Rode Lavalier II Review / Test (vs. ME-2, TLM48)

[@thebreakfastmenu]

You went outside! You're not being held hostage in your studio! This is great news!

[@OlexanderZnaharenkoUA]

Sometimes it happens. Maybe. 😊

[@coffeehigh420]

lol i was thinking the same thing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! now he can go look at trees and stuff (you know, start small).

[@artysanmobile]

For those unfamiliar, this mid-forward, nasal tone is exactly the sound of a lavalier mic. Every engineer who regularly uses lavs has a habitual EQ setting with some fairly radical settings. All digital consoles will have a channel program from the last user. Once familiar, it is not difficult to get what you want, assuming feedback permits. The Rode under test is in fact quite flat, so it will be easy to equalize. Don’t be afraid to twist those knobs!

[@ahriik]

For a $100 lav with a genuinely sturdy cable (not really repairable unfortunately, but again, $100) and decent sound out of the box, I think definitely recommendable. My only real gripe is the relatively narrow dynamic range. It's certainly very workable in a lot of common recording situations, but there absolutely some circumstances that it would struggle with. Also kinda limits how much you can bend it in post. Just good to keep in mind with this thing. Also kind of a surprising issue I experienced with it that I've also seen a few other people mention online is that on the rear of the mic head, there is this little black plug/cover thing that protects the capsule inside the overall shell. For whatever reason, it doesn't seem to be well-secured and can inadvertently be pulled out if you're using some sort of adhesive (for hidden placement situations) a bit too easily. They're small, easily lost, and Rode doesn't stock it as spare part. You have to send it in and they just send you a new one. So for anyone who's purchased this mic, make sure to keep a record of your receipt/invoice and register it on their warranty sit right away. Makes the RMA process way smoother.

[@artysanmobile]

@@ahriik Lavs don’t need dynamic range like music recording mics. By definition, a lavalier mic is very close to a loud source and likely has a very high overload level. Do you hear noise with it in use?

[@patrickchase5614]

The Rode actually has slightly lower EIN than the ME2 (27 vs 30 dB) so there is definitely some room to push the highs.

[@patrickchase5614]

​@@ahriik The Rode actually has a pretty good noise floor for a lav at 27 db A-weighted. The only lavs I own that are significantly better are a pair of DPA 4060s down at 23 dB(A), but those are $500 pro lavs. Its weakness is on the high end, where it reaches 1% THD at 106 dB RMS, vs 127 for the Sanken COS-11D and 126 dB for the DPA. Even at 10% THD the Lav II only gets to 120 dB. The ME2 has a max SPL of 127 dB at unspecified THD. So I think the Rode is perfectly good for typical speaking applications where the noise floor is what matters (OSHA would like a word with you if you expose your talent to SPLs that the Lav II can't handle), but I would think twice about using it for a Broadway production or as a hidden mic for a crash sequence.

[@johngwheeler]

@@ahriikInfound exactly the same issue when I first used it as a hidden mic with some tape on the back. I almost lost the backing plate on both mics with my Wireless Go Pro kit on the very first day!

[@Cosmitzian]

The only youtuber i sub to and watch every video 3 years after i bought my last microphone just because i respect the hell out of dedication and the extreme information density and usefulness. I may not pay 10$ to wikipedia every year but at least i click and play everyone of these videos. LE: The ME2 sounded so much brighter though to be fair. For 130$ i might swing that way compared to any of the compared lavs.

[@Podcastage]

Thanks so much for watching, I really appreciate it big time.

[@patrickchase5614]

As another user said, the Rode is a decent enough starting point for EQ. Brightness is easily adjusted in post if the raw material is there. The Rode actually has slightly lower self-noise than the ME2, so there's some margin to boost the treble. Some makers like Countryman offer swappable caps to "brighten" the top end, but IMO those aren't as important even for live events in this era of digital everything. My tastes personally run to Sankens and DPAs, but I think that the Rode is perfectly cromulent and a really good deal. That Kevlar-reinforced cable is a big plus.

[@techmed-rainer]

Danke! Hi Bandrew, this was an eye-opening comparison. The Rode Lavalier is mostly well reviewed on KZbin. But it's can't keep up with something like the Sennheiser ME2.

[@DesoloZantas]

🎉

[@Podcastage]

Thank you so much Rainer. I agree I’d go Sennheiser over this for my personally taste and use case. The difference is the sound and the accessories. The sennheiser is $30 more and comes with nothing but a plastic bag. No wind protection no storage case. So for those who just want everything they need the rode would still probably be the best pick if they’re comfortable EQing or if they can get a really good placement.

[@userunnamed5204]

Wow, Rode's Lavalier Go is still insanely good! Thanks for review.

[@static-san]

I bought my Lav Go some months ago and then barely used it because a few days later I found a Wireless Go second-hand for quite a bit less than new. Used the Wireless Go a lot more but I had placement issues the other day, so I found the Lav Go for a call today, plugging it into the Wireless Go for the best of both worlds. Oh it was magnificent. What a great team! Even got a comment! Very hard to go wrong with Røde!

[@QWSfilms]

Finally, the review I was looking for.

[@HeribertMuermann]

I hate it. But mostly I love the sound of the very expensive microphones more, even in blind tests. This chanel has helped me a lot to hear details and differences I did even not know about some monthes ago. A 68 year young beginner, lucky to make new experiences and develop new skills. Thank you, love and greatings from a German living in Istanbul. Correction: I was to fast with my comment. Your conclusion in the end shows a good way to get got sound from this more affordable microfon. And of course I know - from you and now from experience - some sound treatment makes a great impact, too.

[@shingAMarie]

Is it me, or does the neuman in omni at lav position sound virtually identicle to the the rod lav 2?

[@keplers_dog]

After some consideration, I still prefer the Sennheiser ME2 for this occasion. Thanks for the review, Andrew!

[@AmerABUZAID]

As usual you are the best in this field.. take care

[@nobodyhaslogin]

Thank you for the review, Bandrew. I agree that it has less details than I am used to in the lav mic. Good thing that I'm not the only one who's crazy like that.

[@Podcastage]

No sir not crazy because of that.

[@nobodyhaslogin]

@@Podcastage please don't specify what gives me out as a crazy duck. 😆

[@artysanmobile]

@@nobodyhaslogin I can’t think of a single lav that sounds right the moment you gain it up. I’m happiest if I have 6 bands of EQ to correct a lav but can usually get by with 4 if I have to. One cutting bell around the nose freq of 800-ish; one steepest possible HP cut around 175 and a broad boost around the same frequency to warm it up; one broad presence boost. One more band would be a cut in the lower half of the presence band. It’s a ridiculous amount of work but a lav can be a miracle worker so it’s worth it.

[@steverok67]

Nice one. I believe I heard the late-great Steve Albini say that he used this type of mic, primarily due to space considerations, as a batter-side kick mic, in conjunction with something called a "ducker" to eliminate splat from the snare whenever the bass drum was hit. I can write my own algorithms for this kind of stuff, so, this may be something worth looking into on my end.

[@A-Mana]

Please review the Shure WL184m it's a supercardioied lavaliere microphone it would ba so interesting to hear the difference compared the the usual omni.

[@bobmusikk]

I got 2 of those for "free" with the Rode Wireless Pro, so I can't complain. Thanks for the test.

[@RonCoy]

This is cool. I also bought the Wireless Pro system but I lost one of my Lavs. I was considering buying something else so this review is helpful

[@g3cd]

This is awesome! Can you test some other lavs like the Sennheiser MKE 40EW or the DPA 4080, both cardioid? I'd be very curious how they behave in comparison to that omni-directional Rode ...

[@BadChizzle]

It came across very well through my iPad. Which is a pretty good way to check day to day, from my end. Thanks.

[@Kembole]

Great review! The Shure MVL and TL48 surprisingly sounded worse of all of the mics.

[@steventhebroker]

Very Very Thorough 👌. Great Vid

[@feelfreetodeviate]

Nice shirt. I bought one of these when they first came out because I needed a second lav mic while traveling and I accidentally cut the cable while removing that dumb strangulation warning tag. The tag is made out of tyvek, or something that is very difficult to tear. Out of desperation (and feeling very stupid) I requested a warranty repair AND THEY SENT ME A NEW ONE!!! I was shocked and pleased because it was totally my fault. Anyway, the mic is fine. I clipped it to my glasses once. It sounded decent, but looked a bit like a google glass prototype.

[@Matthew_Raymond]

I’d love to hear a comparison to the Rode Lavalier. (The one with the MiCon connector. I like to call it the “Rode Lavalier One” for obvious reasons.)

[@MarkFonts]

how often do you test lav mics taped to the chest under a shirt? i thought that was common for filming or am i insane?

[@Podcastage]

I have never tested that. I think that is common for film. I’m not aware of KZbinrs/podcasters who do that though. I’ve only seen the mic clipped to clothing.

[@MarkFonts]

@@Podcastage yeah, my brain went into film/tv/stage presenter mode instead of youtube/podcast when i saw you were testing this

[@MarkFonts]

Countryman makes some excellent ear-mounted mics that a lot of yoga/acrobat youtubers opt for! when they don’t have a windscreen they are very low profile

[@petercofrancesco9812]

Sounds like they've boosted the low end on the mic making it more muddy. It was much better after the high pass eq you did.

[@davidthompson3136]

No DJI Lavalier? Seen reviewed elsewhere, to partner up with the DJI Mic 2.

[@alphamarshan]

Lookin' good, man!

[@hanisa50]

Why don't you review DPA mics?

[@arhon888]

My choice would be the Sennheiser ME2, as it had good detail and good all-round sound. I agree, the Rode Lav II has noticeably lower detail on the top end. Also, the flat design was a mistake for the reasons discussed, plus, if placed the wrong way around it would result in unusable audio. Just another possibility for user error that did not exist before.

[@eddiespeakers]

Excelente review 🙌 ¿Para cuándo los DJI Mic 2? 😎

[@Richard_Broom_Photography]

PS. Loving the Cathedral audio effect. I can use that for sure!

[@sharkasaurus220]

I guess it's the reverb that changes between your shots, but sometimes it sounds fine and sometimes it's horrid. 6:00 or 8:22 - sounds like we're hearing you through a cardboard tube 4:34 or 9:02 - sounds great!

[@Podcastage]

This illustrates how incredibly important environment is when using a lav because it has a tremendous impact on the recording.

[@KarlGutowski]

Your Canon 90d has a high pass filter on mic inputs and sounds better than straitght raw input.

[@aseomg]

This lav sounds decent everywhere but your desk. Something about the way you have that area configured, which doesn't work for mics like this. Bandrew needs to redo all his mic reviews.

[@artmaltman]

Rode Lav 2 had the best sound to my ears during your tests. I preferred its level of detail, finding it the most natural, but the low end would benefit from a high pass filter. Note: I'm listening via KZbin on a MacBook Pro M3 Max, with Audioengine A5+ speakers and an old but very decent DAC. It was funny to hear how bad the in-camera microphone sounded, to the point of why does Canon even offer it? Also, I've been testing full size dynamic microphones at my desk, (settling on the Maono PD400X thank you for the reviews!!!), and so the lavalier microphones ALL took me a few minutes to adjust. Funny how quickly our ears learn to discern the quality of different microphones.

[@comment15]

In camera audio offers an easy solution and benefit when syncing audio in certain situations.

[@OlexanderZnaharenkoUA]

This mic sounds better then other. Position on shirt was better than you spoke like "tiktok" position. 😊

[@adproject8]

When that review of Warm Audio WA-CX12???? 😢😢😢 I need it to compare it with the WA-251. Please, let me know if you woould do it soon 🙏🥹🙏

[@est189]

Here for the box throw….

[@hayvanhucresi]

i like the sad w keys

[@Podcastage]

SADW is forever.

[@johngwheeler]

I got two of these with the Rode Wireless Pro kit that I recently bought, and wasn’t that impressed with them for hidden mic usage (for film drama use). The “front-address” design really isn’t great if you have to tape this to clothing or skin, because it makes it harder to clothing noise without covering the front of the mic completely. I got a massive amount of clothing rustle, although it was more of less OK when used on the back of a lapel that wasn’t in contact with other clothing. As someone else has pointed out, the rear of mic has a small square of plastic that covers the rear of the capsule and this comes off very easily if you stick tape to it - I almost lost two of these on the very first day of usage, so they do not seem to be very robust. The mics are also very large compared to smaller models like the Sanken Cos 11D / Countryman etc. which can make them obvious if fitting under tight clothing. The foam pop shield is very loose fitting and will easily fall off if not stuck down, and the dead-cat furry is quite large, although it may be quite effective (I didn’t use it for hidden mic applications, so can’t say). From these tests, I didn’t hear as much difference as I had expected from the more expensive mics, although the Sennheiser ME 2 sounded better for a little bit more money than the Rode. The Rode is quite muddy/boomy at the low end and the Sennheiser sounded more natural.

[@ea6427]

Could you please do a review of Sennheiser xs lav mobile?

[@sublimacyjny]

hey can you compare the microphone from Logitech ASTRO A50 X headset to stand alone microphones? A lot of people say that the a50x microphone is very very good

[@2121cv]

Thank you for this comparison. While I prefer the 82i20 audio interface, I find the macbook pro input and AI micro interface decent ! Otherwise, I prefer the sound of the Countryman B6, then the Shure TL48 and, for other reasons, the Sennheiser ME2 and Sanken Cos11 (something like this : a sound that can be understood in any way, even quickly and whatever the final loudspeaker).

[@redzer0440]

I only have 100 dollars, what microphone do you recommend?

[@Lyvvie]

I appreciate all the work you put into doing the reviews you make. This one, I said "I hate it," after 15 seconds. I then continued to hate it. It sounded like you were speaking in a box, or through radio. The mufflers made very little change (You did not test it outside with the mufflers to check wind rejection). But you're absolutely right that it's unfair to compare it to the usual studio mics. I will stop being a hater and concede it did well at its intended use. Did you try it from your cap? Why not thread the mic behind your neck and angle from your hat?

[@Podcastage]

Yeah. I've found every lav mic to sound bad in comparison to any SDC, LDC, or Dynamic. I'm just enjoying exploring Lavs and trying to find out the way to get the best sound out of them and see how they work out. I did try it from my cap, I just didn't route the cable because I was being a bit lazy.

[@KING_DRANZER]

@@Podcastage Please can you test Shure SM11 Next. There is hardly any proper coverage for it. Please if possible can you test it. And compare it to not only Lav mics but also other Dynamic Mics in that budget range. Because for one who plans to used it with Headphones while moving around while Gaming it be really good instead of staying in one place not moving head around as Mic is fixed to boom arm.

[@45KevinR]

Outside!? That's a very scary place. Has anyone ever seen Bandrew outside...? 🤷‍♂️🤣🧙‍♂️

Thank you for another great review - However, to include the 'tiktok-position' but not concealed (under-shirt)? But thus it probably would have sounded more like under-armpit! Weird microphones for us old-timers but probably a heaven send for the aforementioned tiktokers, where this surely will look better than hand holding and covering your face with a proper sized condenser. But then again, all the mirror selfies of people's phones, instead of their faces, maybe the next super trendy iteration will be face-covering mics!? 🤣

[@randomsphagetti3404]

When will Brandon Sanderson use the happy W keys.

[@pianofortestudios2406]

I literally only watched this in the hopes that Neumann had made a "TLM48" lavalier, but I stayed for the great review. Excellent as always, sir! And, yes, I swallowed hard at the self noise figure. I've recently integrated quite a few DPA 4488 head worn microphones. The noise rejection is stellar. The only problem I've had is all the bearded men I've put them on causing me to bend the booms extensively to avoid whiskers making small popping sounds. It's a hard trade-off compared to the omnis but the isolation is fantastic.

[@borislavatatchev]

I just got my Sennheiser ME 4 and it is Excellent for real, but needs to be used in specific way and use case. I returned my Rode Lavalier II, very poor performance and needs post production.

[@JohnSmith1314]

new camera or lense? A lot sharper.

[@Podcastage]

No sir. Still the same camera and lens I’ve been using for years. It’s the canon 90d. I just started uploading in 4k a year and a half ago.

[@JohnSmith1314]

@@Podcastage must have been the 4am magic filter, you handsome devil.

[@timrober75]

Boutside Bandrew!! Yay :)

[@Podcastage]

Catch me outside, or whatever. I guess I was caught outside.

[@TSGEnt]

Thanks for the review. Missed the music tho' (sad face)

[@Richard_Broom_Photography]

Goodness...you do have legs!!! Great video. Many thanks.

[@lpsterhero]

Hey Podcastage. Lav II without hi-pass definitely does not play nice with your voice. This has me thinking that perhaps you should introduce an additional vocal source into your testing? After all The source is an essential component in the audio chain. Every voice is different I know but by perhaps adding a contrasting vocal it might help give a broader picture of a mic's input handling capabilities. Pray this makes sense to someone...

[@jimpurcell]

Thanks!!!

[@ElectricDreams2]

Hey Podcastage. Lav II does not play nice with your voice. This has me thinking that perhaps you should introduce an additional vocal source into your testing? After all The source is an essential component in the audio chain. Every voice is different I know but by perhaps adding a contrasting vocal it might help give a broader picture of the products' input-signal handling capabilities. Pray this makes sense to someone...

[@artysanmobile]

The Tik Tok position!! 🤣😅😁 That’s a good one.

[@DapperDanLovesYou]

"This is not a proper use for a lav mic" he says, sounding clearer than everything else. Maybe... it should be? 👀 It's like a Micro Samson Go, which is already a micro Condenser!

[@TexpatOTG]

This one won't work with my Tascam DR10x. I have been using the Boya BY M1 for 5 years. Sound is ok and itworks with phone, camera and my Tascam. Only drawback is cable is too long. Price is cheap is about 15usd here in Philippines.

[@diuran1919]

center of the chest is the best position

[@jorgenudvang3507]

I've had this mic for a couple of years, and find it too bass heavy for most male speakers. I often use it with females though.

[@rafapucpr]

I found the sound of the Lavalier II to be very muffled, for me all the other mics were better than it.

[@ThatLazyyGuy]

I know it's probably better for the algorithm but I do have to say I miss your outros. Where's my boops

[@Podcastage]

I boop for the outro on the podcast if you need a boop.

[@ThatLazyyGuy]

@@Podcastage thank you for this life-changing knowledge

[@bluetech2809]

I personally liked the Sennheiser ME2 the most

[@kennethbailey7105]

Day (lost count) of asking Bandrew to review the *sE Electronics T1/T2 mic*

[@WORTHITORNOT]

At 7:42 I had to get my glasses as I thought my eyesight went wonky😂

[@germansausage499]

[@CosmoBubblegum.]

in a few years his room will basically be a cave of audio gear

[@Podcastage]

It’s already there! Haha. The gear has taken over the rest of my home too. It’s a problem.

[@kumarsajal8400]

Ok. But $1 lav mic does the job equally good. No?

[@skyglidestudios3443]

Its a joke I hope lol.

[@meistudiony]

DOOBALEEDONE - you dont HAVE to do anything you dont want to. Silly tik tokers and their hand holding lav mics... Very boxy sounding mic, but to be expected, its an omni lav mic. Definitely needs a ton of post processing. The design almost makes it seem like its meant to pickup someone sitting across from you rather than JUST you. If you had two people sitting across from each other, i think it would probably work lol.

[@jackofbl4des]

bro you went from 30 to 60 since i watch your videos 😅

[@Podcastage]

Wait…you think I look 60? Haha. Have you ever seen a 60 year old?

[@malexponce]

I don't about y'all but personally I didn't learn what I came here to learn. How does it sound 1 foot away? 2 feet away? and 4 feet away from my mouth?

[@KING_DRANZER]

Please can you test Shure SM11 Next. There is hardly any proper coverage for it. Being XLR Microphone it be be good to drive using something like Vocaster One for gaming setup. Please if possible can you test it. And compare it to not only Lav mics but also other Dynamic Mics in that budget range. Because for one who plans to used it with Headphones while moving around while Gaming it be really good instead of staying in one place not moving head around as Mic is fixed to boom arm.

[@ImNotQualifiedToSayThisBut]

The tiktok/shorts position is giving me an aneurysm. Especially when it's mounted to a wooden spoon or flip flops as a makeshift grip.

[@michaelj.4187]

small box, try not to fracture a vertebrae...

[@angelabdonnavarreteblanco]

hello Neumann! ja ja ja

[@mumflaps9133]

He sounds unwell. Voice is different

[@Podcastage]

Dang. I’m gonna have to check on that. Thanks for the feedback.

[@kellenholt6655]

Ironically to my ears the Lavalier Go sounded better than this mic...

[@Romafedorov]

This lavalier microphone has the worst build quality I've ever experienced. After only two weeks of light use, I managed to break the clip that attaches it to your shirt, and RODE wants $20 for a replacement. Additionally, it's very hard to mount the wind muff on it. All in all, it’s a good-sounding mic, but the design is really cheap in my opinion.

[@Man-of-Steel674]

I have no idea why there is an unusual amount of thirst/thot bots in Bandrew's channel.

[@artysanmobile]

The Tik Tok position!! 🤣😅😁 That’s a good one.