TEST: Rode iXY

 Steve Jobs was undoubtedly a great visionary and there is no doubt that he was blessed with the necessary megalomania when it came to his products. But I doubt whether he could have ever dreamed that his iPad and especially the iPhone series as the central control unit for photo or audio recordings would gain so much ground in recent years compared to the traditional handhelds.

The Rode iXY, made in Australia, is also very much in line with the trend. It is now available as a clip-on microphone in the new Lightning connector version and was specially designed for the iPhone 5.

Construction

The Rode iXY is delivered in an attractive cube packaging, which, in addition to the actual microphone, also contains a high-quality hard case with solid snap hooks, a windshield and an adapter for the iPhone 5c as well as a changing tool.

While the previous model of the Rode iXY came with the classic 30-pin connector of the iPhone 4 series, Rode, along with many other manufacturers, was forced to bow to Apple's interface dictates and bring a new design onto the market, which is where the main difference to the previous model comes from. While the 30-pin connector rests relatively firmly on the iPhone thanks to its larger plug-in surface, the small Lightning connector does not guarantee any adhesion in the port.

What has its advantages from an aesthetic point of view is a disaster from a haptic point of view. To avoid wobbly microphone heads and faulty contacts, the Rode iXY in the iPhone 5 version is equipped with a hard rubber holder on both sides, which not only ensures a secure fit on the lower side of the iPhone's housing, but also absorbs lateral forces on the microphone housing.

The holder is quite tight and it takes a lot of force to put the microphone capsule on the iPhone, but it also sits rock-solid on the housing. Using the pen tool provided, the holder can be quickly and easily replaced with the 5c holder. There is also a small rubber plate on the outside so that you can still press the home button. The fingerprint sensor can of course no longer be used.

The microphone capsule of the Rode iXY is also very light. At just 50 grams, there is no significant torque on the housing base, so that the iPhone can also be placed on comparatively light stands without it becoming top-heavy. The two capsules are cardioid and, according to the manufacturer, have a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz. With dimensions of 40 mm x 50 mm x 30 mm, the capsule can even fit in your pocket if necessary, although transporting it in a hard case is always preferable. With a maximum sound pressure of 139 dB SPL, the system can also be used for live recordings, and in conjunction with a suitable camera, for video recordings.

Practice

In order to operate the Rode iXY, an app is required. You can download the Rode Rec app created for this purpose from the App Store, but the product also works with any other app that supports external microphones. I opted for the free SE version, which does offer a simple range of functions, but is not really convincing in terms of appearance or performance. You are better off with the paid Pro version, which includes more sample frequencies up to 96kHz at 24 bit, better export functions and several editing functions.

Otherwise, the product impresses with its transparent, cool sound and high impulse fidelity. It is easy to use and the result is very good. The capsule records the incoming signal well and is equally suitable for voice and music recordings.


Conclusion

The Rode iXY is a clip-on microphone for the iPhone that scores points with its very good sound and excellent workmanship. With minimal dimensions, you have a high-quality, portable recorder in your pocket and can enjoy the freedom of mobile recording. In my opinion, however, with a retail price of just under 200 euros for a clip-on microphone, the Pro version should be included as a recording app. It's only a little over 5 euros more, but the psychological component is undiplomatic.

——————

Additional Informations:

Rode Audio, officially known as RØDE Microphones, is a renowned Australian company that has carved a significant niche in the global audio equipment industry. Its journey from a modest beginning to a world leader in microphone technology is a compelling story of innovation, resilience, and strategic vision. This article delves deeply into the history, milestones, and growth of Rode Audio, highlighting the pivotal moments and key figures that have shaped its success.

#### The Early Beginnings

Rode Audio's story starts in the 1960s with Henry Freedman, an electronics engineer who migrated from Sweden to Australia. Freedman's passion for electronics led him to establish Freedman Electronics in 1967, a company specializing in loudspeaker installations for nightclubs, schools, and department stores in Sydney. During this time, Freedman Electronics built a reputation for quality and reliability, laying the groundwork for future endeavors.

#### The Transition to Microphones

The transition from loudspeakers to microphones began in the 1980s when Henry's son, Peter Freedman, joined the family business. Peter saw an opportunity in the audio recording market, which was undergoing significant changes with the advent of digital technology. Recognizing a gap in the market for high-quality yet affordable microphones, Peter decided to pivot the company's focus.

In 1990, the company imported a consignment of microphones from China. Unfortunately, these microphones were of poor quality, which could have spelled disaster. However, Peter Freedman's ingenuity turned this setback into an opportunity. He meticulously re-engineered the microphones, improving their performance significantly. This marked the birth of the first RØDE microphone, the NT1.

#### The Birth of RØDE

The NT1 was released in 1990, and it quickly gained popularity due to its exceptional sound quality and affordable price. It was a game-changer in the industry, democratizing access to professional-grade audio equipment. The NT1’s success laid the foundation for Rode's philosophy: to provide high-quality microphones at accessible prices, enabling more people to produce professional sound.

RØDE’s distinctive approach to manufacturing and design set it apart. Instead of outsourcing production, Peter Freedman invested in high-tech manufacturing facilities in Sydney. This decision ensured that RØDE could maintain stringent quality control standards while keeping production costs competitive. By the mid-1990s, RØDE microphones were being exported to the United States, Europe, and Asia, marking the company's first steps towards becoming a global brand.

#### Expansion and Innovation

The late 1990s and early 2000s were a period of rapid expansion and innovation for RØDE. The company continually pushed the boundaries of microphone technology, introducing several groundbreaking products. One notable release was the NT2, a versatile multi-pattern condenser microphone that quickly became a favorite among recording professionals.

In 2000, RØDE launched the NTK, a valve condenser microphone that brought the warmth and richness of vintage tube microphones to a new generation of recording artists. This period also saw the introduction of the Podcaster, a USB microphone that anticipated the burgeoning podcasting trend, and the VideoMic, which catered to the growing market for DSLR video recording.

#### Challenges and Resilience

Despite its successes, RØDE faced significant challenges. The global financial crisis of 2008, for instance, threatened many businesses. However, RØDE’s commitment to innovation and quality helped it weather the storm. The company continued to invest in research and development, resulting in the release of the NTG-3, a professional shotgun microphone designed for broadcast and film production, which was well-received by the industry.

Moreover, RØDE’s strategic focus on digital marketing and social media engagement allowed it to build a strong online presence, connecting directly with its customer base and fostering a loyal community of users. This digital-savvy approach was instrumental in maintaining growth during tough economic times.

#### RØDE Today

Today, RØDE Microphones is a global leader in audio technology, with a diverse product range that includes studio microphones, live performance microphones, video microphones, and audio interfaces. The company’s commitment to quality and innovation remains unwavering, as evidenced by its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Sydney, which employs advanced robotics and precision engineering techniques.

RØDE’s impact on the audio industry is profound. Its products are used by professionals in music, broadcasting, filmmaking, and content creation worldwide. The company has received numerous awards for its innovations, including the Red Dot Design Award, the Technical Grammy Award, and multiple Australian Manufacturing Awards.

#### Key Figures and Leadership

Peter Freedman’s leadership has been a driving force behind RØDE’s success. His vision of combining high-quality engineering with affordability has disrupted the audio equipment market. Under his guidance, RØDE has not only maintained its competitive edge but also expanded into new areas, such as video production with the RØDELink wireless system and mobile journalism with the SC6-L mobile interface.

In recent years, the company has also focused on sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices, reflecting a broader commitment to social responsibility. This includes initiatives to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and ensure fair labor practices within its supply chain.

#### The Future of RØDE

As RØDE looks to the future, the company is poised to continue its tradition of innovation and excellence. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, immersive audio, and virtual reality present new opportunities for RØDE to explore. The company’s investment in research and development, combined with its strong foundation in quality manufacturing, positions it well to lead the next wave of advancements in audio technology.

Moreover, RØDE’s commitment to supporting the creative community through initiatives like the My RØDE Reel short film competition and the RØDE Rockumentary project underscores its dedication to nurturing talent and fostering creativity.

#### Conclusion

The journey of RØDE Microphones from a small Australian family business to a global powerhouse in the audio industry is a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and visionary leadership. By consistently delivering high-quality, affordable products, and maintaining a strong connection with its customer base, RØDE has revolutionized the audio equipment market and set new standards for excellence.

As the company continues to evolve and adapt to changing technologies and market dynamics, it remains committed to its core mission: empowering people to achieve professional sound quality in their creative endeavors. The story of RØDE is far from over, and the future promises even more exciting developments as it continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in audio technology.