Rode Smartlav Unboxing and review - some test results with the ZOOM h1

Rode Smartlav Unboxing and review - some test results with the ZOOM h1



I do a lot of interview for my job and I record with my camcorders but I was unpleased with the Sound Quality of a DSLR camera, especially that I have it on a tripod and I place it far away from my object. a Wireless microphone system is out of the equation hence they are very expensive if you want a decent Sound Quality, that's when I decided to look at the Smartlav from Rode microphones.

it's a Microphone that is designed and built for smart phones such as iPhones and Android devices, but the reason I say iPhone is not because I own some but because there is a dedicated app for iOS that works on iPads too and since I have a 3GS that is laying in my closet I decided to get his lazy ass to work, I bought a Smartlav from Rode and I was pleased with the Results.

I don't use Raw Videos, I always edit them so it's not a problem syncing the audio in post, keep that in mind because the audio is recorded on the smart phone and not on your Video camera / DSLR.

in the box comes the mic with a pouch and a windscreen which is awesome, everything is included, go ahead and download Rode Rec LE for iOS or SoundForge for android (because you get Gain control) I prefer SoundForge but it's not available for iOS.

you could however connect your smartlav to your DSLR directly with a cable if you wish to, but you have to use an adapter that converts TRRS to TRS otherwise it won't work.

in the Video you can find some test results of the smartlav Raw recording and synced in post with the video.
you could find ZOOM H1 recording and synced in post as well.
and there is a Smartlav to ZOOM H1 recording.

I personally prefer the ZOOM H1 anyday, but after all it's not a lav mic, the Sound Quality of the Rode Smartlav is awesome for the Price though (only 60 USD)

get it on eBay or amazon