VFX Visuals Blog

Category: Audio

  • Rode VideoMic Me Review [2020]

    Rode VideoMic Me Review [2020]

    In this era of Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, it isn’t uncommon to see smartphones and action cameras doing their magic. While the video footage might be crisp, audio is never really emphasized on, and you hardly find people using professional microphones. If you want to stand out from the rest, you’d want your audio to have the best quality, and the Rode VideoMic Me might just be the ideal microphone for your needs. Whether you’re a vlogger, a live streamer, or you’re a stay at home mom who wants to capture all those sweet moments with your kids, the Rode VideoMic would be far better than the microphone that came with your original camera or smartphone.

    Enter Rode VideoMic Me

    The [link url=”https://amzn.to/2DlwqPT”]Rode VideoMic Me[/link] is a lightweight microphone that works well with a wide array of devices such as smartphones, tablets, and even DSLRs. It’s even able to connect to the iPhone’s mic/headphone socket directly without any fuss. In addition, it has a flexible mounting bracket which ensures it stays secure regardless of which device you’re using to record the video.

    The microphone features a 3.5mm headphone jack on the back to allow for audio playthrough while recording as well as to ensure easy playback of your videos without being forced to remove the mic. [link url=”https://amzn.to/2DlwqPT”]Rode VideoMic Me[/link] equally comes with a deluxe cat-fur like windshield for when you’re shooting videos outdoors or in extreme weather situations that would most likely result in choppy sounds if you didn’t use a dedicated mic. As a bonus, Rode has an app called Reporter that you can use to store or capture the audios as files for editing.

    Interference will be a thing of the past with the [link url=”https://amzn.to/2DlwqPT”]VideoMic Me[/link] as it cancels out your internal mic when you plug in to a device to prevent interference when recording as this can cause quality distortion. However, just like all mics, it works better when the subject you’re recording is closer to it. This equally applies to situations where you’re recording while in the car, during traffic, or just outdoors when it’s a bit windy.

    Its solid aluminum construction prevents radio interferences which affect most in-built mics that come with cameras. Additionally, the high-grade anti-glare ceramic body coat ensures it survives in some harsh environments. It might seem important at the moment, but if your footage will involve a lot of movement, there is a possibility that your equipment may at one time fall on the ground. Thus, having a good quality mic is important.

    Image Gallery

    [su_slider source=”media: 984,983,982″ link=”lightbox” width=”1000″ height=”1000″ title=”no” pages=”no” mousewheel=”no” autoplay=”0″ speed=”0″]

    [su_button url=”https://amzn.to/2DlwqPT” background=”#ef2d38″ size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”round” onclick=”trackOutboundLink(‘amazon’); clicky.goal( ‘119507’, null, 1 ); clicky.pause( 500 );” rel=”nofollow” target=”blank”]View Prices![/su_button]

    Some Pointers

    Despite everything we now know about how the mic works, there are a few things you might want to know about the [link url=”https://amzn.to/2DlwqPT”]Rode VideoMic Me[/link].

    One, is the fact that it does not always play well with all devices. This mic is designed for all types of phones, but it works easier with iPhones and some high-end Android phones. Some of those issues include radio interferences and static noise. Even in iPhones, you’ll realize that you might at times need to turn on airplane mode, so it works efficiently without interference. Another thing to consider is if you’re planning to use the mic with other devices such as a DSLR. You’ll need to use an adapter because this tiny shotgun mic was mostly designed to work with smartphones through the headphone jack.

    Since it also doesn’t come with a shock mount, you might want to reduce the amount of shaking while working on your project. This is because there may be some noise in the mic. If you’re the kind of person who wants to check your sound before or during the recording, you’ll probably need to purchase an app like Filmic Pro which is about $15 because you can’t do that while using VideoMic Me.

    It is also worth noting on which side your smartphone camera is positioned. While it does not matter if you will be using the mic with the front or back camera, if the headset jack is on the same side as the camera, you might have to be creative as to where to place the mic. This is important for Android users who want to buy this mic. You should first check for compatibility by knowing which side of your phone your camera is. If it’s in the same side as the headphone jack, then you might be forced to buy additional tools.

    [su_button url=”https://amzn.to/2DlwqPT” background=”#ef2d38″ size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”round” onclick=”trackOutboundLink(‘amazon’); clicky.goal( ‘119507’, null, 1 ); clicky.pause( 500 );” rel=”nofollow”]View Prices![/su_button]

    Conclusion

    All in all, this mic is more perceptive than in-built microphones in phones and cameras. This makes it produce a more natural sound at indoor settings by reducing distracting sounds in the periphery and only focusing on the audio in front of the camera. As we have already gathered, it is almost impossible to produce a professional video when the audio is not at par, and this underscores the importance of producing quality audio. For its price of $70, the [link url=”https://amzn.to/2DlwqPT”]Rode VideoMic Me[/link] is a great mic. Sure, it has its shortcomings, especially for those who want to use it with smartphones, but buyers can easily avoid these by first ensuring that their smartphones are compatible with the mic. It’s ideal for amateurs or just people who want to enjoy recording as a hobby or even a cheap upgrade. What you need to factor in before buying it is how big of a project do you want to use it for? An average smartphone vlogger may find this ideal because it isn’t highly priced and does its job. Professionals could also use the mic, but only as a stepping stone. However, it isn’t also uncommon for professionals to use this as their full-time microphones until they get a justified need for a more powerful microphone. Finally, you’d be careful to purchase the Rode Videomic Me from a trusted vendor or distributor. It may sound surprising, but the place where you buy may make the whole difference between a product that will last you for years and a product that you’ll just tuck in an old box after a few weeks.

     

  • The 7 Best Lavalier Microphones in 2024

    The 7 Best Lavalier Microphones in 2024

    Whether you choose to call it a lavalier or lapel mic as others do, these tiny microphones are quite popular due to their size and unobtrusive discrete nature. There are a few things that make lavalier mics unique such as the ability to record hands-free, the convenience, quality. When choosing a lavalier mic, you should consider whether you would prefer a wired or wireless lavalier mic, your budget, if it is waterproof if it has a noise filter, the quality and finally the source of your recording/audio.

    There are numerous lavalier mics in the market and below we have summarised some of the best mics for any budget and use.

    1. Rode smartLav+

    [su_slider source=”media: 583,584,585,586,587″ link=”lightbox” width=”800″ height=”400″ mousewheel=”no” autoplay=”0″ speed=”0″]

    [su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EO4A7L0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EO4A7L0&linkCode=as2&linkId=WDCYEWLXGAUZKQQC&tag=vfxpro-20&linkId=ae265a5663375a78deb05cda4fdf0b5c&language=en_US” background=”#ef2d38″ size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”round” onclick=”trackOutboundLink(‘amazon’); clicky.goal( ‘119507’, null, 1 ); clicky.pause( 500 );” rel=”nofollow” target=”blank”]View Prices![/su_button]

    Intro:

    Retailing for anything between $80 to $100, the [link url=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EO4A7L0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EO4A7L0&linkCode=as2&linkId=WDCYEWLXGAUZKQQC&tag=vfxpro-20&linkId=ae265a5663375a78deb05cda4fdf0b5c&language=en_US”]Rode smartLav+[/link] is one of the best lavalier mics in the market. While the price of this mic is on the higher end of the price spectrum, it is not without good reason. The quality of the mic is, and the fact that there is an audio app by Rode with inbuilt audio equalizers that syncs with the mic makes this mic a great buy.

    Pros:

    • The package includes a foam pop windshield that helps you deal with the wind as well as those moments when you b, p and t enunciations sound exaggerated.
    • Because it is an omnidirectional mic, you don’t have to worry about missing muffling as it captures sounds equally from all directions.
    • It works with most smartphones and operating systems.

    Cons:

    • You may be forced to find an extension for the cable of this mic as it is too short.

    [su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EO4A7L0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EO4A7L0&linkCode=as2&linkId=WDCYEWLXGAUZKQQC&tag=vfxpro-20&linkId=ae265a5663375a78deb05cda4fdf0b5c&language=en_US” background=”#ef2d38″ size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”round” onclick=”trackOutboundLink(‘amazon’); clicky.goal( ‘119507’, null, 1 ); clicky.pause( 500 );” rel=”nofollow” target=”blank”]View Prices![/su_button]

    2. Sony ECM-44

    [su_slider source=”media: 592,592″ link=”lightbox” width=”800″ height=”400″ mousewheel=”no” autoplay=”0″ speed=”0″]

    [su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0002M1VBI/?tag=vfxpro-20&linkId=ae265a5663375a78deb05cda4fdf0b5c&language=en_US” background=”#ef2d38″ size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”round” onclick=”trackOutboundLink(‘amazon’); clicky.goal( ‘119507’, null, 1 ); clicky.pause( 500 );” rel=”nofollow” target=”blank”]View Prices![/su_button]

    Intro:

    As a brand, Sony is quite popular and very much preferred for its audio capabilities. The [link url=”https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0002M1VBI/?tag=vfxpro-20&linkId=ae265a5663375a78deb05cda4fdf0b5c&language=en_US”]Sony ECM-44[/link] is a wired lavalier mic with decent capabilities when compared to other variations wired lavalier mics. Its functionality is all there is to this mic. The quality of sound that it outputs is generally accurate, balanced and natural. While it works, there are much better options for lavalier mics in the market.

    Pros:

    • The ECM-44 has the option to two power options which include the mic’s phantom power or one AA sized battery.

    Cons:

    • The mic is not aesthetically pleasing and looks cheap; this is, however, a personal opinion based on preference.
    • The cable of the mic cannot be detached from the preamp which can be relatively bothersome.
    • Because it uses an XLR connector, you will need other devices to such as a mixer, and a hand-held digital audio recorder to ensure functionality.

    [su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0002M1VBI/?tag=vfxpro-20&linkId=ae265a5663375a78deb05cda4fdf0b5c&language=en_US” background=”#ef2d38″ size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”round” onclick=”trackOutboundLink(‘amazon’); clicky.goal( ‘119507’, null, 1 ); clicky.pause( 500 );” rel=”nofollow” target=”blank”]View Prices![/su_button]

    3. Sanken COS 11D

    [su_slider source=”media: 588,589,590,591″ link=”lightbox” width=”800″ height=”400″ mousewheel=”no” autoplay=”0″ speed=”0″]

    [su_button url=”https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sanken-Omnidirectional-Lavalier-Microphone-Transmitters/dp/B00AB2SOK0/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=3.+sanken+cos11d&qid=1553879675&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr0&tag=vfxpro-20&linkId=ae265a5663375a78deb05cda4fdf0b5c&language=en_US” background=”#ef2d38″ size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”round” onclick=”trackOutboundLink(‘amazon’); clicky.goal( ‘119507’, null, 1 ); clicky.pause( 500 );” rel=”nofollow” target=”blank”]View Prices![/su_button]

    Intro:

    On the upper end of the price range, the [link url=”https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sanken-Omnidirectional-Lavalier-Microphone-Transmitters/dp/B00AB2SOK0/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=3.+sanken+cos11d&qid=1553879675&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr0&tag=vfxpro-20&linkId=ae265a5663375a78deb05cda4fdf0b5c&language=en_US”]Sanken COS 11 D[/link] is one of the perfect lavalier mics in the market. It is a favorite with most professionals and given the features; we can understand why that is the case. The COS 11D is an omnidirectional mic that offers radio frequency interference protection, is water resistant thanks to the improved mesh screen and unmatched frequency response.

    Pros:

    • The Sanken COS 11D’s design allows for it to overcome the radio frequency interference from the transmitter.
    • The mic is very natural sounding, and it has relatively high gains.

    Cons:

    • Some users have reported that the mesh screen falls of repeatedly so we would recommend that one keeps that in mind when making your purchase.

    [su_button url=”https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sanken-Omnidirectional-Lavalier-Microphone-Transmitters/dp/B00AB2SOK0/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=3.+sanken+cos11d&qid=1553879675&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr0&tag=vfxpro-20&linkId=ae265a5663375a78deb05cda4fdf0b5c&language=en_US” background=”#ef2d38″ size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”round” onclick=”trackOutboundLink(‘amazon’); clicky.goal( ‘119507’, null, 1 ); clicky.pause( 500 );” rel=”nofollow” target=”blank”]View Prices![/su_button]

    4. Movo WMIC50

    [su_slider source=”media: 593,594,595,596,597″ link=”lightbox” width=”800″ height=”400″ mousewheel=”no” autoplay=”0″ speed=”0″]

    [su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/Movo-WMIC50-Microphone-Integrated-Transmitter/dp/B00KLFJZ6Y?tag=vfxpro-20&linkId=ae265a5663375a78deb05cda4fdf0b5c&language=en_US” background=”#ef2d38″ size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”round” onclick=”trackOutboundLink(‘amazon’); clicky.goal( ‘119507’, null, 1 ); clicky.pause( 500 );” rel=”nofollow” target=”blank”]View Prices![/su_button]

    Intro:

    If you are on a budget and are just starting your journey into the lavalier world, the [link url=”https://www.amazon.com/Movo-WMIC50-Microphone-Integrated-Transmitter/dp/B00KLFJZ6Y?tag=vfxpro-20&linkId=ae265a5663375a78deb05cda4fdf0b5c&language=en_US”]MOVO WMIC50[/link] is a mic that you should consider purchasing. The package of the mic consists of a receiver, a transmitter, two earphones, and the lavalier mic. It is one of the more comfortable to use lavalier mics in the market and will it still offer high-quality sound.

    Pros:

    • Retailing at about $100 the Movo WMIC50 is an inexpensive option that gives you a relatively good bang for your buck.

    Cons:

    • It’s impossible to change the transmission frequency/ channel on this lapel mic
    • The transmitter and receiver both do not have an indicator for volume levels and so you will have to estimate the volume levels.

    [su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/Movo-WMIC50-Microphone-Integrated-Transmitter/dp/B00KLFJZ6Y?tag=vfxpro-20&linkId=ae265a5663375a78deb05cda4fdf0b5c&language=en_US” background=”#ef2d38″ size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”round” onclick=”trackOutboundLink(‘amazon’); clicky.goal( ‘119507’, null, 1 ); clicky.pause( 500 );” rel=”nofollow” target=”blank”]View Prices![/su_button]

    5. Sennheiser ME 2 II

    [su_slider source=”media: 598″ link=”lightbox” width=”800″ height=”400″ mousewheel=”no” autoplay=”0″ speed=”0″]

    [su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004UNQ4US/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B004UNQ4US&linkId=3bbaf7ad7d8a84bd100bc9b69fe02ef4&tag=vfxpro-20&linkId=ae265a5663375a78deb05cda4fdf0b5c&language=en_US” background=”#ef2d38″ size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”round” onclick=”trackOutboundLink(‘amazon’); clicky.goal( ‘119507’, null, 1 ); clicky.pause( 500 );” rel=”nofollow” target=”blank”]View Prices![/su_button]

    Intro:

    Sennheiser is well known for its capability of producing excellent and well-designed wired, and wireless mics and the [link url=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004UNQ4US/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B004UNQ4US&linkId=3bbaf7ad7d8a84bd100bc9b69fe02ef4&tag=vfxpro-20&linkId=ae265a5663375a78deb05cda4fdf0b5c&language=en_US”]Sennheiser ME 2-II[/link] is no exception to this. Working in tandem with a body transmitter, this discreet mic produces great quality sounds with top-notch speech intelligibility.

    The ME 2-II is almost invisible to the eye which makes it such a great lavalier mic. Sennheiser in their construction of the M 2-II borrowed some of its features from the previous ME 2 version of the lavalier and went ahead to enhance them to create the ME 2-II. For example, with the predecessor, the frequency response range of 30 Hz to 20 kHz was narrowed from 50 Hz to 18 kHz. They also included a windscreen on the newer version which was not available on the original version.

    Pros:

    • You can use it in and out of the studio which makes it great for multipurpose use.
    • Wind noise on this lavalier is almost unnoticeable because it has a mantle that can be worn with the mic to protect it from excessive noise.

    Cons:

    • It is designed for native radio systems which limit its usage.

    [su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004UNQ4US/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B004UNQ4US&linkId=3bbaf7ad7d8a84bd100bc9b69fe02ef4&tag=vfxpro-20&linkId=ae265a5663375a78deb05cda4fdf0b5c&language=en_US” background=”#ef2d38″ size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”round” onclick=”trackOutboundLink(‘amazon’); clicky.goal( ‘119507’, null, 1 ); clicky.pause( 500 );” rel=”nofollow” target=”blank”]View Prices![/su_button]

    6. Tascam DR-10L

    [su_slider source=”media: 599,600,601,602,603″ link=”lightbox” width=”800″ height=”400″ mousewheel=”no” autoplay=”0″ speed=”0″]

    [su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZ7UN44/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01LZ7UN44&linkId=35b82c5110255ac6035c436bdf1849c8&tag=vfxpro-20&linkId=ae265a5663375a78deb05cda4fdf0b5c&language=en_US” background=”#ef2d38″ size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”round” onclick=”trackOutboundLink(‘amazon’); clicky.goal( ‘119507’, null, 1 ); clicky.pause( 500 );” rel=”nofollow” target=”blank”]View Prices![/su_button]

    Intro:

    While the [link url=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZ7UN44/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01LZ7UN44&linkId=35b82c5110255ac6035c436bdf1849c8&tag=vfxpro-20&linkId=ae265a5663375a78deb05cda4fdf0b5c&language=en_US”]Tascam DR-10L[/link] is a portable recorder, we included it in our list because it has a professional lavalier mic included in its package. This ultra-compact lavalier/recorder combo is ideal for creatives in the filmmaker/ videography field.

    Pros:

    • It has dual recording capabilities meaning that you can ensure that your recordings are backed up.
    • It supports playback of MP3 files in addition to the regular WAV files.
    • It is small, light, easy to conceal and extremely convenient.

    Cons:

    • The screen is relatively small, and while this is okay for most, others may not be comfortable with it.
    • The lavalier mic can get noisy

    [su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZ7UN44/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01LZ7UN44&linkId=35b82c5110255ac6035c436bdf1849c8&tag=vfxpro-20&linkId=ae265a5663375a78deb05cda4fdf0b5c&language=en_US” background=”#ef2d38″ size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”round” onclick=”trackOutboundLink(‘amazon’); clicky.goal( ‘119507’, null, 1 ); clicky.pause( 500 );” rel=”nofollow” target=”blank”]View Prices![/su_button]

    7. Samson Go Mic Mobile Lavalier System

    [su_slider source=”media: 604,605,606,607,608″ link=”lightbox” width=”800″ height=”400″ mousewheel=”no” autoplay=”0″ speed=”0″]

    [su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0749WP3M3?tag=vfxpro-20&linkId=ae265a5663375a78deb05cda4fdf0b5c&language=en_US” background=”#ef2d38″ size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”round” onclick=”trackOutboundLink(‘amazon’); clicky.goal( ‘119507’, null, 1 ); clicky.pause( 500 );” rel=”nofollow” target=”blank”]View Prices![/su_button]

    Intro:

    The [link url=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0749WP3M3?tag=vfxpro-20&linkId=ae265a5663375a78deb05cda4fdf0b5c&language=en_US”]Samson Go[/link] was designed with mobile video filmmakers in mind. It includes a two-channel receiver that you can mount onto your phone or camera and an LM8 lavalier transmitter with a 48kHZ transmission capacity.

    Pros:

    • In comparison to other lavalier mics, the Samson Go holds its own in terms of battery life capacity as it can last for up to 12 hours on its rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
    • You can plug it in directly to your Android and iPhone devices as it includes micro-USB to lighting cables.
    • A lot of users have indicated that the audio transmission is of low latency and there are no issues with video synchronization.

    Cons:

    • Its digital audio capability it limited to Android 5.0 and other later versions. If your device has earlier versions, you will be required to download 3rd party apps to use this functionality.
    • Sound recorded outside of the mics “line of sight” tends to drop and has plenty of static which is good enough to ruin your sound shot.

    [su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0749WP3M3?tag=vfxpro-20&linkId=ae265a5663375a78deb05cda4fdf0b5c&language=en_US” background=”#ef2d38″ size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”round” onclick=”trackOutboundLink(‘amazon’); clicky.goal( ‘119507’, null, 1 ); clicky.pause( 500 );” rel=”nofollow” target=”blank”]View Prices![/su_button]

    Final Thoughts

    Since their invention, microphones have evolved quite a lot in terms of how people put them to use and the variations and quality that are available in the market today. Microphones come in different forms, shapes, and sizes but they are divided into two major categories namely dynamic microphones or condenser microphones. Lavalier microphones fall in the dynamic category. In case you are wondering what lavalier mics are, it is those tiny sized mics that you can clip on to your clothes and your good to go. The characteristics elements that can help you distinguish a lavalier mic are a clip that you can hook up to your clothes and a tiny head that would typically capture the sound when in operation.

    The classifications of microphones can sometimes be complicated. Apart from the dynamic and condenser microphones that we touched on previously, you can further classify them based on orientation and direction of the mic. Lavalier mics are extremely handy if you are working on a project and need to record excellent quality sound that is clear and crisp. Picking a lavalier mic is not that difficult, and a good one will set you back upwards of about $100 and below. And while the best quality of lavalier mics are likely to cost about two thousand dollars, expensive doesn’t always translate to the best in terms of quality. If you are a beginner experimenting with lavalier mics, we would recommend starting with an inexpensive one and later investing in a more expensive version once you learn how to use the mic expertly.

    It’s advisable that you don’t take for granted what a microphone can do for you. This is because it makes all the difference in what your eventual production will sound like.

    From our list above you can tell that there are different variations of lavalier mics for different uses and budgets and each has something that sets it apart from the other. We hope our list has at least brought you one step closer to finding a lavalier mic that suits your needs.