Rode VideoMic Me-L Review
Directional Microphone for iOS Devices
- For Mobile Video or Mobile VO
- 3.5mm & Lightning Connections
- Compatible with Built-In Audio Apps
- Shotgun-Style Mic with iOS Connector
- Monitor/Record with 3.5mm Headphone Jack
- Included Mic Clip & Furry Windscreen
- Cardioid Pattern Tamps Down Room Tone
- Broadcast-Quality Capture up to 48 kHz
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 24,822 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Rode VideoMic Me-L. 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 VideoMic Me-L. For example, 66% of 5,221 users who have commented on the Sound quality of the Rode VideoMic Me-L have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 82 Reviews
Good mic; poor lightning connect design if you have a case
Rode VideoMic Me-L Directional Microphone for iOS Devices
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I like this company's products -- I've previously purchased a Lav lapel mic that works very well. For this mic, I'd give it 4 stars for sound quality and 2 stars for design -- thus a 3 star average. The directional mic collects sound as you would expect -- mostly from where it's pointed and very little from elsewhere. The quality of the sound from the target is a little muddy, but removal of background noise from the non-target area is good. The combination results in very good but not excellent sound. The lightning connector design is poor if you have an iPhone case that covers the bottom of the phone in any way. They designed the lightning connection assuming you had no case. But most of us don't live in a "bare iPhone" world. What I had to do -- and wasn't happy about it -- was to cut off the bottom of my case so that it would fit. Now I have a system that works, but the jagged edges of the cut case areas are a daily reminder of the poor design of the connector. The lightning connector on the mic is attached to the unit by two screws and I thought originally that would allow some adjustment -- but I don't believe so now. What the company should consider is a "extended" lightning connector that could replace the factory one for those who need the extra length when using a case. It makes you wonder given how long it took for this product to come to market that the designers did not consider this basic issue. Guess that is the difference between a good and great company... ... More
Very good sound for what it is, some limitations
Rode VideoMic Me-L Directional Microphone for iOS Devices
Reviewed by Gary on B&H Photo Video
Solid Pros: Very nice sound quality. Mosts of my tests so far have been with the mic/phone in selfie configuration, so the mic is about 2 feet from mouth and it sounds great! Captured sound is robust, clear and pleasant. No battery required - powered off phone. Full windscreen included. Adjustable clip to accommodate various width phone cases. Feels solid and very well built. Slight Cons: Very susceptible to handling noise. You need to hold the phone correctly without adjusting your grip while shooting as any handling noise is passed along to the mic. No instructions as to how to attach the clip that helps stabilize the mic on the phone. Audio output from jack on back of mic is a little soft. The included windscreen is (understandably) big and furry and will definitely attract attention when used on the phone. With this device and with the Rode i-XLR, using Filmic Pro as the recording software - there is (a least on my devices) a 1 frame delay for the audio vs. picture. Summary: This device is a quantum leap in sound quality over the iPhone mic, and is certainly worth every cent. ... More
Superb, especially considering the price.
Rode VideoMic Me-L Directional Microphone for iOS Devices
Reviewed by Michael on B&H Photo Video
Some years back I was really into high quality audio, and I had a few microphones costing well into four figures. I enjoyed running these mics through some equally excellent tube preamps. When I stopped doing a lot of recording I divested myself of all of this gear, knowing that the industry was rapidly changing. I didn't want to be pigeonholed into any one technology when I eventually got back into it. This particular Rde microphone came highly recommended for podcasts and videocasts and the like. I had my doubts that such an inexpensive microphone could produce good results, but I figured it was a small amount of money to risk. To say that I'm delighted with it would be an understatement. This is a superb microphone, producing results that exceed what most people will need for casual vocal recording (I'm thinking specifically of podcasts and videocasts). I haven't tried this mic on any instruments yet, but I suspect that it would do well for most general applications. Across the vocal tonal range I've found the sound to be crisp and clear, even from such a tiny condenser element. The directionality of this microphone is excellent, and the included furry pop filter does exactly what it needs to. I only had to shave a little bit of plastic off of my Speck iPhone case to be able to plug it in, and it gives me a superb little rig for recording at home or on the road. I was skeptical about giving up the most basic of controls in a microphone setup like this, but so far that hasn't held me back. Whatever preamp they've put behind this mic does a superb job of adapting to various situations, and the recordings are consistently crisp and clear. It's probably not fair to compare this mic to something costing many times more, since more expensive rigs will give a competent operator more control (and beginners more room to get in trouble). That said, for someone looking for plug and play quality, this is an excellent mic, and I suspect that someone outgrowing it probably has very specialized needs. ... More
pretty much useless for its purpose, sorry
Rode VideoMic Me-L Directional Microphone for iOS Devices
Reviewed by Rudolf on B&H Photo Video
I have several Rode mics and I love them all but that iOS mic is just unusable. Here's why: Have you ever seen anybody using an iPhone without any protective case...? Neither do I. Without a case the iPhone behaves like a piece of wet soap under the shower. ;-) Even if I want to remove my phone case each and every time I want to use that mic (and how annoying is that?), I can't because I use a case with a screw on lens...
HUGE improvement over built in mics
Rode VideoMic Me-L Directional Microphone for iOS Devices
Reviewed by Casey on B&H Photo Video
I did a couple tests with my iPhone 11 Pro. On one I was driving down the highway with the windows down doing 70 and did test recordings with the front facing camera and back camera with the built in iPhone mics and with the Rode VideoMic. First off, just using the built in mics, there is a bit of a difference depending on if you shoot with the front facing camera or rear camera. Neither of them were great when I did the highway test. On one of them I could barely hear my voice. Then I used the Rode mic with the dead cat that was included and I could hear my voice no problem. It provided very usable audio. Yes, there's still some background noise cause I'm going 70 with the windows down. But I was VERY impressed at how well it rejects sound that's not straight ahead. A solid shotgut mic for your iPhone for sure. ... More
Ads
Great concept - - poorly designed
Rode VideoMic Me-L Directional Microphone for iOS Devices
Reviewed by peter on B&H Photo Video
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. ... More
Does the Job!
Rode VideoMic Me-L Directional Microphone for iOS Devices
Reviewed by Myke on B&H Photo Video
For those who are complaining about using their cases not fitting, should not give it less than 4 stars. It's a great mic. The sound is a bit on the high clarity compared to the video mic pro (2 series). Which offers a more lower mid range sound. The mic is compact and works perfect with Apples silicone case. I use a Beastgrip Pro and have zero problems with fit, sound or interference. It's a great budget mic and a great investment if you're looking for better sound than the built in mic itself. 5 stars here.
Worth it depending on your needs
Rode VideoMic Me-L Directional Microphone for iOS Devices
Reviewed by Brent on B&H Photo Video
It picks up deeper frequencies and decreases background noise slightly--just enough to tame unwanted distant ambient noise but make recording from behind the shotgun loud and clear. I haven't had the noise issues from movement that other reviewers have stated. I'm using the mic with an iPhone 6s and it fits snug and looks sharp. The noise quality is a noticeable improvement, particularly as I said in picking up lower frequencies. But it's not remarkably better; the iPhone mic is solid as is. Alternative mic solutions will produce more professional sound but this one wins for convenience and style.
Good and dumb features
Rode VideoMic Me-L Directional Microphone for iOS Devices
Reviewed by Andreas on B&H Photo Video
Rode has a pretty good reputation. I was excited to get this iOS mic as a way to quickly throw a mic on my phone and enjoy some better audio with some background and wind noise exclusion. Well, with this mic I did get a lot of improvement on the background noise and with the nice wind fur it comes with, some much better audio when it is a windy day. HOWEVER, with my desire to quickly stick this on my phone, well this is where Rode came up woefully short. The mic won't fit onto a phone with a case on it. I have an Apple MagSafe case, pretty thin. Well, this mic will not plug in with the case on. HOW does a company make something that needs to plug into the phone that doesn't also account for the fact that every phone has a case on it? So, if you take the case off, the mic works great, if the case is on, then forget it, the mic doesn't plug in. Come on Rode, put a spacer on there so I can leave the case on my phone AND plug the mic in. ... More
Buyer beware
Rode VideoMic Me-L Directional Microphone for iOS Devices
Reviewed by RONALD on B&H Photo Video
The mic looks well made a feels solid. However, You can't mount the darn thing on your iPhone or Ipad that has a case on it. I don't know many people who carry their iPhone without a case. Removing my iPhone case just to use the VideoMic is not an option. If Rode makes the the lightning stem just 4 mm longer it would fit my Quad Lock case. The case has a mount for a tripod and if I could attach the mic to it then it would be a winner. The Rode Rec Le software that you can get from the App store doesn't recognise the VideoMic now that is just poor programming. ... More
Does the job -- but be careful...
Rode VideoMic Me-L Directional Microphone for iOS Devices
Reviewed by Gregor on B&H Photo Video
The mic going right into the jack is perfect and its a really good piece of equipment. Just be careful cuz youre told the sweet spot for interviewing someone is 3 to 4 feet, its more like 1 to 2 feet. especially if they have a soft or weaker voice, you have to be way up close to get good audio. So dont trust that youll get optimum audio from 4 feet, unless they have a very booming voice. Oddly, it seems to pick up a voice better in a noisier environment than in a quiet one, which, even though its a directional mic, that still is a bit counter-intuitive. But in general I cant tell you many bad things about it -- and youd be hard pressed to find bad reviews. ... More
Sound isn't as good as the iPhone's built-in mic
Rode VideoMic Me-L Directional Microphone for iOS Devices
Reviewed by Karen on B&H Photo Video
I am mystified by the positive reviews. I have tried two of these, and both of them record sound that is not as good as the built-in iPhone 7 mic. It is definitely plugged all the way into the lightning port, and it is definitely pointing in the right direction. There is no other troubleshooting that I can think of. With the mic, the volume is low. Without the mic, the volume is good and the speech is clear. I am really disappointed.
Great improvement on sound in loud spaces
Rode VideoMic Me-L Directional Microphone for iOS Devices
Reviewed by Timothy on B&H Photo Video
I host a radio show and podcast and frequently do impromptu interviews or FB Live video in loud spaces. My iPhone did a pretty decent job on its own, but the sound could be hard to hear with background noise. With the Rode mic the sound is much more clear, it's not the same as in the studio but for what it is, it's great. Overall volume with the mic attached is lower, but it eliminates a good bit of background noise and almost all noise from directly behind the mic. For the price and an easily portable mic option, I'm pretty happy. ... More
It works but think before you buy
Rode VideoMic Me-L Directional Microphone for iOS Devices
Reviewed by Cody on B&H Photo Video
The microphone it self is great, but the issue might be the Iphone itself once it seems to not recognize the microphone while using some apps like discord. I use discord for recording my podcast with friends, and it didn't recognize the rode microphone during the call... Sadly I only realized it after finish recording, so basically next time I will need to have my phone JUST for recording my audio while using another device for the call. I also wish this microphone had an adapter for a regular microphone output as well so we could use it in other devices and not exclusively on Iphones. ... More
Better than iPhone, but not light years better
Rode VideoMic Me-L Directional Microphone for iOS Devices
Reviewed by Clayton on B&H Photo Video
This does produce clearer sound than my iPhone 7. In particular, being directional, it decreases the amount of other sound that the iPhone picks up. My kitchen has an echo. With this mic, the echo is diminished a bit, but definitely not gone. And the closer you are the better the sound is. So it seems to have a greater improvement when it's 2-3 feet away than when it is 5-6 feet away. I think I was hoping for more improvement and focused sound, more like something I would get with a lapel mic or a higher end directional mic. But I ultimately happy with what this mic does given the price and portability of it. ... More
Frustrating design
Rode VideoMic Me-L Directional Microphone for iOS Devices
Reviewed by Bill on B&H Photo Video
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 ... More
Less than worthless
Rode VideoMic Me-L Directional Microphone for iOS Devices
Reviewed by Mark on B&H Photo Video
I bought this to use on my iPhone Xs Max. While it does work, the volume of the sound is about a 1 on a scale of 10. And since there isnt any way to adjust the recorded volume, it is way worse than just the iPhones own mic.
Love it!
Rode VideoMic Me-L Directional Microphone for iOS Devices
Reviewed by Peter on B&H Photo Video
I had read reviews hear that other people had posted, about low volume. That they could barely hear it in playback. I figured they must've made some sort of mistake, and they did. When you plug the microphone into the lightning jack the phone automatically drops the volume control down almost to the bottom. Use your phones volume control to bring the volume back up to the top.! The mic comes with a windscreen. The fuzzy windscreen. It's great for working outdoors in a breeze. The sound is focused on the dialogue rather than the sound bouncing around the room off the walls. A great solution if you're shooting with an iPhone and you want something better than home movie style. ... More
a good purchase
Rode VideoMic Me-L Directional Microphone for iOS Devices
Reviewed by John on B&H Photo Video
I used it now once on an iPhone 7 at an event two days ago. It improved the audio for close-in interviews by cutting down on echos and room noise in a room full of people. It did a good job for both close-ups and medium shots. I could not use the headphone jack on this unit though because its output audio level is quite low. Also this unit is not compatible with the Zhiyun Smooth-Q stabilizer. So switching between my stabilizer and the Rode Me-L would be necessary. I did not test this though. The unit seems very solid and well built. Overall, I give it a good rating. I like it. ... More
Meets expectations
Rode VideoMic Me-L Directional Microphone for iOS Devices
Reviewed by Justin on B&H Photo Video
Good mic, definitely better than the built in iPhone one. Does a great job of cutting out surrounding noise since it's directional, but you have to be quite close for the mic to pick you up properly. Good for social media, would give it five stars if it's range was a bit further. Also would be cool if they included some kind of small stand, since the mic sits at the bottom of my iPhone I can't stand it up on anything while using, had to purchase a tripod as well
