SmartLav+ & SC1 & SC3

I must say that it is actually decent recording device. Review could end here... though.Rode's ridiculous focus on Apple environment is truly annoying through eyes of Smartlav+ user. It is dedicated to those of you that have old apple phone (yes they support old ones only-it is all about jack :) ) - Rode app (paid!) is available on IOS only £5.99 sic!). I know you can always find better apps on Android and usually free or for a fraction of IOS equivalent price (i bought Rec Forge II pro for just over £2, it was 'expensive one'. I must say that native app was doing the job well, but I always want to squeeze all juice from my devices. It is not an issue though, Rode does not recommend any particular one for android. Why? What is the point of having good product for obsolete mobile devices? I do not follow Rode's philosophy.Box and package. It comes with basic cardboard box (no tech specs on it , but I'll talk about it later). Inside there is attached a quick guide... If you expected quick guide about the product, you would be surprised. It is all about mount clip. Yes. mount clip only. Nothing about using the mic. No tech specs, no characteristics of the mic, nothing but clip. You can straight away see that the product and its users are not treated seriously by the producer. All the time you get impression, you got cheap leftover from great Rode's true offer (btw it is in fact costly product and we pay quite a lot in it for branding - manufacturing eng guy perspective).The only way to get more info about specs is on their website (at least that).Acoustic Principle Permanently PolariseActive Electronics JFETCapsule 0.10"Polar PatternAddress Type EndFrequency Range 60Hz - 18kHzOutput Impedance 3000ΩMaximum SPL 110dBSPLMaximum Output Level 189.0mV (@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1KΩ load)Sensitivity -35.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (17.80mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1kHzEquivalent Noise Level (A-weighted) 27dBAWeight 6.00gDimensions 1180.00mmH x 4.50mmW x 4.50mmDOutput TRRS OutputWarranty 1 yearSince it is omni-directional condenser mic, you must be aware that it is capable of recording environment as you actually hear it. Remember you can learn to ignore some sounds, but microphone cannot. It will record your wall clock ticking , fridge, neighbours ... everything. Thus, you need app to cut off its sensitivity dramatically, so that it picks up only your voice and later you amplify it to suit your needs. It is not dynamic, nor one that focuses on one direction only mic-please check what you really need.What annoys me is that they use meaningless phrases on the box, leaflet and adverts ('professional- grade', 'broadcast quality'... meaningless marketing only).It is not pro grade product. But it is a high quality (sometimes too high) for beginners and above in audio/voice recording.Cable length is ok (you get about 70cm of usable cable length, when excluding all necessary bends and loops) for average height person - you can hide your phone in front trousers pocket. I would not recommend it if you need to be further away from recording device (probably rare for such a basic product occasion, but have it in your mind before purchase), or if you are really tall and cannot hide phone in your jacket.Free advice:- always record in flight mode-if on windows surface like device switch of system sound enhancements (recording device advanced properties settings).-your phone or tablet or PC (if TRRS jack compatible) may see it as headset - you have to define it as recording device only and use other audio output (in some devices it is not that simple) for soundTo sum up, it is a very good microphone for its price, but only for people that spent some time setting up recording devices of are experienced in voice recording. If not- too expensive - you can get your results for less.There is a lot of misleading marketing info (mainly from Rode itself) that could create unsupported expectations. Lack of any guidance or advice or app for users (the one for IOS can be ignored - supports devices that are not even manufactured anymore!).Or buy it and play with it for a while - once you understood its properties, it will give you expected results... and will open your way for pro products :)

Honestly would expect better from RODE. I'm very familiar with audio equipment and no where on the description (unless they update it now) does it mention that you NEED to buy the (£8) adapter to go from TRRS to TRS for it to work with most phones and all other TRS inputs (The normal inputs that every audio recording device in the world uses)Very disappointed with this purchase. and I will not change this review until RODE changes the description and stops this false advertising.

If you’re thinking of buying this or any other “tie clip” mic, be aware of the following -1) Lavalier mics are inherently fragile - thin cables and sensitive capsules. It’s not a design fault, it’s just the way they are.2) It will only work as well as the environment allows. If it’s windy, your recording will be affected. Choose your location carefully.3) While it’s plugged in, your phone will think your headphones are in use. To hear your recording, first unplug the mic.Good performance, with an impressive signal-to-noise ratio, in ideal circumstances.

One of the better options for iphone recording (perhaps the best? Can't say for sure as I haven't tried them all). I am a video producer by profession and we normally use high end equipment for recording in the field, but as a fallback, or to grab a quick voiceover or interview, this does a good job. My wife also uses it to record her video blogs and it's a marked improvement over the built in mic on her iphone 6. It's not something I would want to use by default, though, as it's difficult to guarantee recording levels on a phone. I am a Rode fan and use their mics in the studio. They have a good reputation for build quality and value for money. Personally, I think this is rather overpriced for what it is, even though it comes from the Rode stable, hence the dropped star. Only other niggle is that the cable could have been a few feet longer.

First of all, my experience with buying this product was great. I ordered it from Amazon Warehouse and found that it was a completely fresh, never used product. The box was described as damaged but this was not the case, it had merely been loosened on the opening flap and was slightly dusty.On to the product...I can't speak for the sound quality as I had no idea what I was doing. It has a TRRS connection so I had a bit of trouble getting it working out of the box. It worked with my laptop but it didn't work with my 2014 Macbook until I connected via an external DAC. When I did get it working, I had a lot of background fuzz and interference. Could be my setup and settings, but I eventually decided to return it and go for a shotgun mic instead.Quality wise, it's great. It feels well built and well made. You get all the little clippings and connections you need as well as a tidy carrying bag. Take note that the cable is, in my opinion, too short and you might want to consider an extension (sold seperately).Thanks for reading my review. Please vote me helpful if you got any value out of my write up.

Video from a phone is fine for most non-professional purposes but the audio (which is often an afterthought) is not quite so fine. A lavalier mic fits the bill for portability and this one provides versatility - direct into phone, or separate recorder with SC3 adapter lead. I use it into phones (to record or redirect wirelessly to a Mevo Start) and into compact digital recorders. The mic capsule is particularly small and easy to hide in clothing if necessary.The lead is thin, making it easy to route; feels fragile but Rode say it's Kevlar reinforced so should be durable.There are cheaper lavalier mics available but it's hard to go wrong with Rode.