Rode iXY Lightning review

Rode's iOS mic rides the Lightning

  • £139
  • €189
  • $299
By Jono Buchanan
( Future Music )
published
Also included is a protective case (with belt strap) and a basic wind-shield

MusicRadar Verdict

If you're looking to capture high-quality audio whilst filming, or want to have a high-quality field recorder always at the ready, the iXY is a winning solution.

Pros

  • +

    Excellent audio quality. Compact and cost-effective (assuming, of course, that you already own an iPhone).

Cons

  • -

    Not much.

Why you can trust MusicRadar Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The Rode iXY Lightning is an extremely compact stereo microphone for recording via Apple mobile devices, offering a 'locked' X-Y recording configuration at sample rates up to 96kHz and resolution of 24-bit.

"The recorded results are rich, high-quality and hugely impressive"

The condenser microphones are matched 1⁄2-inch cardioid capsules, borrowing from Rode's long experience in microphone design.

The recorded results are rich, high-quality and hugely impressive. Once clipped to your phone, recordings are most easily made to one of Rode's own 'Rode Rec' apps, available either in full or basic 'LE' forms.

A high-pass filter is offered to reduce handling noise, whilst recording level is controlled via the software.

Also in the box you'll find a protective case (with belt strap) and a basic wind-shield. Further accessories, including mounts/grips, are available from Rode.

Jono Buchanan