Rode Lavalier II - One Year - Final Verdict

After almost a year of use It's time to revisit the Rode Lavalier II
and see if it's worth the extra money over the Rode Lavalier Go.

During this year I've recorded hundred of hours of dialogue with this microphone using the Rode Wireless GO II and other wireless transmitters with great results. The microphone does well at a number of applications but can cause some frustration in other situations.

There's also a lack of spare parts like wind stoppers, mini deadcats and clips for this microphone. And due to it's original design, it's difficult to find generic 3rd party options that fits well and

[philsimpson]

Great review, Thomas! Beautifully shot and recorded. Thanks.

[xabier.iriarte]

Thanks for this video, Thomas! This one and your comparison with the Lavalier Go have been really helpful, and the fact that the cons that you mentioned are not a big issue for me kinda has me sold on the Lavalier II, sounds very nice for the price.

[krispeyron]

Tack Thomas! Exactly what I needed to hear!

[ShellyBHollis]

thank you, I was looking for a video about how to hide this mic properly. That front facing mic is my struggle

[sheldonmurphy]

Yooo Mr Thomas!
Thank You Sir For This Review!!
I am probably 1 month away from starting my channel, and I really do value audio quality. There are just to many flattery video out there, and I appreciate how you did this sir!!

Much Love From The States Sir;
Iowa 😁

[BrianSellers]

Someone FINALLY mentioned the lack of extra windscreens! I use these for weddings, and I've lost two windscreens in two weddings. Have you found a solution, either 3rd party or through RODE, for replacement foam windscreens for the Lavalier II? Please tell me you have! 😳🤣

[paulbeckmann]

Brilliant review and comparison. Thanks!

[ClockyTrain]

It's a shame the new Wireless PRO only comes with this option... Guess ill have to buy separate lavs for concealing...Thnks for the video! :)

[everythinghindi]

thansk for your genuine review. I'm planning to buy it, but I think it's little costly. What do you think?

[ArthurDhaeyerMusic]

very very pleasing to find your video !

[AaronOverEverything]

I have owned this mic since it very first came out, used twice.. then just purchased another brand new on Mercari for $24 🤯.

This is the ABSOLUTE BEST video showcasing this mic in all elements complete with placement suggestions.. GREAT FREAKING VIDEO. & been using this mic waaay more lately.

[izarezar]

thanks for the video! its February 2023...Has Rode got back to you about spare mic clips? i've lost mine and yes you are right its tough to get the correct clip grips on the lavalier II

[meh]

Thank you for the video, very interesting !

[fofopho]

The Rode Lav II is decent, but overpriced. It’s crumbles when compared to the similarly priced Sennheiser ME-2 especially if you subject has a loud voice or raises his/her voice for any reason during recording - the notably low SPL rating on the Lav II make it awful for dynamic audio recording. The Deity w.Lav Pro is also roughly the same price and is just better in every way imaginable. Sound quality, versatility, discreetness.

I own 3 Lav II’s and was very excited when they were released (I preordered despite not using the other 5 Lav mics from Rode that I own). At this point, they sit on a shelf in my garage because they just aren’t useable for my daily client work - too unreliable due to the super unprofessional max SPL (which probably is why they don’t talk about that rating in any of their marketing around this product).

I absolutely love Rode and have more of their products than I can count, but their Lav mics (including their pros, smart lavs, and the Lav II) are amateur at best and overpriced compared to substantially better options from competitors.

For reference, I am videographer and editor for various fitness YouTubers/Influencers - I often am capturing very lively and dynamic dialogue that goes from a soft voice to a roaring one and I need mics that can hold up to these real world situations without clipping internally due to low Max SPL. In less demanding settings the Lav II is serviceable while still not excellent due to its slightly veiled tonal signature.

[MichaelsPaintingChannel]

Could you please tell me, if I can go into a normal interface with this one, like for example the SSL2. It's seems to me like it has a special connector ?! Most interfaces have phantom power +48 on or off, that's it.

[wayneknetter]

Is there an over-the-ear frame that will place the lav in front or beside my mouth. For commentating a game of lawn bowls I want to talk softer as I'm not far from when speaking and I don't really want the talk on the green to be pick up by the mic (sometimes they curse!)

[stfnkssls]

Hey Thomas, do you maybe have a clean way of hiding the mic anyway when using it for an interview? Do you face the mic towards the shirt or towards the persons chest?

[toshmeister]

I've been looking so HARD for a concealer for undershirt. The original one you could tape over since the mic points up. But with this mic the mic faces outward and so brushes against the shirt when it is underneath the shirt. And you can't tape over the mic. Have you found any solutions for it?

[JosePortillo]

Hey Thomas, great video! Which camera did you use? Thanks!

[Overtheoceansagain]

How would you say this mic would do recording singing vocals in a live setting?