Mastering Audio: Røde VXLR Pro Adapter Review - Balanced vs. Unbalanced 3.5mm Mini Jack to XLR
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- Опубликовано: 4 июл 2024
- Running long XLR cables with unbalanced signals can be dangerous. You might even lose your whole recording because of interference (or you have to spend money or time to fix that in post).
The new Røde VXLR Pro is an adapter that can turn a TRS connected microphone into a balanced signal XLR output so that you can run cables with up to 100m and not worry about the interference (or at least it's much less likely). Anyways, that's a cool adapter that also has 2 other variations and I will compare and explain these three in this video. Let's dive in.
⚡️ Product Links:
Røde VXLR Pro: crsp.li/vxlrpro
Røde VXLR Plus: crsp.li/vxlr+
Røde VXLR: crsp.li/vxlr
Røde VideoMic NTG: crsp.li/videomicntg
Røde VideoMicro: crsp.li/videomicro
Røde SmartLav+: crsp.li/smartlav+
Røde Lavalier Go: crsp.li/lavaliergo
Røde Wireless Go: crsp.li/wirelessgo
XLR Cable: crsp.li/xlrcable3m
Note: Commissions may be earned from the links above.
🔗 Relevant Links:
Previous Video about the VXLR and the VXLR Plus: • Choosing the Perfect: ...
🎧 Chapters / Show Notes:
00:00 Intro
01:07 Disclaimer
02:06 Unboxing the Røde VXLR Pro
03:38 What are these VXLR adapters used for?
05:56 Three VXLR Adapters and their Differences
06:58 To Transform Phantom Power or Not to Transform…
12:00 Røde VXLR Plus vs Pro
12:25 Understanding Balanced and Unbalanced Signals
14:58 Why is a Balanced Signal Better?
17:07 Sound Samples of the VXLR Adapters
18:42 When should you use which VXLR Adapter?
21:14 Outro
#RodeVXLR #NewRelease #RodeVxlrPro #RodeVxlrPlus
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Наука
The "plug-in power" for electret microphones (most of the lavalier mics) is officially called "bias voltage". These Røde devices seem to be the only high quality adapters that can provide XLR adapter with bias voltage without introducing lots of noise. All the cheaper models available cause lots of noise as far as I know.
Thank you for *clearly* explaining the difference between VXLR+ and VXLR Pro. In short, you want VXLR Pro only if you need a long XLR cable between the adapter and the audio interface. I'm planning to use electret microphone connected to nearby audio interface so VXLR+ is the best option for me because I can plug the adapter directly to the interface.
For dynamic mics you can usually connect the 6.3 mm connector directly to the audio interface, too.
Thank you for the clarification and helpful comment 👍 that's awesome.
it really helps a lot, thank you Chris for the great job, i was looking for this comparison video everywhere
Thank you, I appreciate your comment a lot 🌸.
This is another brilliant video Chris. I very much appreciate it.
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment 🌸.
A super helpful explanation of the VXLR Pro adapter.
Thank you 🌸 I appreciate your comment here.
Sehr schönes Ambiente! Das lässt die Präsentation tatsächlich so wirken, als würdest du es mir persönlich am Tisch gegenüber erklären. Top!👍
Vielen Dank, das freut mich sehr dass es so rüber kommt. Ich experimentiere ein wenig immer wieder mal was anders. Mit zwei Kameras lässt sich das aber viel besser verwirklichen als vorher.
Thanks for the awesome explanation. May I ask can I use 3.5 to xlr cable and will work, or I must buy Røde VXLR Adapter
Wow. Pretty lengthy video/explanation however the last two and a half minutes were all that was really needed. That said, Thanks for the time and effort that went into the production.
Very helpful comparison and explanations! Thank you, Chris!
Thank you, I appreciate that 🌸.
Fantastic. I learned a lot that I didn't even knew I wanted to learn.
May I ask a question: when you had 4 lavaliers that need power, and you used VXLR plus or pro to get into for example a zoom H6 for live streaming. How would you deal with the added noise?
Thanks in advance for your help!
I think the noise should be relatively minimal. But if you have a lot of (and distracting noise), the best removal I know of is the iZotopes RX9 suite ( crsp.li/izotope ). Their Voice-Denoising is incredibly powerful and yet transparent (has very few artifacts).
Great explanations in this video and it’s well worth watching to the end as I picked up a great tip which I would have missed if I had switched off. Thank you
Very informative video. Thank you for putting this together. So for my Rode Video Mic NTG...the VXLR Pro is the way to go (provides cleanest signal path) when connecting it to my Zoom H6 and Focusrite Clarett 4 Pre? If so, would that be with or without the 48v button on the interface engaged?
Thank you. Generally, I would say the VXLR Pro would be my fav choice. However, the signal may actually be a bit cleaner with the VXLR base model IF the cables are really short (since the base model does not have any electronics and thus introduces less noise).
In terms of Phantom Power: you do not need Phantom Power for the Video Mic NTG… but, it makes your life easier if you engage the 48v since then the mic actually will turn on by itself when the audio recorder is turned on.
Hi Chris great video I have just ordered the VXLR Pro to go with my videomic NTG and the odd use with my lab mic. For the nth tests what gain do you set on the mic? I normally have it set to 10 for overhead use. But as I will be adding gain from my preamp is it better to run the ntg at a lower gain setting than I normally use???
In my experience it is best to run the VideoMic NTG (and most other mics) at the highest gain setting possible so that you get as loud a signal as you can out of it to begin with (unless the mic capsule is clipping, then it would be better to use the -20db feature since the gain knob actually does not really fix that anyways).
@@ChrisSpiegl thanks for the speedy reply never thought to run it like that will give it a try.
Thanks for an excellent and thorough explanation. Can i connect a microphone 3.5mm jack to rode vxlr pro adapter, hook the adapter with a xlr female side of the cable and hook the audio recorder with this cable? Does this effect any sound quality? And does this transfer the plug in power?
Brilliant. I'm a complete luddite but you made this very clear and simple. Very useful. Thank you so much!
Thank you for your comment, I appreciate it .🌸
Great video. Maybe you mentioned and I missed it, but what about using an XLR mic and then converting to 3.5 to go into your camera directly. Does the Pro model work for that?
No, XLR has male and female, and you'd end up with exactly the wrong one when using it with a mic. There are different adapters for this. However, in the realm of connecting XLR mics directly to a camera with 3.5 mm, you have to make sure that you don't use a mic which needs Phantom Power - since your camera probably can't provide that. Generally, I'd advise not to do it this way and use mics that are made to connect to a camera or use an audio interface / recorder in between mic and camera.
So i have a rode wireless go and a rode ntg. Which adapter should i get for those to go into the tascam x8?
I was getting ready to purchase either the $10 or $25 adapter and I’m really glad I found your video to help me. I thought this was a really great video and a very clear comparison of the adapters. For me, I’m using a different scenario. I have a Movo VXR10 mic and I would like to connect it to a Behringer studio mixer. My purpose for this is because I run the mic along with a guitar and another audio source into the mixer then I have a sub out from mixer that goes straight to my iPhone or iPad while I’m recording video. The mixer will provide phantom power but I’m still not sure if the $25 adapter will accomplish this and I will be using it as a boom mic so would need a 10’ or so cable. Can you tell me if the $25 adapter will work for this?
The options are VXLR / VXLR Plus / VXLR Pro.
For what you are describing the VXLR Plus and VXLR Pro would work since the mic needs plugin power you need an adapter that takes Phantom Power and transforms it into plugin power which both of these do.
The Pro has some more electronics to minimize electric static and interferences which can be picked up by the cable. But to make use of that the VXLR Pro has to be as close to the mic as possible (so a long XLR cable, then the adapter, then the mic).
If you are tight on cash, I'd go with the VXLR Plus and hope my setup does not provide too much interferences.
EXCELLENT explanation re balanced versus unbalanced signals! Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks, it's a very useful info, great vid!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks Chris, very useful video!
That's awesome, I am glad this video was helpful for you 🌸.
It might have been helpful for greenhorns like myself to point out that the signal balancing provided by the VXLR Pro is only relevant for the length of the XLR cable between the adapter and the mixer.
It has no impact on the mic cable itself (between the mic and the adapter).
I.e. if I plug in my lavalier mic directly to a zoom recorder input there is no use in using a VXLR Pro, correct?
I thought I mentioned this at some point in the video. You are correct: it's best to make sure the cable between the VXLR Pro and the Mic is as short as possible. The Signal Balancing is only between the VXLR Pro and the audio recorder.
If you plug in the lavalier into the VXLR and then directly into the audio recorder you would not "need" this feature of balancing. However, I would probably still go for the VXLR Pro since a lavalier would need Plug-In Power and so you already are going to buy the VXLR Plus and then having the Pro would just make it so it's more versatile in future setups.
Thank you for your hard work. This explanation was well done.
You're very welcome!
Hey Chris, if my Zoom H8 provide already phantom power, Do I still need the VXLR PRO or i can just go for the normal vxlr? I use a lavalier microphone and a xlr cable! I want the option that have less noise as possible! Thank you!
Really clear and detailed description of three converters. I use vxlr (not plus or pro) with lav mic that doen not need plug in power. with Sound Devices Mix Pre ii in one of the mic channels. But one thing one must remember is to turn off the phantom power in the channel one is using. If you forget that you are likely to blow your lav mic and making it useless.
This video is really helpful. This information is very valuable. Thank you for sharing with us.
Thank you. So. If i understand correctly. I can use the Rode VXLR+ to connect my 3,5 mm jack mic on my gaming headset to my audio interface (Audient Id4). And it should work. Right?
Huge thank you for such a deep and detailed explanation!
Glad it was helpful!
Would the XLR Pro be the right application to take 3.55 mm TRS output of a wireless microphone system (i.e., Hollyland Lark M1, Djii Mic, etc.) and brining it into a XLR input of a wireless mixer? Or it should only be used as an input microphone to such a system.
For this type of purpose you could use any of the three.
Thank you for an informative video. I appreciate it!
Thank you, always great to hear my videos help 👍.
What adapter do you need for DJI wireless to be connected into zoom f6??? Should we use 2 XLR-s???
Brilliant Comparison video 😀.
I have a large house and have a "balanced" microphone PA system in my house. I also have in my system wall microphones placed around the house with long cable runs away from my XLR capable mixer and separate amp (Placed in a cabinet in a dedicated separate data room). The mixer has an input of 48v. I will be purchasing the Rode XLR Pro adapter for the reason of having a balanced system and also because of the long run of cabelling. Can you please confirm that, do I place the Rode XLR Pro adapter at the connection just rear of the wall microphone as oppose to at the mixer end? as I'm guessing the power conversion (5V) if done, will not carry such a long distance to the wall microphone. Please confirm. Many thanks in advance 😉
English is not my main language, so I understood most of your review but still would need some precisions if you will. I have a Rode VideoMic NTG that I connect directly to my Sony cam. But, sometimes I would like to extend the length to make it like an in hand interview mic or like a mini boom setup, is a 10 feet 3.5mm extension made by Rode is ok? Second question, still with the Rode VideoMic NTG which of the 3 XLR adaptors I would need to connect to a handheld/field recorder like the Zoom F3 ? Many thanks
Thank you for this video! This was very clear and helpful :)
Thank you I appreciate that. 😊
Hope you can now get the adapter you need. 👍
@@ChrisSpiegl I just ordered the VXLR pro. This way I shouldn't have any bad surprise.
@@Alexisdc11 That's probably a good idea. Definitely, the one that provides the most features. Even though it's crazy to think what other devices one could buy for $50 🙈.
i want to get the vxlr pro to set up a lav with the zoom f3.... do those tentacle lavs have a high noise floor or do lavs just sound noisier connected to these adapters...
The tentacle lavs are not the best. They are equivalent to lavs that costa round 30-50$.
Thank you very much for this video! I've been looking for a way to record better with a Zoom H5, but I live in Brazil - everything here costs twice than in USA, when we find the device we want. Yesterday I bought a cheap adapter to connect a Boya BY M1, just to see if it works well enough for what I need... I learned a lot with you. Now I'll watch the video again and read carefully the comments.
Question: I have a Rode Wireless Go II (Which doesn't need phantom power) and i want to connect it via the XLR Port on the top handle of my Sony FX3. But it's very important that i get a STEREO signal because those two transmitters have to be split so i get both mics recorded on the one channel. Is that guaranteed with the cheap adapter which should fit my purpose? Sry if i sound dumb i am really not an audio guy. :-/ Thank you for the great video!
Hi @ChrisSpiegl
Thank you so much for the detailed video!
Based on your explanation, I confirmed that my workflow will be correct - Focusrite Clarett 2pre - > 48v Phantom Power - > Rode VXLR Pro - > Rode SC1 6 meters long cord- > RODE Lavalier II
I think that for this home setup should be enough Rode VXLR+ however, I want to be sure that signal is best as good as possible :)
Thank you
Tomas
Great video! Very understandable. Also it is ok to use the vxlr adapter on a Mix 8 mixer?
It all depends on which mic you want to connect. If it's powered (plug in power) or if the mic has it's own power.
Hola, este adaptador le sirve también a la Tascam DR 40X
Hi Chris! What mic were you using on this video?
Have you had a chance to use the Wireless GO2 system with the ZOOM F6 and what adapters did you have to use to make that work?
I have not used the GO2 but the first one. And the VXLR (non plus/pro) is totally fine for that use-case. 🌸
However: When you use the GO2, then the problem is that you can only use a mono signal. If you need to use the stereo split with both mics on their own tracks then you’d have to use a left/right split cable and two VXLR adapters.
Great video my friend. Could I ask... I have a RUclips channel and use my "Rode Wireless Go" with my GoPro to create videos. However, I have been recently been asked to give some presentations to an audience about my hobby and I need to amplify my voice. The venue has an amplifier and I want to connect my "Rode Wireless Go" to it as the amplifier obviously has an XLR (female) input for a microphone. As the "Wireless Go" has a built in battery to transmit and receive the audio from rx to tx, would I just use the cheapest basic VXLR adaptor and plug the TRS mini jack into it and then plug the VXLR into the amp for sound output? Thanks in anticipation. Hopeus Maximus
Very clear explanation. Good info. Thanks!
You're welcome! I appreciate you.
Incredibly helpful video. I learned a lot! Thank you so much!!
Thank you for your comment, that's a great way to start the dayy.
aw my gawd, thank you very much, this is pretty much what I´ve been waiting for! you are a lifesaver! now I know which one to purchase!
Thank you, I appreciate your comment 🌸.
Well done, thanks. Can you use the VXLR + with a system that does not have phantom power but only Plug In Power? I work mostly with Plug In Power but sometimes with a 48V system. So instead of purchasing 2 different adapters, is it possible to use the VXLR + only? Cheers!
I am not 100% sure, it could work… but the description on the website of rode says: "The VXLR+ is a 3.5mm female TRS socket to male XLR adaptor, which will convert 12-48V Phantom Power down to 3-5V 'Plug in Power'".
But maybe, if you provide PlugIn Power on the port it will just not transform it down and it ends up working 🙈.
@@ChrisSpiegl cheers!
A lot to take in. I was trying to figure out which one would work with my video mic Audio Technica AT8024. Can you give me a hint? because I couldn't find if this thing is balanced or not.
The Røde VXLR Pro (crsp.li/RodeVxlrPro) which is the newest of the three (and most expensive) is balanced and can be used on long distances. Important to note is that the cable between the mic and the adapter should be as short as possible and then the XLR cable is the one that can be longer.
Loved this thorough video, thank you
Great job! Very useful! Thanks a lot, it saved me a lot of time (and may be a mic). 👍
Hello, this adapter is also suitable for the Tascam DR 40X
hi there. Many thanks. I do have a RODE PRO PLUS. And I need ZOOM H8. Which one is the best option? Thanks. Ash from Toronto.
Do you mean you have a Ride VideoMic Pro+?
Since you can turn this mic on all the way manually you could just use the VXLR. but if you want to use it with long distance, I’d go with the VXLR Pro.
I have the Rode lavalier omnidirectional lapel mic, with trs output. I am not sure if Rode lavelier mic need phantom power. I would like to connect to my Mackie Profx10 mixer with phantom power button. Will VXLR do the job well?
Do I understand correctly: you normalized all the noise samples to the same level? I would like to know if there's a noise level difference between the Plus and Pro when you normalize both by using a reference signal and than comparing the noise levels. Or did you test that already? I'd like to know if the Pro version produces more noise since it has more electronics inside.
I usually do always normalize the levels to -16dbfs and then compare. However, I have since found that sometimes the samples I normalized are with speaking parts before or after which kind of muddies the result again because the normalization would then also take those potentially different sections into account. I will probably do these tests better next time (not for these adapters though).
Generally I found them all three to be relatively close together but the one without electronics does have a bit less noise if you don't need it.
The other two where basically indistinguishable to my ears. 🌸
@@ChrisSpiegl Many thanks for the additional details of the comparison.
If I plug a single plug stereo 3.5mm (Clippy EM272Z1 Stereo Microphone) into the Rode VXLR+ mounted on a Zoom F3. Will the Zoom be able to recognize that as a two channel stereo file or will it become a mono signal? Thanks.
Bravo, gut gemacht! Doch informativer und kurzweiliger, als ich anfangs dachte! :)
Vielen Dank. Das freut mich.
Gut und sehr deutlich erklärt! Super! Danke und ciao ciao!
Vielen Dank, das freut mich. Gerne wieder. 🌸
Glaub es war kehr ein “tschau tschau” ☺️
So wie bei “mono” 😁
Ne aber im Ernst, wünschte ich hätte so eine deutliche Aussprache. Die zwei Erkennungsmarken für gut geübte Ohren find ich sympathisch 🙃
Thanks for your valuable information.
I have a question that I would like to solve.
To connect the transmitter of the Rode wireless Go II equipment DIRECTLY to a mixing console, it would be enough i SOLUTION Rode VXLR + or would you recommend the PRO ?.
Thanks
I would get the VXLR standard version for the Rode Wireless Go II since it has it's own power.
Finally i understand why my rode mics doesn't work with my audio interface. Nice man, thank's.
You're welcome 👍
Thanks for the thorough video. I was disappointed to find out that my VXLR+ does NOT convert the signal to balanced. Oh well, need to buy even more stuff... By the way: i would not consider 9m cable run as long. General advice is that unbalanced runs can be used up to 10m, and balanced can go easily to 300m.
Hi Semi Lumi, I had a similar reaction back when I got the VXLR+; but at last, Røde now makes a balanced version.
In terms of length of the XLR cable… I totally understand that, the only problem is I don't have that long an XLR cable 🙈. Otherwise, I would have tested it for sure. This video was intended more as an explanation of the differences.
Thank you for your comment 🌸.
@Semi Lumi That’s a slightly misleading statement about cable length; it needs clarification with regard to the type of signal you’re sending. Balancing doesn’t inherently mean you can use a long cable, as there is always signal loss the longer a cable is, so for example you’d be most unwise to send a mic level signal 300m even if it’s balanced. A line level signal might be fine. The point of balancing is its resistance to interference hence you can use longer cables without fear of picking up electrical interference but you still need to ensure the signal itself is suitable for the distance you’re sending it.
@@arnoldsnodgrass2953 thank you for these insights. Great.
With the VXLR Pro, can I go straight from my 1DX Mark II to a RODE NTG5?
Hi TreyDaze, that's not how the VXLR adapters work. The 1Dx Mark II expects a male 3.5mm jack signal and the NTG5 provides you with a male XLR port.
However, as far as I understand the NTG5 can also be powered by battery and then you could find other adapters which may be able to give you this functionality.
was wondering if this set up will work. 2 rode transmitter 1 rode receiver with rode sc 11 cable sple splitter connected to 2 vxlr+ to a zoom f3 the ouput to the camera? will the ouput be a 2 channel or 1?
If you use a stereo splitter cable you can get the signal to two VXLR adapters => two channels on the Zoom F3.
thanks for the video Chris, its awesome even though it's
a bit long
Can I conclude we can use the PRO version for all situation?
Thank you. I’ve actually been thinking about making a shorter version.
And Absolutely - you are correct. The Pro covers all the basis.
Nice video, thank you. I was just wondering, can I connect my 'rode wireless go' to my Panasonic UX 90 camcorder with the 'Røde VXLR'. Kees from the Netherlands.
As described in the video, a Rode Wirreless Go needs no Phantom Power or Plug In power so yes the Røde VXLR would be enough (crsp.li/RodeVXLR)
@@ChrisSpiegl Thanks Chris. Bless you. Kees
Rode recommends VXLR Pro for use with Rode Go ii wireless units, but when I tried 2 Go ii transmitters in SPLIT mode and plugged in the Go ii receiver into one XLR input on a Zoom F6, only 1 channel would record. When I switched back to the original cheaper VXLR the Zoom F6 did split the audio channels. Have you tried this on your F6?
I have not tried this and it sounds like it's not how it should work since XLR is a mono signal and not stereo.
To connect Wireless GO II to a mixer, can I use VXLR+? ( I know VXLR+ is used while using microphones which need phantom power) But I am asking this since I already have VXLR+ and do I need ot again buy VXLR to use with Wireless GO II.
So which one do I use for the Rode VideoMicro to plug into my Rodecaster Duo?
Very helpful. Thank you!
I appreciate that 🌸.
One question Chris. By connecting the rx rode GO II to two xlr channels with the vxlr pro adapter to a mixer with single phantom power for all channels, the problems of over powering the Rx are eliminated? . I imagine that if the basic adapter is used it could damage the Rx, or would it not be advisable to use this type of connection with the Phantom activated regardless of the connector? Thanks.
When you are using the VXLR Pro or Plus, then you can safely activate Phantom Power. This will not hurt the microphone. The Røde Wireless Go II does not need Plug In Power, but it's not going to be hurt by it either.
Best example: any camera with a 3.5mm jack provides plug-in power and you can safely use the Wireless Go with those as well 👍.
@@ChrisSpiegl Thank you very much for the answer !! And congratulations for your channel! Happy Sunday!!!
I have 3.5 to xlr adapters and I can't get any of my 3.5mm mics (rode shotgun videomic go or any other brand) to work on any channel on my zoom podtrak 4.
So I guess I will have to buy one of these adapters. But the other question is once I get the adapter do I switch the line in to phantom power or not?
Hi Roberto, generally most of the 3.5mm jack mics need something called "Plug In Power" and that is different from Phantom Power. So you will need an adapter that gives you that voltage adjustment.
The ones that do that are the Røde VXLR Plus and the VXLR Pro.
And when you do have one of these, you will have to turn on Phantom Power on the respective port you are plugging in the adapter.
Thanks for the video, so does vxlr pro accept deity d3 trrs? and do i have to turn on phantom power for it?
Hi Syafiq Zailan, I don't have the Deity V-Mic D3 Pro any more so I can't test it; But: the D3 should be able to work with the VXLR Plus or Pro model. This is because you will need the Phantom Power to be converted to Plug In power. The reason being that the D3 Mic needs the Plug In power to actually turn on (this is because of the strange stand by mode).
@@ChrisSpiegl wonderfull.. im going to get one tomorrow and test it myself. thanks again. Subscribed.
@@syafiqzailan I appreciate it. Good luck and happy recording - or streaming ☺️.
You answered all my questions. Thank you so much. Going to try setting up the RodeCaster Pro with the Rode Wireless Go II and speakers. I'll need one of these basic adapters without the electronics if I'm hearing you correctly? Hoping it works
With the Wireless Go II you are fine with the basic one.
Thank you for your review. I tried to connect a Rode Lavalier Go with a zoom H8 recorder using the VXLR adapter (the cheap one without power) and it did not work. Any suggestions?
The VXLR (standard, non pro, non plus) version is not compatible with things like the Røde Lavalier Go. You will need the VXLR Plus or Pro and activate Phantom Power on the XLR port of the H8.
Do not use the VXLR + Phantom Power + Lavalier GO! I have heard people have destroyed their microphones doing this.
Had the similar problem till I realized your lav mic needs a TRS adapter instead of TRRS, so I bought a TRRS to TRS to fix, not sure how that's going to affect the sound quality
Super Helpful. I have a Sony HVR-Z5E and I was trying to find the best workaround for audio. I was using a Rode Wireless Go in conjunction with a Tascam recorder (DR-05) which works great but knowing I can buy a Standard VXLR adapter for my Wireless GO which fits into my camera is great.
Glad it helped!
@@ChrisSpiegl it did
Finally Somebody who gets plug in power correct it's amazing and not 48V phantom.
Excellent! I think Rode does a poor job of explaining the difference between their adapters then again pretty much everybody does. I spent almost 5 years looking for a 48v to plug in power converter it was really difficult as I kept getting the passive adapters in my searches.
The 3.5 mm TRRS cables have really complicated things. Traditionally that connector was used for left right and ground and some other variations. prior to that it was just a tip and sleeve left and ground with right on a separate Second connector since we started with mono and added stereo later. There are many other variations like with video cameras and audio / video or stereo audio / video and there's the iPod audio and video which morphed into the iPhone headset standard with the microphone. Which of course completed with The Other TRRS Standard which we should've ended up with because it would have solved so many other issues swapping microphone and ground on the 4 pole connector.
Speaking of which if you ever plug in a 4P connection into a headphone jack and have low signal but get better signal with it slightly out it's because the Jack is not aware of the 4 pole connection and it's treating the very bottom one as ground which it is not it it's the microphone and this can be very annoying. And most people don't understand why.
Thanks for the video. But what do I use to connect a stereo lav mic that needs plugin-power (Sony Stereo-Lavalier-Mikrofon ECM-LV1). Of course i would need to split the Stereo-TRS into two Mono TS-jacks and use two XLR-Adapters. But do both need to transform Phantom-Power to plugin-power or just one and if yes, which?
I have never tried this, but I'd assume that both would need Phantom to Plug In Power adapters. So, I'd say go with the VXLR Plus or Pro version twice and then have the splitter.
@@ChrisSpiegl Hi Chris, thanks for your answer. I tried it out and you are right. A stereo lav ist just like two lavs, you'll need two VXLR+ or Pros. By the way: the VXLR+ only uses the left channel (or the tip of a 3,5 jack) as input und only sends Plug-in-Power over the tip. The VXLR uses tip and ring or left and right channel as input, it makes a mono-mixdown. I didn't tested the VXLR Pro. Thanks, chris
Thank you for this video, thumbs up and I subscribed too! Question please. On my Canon XF400 camcorder that has a top handle with dual XLR inputs, I want to use either my Rode Wireless Go (Version 1) or my Saramonic UWMIC9 wireless lav mic. Both wireless mic systems are battery powered and I want to have either the Rode Wireless Go or the Saramonic UWMIC connect into say Channel 1 of the XLR input going into the Canon XF400 camcorder. Which of the 3 Rode adapters should I use? If I heard you correctly, you are saying I should use the basic VXLR model (the lowest priced one) since my wireless lav mic systems are self-powered...is that correct? I'm currently using the VXLR+ (plus) adapter, will that cause a problem such as interference or strange background noise? Thank you!
You can use any of them. The basic model VXLR is the one with the least electronics and in my tests it introduced the least noise. But you already have the plus, so just use that unless it introduced problems.
@@ChrisSpiegl Actually I have both the basic VXLR and Plus models. I'm going to switch to the basic model because I can hear a tiny bit of scratchy electronic sound in the background when using the Plus model, so hopefully the basic model will fix that. Thanks!
@@caseyonlocation8257 good idea. Testing always wins. 👍
@@ChrisSpiegl Thank you! Do you think I should bother to return the Rode VXLR+ that I recently got from Amazon and get the Pro model instead? It will not be for my Rode Wireless Go into my Canon XF400 camcorder. I'm just wondering if the Pro model adapter might be useful for another application? I have various podcasting gear such as the Rode Rodecaster Pro and the Zoom PodTrak P4 which I make RUclips content about. I'm wondering if I might ever need the Pro version of the adapter? I mostly use XLR type microphones for podcasting audio gear, as well as various wireless lav mic systems for my various Canon DSLR and camcorder gear.
@@caseyonlocation8257 After comparing these adapters I would pretty much tell people to go with the VXLR or the Pro and not bother with the Plus (unless it's a decision made by finances and you need the plugin power).
The Pro simply has all the options available Phantom Power to Plug In power transformer + balanced signal transmission and going from TRS to XLR…
So if you want to be versatile go for the Pro and return the Plus.
Important note, just as a reminder: when you use the Pro and you want to use long distances, it is important that the "long cable" is the XLR one (and not a TRS extension cord or stuff like that).
But if you only want to ever use this type of adapter to bring in a TRS based Wireless System, I would just go for the VXLR standard version.
Wet well explained you saved me from getting the wrong one thank you
Thanks, that's always the best.
Hi Chris, I noticed that in this video at the time around 17:50 you might have used the TRRS to TRRS cable which was shown at the time around 13:20. Could you please confirm that these three adapters does work fine with TRRS? Thanks a lot.🙏🙏😊😊
You are right, at 17:50 I do use a TRRS cable connected to the Røde VideoMic NTG. However, this does only work because the VideoMic NTG auto detects if the connection is TRRS or TRS.
So, if you have a mic that only does TRRS, then you would have to adapt it with a TRRS to TRS adapter.
Got it. Thank you so much, Chris@@ChrisSpiegl
If i want to use my rode wireless go with my zoom h8, What adapter should i buy?
Is the rode wireless go need phantom power/Plug in power when using it with my zoom h8?
The Wireless Go does not need any power and you can just use the VXLR.
so detail introduction. Thanks a lot
Fantastic!
God bless from the states:)
Wow you're fast! They just announced them :D Also, you're working on your room treatment, aren't ya? I hear almost no reverb in late videos, good job!
Thank you @drakegostream, yes they just announced them and I was lucky to get in contact soon after and get these shipped to me from Australia. The communication with them was great as well.
And in terms of the room, I am trying to get closer to the mic as much as I can, I am also using iZotope RX8 recently to run a slight de-reverb. I was given a chance to get a review copy from them as I plan on doing more podcast editing and audio cleanup videos. So that's probably part of the reason 🙈.
Thanks again for leaving a comment, I appreciate that.
@@ChrisSpiegl well, honestly I was a little suspicious in terms of you might have used RX De-Reverb 😂 but still wanted to get things clear. These plugins are awesome, and from what I understand, if use it mildly, you’ll have pretty natural sound as a result, like you did here. The only drawback is obviously the price, so it’s a good thing that you managed to get that review copy!
By the way, at some time you might want to make a video about relationship with PR-departments of companies may be? In terms of getting review samples, ethics, caveats etc. This topic might be extremely interesting to aspiring tech-tubers who might be established enough to apply for such things, but have no idea how that works!
Also, really appreciate you sociability!
Thank you. It’s a definitely a privilege to be able to reach out to companies. But honestly, I am just learning the ropes of these relationships myself. But some day I’ll probably get into that in a video as you suggested.
About the RX De-Reverb: it sure is pricy and yet so damn powerful. 👍
Definitely has to be done minimal but that’s what they are doing really well with the presets and such.
Lastly, I still would prefer better room treatment. But that really is a not an easy feat. The ceilings are high and the apartment rented. You never know how much you want to fix upon leaving. 😅
Really enjoy the comment section. ☺️ the interaction is great and seeing the community grow is the best. 👍
Awesome review!🌟🌟🌟 👍 Congrats for getting stuff sent to - soon you will need extra storage-space 🙃
Can't wait! That time will be awesome 🙈 and exciting.
Thank you for your comment @Jelly 🌸.
@@ChrisSpiegl If you run out of space, give me a call 😇😇😇
Will do 😂 for now I’m in a good position though. 👍
Which of these would you suggest for the Rodelink Filmmaker Kit?
You could just use the Røde VXLR with the Filmmaker Kit.
If it gives you interferences or such things I'd upgrade to the Plus.
My SmartLav+ mic seems to work with my Zoom F3 via the Rode VXLR basic adapter, with phantom power either set for 24v or 48v - shouldn't it need one of the more advanced adapters for plug-in power?
If you use this a lot, the mic may be fried at some point. Just saying.
@@ChrisSpiegl ah, that makes sense, thanks.
Fantastic content. Thank you!
Thanks I appreciate it.
First..great info. Question if anyone can answer. Just bought the RodeCaster Pro (which has 48-v phantom power). Wanted to plug my RODE NTG MIC into it so am going to need one of these adapters. However, I want the MIC to automatically power up when I power on the RodeCaster Pro. So, I’m not sure if I need the power converter versions. Just double checking I’ll be okay with the basic Rode VXLR ( which doesn’t convert power). Don’t want to damage the MIC. Anyone know if I’ll be okay with that setup?
To be able to use the auto power on/off feature of the Røde mics, you will have to go with either the Pro or the Plus. Then activate phantom power on the channel and the mic will turn on by itself.
@@ChrisSpiegl Thank you!
hi! today i test my rode wireless go with an vxlr and it doesn't work well, then i tested it with the vxlr+ ant it works as expected, i went again to this video because i remember something that you said about but seem that is not correct, or maybe i'm doing something wrong?
Edit: Sorry i had not say nothing, looks like a bad contact onmthe rode cable make it works bad, but surprisingly it works relatively well with the vlxr+
That's strange but I am glad you found what works and what does not.
So what happens if you use the standard VXLR with something like the Rode GO and forget to turn off phantom power on your recorder? Will it damage your device? I got the standard version becuase I do not need plug-in power for my Rode Go, but I wonder if I should be using the VLXR+ for protection in case I forget to turn off phantom power on my Zoom F6.
I have read a couple of stories of people who damaged their mic because of this (leaving on Phantom Power and plugging in a VXLR + Lavalier or similar). So I would either be super careful, or get the Pro/Plus version.
I have a Videomic Pro+ and a Wireless GO II to be connected to a Zoom H5 using very short cables. Which one do I need? I guess the VXLR should be enough. Am I wrong?
Both cases you can use the cheapest Røde VXLR. But then you have to manually turn on the VideoMic Pro+ and make sure it stays turned on.
What about if i want to use NTG4+ with XLR to my PC, can i use thos adapters also`?
If you want to use a XLR mic with your PC you need an audio interface with an XLR port. Something like the Focusrite Scarlett: crsp.li/FocusriteScarlett
Thanks for in depth information
Thank you, I appreciate that 👍.
Does the Rode VXLR PRO work with the Deity v-mic d4? I wouldn't want to burn a new microphone, but I would love to connect it to my audio interface.
Yes, the VXLR Pro works with the Deity V-Mic D4. You have to turn on Phantom Power on the audio interface.
I bought the pro model, it made a lot of noise (like rain). It didn't work on the M-Audio Fast track pro. And It did not work on the SSL+ 2 either. Seems to probably have been a dud?
So, I can't use the 1/8th output from the Go receiver and plug it into the 1/8th input (channels 3 and 4) of my recorder to record audio?
I am not familiar with the 1/8th naming convention. But if the output of the Go is the same as your input, why not just use a cable to connect these? Sounds like you don’t need any of these adapters?
Whith this adapter, can i use a Sennheiser 908B ew wired on a mixer with 48V on?
thanks for the video very informative.!
Glad it was helpful!
I need to match up with TS mono connectors from a cheap wireless set. To use them I think I need yet another adapter. NOT having a good time with this, but your mini-seminar did provide a good refresher on what a balanced signal is.
Also, I read the comments, and even though nothing is balanced in the chain, and the shielding will only work if it's grounded on both ends - I hadn't considered using an XLR cable on the deck/recorder end. That may still be better than using a 3.5mm stereo extension.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Glad you could take something from it 👍.
Once again, I am back here, as I am about order VXLR adaptor - I have go Rode Go la, Rode Go Wireless and Zoom H5, I wish to use XLR connection also. So which one I should buy to solve all issues - VXLR-Pro ? or all of them for different microphones.
If you want a solution that can just do everything, I'd just purchase the VXLR Pro a couple times.
Then you are on the safe side.
Sir, my salutations to both of you. Firstly your video is unnecessary long. I am a electronics engineer. The real difference between VXLR+ and pro is that the pro is true balanced. But questionable. Since I am using unbalanced mic, why would I want that hundreds of feet away. Rode in my opinion unnecessary made the pro. Capt Suresh Sharma just buy zxlr+. Cheers.
@@gogiaudios Thanks for your insights. The reason to put an Unbalanced mic so far away is because you have it and the mic can grow with you. And there is not really any reason to prevent you from getting a long XLR cable and then putting the VXLR Pro right there with the mic (having the unbalanced part be as short as possible).
@@ChrisSpiegl absolutely correct
The VXLR Plus is a good thing to have around to use with the PodTrak 4. Haven't tried it yet, but assume it will work. Plugged the VXLR+ into Zoom LiveTrak L-8, connected lavalier mic. Works great.
Thanks for the info!
Your Lav mic was a TRS type, correct? Seems like a TRRS mic would need to be converted/replaced to TRS before it would work with either the VXLR+/pro.