If you’re shooting mobile iOS video and want better audio than what your phone provides—or if you need to record VO or ADR on the go—the Rode VideoMic Me-L is worth your consideration. This is a shotgun mic that plugs right into iOS devices via a lightning port, using the connection point as a mount as well.
The mic focuses the audio capture on what’s directly in front of the capsule thanks to the directional polar pattern. It’s primarily intended for use with iOS devices, though it does offer a 3.5mm TRS jack, which can be used for monitoring or for backup analog recording, provided you’ve plugged in the mic to a lightning port. Even though the mic can mount directly on top of your iOS lightning port, it comes with a dedicated mic clip should you rather use it as well as a furry windscreen for achieving a better sound in windy conditions.
Primary Applications | Recording to Mobile Device |
Form Factor | Mobile Device Mic / Shotgun Mic |
Intended Sound Sources | Vocals, Speech/Voice Over, Instrument |
Sound Field | Mono |
Operating Principle | Pressure Gradient |
Capsule | Electret Condenser |
Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
Orientation | End Address |
Circuitry | Solid-State |
High-Pass Filter | None |
Gain Adjustment | None |
Frequency Range | 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
Maximum SPL | 115 dB SPL |
Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 74.5 dB |
Equivalent Noise Level | 19.5 dB SPL A-Weighted |
Output Connectors (Analog) | 1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS |
Output Connectors (Digital) | 1 x Lightning |
Headphone Connector | 1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm |
Wireless Connectivity | None |
Bluetooth | None |
A/D Conversion | 24-Bit |
Sample Rate | 44.1 / 48 kHz |
Operating System Support | iOS |
OS Compatibility | iOS *As of October, 2019: Check with manufacturer for the most up-to-date compatibility |
Mobile Device Compatibility | iPad (with Lightning Connector) iPhone (with Lightning Connector) |
Available Port | Lightning |
Bus Power | Lightning |
Operating Voltage | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
Color | Black |
Mounting | Direct Connection to Mobile Device (via Integrated Hardware) Mic Clip/Stand Adapter (Included) |
Mounting Thread Size | No Mount Included |
Included Case | None |
Included Filters | None |
Construction Material | Aluminum |
Dimensions | H: 1 x W: 0.8 x L: 2.9″ / H: 25.7 x W: 20.2 x L: 73.5 mm |
Weight | 1 oz / 28 g |
Package Weight | 0.25 lb |
Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 7.2 x 5.05 x 2.65″ |