Rode VXLR+ XLR to 3.5mm Power Converter - Review with Audio Tests

The Rode VXLR+ is an XLR to 3.5mm converter that can help you provide 3 to 5 volts of plugin power to your 3.5mm microphones.
In this video I explain exactly what this adapter is for and do a series of audio tests to demonstrate how useful it is.
In the audio tests the audio levels between the four microphones I tested were a little different so I applied Adobe's multiband compressor to bring the levels up. This in no way changes what I was trying to illustrate and means you don't have top keep adjusting your volume :)
Be sure to check out my portable KZbin recording setup video at • My Portable KZbin Re... if you want to learn more about recording on the move.
Rode VXLR+
Specs - www.rode.com/ac...
Amazon USA: amzn.to/2P6x5s2
Amazon UK: amzn.to/2wn2iiZ
Rode VXLR (Non Powered)
Specs - www.rode.com/ac...
Amazon USA: amzn.to/2NkjJI3
Amazon UK: amzn.to/2wqBX3l
ModMic Antlion Audio XLR Power Converter (An alternative to the Rode VXLR+)
Specs - antlionaudio.c...
Amazon USA: amzn.to/2Ng5owk
I used the Zoom U-24 Audio Interface to perform all the audio tests.
Unboxing - • Zoom U-24 Audio Interf...
Audio Tests - • Zoom U-24 Audio Tests
Amazon USA: amzn.to/2AUZLlG
Amazon UK: amzn.to/2MelREa
Microphones Used in Audio Tests:
Rode Video Micro
Review - • The Rode VideoMicro Sh...
Amazon USA: amzn.to/2hZI6jF
Amazon UK: amzn.to/2i1P1ZJ
Shure VP83
Unboxing - • Shure VP83 LensHopper ...
Audio Tests - • Shure VP83 LensHopper ...
Amazon USA: amzn.to/2yWvqgH
Amazon UK: amzn.to/2wMJ31m
BluSmart Lavalier Microphone
Review 1 - • The Blusmart Lavalier ...
Review 2 - • Video
Amazon UK: www.amazon.co....
Sennheiser ME2
Review - • Sennheiser ME 2 Lavali...
Amazon USA: amzn.to/2vO3ts7
Amazon UK: amzn.to/2OGtRLB
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this so please leave a comment below. As always, if you enjoyed the video, please click like, share, and subscribe :)
Thanks guys.
Kevin
-- Connect With Me --
Website: www.kevinmuldo...
Twitter: / kevinmuldoon
Facebook: / kevinmuldoondotcom
Google+: plus.google.co...

[@MikkoRantalainen]

*TL;DR:* there are actually *three types of microphones:* true dynamic microphone, true condencer microphone and electret microphone. The true dynamic needs 0 V bias voltage, true condencer microphone requires 48 V "phantom power" and electret microphone requires 5 V "Plug-in power". Pretty much all high quality interfaces only support 0 V and 48 V modes and this adapter converts your 48 V mode to 5 V mode. The keyword for when you *need* this adapter is *electret microphone* - if you have such a mic and want to use *any high quality interface* you need this adapter. And the reason you want *this adapter* is that all the other manufacturers have much worse noise floor with their adapters. Note that the plus in Rode VXLR+ is important: if you get the model without the plus at the end, it will not support 5 V mode. If you have to use long XLR cable between the adapter and the interface, you probably want Rode VXLR Pro which does the same thing as the plus model except it outputs balanced signal instead of unbalanced signal to the interface. If the adapter is close to interface, this makes zero difference. If there's 10 meter cable in between, the Pro model will have less interference from noise sources nearby. (Nitpick: power is measured in watts so 48 V "phantom power" should be technically called phantom voltage or balanced bias voltage but it has incorrect name due historical reasons. The same applies for "plug-in power" where the correct technical name would be 5 V bias voltage. The 3-5 V range for the bias voltage is for historical reasons and all electret microphones should work with 5 V bias voltage and some models have lower noise floor with 5 V, so there's absolutely no reason to use 3 V bias voltage.)

[@KevinMuldoon]

Great comment Mikko. I was not aware of all of this so I've pinned your comment so others can reference it easily 👍

[@neilmcdonough4898]

The only video I could find with actual tests of multiple microphones and the ME2. Thanks!

[@KevinMuldoon]

Glad you found it useful Neil.

[@markpbowen]

Kevin. Great video, really enjoyed it and I have been watching some of your older ones too. You have a new subscriber. Thanks for the info on the adapters, I learned a lot from it. Keep the videos coming. I too love my shure vp83, currently I use it with a zoom h1 or direct to my camera. Still learning so never tried any other audio device apart from the H1. Will check out your other audio adapter vids. Do you use the audio adapters so you do less in post production or so you get any live audio correct? Cheers

[@KevinMuldoon]

Great to have you as a subscriber Mark. For me it's just about having more options. I use the Audient id22 upstairs. It's a great audio interface, but isn't portable. The Zoom U-24 gives me more options as I can use it with my laptop, mobile phone, and tablet. It's the same with the Rode adapter. I'll now be able to use my shotgun mics and lavalier mics via my audio interface. There's a variety of recording situations where that will be useful. For example, I'll now be able to use the Sennheiser mic whist recording videos with my phone. I'm looking at buying a compressor for my desktop setup in order to improve the audio and remove hiding and background noise.

[@hansangb]

Thank you. I was trying to figure out which one I needed, the VLXR or the VLXR+. Since VideoMic NTG has a built in battery, I'll give the VLXR a try.

[@KevinMuldoon]

You're welcome 👍

[@Matthew_Raymond]

@Hansang Bae, the VXLR and the VXLR+ are very different with regard to quality and capability. You can probably find a generic adapter very easily that does what the VXLR does, and they probably work just as well. I don’t think the VXLR works for mono TS plugs, whereas they work fine on the VXLR+. The VXLR has no threading to lock the plug, whereas the VXLR+ has rather good threading. Even the branding is better on the Plus. The VXLR+ is probably the best power-converting adapter you can buy. The VXLR is a paper weight in all but a limited set of use cases (of which, yours is admittedly one of them), and alternatives are just as good.

[@hansangb]

@@Matthew_Raymond thanks for that additional bit of information. I did find some old ones I had lying around and gave it a shot. I'm still trying to decide if I should just forgo mic-to-pre and send it to the camera directly. I'll see which sounds better. Thanks again.

[@ivanpua]

Excelent video!!!!!!!!!!! So... the 5v provided by the adapter is enough to the sennheiser me2? the idea is not to buy the very expensive MZA900P. THANK YOU!

[@KevinMuldoon]

Yeah it was sufficient for the mic.

[@ivanpua]

@@KevinMuldoon Thanks again!!!!

[@KevinMuldoon]

You're welcome. Anytime.

[@TheNorliss]

Looks a really useful little piece of kit, Kev. On a similar note (and same manufacturer) are you still happy with the PSA1 Mount?

[@KevinMuldoon]

Yeah the PSA1 is awesome. I've been using it every day for years and it still works like it did the first day.

[@alexissongsforyou]

Great vid, thank you Kevin! I bought two of the VLXR Pro this AM (described as balanced version of the VXLR+ you reviewed). BTW - Only downside to your vid is that I have to wait for two spammy type vids to play before I can see yours :( .

[@KevinMuldoon]

You're welcome Alex. Glad you found it useful. It's not an accessory I'm using every day right now, though if never sell it as they're so useful to have around. With regards to ads. I do feel your pain as I'm not a big fan of ads either. Unfortunately, it's s necessary evil. My channel doesn't make much money and runs at a loss (and has done for many years). The ads bring in a tiny amount to help support purchases, but it isn't much. My channel makes like 20% of what it did pre- pandemic too. Despite that, I disabled mid-roll video ads as I find them intrusive. KZbin are aware of viewers being ad-blind, so no longer display ads on every single video. 👍👍👍

[@alexissongsforyou]

I understand totally, Kevin. You have such awesome vids, I've passed the VXLR+ one along in a couple of forums, I hope you get lots more hits! Thanks again!!

[@KevinMuldoon]

@@alexissongsforyou Thanks Alex. That's very kind of you. Much appreciated👍🤗

[@sujitojha4860]

Good to have it for using 48V phantom power type lav mic to connect with....👍

[@KevinMuldoon]

Yes, true. It's a fantastic little device.

[@michaelbellis2279]

Thank you for the review, I am buying 2 of these !

[@KevinMuldoon]

You're welcome.

[@lillimen]

This video was beyond helpful for me thank you!

[@KevinMuldoon]

You're welcome.

[@bacayne7039]

Great video Kevin, thanks a lot. Very insightful! I have a question though.. I'm gonna purchase 3 vxlr plus to connect 3 lav mics into a Zoom R16 Multitrack Recorder... so my question is, the R16 only has 2 phantom power channels, the other ones are normal... do you think the third lav mic can be fed plugin power by a channel that doesn't have phantom power? Thanks in advance!

[@KevinMuldoon]

You'd probably have to add an adapter in between to provide power. It's not something I've tried myself though.

[@ive595]

Spot on Kevin thank you, can I ask what software you had running on your laptop to check levels. Thank John

[@KevinMuldoon]

If I recall I use Adobe Audition. 😎

[@TIERRABRAWL]

Good video, thank you!

[@KevinMuldoon]

You're welcome.

[@CALICRYPTO]

exactly the information I needed thank you!

[@KevinMuldoon]

Glad you found it useful.

[@Motorman2112]

Hi Kevin, do you know if this will work with a PC headset-type microphone, or if those mics are similar to the ones you tested? I'm trying to tie a PC headset into a professional audio system.

[@KevinMuldoon]

I'm not sure. Some of the 3.5mm mics I have tried didn't work, others did.

[@Motorman2112]

@@KevinMuldoon Thanks, I'll need to experiment.

[@usernamenotvisibIe]

Thank you for the great video! Question...considering that the VXLR+ transfers phantom power and I own the Rode Videomic, would it damage my Rode Videomic if a accidentally left phantom power on?

[@KevinMuldoon]

No it will be fine. All it does is sent too much gain so it would be clipping etc.

[@Bumblecito]

Excellent vid! So, if i accidentally connect an audio technica atr3350is which is self battery powered on to my u-phoria umc202hd interface with phantom power on through this vxlr+ adapter it won't toast the audio technica mic? Thanks for reading !

[@KevinMuldoon]

I'm not 100% sure as I haven't tested it myself, but I wouldn't have thought so as it didn't have any problems with my Shure VP83 (which is better powered).

[@ivodelev9794]

Hi, great video. is there going to be any sound quality difference if one uses pre amp with them microphones compare to the just plug it in to the pc?

[@KevinMuldoon]

It's not as black and white as that as there are quality usb microphones thus are better than ones that connect with XLR. However, generally speaking, higher quality mics that use XLR and run through an audio interface are better.

[@abdullahn9827]

Useful video thank you. I'm wondering can we plug the rode vxlr+ to (xlr to 1/4 balanced) cable and connect that to the audio interface?

[@KevinMuldoon]

I have tried that yet so can't confirm.

[@the_ricaard]

Hi Kevin, great video. I am looking for exactly this adapter to adapt my gaming headset via DAC usb converter. So my question is, is it possible to use this reduction with gaming headset which has two 3,5 jacks, one for headset and second for mic? Does it work with headset? Thanks a lot :)

[@KevinMuldoon]

The short answer is "It depends". It seems to work with some of my mics, but not others. It did work with one headset, but not the other one.

[@LanceRazon]

What if I want to record audio, and my only choice is xlr output from the speakers? Will this adapter work using a Zoom H1? Speaker XLR OUT to Adapter to Zoom H1.

[@KevinMuldoon]

You would need to convert the signal from XLR.

[@Christopher-iq1fm]

is it safe to activate phantom power with a vxlr plus connection? in the description it says it is unbalance

[@KevinMuldoon]

I've used phantom power with it with some lav mics and not had any issues.

[@MDC885]

seems to be outta stock everywhere, can you recommend a substitute?

[@KevinMuldoon]

There's a lot of alternatives from other audio companies which I suspect will do just as well. For example, Movo and Antlion both sell similar adapters.

[@johnnykudahl]

Thank you for the great video. When using the Røde VXLR with my Focusrite 2i2 and if I turn the gain to 80-90% (what is the level I normally use for my SmartLav+, but this is without connection the SmartLav+) I have a notice floor around -50dB Without the VXLR the Focusrite 2i2 I swell below -90dB Do you see the same high noise floor?

[@KevinMuldoon]

I didn't see that myself, though I've only tested it with my shotgun mics and lav mics.

[@jat5am]

really helped me. was in doubt if it will work fine with me2, because it draws 7.5 according to its specs. however, could you make a comparison between the original power of 7.5v and 3-5v through this adapter? I've found a lot of this requests while was searching the answer. Some say the lack of power would result in less gain + worse signal/noise ratio.

[@KevinMuldoon]

Glad you found it useful. How would I do a test like that? I have no other adapters to compare it too. This is the only XLR to 3.5mm adapter I have.

[@jat5am]

@@KevinMuldoon from what I know, the original sennheiser devices (like transmitters) deliver 7.5, so these mics were designed to work with them. may be if you can have some of them to test, it would be really nice. thanks for the fast reply btw.

[@jat5am]

If you find it interesting too, I got an «official» answer from sennheiser representative by mail. here's what he says: «If we dive into details it matters not only the voltage but the current of the phantom power as well. The current sets by the resistor as part of the device. The cascade on the field effect transistor is a current generator on average hundreds (200-400) microamps. Avoiding the optimum value reduces the linearity of the circuit and leads to a smaller dynamic range if the limit values ​​are exceeded it may cause inoperability of the microphone. If the supply voltage is exceeded the transistor will be broken and the microphone will be irreversibly damaged. Originally the power supply of SK transmitter is 10.6 volt in series with a resistor 20 kΩ.»

[@KevinMuldoon]

That's actually made me more confused haha. A little too technical for me.

[@doktorravnos]

Atr3350is Audio Technica, does it need the VXLR+? It has a battery, can i use a regular converter 3,5 to XLR?

[@KevinMuldoon]

My guess is that if it has a battery, it won't need it, but there's no guarantee.

[@pazillaz387]

hi excellent work! i have a one videomicro rode and one tascam dr40 im buyed the adapter rode VXLR + and NOT WORK :( HELP PLEASE

[@KevinMuldoon]

I've not got a Tascam, but I'm surprised that doesn't work. Have you tried the adapter with any other 3.5mm TRS mics?

[@alakazazz]

Does it work with TS/TRS mics, or does the mic need to be TRRS?

[@KevinMuldoon]

As per www.rode.com/accessories/vxlrplus, it is a 3.5mm female TRS socket to male XLR adaptor. You would need to use an adapter to use TRRS.

[@sqeegie]

Would the VXLR+ work with a lapel that is TRRS 3.5?

[@KevinMuldoon]

Both the VXLR+ and VXLR were designed for TRS. The VXLR doesn't provide phantom power so is a lot cheaper. I've read comments from other people who said they both work with a TRRS to TRS converter For example, at www.amazon.com/ask/questions/Tx1GTADQQ1R4YH1/?source=allQuestionsPage Of course, phantom power wouldn't be transfer from the VXLR+ through the adapter.

[@sqeegie]

@@KevinMuldoon awesome! I bought some Of these SoLID (TM) Lavalier Lapel Microphone 2 Pack Complete Set Omnidirectional Mic for Desktop PC Computer, Mac, Smartphone, iPhone, GoPro, DSLR, Camcorder for Podcast, KZbin, Vlogging, and DJs www.amazon.com/dp/B07G7HTY83/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_vlm.FbT1SEJVA The VXLR+ might be something I would need to get it to work with my usb audiobox

[@tobywebb9609]

Subscribed!

[@KevinMuldoon]

Great to have you on board.

[@gopaaaryaa7217]

Can you please tel me how can I use this on Tascam DR 60 d mk ii, I m not able to find a solution for this. I am trying on saramonic Lav mic battery powered mic, can any Lav mic work on this or any particular mic works on this.

[@KevinMuldoon]

It should work with any audio interface that uses XLR.

[@gopaaaryaa7217]

Kevin Muldoon I tried it but it isn’t working anyways thanks

[@KevinMuldoon]

If you're using a battery powered mic, be sure you aren't providing phantom power to it.

[@gopaaaryaa7217]

Kevin Muldoon Thanks Kevin, i tried it without phantom power. It did not work. Mic comes with a TRRS connector I tried it with vxlr+ , sc3 and battery powered mic in the Xlr input. I am thinking is there any additional setting I; Tascam dr60d mkii which I am not aware of..hopefully I will find the solution....thanks for your help Bro

[@KevinMuldoon]

No worries. Hope you get it sorted. This kind of thing is trial and error.

[@gopaaaryaa7217]

Can you do this on Tascam DR 60 D Mk ii

[@knightmaheruf]

Yes you can. I use it in tascam