Upgrade Your RØDE Microphone’s Audio with a TRS-XLR Adapter

RØDE microphones are known for their high-quality audio and versatility, whether you’re a solo video shooter or the sound recordist on a higher-budget video shoot.

But in this blog post, I’ll explore the benefits of using a TRS to XLR adapter with your RØDE 3.5mm TRS microphone. So, if you’re ready to unleash the full audio potential of your RØDE on-camera video mic, keep reading.

The obvious elephant in the room is that RØDE on camera mics tend to use 3.5mm mini jack outputs while pro-grade recorders have XLR inputs. Clearly, you can’t directly connect the two together. Don’t worry. RØDE has a range of TRS to XLR adapters that offer a great solution.

Connecting your RØDE video mic’s 3.5mm TRS output to an external recorder with XLR inputs, such as a Zoom H5 or H6 handy recorder, allows you to unlock the full potential of your RØDE video microphone.

External recorders typically have better microphone preamps, and this means you can capture high-quality audio. You’ll also be able to use up to four microphones and record the audio on separate tracks, giving you greater control over levels and post-processing.  

Whether you’re a professional videographer or a content creator, a RØDE TRS to XLR adapter is a must-have accessory if you want to maximize the potential of your RODE on-camera microphone.

RØDE VXLR 3.5mm mini jack to XLR Adapter

The RØDE VXLR adapter is a convenient solution for connecting on-camera microphones with a 3.5mm output to a recording device that has XLR inputs. With this adapter, you can take advantage of the high-quality microphone preamps found in external recorders, like the Zoom H5 and H6.

Last update on 2024-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

RØDE VXLR+ 3.5mm mini jack to XLR Adapter with Power Converter

The RØDE VXLR+ is a 3.5mm female TRS to male XLR adapter that is designed to work with RØDE on-camera microphones such as the RØDE VideoMicro and VideoMic GO. This adapter not only allows you to connect your 3.5mm microphone mini-jack to an XLR input, but it also converts 12-48V phantom power from your recorder down to 4V plug-in power. When capturing the audio with an external recorder like the Zoom H5 or H6, means that you can use your RØDE on-camera microphones without the need for an additional power source. The RØDE VXLR+ adapter is also equipped with a locking connector, ensuring compatible 3.5mm mini-plugs will stay connected throughout the recording.

The RØDE VC1 3.5mm TRS extension cable is an ideal accessory to use along with the RØDE VXLR+ adapter, especially if the microphone is used as an off-camera mic.

The VXLR+ adapter is a great solution for any videographer or content creator who wants to capture sound with an external recorder and a RØDE microphone that has a 3.5mm TRS output and requires plug-in power.

Last update on 2024-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

RØDE VXLR Pro transformer-balanced 3.5mm TRS to XLR adapter

Placing your RØDE 3.5mm TRS video microphone at a distance from your recorder risks electrical interference adding noise to your audio. This is a situation where you should use the RØDE VXLR Pro. It’s the ultimate adapter for connecting your RØDE microphone with a 3.5mm output to an external sound recorder with an XLR input.

The VXLR Pro includes an internal transformer to convert the unbalanced signal from your microphone’s cable to a balanced signal. Premium components used in the manufacture of the adapter ensure crystal clear recordings, even when you have long cable runs.

The VXLR Pro also features a plug-in power solution for mics that require it, such as the RØDE VideoMicro and VideoMic GO. The adapter can convert 12-48V phantom power from the recording device to 4V plug-in power that the microphone can use.

In addition, the VXLR Pro is equipped with a locking connector to ensure the 3.5mm mini-plug stays connected.

Last update on 2024-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Conclusion

RØDE on-camera microphones are known for their high-quality audio and versatility, but because they use 3.5mm TRS miniplugs these cannot connect directly with professional external audio recordings that use XLR inputs.

However, RØDE TRS to XLR adapters are a must-have accessory if you want to unlock the full potential of your RØDE video microphone since you’ll be able to work with recorders like the Zoom H5 and H6, as well as audio mixers and interfaces.

The RØDE VXLR is the basic adapter, while the VXLR+ and VXLR Pro adapters provide extra features. Both can convert 12-48V phantom power from the recording device to 4V plug-in power for microphones that require it. The VXLR Pro is ideal when you need a long cable run, as it includes an internal transformer to convert the unbalanced signal from the microphone to a balanced signal.

Overall, whether you’re a professional videographer or a content creator, a RØDE TRS to XLR adapter is an essential accessory if you want to record audio to any device with XLR inputs.

Source: Rode