Rode Lavalier II - One Year - Final Verdict

After almost a year of use It's time to revisit the Rode Lavalier II
and see if it's worth the extra money over the Rode Lavalier Go.
During this year I've recorded hundred of hours of dialogue with this microphone using the Rode Wireless GO II and other wireless transmitters with great results. The microphone does well at a number of applications but can cause some frustration in other situations.
There's also a lack of spare parts like wind stoppers, mini deadcats and clips for this microphone. And due to it's original design, it's difficult to find generic 3rd party options that fits well and
But for a more in depth review and audio comparison with the Rode Lavalier Go check out this video - • Rode Lavalier II - Wha...

[@philsimpson474]

Great review, Thomas! Beautifully shot and recorded. Thanks.

[@ThomasFransson]

Thank you so much

[@BrianSellers]

Someone FINALLY mentioned the lack of extra windscreens! I use these for weddings, and I've lost two windscreens in two weddings. Have you found a solution, either 3rd party or through RODE, for replacement foam windscreens for the Lavalier II? Please tell me you have! 😳🤣

[@ThomasFransson]

I know! It's so weird considering the fact that rode promotes and use these lavs for their wireless go pro and so on. I have not managed to find original windscreens. I've found some 3rd party for head sets that did fit quite well. I ordered 2 different varieties, one of them to big and the other one worked ok.

[@xabier.iriarte]

Thanks for this video, Thomas! This one and your comparison with the Lavalier Go have been really helpful, and the fact that the cons that you mentioned are not a big issue for me kinda has me sold on the Lavalier II, sounds very nice for the price.

[@ThomasFransson]

Thank you, glad to hear that it was helpful. I 100% agree, it sounds very good.

[@AaronOverEverything]

I have owned this mic since it very first came out, used twice.. then just purchased another brand new on Mercari for $24 🤯. This is the ABSOLUTE BEST video showcasing this mic in all elements complete with placement suggestions.. GREAT FREAKING VIDEO. & been using this mic waaay more lately.

[@ThomasFransson]

Great to hear that its getting more use! Thank you

[@tombuck]

Thank you for this. I’ve been really trying to get a better understanding of this mic, so this was super helpful 👍

[@ThomasFransson]

Happy to hear it was helpful. Thank you Tom.

[@jimbotski]

It's a shame the new Wireless PRO only comes with this option... Guess ill have to buy separate lavs for concealing...Thnks for the video! :)

[@WalterTheBalter]

Thanks for making this. I plan to use this on zoom f2. Keep you posted on my findings. Also this videos was watched in full due to me enjoying the doc style capture instead of looking the cam. Thanks for that

[@ThomasFransson]

Thank you Walter. That's my favorite type of video to make so I'm glad to hear that it's worth the extra "trouble" Yes, please let us know how that combo works once you’ve got everything up and running. Cheers!

[@NT_SI]

Can you tell same wards about zoom f2+rode lav ii.? Thanks 🙏

[@GabrielDorcino]

thank you for this video! 🙏🏼 best regards from Brazil.

[@ThomasFransson]

Glad it was helpful!

[@krispeyron]

Tack Thomas! Exactly what I needed to hear!

[@ThomasFransson]

Happy to help! Ha de!

[@izarezar9381]

thanks for the video! its February 2023...Has Rode got back to you about spare mic clips? i've lost mine and yes you are right its tough to get the correct clip grips on the lavalier II

[@ThomasFransson]

Nothing yet, but I appreciate you leaving this comment to show @rodemic that we want spare parts for this wonderful lav.

[@fofopho]

The Rode Lav II is decent, but overpriced. It’s crumbles when compared to the similarly priced Sennheiser ME-2 especially if you subject has a loud voice or raises his/her voice for any reason during recording - the notably low SPL rating on the Lav II make it awful for dynamic audio recording. The Deity w.Lav Pro is also roughly the same price and is just better in every way imaginable. Sound quality, versatility, discreetness. I own 3 Lav II’s and was very excited when they were released (I preordered despite not using the other 5 Lav mics from Rode that I own). At this point, they sit on a shelf in my garage because they just aren’t useable for my daily client work - too unreliable due to the super unprofessional max SPL (which probably is why they don’t talk about that rating in any of their marketing around this product). I absolutely love Rode and have more of their products than I can count, but their Lav mics (including their pros, smart lavs, and the Lav II) are amateur at best and overpriced compared to substantially better options from competitors. For reference, I am videographer and editor for various fitness KZbinrs/Influencers - I often am capturing very lively and dynamic dialogue that goes from a soft voice to a roaring one and I need mics that can hold up to these real world situations without clipping internally due to low Max SPL. In less demanding settings the Lav II is serviceable while still not excellent due to its slightly veiled tonal signature.

[@ThomasFransson]

Glad you found lavaliers that work well for what you do.

[@GelecekBilimde]

With which microphone did you record this video sir ?

[@ThomasFransson]

The talking head is the Sennheiser MKE600

[@LoverOfTech]

Excellent Review. I just got the RODE Wireless Pro which come with two of the lavs and one of the clips came broken. No replacement online at all

[@ThomasFransson]

It's such a shame. Seeing these included in the wireless pro is a sign that rode deems to keep these lavs for a while, so why not make spare parts available. I also have one that broke and ended up supergluing the lav to the broken clip 🤣

[@everythinghindi]

thansk for your genuine review. I'm planning to buy it, but I think it's little costly. What do you think?

[@ThomasFransson]

It's not the most affordable option. But in terms of price vs performance I think it's a great deal.

[@ShellyBHollis]

thank you, I was looking for a video about how to hide this mic properly. That front facing mic is my struggle

[@ThomasFransson]

True, it comes down to creative placement more than hiding. I've not done any extensive testing myself with putting it between/under layers of clothing.

[@ShellyBHollis]

I've never used a mic with this type of design. Sound quality is solid, just don't understands their direction with this product.@@ThomasFransson

[@ThomasFransson]

It's not a super unusual design for lavaliers, maybe somewhat unusual in this price range. The design allows for a bigger capsule among other things. But may not be the perfect fit for all scenarios.

[@sheldonmurphy6031]

Yooo Mr Thomas! Thank You Sir For This Review!! I am probably 1 month away from starting my channel, and I really do value audio quality. There are just to many flattery video out there, and I appreciate how you did this sir!! Much Love From The States Sir; Iowa 😁

[@ThomasFransson]

Thank you Sheldon! Good luck on your channel!

[@ArthurDhaeyerMusic]

very very pleasing to find your video !

[@ThomasFransson]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paulbeckmann]

Brilliant review and comparison. Thanks!

[@ThomasFransson]

Glad to hear it was helpful. Thank you Paul.

[@_burd]

You mentioned the invisilav, what are you sticking it with? The silicone material just wont stick to anything for me. Gaff tape, URSA stickies, even other less orthodox tapes just wont bond. Makes it pretty useless :/

[@ThomasFransson]

oh yes, that's a good question! I think I'm using a 3rd party version so not sure how they both compare in terms of material. . But I use medical tape and sometimes "athlete tape" - the stuff that looks like old school fabric band-aid pretty much. It's sticky as @*ll and have worked well for me. Bumblebee also makes a good lav concealer similar to the DPA one. Another option is to ditch the invisilav and use a layer or two of adhesive foam-tape around the mic and tape that little package to the chest or clothing. I believe this type of tape is often used for protecting feet from shoe chafing.

[@_burd]

@@ThomasFransson Yea for as many different mounting systems and techniques there are, I keep coming back to two double sided tape triangles. Can’t make rubbing noise if the fabric layers/skin around the mic are physically held in place. Taping a mount directly still lets fabric over the mount/tape move and get picked up so the invisilav and double sided tape looked like the ideal solution, but the material choice is just not usable for the double sided tape

[@ThomasFransson]

Always great to have a few methods one is comfortable using. I don't think I've bothered hiding a lav since before the pandemic except on a handful of occasions. Not a huge problem for the types of gigs I'm doing most of the time.

[@jon112media]

Super helpful. Thank you!

[@ThomasFransson]

You're welcome! Thanks!

[@AuntieRachelsChaoticKitchen]

Thanks for your video Thomas. I need to replace my lav mic, and I was wondering if I should get another Rode. I do cooking videos, and I lost the foam top of my existing mic, so now I'm thinking I should avoid this one as I do move around a lot in my videos (climbing up to reach things from high shelves, bending to collect from low shelves etc). I'm already struggling to find a replacement for the Rode Go foam, and I have a strong feeling that I'll quickly lose the foam on a Lavalier ii. Do you have any suggestions on which I should consider? I don't have an infinite budget, but I do need something that can handle picking up my voice over the sounds of frying, extractor fan etc

[@ThomasFransson]

Hi, you should be able to find replacement foam covers for the lav on Amazon I believe the product is called "Rode WS-Lav" and there's three of them in one pack. Or you could look at way's to mount the lavalier inside your clothing with special tape and adhesive spacers if that sounds like an option. interesting. If you're happy with the lavalier apart from the missing foam cover.

[@imtiazhossainshaikat6690]

Guys which microphone is best for singing in Mobile? Condenser or lavalier?

[@ThomasFransson]

Condenser microphones will require phantom power and can therefore be tricky to use with a smartphone. Some can be fed with a battery though. But condenser microphones will also benefit from a good sounding or dampened room. RODE have a product called Ai-micro that might be worth checking out. It will not offer phantom power, but it'll increase the types of dynamic microphones you can use.

[@wayneknetter]

Is there an over-the-ear frame that will place the lav in front or beside my mouth. For commentating a game of lawn bowls I want to talk softer as I'm not far from when speaking and I don't really want the talk on the green to be pick up by the mic (sometimes they curse!)

[@ThomasFransson]

I hear you =) Yes, you should check out the Rode HS2 and the Rode Lav Headset depending on your budget, choice of lav and so forth. And don't forget to get a mini furry of some sort if you decide to go with another lav than the Lavalier II that comes with one in the package.

[@LanzaroteShowcase]

I have rode lav orig and rode lav2. they both distort on even moderately loud voices. Totally unusable for loud action drama film sets. Check the SPL specs, not good! I would recommend the Sennheiser ME2ii (not the ME1 orig, the update) or the Sennheiser MKE2 worth it even at three times the price.

[@ThomasFransson]

Yep, the Sennheisers does a great job on loud people.

[@focuspulling]

This is an essential, central part of any lav review and should have been covered here. Agree completely; experienced the same with the Zoom F2's included lav, besides my RodeLink lav.

[@ThomasFransson]

Sorry for not including this. Didn't think of it since I've never really had any issues with that.

[@johnnyweissmuller5838]

The wireless pro doesnt have enough bias voltage for the sennheisers

[@joshuaappleby9018]

How would you say this mic would do recording singing vocals in a live setting?

[@ThomasFransson]

It wouldn't be my first choice for live performances. It can handle fairly strong transients. But if the music and/or singer are really loud it might clip. The front facing capsule might create issues with feedback from PA or monitors due to its more generous pickup pattern. If we're talking recording an acoustic guitar and some gentle singing in front of a camera if would probably be ok. For live performances I'd recommend DPA or Shure. Sennheiser has a pretty affordable lavalier called mk2e or something in those lines. There's two with very similar names, i would recommend the more expensive one out of those two. They can handle loud volumes fairly well.

[@joshuaappleby9018]

@@ThomasFransson That's amazing, thank you so much for your response. It would feature as part of a number of mics to catch vocals only, id have several set up to capture the rooms ambience but wanted to ensure the vocalists voice was heard clearly so I was thinking of a lab mic as like a 'back up' or 'additional' recording to add when in post production, if that makes sense? Kind of like a La Blogtoheque vibe. Would you recommend the Shure or Sennheiser for this as well? The filming is being done inside of a large, reverb heavy hall. Thanks again

[@ThomasFransson]

Yes, their designs is better suited for this type of work. I've been fortunate to get a lot of hamd me downs from a friend who's a sound engineer at a theater and they run DPA's on everything. Shure are more affordable and the Sennheiser is probably the most affordable option and will handle a singer better than the Rode which is better suited for dialog imo.

[@alessandro_proietti]

I have a Smartlav + and I think I will keep it. It not worth the upgrade.

[@ThomasFransson]

If it works, it works

[@DusselYorkCityStudios]

I mean... if I really want to hid a mic then I would go for a boom mic setup. But that is me and that is expensive. I head the windscreen and clip pop off from several users.... so if Rode is aware of this I am shocked that they have not fixed it. Or at least sell the spare parts. I did notice Rode tends not to want to sell spare parts or things of that nature. Which is silly... they probably would make good money if they did sell them. But then again if they did sell them then they would be admitting that their parts are easy to fall off and get lost.

[@ThomasFransson]

Yes, the lack of spare parts would be easy for rode to fix. It's the Lavalier is priced where it makes sense to have some spare parts in your kit.

[@aanatanael11]

Can i use this mic with sennheiser ew100 g4 for church?

[@ThomasFransson]

I haven't used this lav for live audio myself, but it will work with the sennheiser bodypack. I believe that wireless system comes with a Sennheiser me2 originally.

[@AlexanderMokin]

Thanks for Video! What mic did you use for this video?

[@ThomasFransson]

Glad it was helpful. I use the Sennheiser MKE600 in the studio.

[@Justandybrown]

Nice video!

[@ThomasFransson]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@walterFRENCHTV]

I’ve looked everywhere for clips smh!

[@ThomasFransson]

It's such a shame

[@walterFRENCHTV]

If you hear any updates, please comment back!

[@ThomasFransson]

Will do, there’s probably going to be a video with cake and champagne 🎂🥂 when it happens 😅😂

[@walterFRENCHTV]

Question. If you were to tape it under your shirt how would you place it?

[@dankusmemus2350]

Hi, where are these microphones made? thanks?

[@ThomasFransson]

As far as I know, Røde still have their own manufacturing plants in Australia.

[@patlecat]

Ah Rhode has copied the Voice Technologies VT 500 microphone 😲

[@ThomasFransson]

I wouldn't say that, It's a pretty common design strategy to fit a larger capsule in a lavalier. Countryman and other brands also utilize this design.

[@happyunicorn8888]

Hi, how do you you tape this under clothes?

[@ThomasFransson]

Thats the question