Just days ago, at VidCon, RØDE Microphones, announced the release of the new VideoMic Me-L microphone designed for iOS mobile devices, iPhone, iPad, etc.
The VideoMic Me-L is a Lightning connector equipped high-quality directional microphone with a compact and lightweight body designed for Apple iOS devices. The built-in Lightning connector on the VideoMic Me-L plugs directly into your iPhone, utilising the device’s internal power for instant plug-and-play and requires no batteries. A standard 3.5mm headphone jack on the rear allows audio play-through in real-time for monitoring while recording as well as audio playback.
According to Rode, their new VideoMic Me-L is made from durable aluminium and coated in a military-grade ceramic finish, providing a hardwearing chassis that’s resistant to scratching. It’s a build quality far and away from the competition, reflected in superior sound. The microphone also comes packaged with a deluxe furry windshield for shooting outdoors and in adverse weather.
The VideoMic Me-L is suitable for vloggers, musicians and any iPhone users seeking to drastically improve their iOS device’s quality of sound. If you remember, the company previous had the VideoMic Me, which is still available for those rocking a 3.5mm connector on their older mobile phones.
The move towards the “apple-ization” of consumer and prosumer accessories (not just from Rode, but other manufacturers as well) is evident with tons of people creating content on iOS devices, the iPhone being the most popular out of all smart devices. It makes sense, many and many more people will be using Apple products to create content so creating a dedicated connector device can be understood.
However it would be interesting and nice if Rode releases a similar version in the future, but with the more universal USB-C connector instead of the proprietary Apple Lightning port, this way opening up their product to the Android user-base, which ain’t small at all.
I am sure this is something they’ve already considered, but just saying it would be nice for us Android users to see that companies care.
Rode VideoMic Me-L Specs:
| Acoustic Principle | Pressure Gradient Electret Condenser |
| Active Electronics | n/a |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Range | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Signal to noise Ratio | 74.5 dB |
| Equivalent Noise | 19.5 dBA SPL (as per IEC651) |
| Maximum SPL | 115 dB SPL (1kHz @ 1m) |
| Power Requirements | Powered by iOS device |
| Output Connection | Lightning, 3.5mm TRS |
| Analog Outputs | 3.5mm TRS Headphone Jack |
| Computer Connectivity | Lightning Connector |
| Simultaneous I/O | 1 in, 2 out |
| Bit Depth | 24-bit |
| Sample Rates | 44.1 and 48 kHz |
| Direct Monitor | Yes |
| Bus Powered | Yes |
| OS Requirements | iOS 11 |
| Material | Aluminium |
| Colour | Black |
| Weight (g) | 28 |
| Packed Weight (g) | 143 |
| Dimensions (L x W x H, mm) | 73.5 x 20.2 x 25.7 |
| Package Dimensions
(L x W x H, mm) |
126 x 65 x 177 |
| Compatible RØDE Accessories | New WS-9
(not compatible with prev. gen WS-9) |
“The original VideoMic Me is one of our most accessible mics and the world’s most popular microphone for mobile audio,” says Damien Wilson, RØDE CEO. “The new VideoMic Me-L’s Lightning connector and plug-and-play functionality is a great addition to the VideoMic family, introducing the latest iOS devices to RODE’s made-for-purpose mic.”
“Vidcon is the perfect venue for launching the VideoMic Me-L as 50,000 emerging online creators converge at Anaheim over the weekend and all are looking to create the best content they can. George Lucas once said, ‘the sound and music are 50% of the entertainment in a movie’. With sound quality 50% of any decent video experience, the VideoMic Me-L is the perfect choice for today’s creative generation.”
Learn more at www.rode.com/vmml. The VideoMic ME-L is set to ship next month for $79 or around £75.
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