Shure MVL vs Rode smartLav+: The best lavalier mic?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Watch my NEW roundup ft the Sennheiser lav: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaPXnaRurKaZqqc Buy the Shure MVL from Amazon: locally.link/6K8G Review of the MG ZS EV (using the Shure MVL): kzbin.info/www/bejne/m56ahKCYfJV5j5Y Video timestamps: -Intro: 00:00 -Package contents: 01:07 -Build quality & design: 01:55 -Shure MVL recording quality (H1n): 03:19 -Rode smartLav+ recording quality (H1n): 04:13 -Shure MVL recording quality (S10+): 04:53 -Rode smartLav+ recording quality (S10+): 05:20 -Shure MVL outside recording (H1n): 05:37 -Rode smartLav+ outside recording (H1n): 05:54 -Verdict: 06:12

[@JoseSierradeLeste]

Just wanted to take a moment and thank you for making this video - I know a lot of folks never take the time and this was actually very, very useful to me both for getting an idea of the actual real-world performance and comparing the two mics against each other. Very well done. For what it's worth I agree that the Shure MVL has a better sound (based on your video, at least) but the Rode seems to get all the love on the web - a *lot* of people just really seem to like it. This comparo went a long way for me to decide between the two (I was about to just buy both lol and try to figure out which one I liked best.) Anyway, great job.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Thanks Jose, glad you liked it - these comments are always appreciated! :) Yeah I also saw a LOT of love for the Rode, till I bought it myself and was utterly disappointed; ever since getting the Shure it's been sitting in my cupboard and I'll only ever resort to it as a desperate need if I ever have the Shure stop working!

[@tortugulaproductions]

i was literally going to look up a review of the rode mic after this. thank you for doing both in one video. what a great coincidence/convenience

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Glad it helped :)

[@ikarus007]

really good comparsion, thank you! - the smartlav has more bass and little bit more detail, but to me the shure mlv is more clear and you could listen to it much longer without getting disturbed by hum over time :)

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Glad you liked it :)

[@AntonWongVideo]

The loop for the rode smartlav is actually a professional-style loop commonly called "the broadcast loop". When I was working at a TV station, at AV gigs, and at Broadcast college, they ALWAYS told us to do the loop with every lav mic so it won't pull from the inside of the clothing. anyway, thanks for the comparison!

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Thanks for sharing! Glad you liked the comparison.

[@MrDimlai]

I really appreciate this review. Till the "Verdict" section I was sure Rode is a winner with deeper and warmer sound, but your explanation sat all in place. We record voice, not environmant noise. With making voice clearer Shure is, of course, winner.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Glad you found the review useful!

[@festivitycat]

Great, thank you. I was undecided between the two but the Shure sounds a bit crisper to me.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Glad I could help :)

[@zefilus]

This helped me a lot, for Shure.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Haha! Glad it did

[@musicaljagss5569]

Not sure if you'll still check the comment. If you do can you please recommend the beat to record me singing while playing guitar. Or if there's any other option available now. TIA

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Not sure if it's best for that, but I'm not a guitarist!

[@SmarterTebya]

My man, great review. Awesome job !

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Thanks buddy, glad you liked it!

[@TotallyEV]

Review of the MG ZS EV (using the Shure MVL) can be found here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m56ahKCYfJV5j5Y And the audio system review, here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2iolGeBibJjia8 Many more to come, do subscribe to TotallyEV for more car-centric videos :)

[@Tom_Roberts]

Good review and your conclusion is correct I think - it's fairly obvious that the Shure is a better mic - a crisper more distinct clear sound . The Rode is "muddy" , muffled - doesn't have a good high frequency response.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Thanks for sharing! Glad you're in agreement :)

[@SebCiné]

Exactly Paul, its so obvious. I really dont understand all the comments about the Rode, well put some bass in it and everybody are happy... seriously ...the test its clear, like the sound of the Shure. I was already very desapointed by the tests of the Rode in other videos, and here, its even clear. I try to found another mic for the Wireless Go, so, happy to have discover it. So : Thanks TotdubHD for this review !

[@seth_andal]

Link for a shure mvl extension Cord?

Great review! Thanks from Portugal!

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Thanks, glad you liked it :)

[@EagleUpDronesLLC]

So how are you remotely getting the audio to the video camera when you're walking? This is confusing. Trying figure how you got the audio and video to lock in so well.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

I manually sync the audio in my video editor (clapping before speaking).

[@EagleUpDronesLLC]

@@TotallydubbedHD 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 Thank you! I asked chat GPT and that’s exactly what it said. So for an audio recorder that’s being kept in your pocket, what are you using? Because using garage band with an iphone would require locking the screen before putting in your pocket to keep the buttons from moving in the app, but it also stops recording when you lock it. What do you recommend?

[@Carl-Camera]

The Rode SmartLav+ sounded fuller and more pleasant to me. I also tried the new DJI Lavalier Mic in 2024 which has a TRS connector - it has a more bassy sound, some might say muddy, but it's still good IMO and reduces listening fatigue and sibilance. Overall my favourite is the Rode SmartLav+

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@Carl-Camera thanks for sharing!

[@MichaelReyk]

I have a problem, when using the shure lav with my phone , the sound is very soft and I can hardly hear anything, I have problems with the gain. I imagine I could increase the gain from a zoom recorder but right now I don't have the money and the only device I have to record the sound is my smartphone, I also have the PC but it doesn't pick up any sound. I was thinking of vedner this microphone if I don't find a solution soon. I need to record voice to speak and also guitar. What app can I use?? the default again show problems with gain... I have a Redmi note 5 Xiaomi

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Maybe it's the app - not sure there; but the gain levels should be fine - indeed a physical recorder has a gain switch, but as you heard from my Samsung recorder app there wasn't any problems there either

[@LebenUSA]

Awesome review. Was looking at Shure and Rode Lav Mic on Amazon for my H2N and wondering, which one. And found this video -- sweet.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Glad you found the video useful!

[@BlenderRookie]

QUESTION: Will I need an adapter to plug this into my desktop's 3.5mm mic jack.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Really depends on your desktop's mic input - my guess is: probably, yes

[@BlenderRookie]

@@TotallydubbedHD I guess the question is whether or not it's 3 or 4 conductor?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Yup

[@BlenderRookie]

@@TotallydubbedHD Thanks for the info.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@BlenderRookie np, don't forget to drop a like or sub :)

[@strudelkopf]

Thank you! This is a very good example of how a video review should be done! :D I also liked the sound of the Shure more but yeah, but the Rode bag seams nicer :D but that's okay

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Glad you liked it :)

[@ericjaybegay]

Nice review! I recently bought the Shure MVL because the Rode SmartLav was on backorder on Amazon, Sweetwater, BH photo. What is going on? But, I am glad I did! I like the crisp highs and mids which gives a lot of clarity. The bag, clip and windscreen seem to be all of great quality to me. On the other hand, I do like the warm, rounded, lows in the Rode, which EQ can probably help. Also, I did notice on the Shure MVL manual, it did have the Freq. response graph, and it looks like there is a High Pass filter or curve on the mic's natural response. Which is no surprise the Rode sounds like it has more mid-lows. But, the Shure does help with filtering out the low rumble that could occur in all kinds of situations. But this was a great review! Thanks!

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Glad it could help! Yeah not looked back after the Shure. The Rode, as mentioned, is now my backup.

[@hisroyalsucculence]

Shure was more sibilant and less balanced/neutral. Personally I'd prefer to EQ the Rode (e.g., low cut, few db of highs) since it sounded smoother overall. Thanks for the comparison!

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Thanks for sharing and glad you liked the video! :)

[@JohnMFlores]

You've posted the perfect video at just the right time! I'm looking to vlog while riding a motorcycle so this is the perfect comparison. Your video is very thorough and you've done a great job segmenting it to make it easy to do an A/B compare. So thanks! I'll be buying the Shure via your link! One question - did you find an appreciable difference between recording to the H1n or to your Samsung? I did not hear much of a difference.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Glad I could help and that the video was helpful - that's the main thing for me, to help people out make the right decision. The Samsung actually did record very well, but the issue was that it recorded almost in a mono sound; as such when it came to adding it to my video editor, the audio didn't look as clean as it did on the H1n; now would most people care, probably not; but if it's something you're going to use more professionally, I think the H1n would give you better jitter free audio and furthermore, will last forever on a single record vs the S10+. Good question though, as it did cross my mind after I did the tests - let's just say I was pleasantly surprised by the results of the in-built recorder app of the S10+ :)

[@JohnMFlores]

Just ordered the Shure with your link@@TotallydubbedHD ! It's a mono mic, right? I'm going to buy a mic/headphone splitter to connect to my old S7 Active to record on. Will also use my Etymotic headphones to hopefully monitor or at least be able to review the recording afterwards.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@JohnMFlores as far as I'm aware it's an omnidirectional mic. And fair enough, hopefully the splitter should work with the phone - not sure it will?

[@thomasobrienphotography]

Just a quick info for DJI users : Shure MVL will NOT work with DJI Mic 2 (you need a TRS adapter as Rode SC3) / But great with the mic 1.

[@ikarus007]

hey i have one stupid question - my desktop pc has TRS right ? so when i buy a TRRS lavalier mic, will i have any problems ? should i buy TRS lavalier mic ?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Not a stupid question; I had to use the adapter with my PC, but with my mobile, didn't have to use it - guess it depends on the jack that you've got on your PC! :)

[@ikarus007]

@@TotallydubbedHD thank you! so maybe i will go with the adapter - so i can sill use the lavalier mic on any phone/other TRRS device - thank you

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@ikarus007 indeed, that's a good shout

[@aditya50499]

Which one would you recommend for recording lectures on ipad where noise cancellation is the the most important factor (as the room I would be recording in isn't acoustically treated) and I would want to avoid undergoing the hassle of using a powered usb hub and a lightning to OTG adapter for a USB microphone. Thanks in advance.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

For you to decide between the two mics, you might want to look into the Sennheiser (see my updated roundup in the description).

[@aditya50499]

@@TotallydubbedHD thanks for the reply. The sennheiser one isn't available here, I would have to choose from the other two or any other lav mic that you might want to suggest.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@aditya50499 guess I'd go for the Rode then!

[@aditya50499]

@@TotallydubbedHD thank you.... I can easily get that here.... Was sitting on the fence between the two.... 🙂

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@aditya50499 pleasure! Do drop a like or sub :)

[@manhthomromvlog7747]

Is the smartlav plus mic rode suitable for the s10 Android?. Thanks

[@TotallydubbedHD]

It is, yes

[@manhthomromvlog7747]

Do you need to install any software or plug into the s10 to get it. Thanks. I came from VietNam

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@manhthomromvlog7747 no app is needed, although, you will need an app if you want to record your voice, like the stock recorder app that comes installed with the s10

[@giftbox-e]

Does the recording have no post-processing and no pre-amp?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Correct

[@giftbox-e]

@@TotallydubbedHD Sounds pretty great for no pre-am! thank you !

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@giftbox-e indeed

[@pw6954]

Thank you very much for your comparison. i just bought Rode Lav+ four days ago, and I do find it is more bass-heavy sound. I can't adjust gain control in Rode Rec, Rode Reporter App, Voice Record Pro nor Shure Motiv Audio Apps since 0% to 100% gain slider makes no difference with Rode Smartlav+ plugged in. Can you kindly test if you can record Shure MVL with Shure Motiv to adjust volume/gain control please? I am thinking to swap for Shure MVL lapel mic with the already purchased Rode Smartlav+.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Glad you liked the video. Can't add anything more to the test, however!

[@michelepolo]

well done, and a plus taking a walk in a sunny day in uk :-)

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Cheers!

[@singingpianolondon3189]

This was really helpful! Thank you!

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Pleasure! Glad it helped :)

[@FreeFloFloss]

Thank you! just what I needed to decide for my channel.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Glad it could help!

[@FreeFloFloss]

@@TotallydubbedHD As I live in France luckily I found one for €49. Enjoy the re opening of the UK 😁

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@FreeFloFloss haha thanks

[@Kazeant]

Which one you think can record better a live gig?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Really depends on you, I prefer the Shure

[@Kazeant]

@@TotallydubbedHD i trust your opinion!

[@RemyLuciani]

Thank you it helped a lot!

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Pleasure!

[@wannabecrooner8024]

Hi- How do I use these with a standard windows laptop? Will it plud into the headphones/speaker socket? Is there an adaptor for USB?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Depends on how your laptop's jack is configured!

[@wannabecrooner8024]

@@TotallydubbedHD Oh - thanks for your quick reply. Well as you can probably tell I haven't got much of a clue..... I've got an Aspire 5 - any guidance you can give woulld be more than welcome. How about USB Lavaliers? I've seen a review on the Fifine KO53 - but looks a bit cheap?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@wannabecrooner8024 not tried any USB ones, so can't comment there; nor how it would work. As for the jack - well have you got a combi jack or a separate mic + headphone jack?

[@wannabecrooner8024]

@@TotallydubbedHD It's a combi

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@wannabecrooner8024 ah, then it should work without the adapter, however, when you do plug it in, I'm not sure about the headphones - ie. the mic into that jack might work for recording, but then you'll have to set the audio output to your speakers, via your audio control panel. If that makes sense?

[@GavinskisTutorials]

Rode Smartlav+ kicks the ass out of the Shure in this video in terms of sound quality here, thanks a lot!

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Can't agree with that, but glad you enjoyed the comparison!

[@al3xus03]

Hello, can the shure be used to record sound with the s10 while filming with it?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

As far as I'm aware, yes

[@Iam.com.c]

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU DEFINTELY SHURE IS THE WINNER SOUNDS CLEAR, MORE LODER AND CRISP TY FOR SHARING ITS EASIER TO DECIDE BEC OF YOUR GREAT REVIEW

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Thanks buddy, but maybe next time don't use CAPS haha - makes it hard to read :)

[@Chizzle69420]

Good review. I personally think the RODE was better and will be getting that, thank you!

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Glad you liked it!

[@piyushmalik7806]

Really loved the comparison between the two microphones! Two questions: 1. Have you done any post processing for the two audios? 2. Does the Shure application offer options for reducing background noise/echo?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Thanks! 1. Nope 2. Don't know, don't use it

[@piyushmalik7806]

@@TotallydubbedHD Thanks!

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@piyushmalik7806 np"

[@Noobsd]

Does it work on S20 Ultra

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Don't know how any mic will work with a USB-C input, so can't comment

[@Angeloflight444]

It's weird.. On the Zoom H1n I prefer the Shure but on the Samsung I prefer the Rode... On the Samsung I kinda like that warmer and sexier sound that the Rode has.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Haha! Well glad the video helped

[@golucool1]

Used 3d audio for rode mic

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Eh?

[@Ben-mb4ft]

great comparison, thanks :)

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Pleasure!

[@Homeofbeauty1]

Great review, does it work on Dslr camera?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Would depend on the camera really - there';s nor reason why it shouldn't if your camera accepts the input :)

[@SocietateaAscendenta]

Is it just me or the sound-quality dropped A LOT, when recording over the smartphone. Of course, smartphones do not have the best "pre-amps" on board.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

I didn't find it dropped a lot, but yes, it wasn't as 'clean'

[@SocietateaAscendenta]

@@TotallydubbedHD Thanks for the video and help!

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@SocietateaAscendenta no worries; do drop a like or sub if you haven't already :)

[@salmasaad198]

Thank you so much for this video, out of all the reviews I watched this one helped me the most cause you show the background sounds too. I wanna order Shure MVL, I have iPhone 11. Is it good for videos with piano playing? (like me recording myself playing piano) also do I need the TRRS to TRS adapter or can I just use the mic directly?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Glad it helped :) No you won't need the adapter if it's plugged into your iPhone; just plug it into your Lightning to 3.5mm jack adapter and it should work! And by your piano question - do you mean with piano playing in the background while you're speaking?

[@serendra90210]

Chris is quite dashing. 😁

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Haha, thank you!

[@faisalmajid2746]

I have an interesting question. I have an aftermarket radio with a crappy mic. Could I replace crappy mic with one of these? I would love to be able to have Crystal clear conversation over my car’s blue tooth system.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Really not sure how you'd do that, presume you'd need to do some wire work to get that to even work in the first place?

[@truthseeker6804]

Couldn't tell much difference, unless we're really nitpicking. Would've been great to also have a wired earpiece to see what's the difference. Good video anyway. I'm not really blown so far. I expected more noise reduction.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Surprised you couldn't hear a difference - think many (including myself) can clearly hear the difference between the two mics!

[@truthseeker6804]

@@TotallydubbedHD there's a little difference if we're trying to nitpick. Basically I expected them to do great with outdoor noise. Bright or warm sound styles can easily be adjusted in post. Actually after watching your video I saw another video that compared the rode with an ebay mic $1 and the ebay mic did better even alot of people In the comment section agreed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKekppmZiNCtl9E

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@truthseeker6804 not trying to nitpick, there's quite a bit of difference if you're going to use this for presenting (like I do) - the mid-range hump of the Rode can definitely be heard. But equally, some people prefer that sound signature.

[@truthseeker6804]

@@TotallydubbedHD did you checkout the video link i shared above?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@truthseeker6804 indeed, but again, I have the mics myself, and the video lol.

[@MovieDrama123]

Conclusion: Rode wins in a quiet space. And Shure wins in noisy environments. Rode is rich in low-pitched areas and shure is rich in high-pitched areas. I like the sound of rode better, but I think I will buy shure.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Not really in terms of the win/no wind scenario, but yes in terms of the frequency.

[@morecroutonsplease4582]

I think when the letter S sounds it is also clear that the rode sounds better

[@weimartoolhaus5828]

Thank you! I Agree 100% with this comment "This is a very good example of how a video review should be done!" I have a question, Would it work if i connect any of those mics, with the SC3 Adapter, directly into a Audio Interface, more specifcaly the Motu UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid. Should i use phantom power to make it work? Thanks a lot.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Thank you, glad you liked the video! As for your question, don't think you'll need anything other than the SC3, but I could be wrong.

[@weimartoolhaus5828]

@@TotallydubbedHD Thanks a lot!!

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@weimartoolhaus5828 pleasure!

[@alidasougi5256]

Thank u bro

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Pleasure!

[@ikbendusan]

the rode sounds less harsh

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Interesting, it's far more subdued in the mids and highs that's for sure

[@mailbox2507]

great video. What is your recommendation for the best lavalier microphone for ASMR ? thanks

[@TotallydubbedHD]

I'd definitely opt for the Shure mic

[@mailbox2507]

@@TotallydubbedHD thanks

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@mailbox2507 np. If you're buying it from Amazon, the link in the description will give me commission (on any product!)

[@quantum_leap]

Shure sounds better, for sure!

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts ^^ Got a detailed comparison going live today with the two vs the new Sennheiser lav

[@DavidCrenshaw-q2d]

Shure sounds a lot better!

[@lonewalker9632]

I loved the Rode better

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Fair enough!

[@gagah8689]

Sure mic sounds better

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Thanks for your input!