I bought this Rode microphone due to a recommendation given to me by Rockville Audio. I use their equipment in my studio and needed a USB-C microphone to plug directly into my phone. Rockville didn't make anything like that so they recommend Rode.
I was a bit hesitant because of the negative reviews, but some of those reviews are a bit vague. What phone were they using? Did they download the driver? Were they using the Rode app? Did their phone have Android 10 or higher? What steps did they take to fix the problem? Did they switch their camera settings from "built-in mic" to "wired mic"? Etc...
Another review I read said they were sent the wrong item. I don't know if that is true or not. But always always always read the product description. Just because you typed USB-C in the Amazon search doesn't mean you won't get Lightning and Thunderbolt in the search results.
Here is how it works. You need to have a cell phone running Android 10 or higher. You can find out what version of Android your phone has by looking for it in your phone settings (go to Settings > About Phone). You will need to download the Rode Reporter app. Plug the Rode microphone into the phone, and there will be a message pop up on your screen asking if you want to open the app. (Or at least it does on both Google Pixels). Tap yes. In the app, go to options and there it will let you know if the driver is current or needs to be updated. The option will only appear if the microphone is plugged in to your phone.
One person asked in a review why this can't be done in the factory. The reason is because it's an "update". Updates are for things that have already been manufactured, meaning they have already been packaged, shipped, and either purchased or sitting in a warehouse somewhere. The factory cannot update something that has already left the factory. When software (like the Android operating system) gets updated frequently, sometimes firmware also has to be updated in order for the hardware to remain compatible.
I first used it on my Pixel 6 Pro. I did not update the driver the first time I used it and it had intermittent screeching noises. (But I used a backup phone to record audio just in case. I always have a backup when testing new equipment.) Then I installed the driver and this time the audio was clear. It didn't seem to be any louder than the phone's built in microphone, but the audio had a much lower noise floor, making it a lot clearer. (Without getting too technical, a lower noise floor means you can turn up the volume of the finished recording without having audible "room" noise.)
Then I tested it on my Pixel 7a. This time I just installed the driver figuring I would have to anyway. It worked. Clear sound, low noise floor, no intermittent screeching.
If you are using this to record video, you might need to switch your camera settings to "wired mic" instead of the default built in mic. I had to do that for both of my Pixels. Your phone may be different. On the Google Pixels, that option only appears when there is a mic plugged into the phone.
Both of my phones are running Android 14.
Both of my phones also have bulky cases. This microphone is not designed to be used with a phone case, so if you have a phone case you will need a specific type of adapter. I was able to get a 2 pack here on Amazon for around $10. The adapter you will need is a USB-C male to USB-C female (or vise versa, same thing), but make sure it says "full function" and/or "audio/video" most of the USB-C adapters only support charging and data transfer, but won't support audio and video, so you will need to be careful about that.
Also, I've noticed this microphone isn't purely directional. It picked up someone whispering sitting in a pew behind where the phone was recording. I just want you to be aware of that if you consider purchasing this. For me that isn't a problem.
I know this is a long review, but I wanted to be as thorough as possible. If you're going to spend $80 on a cell phone mic you want to make sure it's the right one.
(And if you're wondering why I have 2 phones... No, I'm not rich. Only one has service, and the other was given to me by a kind person to be used to record our church services.)
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This Item  RODE VideoMic Me-C USB-C Directional Microphone for Smartphones,Black |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $79.00 | -10% $46.80 List: $52.00 | $49.95 | $49.95 | $49.95 | $77.99 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 15 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sound quality | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Noise cancellation | ||||||
| Quality of material | ||||||
| Sold By | Amazon.com | Video Transformer | Happy Star US | Movo Photo | Aputure Store | Homegoods Shop |
| power source | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Battery Powered | Corded Electric |
| connectivity tech | USB Type-C | USB | Auxiliary | Lightning | Auxiliary | Auxiliary |
| connector type | 3.5 mm Jack, USB | 3.5 mm Jack, USB Type-C | 3.5 mm Jack | Lightning | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
| model number | VMMC | VM10 PRO | V Mic D4 Mini | DoubleMic-DI | D4 | 508897 |
| material | Aluminum | Aluminum, Plastic | Fur | — | Faux Fur | Plastic |
| battery quantity | 1 lithium ion | 1 lithium ion | — | — | 1 9v | — |
| audio sensitivity | — | 30 decibels | 30 decibels | 5 decibels | 30 decibels | — |
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Cliente Amazon
No funcionó con Xiaomi 9T
Reviewed in Spain on January 9, 2024Model name: VMMCVerified Purchase
Dan
Love this, it's now my Vlog mic!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 18, 2023Model name: VMMCVerified Purchase
