferred lav mic, then?

Andrew

[Jon Braeley]

Does anyone know why this is not available - I thought it was released a few weeks ago. I can't find this in stock.
I do like the connector solutions here.

[Ed Burnett]

Originally Posted by Andrew Smith

Your preferred lav mic, then?

Was this directed towards me or Bill?

In any case, out of the three types I currently have available, I'd have to say the RODE. I've been listening to a number of different samples on different real-world systems, from PC speakers, my TV, my KRK Rokit 5's, and my MDR-7506's. The ME-2 simply has way too much self-noise, and sounds much too "tinny" for my tastes. The AT899 is somewhere in between. The connector system puts RODE out on top IMHO. Of course individual tastes and financial accessibility vary and there is nothing wrong with that.

Keep in mind what you hear in the video is straight from the recorder, no equalization or anything else done besides minor level adjustments. I'm not sure what processes Vimeo performs when you upload a video... but it's possible they apply some sort of additional compression routine which may have some effect on quality.

Of course if you want to hear it up against the Tram TR50 and Sanken COS11D, then head on over to Chad's review: http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/all-thin...ennheiser.html

I'd love to listen to some direct comparisons with some of Bill's preferred gear so us poor lowly mortals can hear the difference. ;)

Originally Posted by Jon Braeley

Does anyone know why this is not available - I thought it was released a few weeks ago. I can't find this in stock.
I do like the connector solutions here.

They must have sold more than expected and ran out of their initial stock. Looks like B&H expects them in March? If you're on Twitter, maybe shoot a message to @rodemicrophones and see what they say.

[Andrew Smith]

@ Bill, it was.

But sorry, none of them would earn a permanent place in my working kit.

Andrew

[Chad Johnson]

Right on Ed!

Nice work. I like the visuals of the wave forms for each mic. Nice touch.

The Rode didn't sound as good in this test as I have heard it sound. It sounded closed, (as apposed to open) like the high EQ was turned down, and also boxy as if you were in a tight space like a car. Did you have some surface close to you that the sound was bouncing off of? The other two sounded too thin for my taste, with the ME-2 being the worst. It sounded the noisiest.

[Ed Burnett]

Originally Posted by Chad Johnson

Right on Ed!

Nice work. I like the visuals of the wave forms for each mic. Nice touch.

The Rode didn't sound as good in this test as I have heard it sound. It sounded closed, (as apposed to open) like the high EQ was turned down, and also boxy as if you were in a tight space like a car. Did you have some surface close to you that the sound was bouncing off of? The other two sounded too thin for my taste, with the ME-2 being the worst. It sounded the noisiest.

Thanks Chad!

You are most likely hearing the bounce from my bedroom ceiling or wall. I don't have access to a treated room at the moment, so my test should be considered quite informal compared to your own.