Rode lav cable woes?

G

Greg_E

Veteran
Anyone using Rode Lavs, especially the ones that have the replaceable cables? We are finding that if you just about look at it sideways, the cable breaks at one of the "strain reliefs". Turning out to be a really bad purchase and wanted to see what other people are seeing.
 
I have a bunch of rode lavs, and I don't use them as much anymore because of the awful cables and connectors (have moved more to a COS-11d and countryman b6's). I have a few tascam DR-10Ls, and a couple times when i was in a pinch, have chosen to use the stock lav on that over the rodes.

The rodes still get their use, and I love them for their functionality and sound, but you absolutely need to plan on always carry around a few spare connectors and cables.
 
Have no experience with the rode. i also use the coss11's. This is just a suggestion but always make a loop before the connector and tape accordingly to relieve the pressure on the connector.
 
I am used to the Rode cables breaking over time. I then buy a new cable. That's why they are replaceable, I guess. The one nice thing about the Rode cables is they don't make any noise that I have ever heard compared to some of my more robustly cabled mics.

I guess the question is whether they break quicker then the competition and then whether it is more cost effective to just replace the cable versus soldering together a new connector and cable.

But, yes, they aren't particularly robust.
 
We went years on Countryman mics without cables being broken, but they were starting to get to the point of being a problem. Thought the Rode would eliminate future problems, seems like an expensive mistake now.

BTW, the new lavs do not have cables you can replace, we got about 1/3 of our big purchase of the new style. Thinking of going to xlr versions of OST lavs because we can't rely on these Rode mics to remain functional.
 
I have used the Rode mics once and ended up breaking the cable and clips pretty quickly.

Never had that with an ECM77b or other mic in 35 years.
 
The only Rødes I have are the ones for the wireless lavs and they, after a year, have been flawless so far. My only complaint is the collar design of the mic element and how their Vampire clip fits it, it's pretty loose and I have lost probably half a dozen of them over the first year. They fall off, talent removes the lav and leaves the clip behind on their clothing, etc. PITA and expensive.
 
My opinion on the Rodes: They are a decent sounding mic that has the benefit of being able to quickly change the connectors depending on you wireless or wired system. The cables don't conduct noise but they tend to fray at the point where the screw in. The cables aren't particularly expensive, though, so I just buy spares. I've never been interested in the new, cheaper 3.5mm molded connectors. My biggest problem with the mic is that it really can't handle very high spl.

For what it is worth, I really, really like the DPA mics and they also have the benefit of being able to change the connector with the microdot assembly.
 
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