Rode SmartLav+ Review
Lavalier Microphone for Smartphones
- Low-Profile Lapel Mic
- For ENG, EFP & Vlogging
- Compatible with Built-In Mobile Apps
- Broadcast-Quality Audio Capture
- Windshield, Clip & Durable Cable
- Omni Polar Pattern for Fuller Pickup
- Tailor Made for RODE Reporter APP
- Powered via Phone over TRRS Jack
- App Allows Recording Media
- App Available for iOS
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 140,312 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Rode SmartLav+. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Rode SmartLav+. For example, 76% of 61,188 users who have commented on the Value for money of the Rode SmartLav+ have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 244 Reviews
Excellent and about that most liked negative review.
Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections
Reviewed by Joel Sch on B&H Photo Video
EXCELLENT! First a note on the most Liked 1 Star negative review, everything this person complains about in his 5 jacked recordings are simply his fault, firstly your phone shouldn't be set to sleep it should be on OFF NEVER so it doesn't go to sleep, not Rodes fault. Second if the connection is coming out then either you have a bad connection on your iPhone or you should be taping a little strain relief loop on to the back of your phone and a little tape so it doesn't come out if accidentally tugged. Also with the Rode SC3 adapter you could plug this low noise Rode Smartlav+ marvel directly into a portable recorder instead of your phone for your talent to put in their back pocket. It's a great mic and sounds on a par with the Sennheiser ME2 and you don't have to go wireless. ... More
Took some doing, but...
Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections
Reviewed by Scott on B&H Photo Video
The package was received in a timely manner -- even in this time of COVID madness. I wanted an alternative to more expensive hardware and software for mobile episode recordings of my podcast. I found B&H Photo and Video. After receiving the package, and testing the equipment, it became clear the product, bundled with the Polsen HPC A30 MK2 over the ear headphones, was not going to work as advertised with my Google Pixel 3a phone. After some research, I discovered that I could make this product work with an Android platform but only if I used an earlier version of Android -- namely, Android 8x. Fortunately, I had at least one phone with an older version of Android 8x. This configuration also required the download of a 3rd party audio recording software. In my case, I found ACR at the Google Play Store (upgraded to the Pro version for $4.00 and some coin). So, after much frantic research and testing, I got everything to work, almost as advertised. While needing to perform minor pre-recording tests and tweaks prior to each episode recording, the hardware works beautifully! After talking with tech support regarding this product, and some minor research, it is possible that at some point in the future, the hardware and requisite software will be available for newer versions of Android. Regardless, I am very happy with my purchase. ... More
Don't buy this mic
Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections
Reviewed by Bryan on B&H Photo Video
I'm hesitant to give this 1 star, because for about 4 months I used this mic in my iPhone 6 (w/ Rode app) with little problems. Sometimes there were problems, but I chaulked it up to the cost of buying cheap gear. But lately the mic is simply unusable for me. You obviously can't monitor audio once you've mic'ed up you subject, and they are now holding your phone in their hand or pocket. You just hope for the best and hope that it keeps recording smoothly. Recently, I found out after a shoot that all 5 recording sessions were jacked up. They all stopped recording at random points, and the slightest movement of the input area (where the mic connects to phone) will totally jack up the audio. That's why professional lav systems have locks in place, to prevent such things from happening. Also, even with my phone in airplane mode, the recordings would stop as soon as the phone would go into sleep mode (when the screen goes dark). For the first for months it recorded fine long after the phone went into sleep mode, not it just triggers the app to stop recording. Also, I had issues inside the app where when I would press RECORD, Siri would pop up. Obviously a bug in the app but with no recent updates avail in the app store it makes the Rode app useless. It's only $ (with the app) but I'd use it on some gear that will last you some time. Luckily on all my jacked up recordings I had secondary audio, but it was still incredibly frustrating. ... More
Great but hardly perfect!
Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections
Reviewed by Atort on B&H Photo Video
The product when working and having no connectivity issues works great for the price and for an iPhone, but with that being said I used it for a paying job b because the iPhone 6s Plus 4K footage was more than adequate, but having a client speaking for 20 minutes to only realize the mic stopped working and we had to shoot it ALL again was not cool whatsoever! So who knows if something not playing nicely on my iPhone with an app, etc, but my iPhone was in airplane mode with every app shut down after restarting the phone and still happening. So I would never use this seriously again and lesson learned the hard way. You do get what you pay for. ... More
You get what you pay for...
Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections
Reviewed by old fart on B&H Photo Video
Love the company though I can't stress this enough, if your going to purchase a lavalier for recording dialogue of any kind and typically Lav's are used for interviews and broadcast news, etc., spend your money on a better microphone, such as the Rode Lavalier Microphone B&H # ROLAV MFR # LAVALIER. You always get what you pay for, the smartLav+s noise levels are intolerable and that's what you get for $$, so spend the $$for an excellent Lav from the same company.Or if you want to go the distance, give the RodeLink Wireless Filmmaker Kit for $$, though I haven't tested it yet, though bet it's closer to their $$Lav. ... More
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Quality Budget Smart Purchase
Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections
Reviewed by Matthew on B&H Photo Video
This mic has been one of the best purchases that I have made in a long time. The amount of quality that is packed into this mic is worth several times it's purchase price. I have been using this mic for interviews that I shoot for some outdoor entertainment shows. This mic allows me to stay as small as possible when packing my gear for a remote location shoot. I have also used it to record church service messages while the church was in between sound systems so that the messages can be recorded and posted online for viewing. The learning curve is not steep at all. You have a few things to remember/check before you start your recording and you start recording. I would recommend turning off the iOS processing in the settings before you start recording. The quality of the audio is very good, especially when you compare it to some other high end wireless mics that cost 4-5 times more. The noise floor is very low. I have found that The one downside to using this mic is that you have to sync it with you video in post. FCP X does a great job with this so it has been an issue for me but for others it may be a challenge thats adds some unwanted time to your projects. ... More
Not bad, just not that good.
Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections
Reviewed by VSN on B&H Photo Video
I am an event videographer and there are times that I need to capture sound bites from key people to add to my videos. I have used this mic on several shoots with a zoom h1. I had high hopes, but I'm not sure why. It's quick and dirty audio. You should really only be using this to scout locations or to record notes as you are filming. You could spend time cleaning up the audio and make it sound decent enough, but it would be better to just spend more and do it better from the start. If you're in a similar line of work I would recommend spending a bit more money and getting the zoom h5 instead of the h1 with this mic. You can just use a clamp with a screw mount and record with the included mic and the results would be better. ... More
Great mic, no regrets with the 2 that I bought.
Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections
Reviewed by Kristopher on B&H Photo Video
I got on B&H to ask an online rep for their recommendation for a solid set (x2) of lav mics for around $200 to up the audio quality of my YouTube channel Trinitea. The rep directed me to these so I decided to do a bit of research and found that some people absolutely love it while others say don't waste your money. After playing around with these mics using the Shure MOTIV app and voice memos on iOS, I fall on the side of these mics are incredible. They sound fantastic on top of or under your shirt. The microphone itself is tiny (about the size of my fingernail) and super low profile while on the outside of my shirt. The build quality is fantastic with a solid clip and sturdy cable (which is a little short but is able to reach to a phone in my pocket). The bag it comes with is super high quality and feels incredible and B&H got it to my house 5 days early (!!). Amazing mic, I trust RODE ever since I bought the VideoMic for my A7III, and would definitely recommend you guys pick one up. ... More
Great Mic but Apple Ear Buds mic is almost as good
Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections
Reviewed by John on B&H Photo Video
I am often video recorded at home for presentations I do for clients. I use an iMac. I wanted a mic that was better and easier to use (meaning, had a longer cord) than my Apple ear buds (the one with the mic). So, did some research and found the Rode. I've used these lavalier type mics for years giving presentations in conference halls. I was pleased to get it. I recorded two short videos of me reciting the Pledge of Allegiance using Quicktime. For one, I used the Apple ear buds, and for the second I used the Rode. I listened to both and honestly I could not tell the difference between the two The Apple ear buds sounded just as good as the Rode. I then asked my wife to listen to both. However, it was a blind listening test in which she turned her back to the computer and I said I would play movie number 1, which I did, then I said movie number 2. While she knew I was asking her to tell the difference between two mics she did not know which movie used which mic. She said the movie where I used the Rode sounded better, but not by much. Anyway, I thought the Rode was going to sound appreciably better and it didn't. That said, it's smaller, has a longer cord, and I will keep it and use it. ... More
Awesome product for the money (cheap clip)
Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
As a student filmmaker, I bought this lavalier mainly for documentary filming and wedding videography. The microphone is pretty small and works with all phones via the headphone jack. Awesome quality for the price, very clear. I've noticed it only picks up audio from roughly 1-3 feet away with the standard settings. Also in editing software it can be boosted without distortion or noise. I find it annoying they have not developed the Rode Rec app for android devices. Also certain options are unavailable if the app has not been purchased for $5.99 USD. Also, the clip for the microphone is poorly designed and broke within one use. Overall. great product for the price. Recommended for apple users over android. For professional use a more expensive microphone may be a more appropriate option. ... More
Darned Impressive!
Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections
Reviewed by Jim on B&H Photo Video
Clear, clean, pro-grade audio. Here's a tip: since the mic uses a four-conductor plug, it cuts out the built-in speakers on my smartphone, and will likely do the same on most other phones. So you need to unplug the mic to playback your recording. You can get an adapter made by Rode to allow you to use stereo headphones at the same time as this mic, but I solved my playback problem by using a Bluetooth speaker (I had a JBL Clip 2 handy) along with the mic. Just make sure you adjust the Bluetooth settings in your phone to only use the BT speaker for media playback and disallow phone functions (mic) of the speaker. Hope that helps! ... More
Excellent Mic. Amazing price
Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections
Reviewed by Cable on B&H Photo Video
Every mic I've ever owned has been Rode and I've never been dissapointed. Working with wireless mic's is tricky and if you dont know what your doing can jeopardize projects sound. Rodes plug and play ability takes all the variables out of the equation. The quality is amazing, even in harsh wind. I almost purchased a lesser quality/cheaper mic and at the last second went with my gut and got this. Salesman super helpful with proper accessories. Very satisfied. Highly recommended. Oh it also plug right into iphone for interview type stuff. Super versatile. Very happy with this purchase.
Best Vlog Mic for Mobile Applications
Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections
Reviewed by Alex on B&H Photo Video
I had acquired an alternative mic for strict use with an iPhone, the problem became self evident when a random clicking noise started to invade my recordings. I had to up my game and came across the Rode smartLav. The extra it cost more than made up for what was lost with the previous setup, and you get that legendary Rode sound. For my setup I also purchased the extension cable to round out the audio side of the kit with 20' of reach, you can park yourself at just the right distance from your recording device of choice. Would I recommend this mic to a fellow professional? Yes I would, I can already see that this is going to be one of my workhorse mics along side my set of Sennheiser and Sony wireless sets that I use for my ENG set of camera gear. This day and age, you need all kinds of options, and this decision, is one that will last. ... More
Amazing quality!!
Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections
Reviewed by Henry on B&H Photo Video
I almost thought this would be too good to be true. A small lavalier mic that simply connects to my iPhone and gives me the professional studio quality?? YES! I like the fact that it's simple to use. Rode has an app for $ that is compatible with this mic but it also works perfectly with any voice recorder on the iPhone. I have Garageband which is even better since I can adjust equalization and mic levels. Sound is crystal clear and virtually no setup or special software to make it work. Saved me hundreds of dollars from buying a wireless mic system. ... More
Great for the money
Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections
Reviewed by Chandler on B&H Photo Video
I use this with my h1n as a quick and easy audio setup when I need a lav in a pinch. The big downside is that I can't monitor the audio very easily, but it's reliable and sounds decent-even when mixed with much higher grade lav mics. I've been using the pair for about a year, and have had great results. Just this last weekend, we shot 2 subjects with lava-one with a Sanken lav going into a Senhieser G4, and the other a smart lav+ going into an H1N-the smart lav+ mixes well enough for professional use. Again, it's no replacement for a good wireless system, but if you can't afford a good wireless system or if you just want a backup, this is a decent low-cost option. Also great for weddings or 1-man-band setups where you don't have time for a dedicated audio-you have about 30 seconds to get the mic placed and recording. Just slap this on the speaker with auto-gain turned on and you'll get something useable. ... More
Great for Periscope
Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for Smartphones
Reviewed by CathySirvatka on Guitar Center
I use this with my iPhone 6 for Periscoping (live broadcasting over the phone) and it works wonderfully. Improves the sound and makes you more professional. Great product for the price. Wireless are nice but cost a lot more.
The SmartLav+ Lavalier Micrphone is great
Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for Smartphones
Reviewed by Steve Buerer - the video guy. on Guitar Center
I am a videographer doing primarily weddings. I have done three in the last two weeks and have found created very reliable. The most recent was actually a 50th Anniversary and the groom didn't speak because of a stroke. The couple was mostly seated at the alter of the church. They had a drape of the two chairs on which they were seated. I watched the mic between the couple on the drape. It picked the bride and the pastor quite well include the readers a few feet away on the house sound system. Ian very satisfied for the price. ... More
Good for Quiet Environment
Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections
Reviewed by Curtis on B&H Photo Video
Good sound quality using Voice Recorder for IOS. The product's build quality is excellent. It comes with a very useful loop in the cord to isolate vibrations. However, it doesn't do well in a noisy environment. With the microphone clipped to a garment about 7 from the speaker's mouth, it picks up a lot of ambient noise. The intended use was on the deck of a moving ferry. The ferry's engines were almost loud enough to ruin the recording. Applying EQ to the audio helped, but dried out the speaker's voice. Wind noise was not a problem. The ferry's motion generated a moderate breeze, which did not interfere with recording voice. ... More
Does NOT work with camcorders
Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections
Reviewed by Jeanna on B&H Photo Video
B&H live chat said this microphone would work with a Canon Vixia HF R700 camcorder. It does NOT. The reason: there is NO power to the microphone. When you use it with a smartphone, the phone is what powers the mic and makes it work. We tested 2 other external microphones (each have separate battery power on the mic) with the Canon these others worked just fine. But, this microphone WILL NOT work with camcorders unless you can get the camera to actually power the mic.
Its OK
Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone for Smartphones with TRRS Connections
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Beware if you have an iPhone 6. Rarely does it work on the 6 or 6 plus. They dont tell you this, all this say is that it's compatabile with iphones and ipods.
