RODE smartLav+ Review

The RODE smartLav+ lavalier microphone is not new, but I've had enough people ask about it when they see me using it that I thought I would do a quick review. However, let me say clearly from the start, I'm not an audio guy. I will not share with you the nuances of the tone of this mic verses another. Honestly, I don't know. What I do know is my experience with it, and that I will share. 

The smartLav+ is intended to be used on your iOS device with the RODE Rec app, though it can be used with other apps as well. It's biggest strength is that it utilizes a device that the majority of us carry in our pockets everyday, our iPhones. The ability to throw the smartLav+ in my pocket or pack, with almost no noticeable space taken by it, makes it part of my regular kit, even when I plan to use something else. 

Overall, the smartLav+ has performed very well for me. The first time I realized I would use it on a regular basis was after shooting an impromptu interview at the Operation Christmas Child box sorting center in Atlanta almost two years ago. The warehouse was loud...REALLY LOUD! The whole time I was shooting the interview I was thinking what a waste of time it was. There was no way I was going to be able to use it. Once I actually got home and had a chance to listen to the audio the smartLav+ recorded I was really impressed. Here's actually the raw video file with the original audio (I believe I had a RODE VideoMic GO on the camera) and smartLav+ audio for you to compare:

Since then, the smartLav+ has become a go-to for quick shoots that I have to do on my own or that can be redone easily if there are any issues. Just a few weeks ago I shot this (again, raw file out of camera) for additional comparison:

As happy as I have been with the smartLav+, I do have to share the few negatives I've found to using it. First, you're unable to monitor the audio you're recording. The most common issue I've had as a result is distorted audio. You are able to adjust the mic gain settings in the RODE Rec app settings and once you play with it a bit, you can usually figure out what will work best for you.

Second, I've had issues where I know for a fact the audio was recording and coming through, but the "talent" pulled the mic out of the iPhone or iPod and as a result it loses the recording. I'm not sure if that's been everyone's experience with that, but by default I make sure the "talent" understands they are not to unplug it for any reason without my permission.

Overall, the RODE smartLav+ is a great purchase at $65. If you're looking for an affordable or simple lavalier microphone, this is a great option.

Adobe Morph Cut

One of the new features with the latest release of Premiere Pro CC (2015) is morph cut. Morph cut is a new effect that is supposed to eliminate jump cuts in your interview footage.

Since the initial demo that Adobe released, I've had my doubts. I knew there were definitely some best-case scenarios where it would work perfectly, but for how many cases would this be a practical solution? I haven't had the chance to really play with it yet, but thankfully I came across this demo done by Anchor Line via No Film School's weekly update (which you need to subscribe to if you haven't).

The guys at Anchor Line did a great job putting morph cut to the test and setting realistic expectations for this new feature.

Remembering Where You Came From #TBT

I was going through my Vimeo account recently when I came across the first After Effects piece I ever did. Immediately I cringed, embarrassed that it was connected to my name and honestly thought about deleting it (or at least making it private). Something stopped me from doing it though. There's a nostalgia to this piece for me, along with some encouragement for today.

The Nostalgia

I was just out of college when Russ Martin, the Media Director for Precept Ministries International at the time, saw something in me and gave me a shot as part of his video team. Russ, now a dear friend, is one of those guys who I will forever look up to and respect. He took time to invest in me personally and professionally. It was an extremely exciting time for me. I learned a ton and loved being a part of that team. 

At some point, one of our producers had this concept that she wanted to be animated. I immediately volunteered to take on this piece. I was really into Flash at the time, building a lot of Flash websites for random freelance jobs and playing with animation. I knew that it was something I could do in Flash and thought it would be a breeze. Man, was I wrong! The short version is that I had issues exporting from Flash into Avid Media Composer and the only option I had left was to learn the basics of After Effects in a week. If it wasn't for guys like Andrew Kramer, I would have been up a creek...

By the end of the week I was in love with After Effects. It opened up a new world of animation and motion design to me that was bursting with possibilities. I was so proud of what I was able to accomplish and was now looking for any and every opportunity to jump into this new tool.

This piece reminds me of that excitement, of Russ, and of the team I worked with there. I'm thankful for the chance I got to be there and for the lessons I learned during that time.

The Encouragement

I'm sure you've heard it said, "Remember where you came from!" This piece is the embodiment of that statement for me. It's where it started for me and it's not pretty. Yes, I was excited about it at the time, but today I see all the issues and flaws with the piece. After all, I did almost delete it because of my embarrassment of it. There are, however, two encouragements for me as I look at this.

The first encouragement I saw from this was progress. Looking back at where I started allows me to clearly see that I have made progress as a motion designer and animator. I'm not where I want to be, nor do I think I ever will be, but I am getting better. The second encouragement was to stay humble. I may be better than I used to be, but I've done a lot of bad work too. 

It's funny how something can stir memories and cause reflection. Even after all that, I still am hesitant to put this out for others to see, but I've decided it's part of my attempt to stay humble. So with that, I'm finally willing to put my first After Effects piece out there, cringing as I hit post...

My Role: Illustration & Animation

Tenba BYOB 13 Camera Case & Packlite Travel Bag

Over the past year and a half, I've had the privilege to do a couple international trips and am scheduled for another this fall. These are always fast-pace, run-and-gun documentary style projects, and I've always had trouble getting the right packing setup that meets the needs for both travel and production. The goal is usually to get all my clothes, toiletries, and gear into what I'm able to carry-on. To spare you any lengthy details of my previous struggles, I'll go ahead and share with you a recent purchase that has been a game-changer for me, the Tenba BYOB 13 Camera Insert and the Packlite Travel Bag.

The BYOB Camera Insert gives you the benefits of your typical camera bag, but is designed for you to insert it into the bag of your choice, hence the name "Bring Your Own Bag." The BYOB 13 is my personal favorite because it is able to hold my Canon 5D Mark iii, Canon 70-200 2.8, Canon 24-70 2.8, Zacuto Z-finder, GoPro Hero4, batteries, memory cards, iPhone, Rode VideoMic Go, Rode smartLav+, and quite a few other items. The other big bonus is the ability to pull all your gear out of your bag quickly if the airline tells you that you have to check your bag for a flight.

Once you arrive at your destination, the Packlite Travel Bag expands into a messenger bag that fits the BYOB Camera Insert with a little room to spare. There's not much to say about this bag other than it is compact when you need to pack it and fits the BYOB 13 Camera Insert once you're ready to head out with your select camera gear.

The Tenba BYOB Camera Insert ($59.95) and Packlite Travel Bag ($28.95) do exactly as advertised and I'm thrilled with the purchase. It was a no-brainer for me. If you travel with gear at all, you need to take a hard look at this setup...and then send me a thank you note once you've purchased them.