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I try to use my Rode SmartLav+ with Scarlett 2i2 USB pre-amp. I already bought Rode SC3 adaptor and small jack to big jack adaptor. I try to use any of the line/instrument inputs on my pre-amp, but it doesn't work. Of course when I plug Rode SmartLav+ to my smartphone or laptop it works. From the other hand, when I plug my Beyerdynamic set with Scarlett pre-amp it also works. I've also checked small jack to big jack adaptor and it works with eg. headset. How do you think - what can be a problem?

Below I provide images for my configuration. When mic is plugged-in to pre-amp the o'ring of the gain potentiometer is not even "turned-on" (it has diode indicator which cause it to shine green, yellow or red depending on the mic sound input).

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6 Answers 6

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Rode has now a device which allows to plug in microphones which need to be powered by power usually provided by smartphones (2.7v) through TRRS such as Rode's Lavalier Go or Shure's MVL/A to a USB sound card or any mic entry using XLR.

This is Rode VXLR+. The XLR has to provide 12-48V phantom power.

From Rode's site:

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', allowing RØDE on-camera microphones such as the VideoMicro and VideoMic GO, as well as self-worn microphones like the HS2 Headset Mic to receive power from the XLR input. The 3.5mm socket also features the same threaded connector as used on the output cable of the HS2 Headset Microphone, and the RØDELink Filmmaker Kit Receiver, ensuring the connection to your XLR input is secure and won't disconnect during your recording.

Video:

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From the manual for the Scarlett 2i2:

The preamp gain is appropriate for microphones when an XLR plug is inserted, and for higher level signals when a jack plug is inserted.

Get a jack->XLR adapter, preferably the device listed by ojacques because you also need the 2.7 V power supply.

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Since this is a condensor mic, you should activate the 48V phantom power switch and try again; this may be required to power the active electronics in this specific mic.

You could also try actually recording in your DAW, even if the indicator doesn't light up.

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    Your wording is a bit confusing (in a dangerous way). Phantom Power does not directly boost signal level and using it on a mic that isn't built to receive it is generally a bad idea.
    – user9881
    Feb 6, 2017 at 22:02
  • Well... Correct me if i'm wrong but doesn't a condenser mic need phantom power in order to work?
    – vinteger
    Feb 6, 2017 at 22:47
  • They do indeed! I think it's important not to conflate +48v with a signal boost.
    – user9881
    Feb 6, 2017 at 22:50
  • Then i must have misinterpreted the behavior of my NT1-A connected to my 2i4 via XLR. The signal appears to be significantly stronger when phantom power is activated.
    – vinteger
    Feb 6, 2017 at 23:30
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    @vinteger - yes, it appears to get louder due to the active electronics in the mic actually having power. Condenser mics work by inductance between two plates that vibrate relative to each other. Just vibrating does produce a small amount of electricity that may be able to make it to the wire when the electronics are unpowered, but providing phantom power will allow the electronics to work properly and provide a boost (and possibly other processing) to the signal before it is sent on its way. The +48v isn't the direct cause though, it's just providing power to the stuff that does the boost.
    – AJ Henderson ♦
    Feb 7, 2017 at 16:40
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Just rang Rode directly as I needed an answer myself.

SmartLav+ = you use the Rode SC3 adaptor. The VXLR+ adaptor that someone linked here is for the traditional lav microphones that have a TRS connection already.

Hope that helps.

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Your problem is likely related to the connectors. The microphone has a TRRS connector and your adapter is only TRS.

TRRS is commonly used in smartphones to allow stereo output and a mono microphone input to connect to the same jack. Standard audio interfaces do not expect to connect this way.

You will need a 1/8" TRRS to 1/4" TRS adapter to make this work (or maybe something like this in addition to your correct adapter)

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  • The answer doesn't make sense. The OP said he used Rode SC3 which is TRRS - TRS adapter.
    – Artem Novikov
    Oct 6, 2019 at 18:36
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I've found an answer to my question. RODE SmartLav+ is a plug-in powered microphone, thus it needs around 5V powering. That's why it works with smartphones, laptops, and most cameras, and do not work with Scarlett 2i2 pre-amp which has only 48V phantom powering. The solution to my problem is an external power supply for the mic, which can be something like this. Anyway, thanks for the answers.

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  • The "-1 giver" can you argue your downvote?
    – bluevoxel
    Feb 7, 2017 at 3:19
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    Would you mind trying vinteger's answer? It might save you the trouble of an external battery.
    – user9881
    Feb 7, 2017 at 16:15
  • @AJ Henderson I've tried to use phantom power with this mic with appropriate adaptor (Rode SC3) and TRRS to TRS adaptor. The Answer of DoritoStyle indicates that he/she didnt't read my question at all, where I've written, that I have mentioned adaptors he/she recommended. You shouldn't even try to use phantom power with plug-in powered 5V microphones. From the other hand, my solution works and is compatible with theory standing behind it I've described. Downvotes are unjustified.
    – bluevoxel
    Feb 8, 2017 at 0:11
  • @bluevoxel - I was not immediately familiar with the function of the particular adapter cable and looking around about the mic in question mentioned issues with the pinout. Looking in more detail, I see you tried this and the phantom power I found people saying worked was using a +12 instead of a +48, but your original question wasn't as clear as your explanation here. Either way, it doesn't matter if votes are justified or not, they are based on what people think of the value of the answer. Providing further support for the answer or more explanation may help.
    – AJ Henderson ♦
    Feb 8, 2017 at 0:23
  • It's also worth pointing out that the adapter you linked only provides 1.5v, not 2.7v, so it's only providing half the power the mic should have.
    – AJ Henderson ♦
    Feb 8, 2017 at 0:25

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