If you’re a podcaster, vlogger, TikToker or Youtuber, you’ll know that there’s a lot of options out there for microphones, and there’s an increasing demand for small and wireless versions. The best part is that not only can you use them in the studio when recording, they’re also versatile for outdoor use.
A popular portable mic on the market is the Maono WM820, which is a dual wireless microphone system that comes in its own handy carry case for convenience.
Getting to know the mics
Right out of the box, you’ll find not only the hardware, but also a convenient carry case:
- 2 transmitters (mics)
- 1 receiver
- 2 lavalier mics
- 3 fur windshields
- Audio cable for camera and PC
- Audio cable for phone
- USB-A to USB-C 1-to-3 splitter cable
- A carrying case
The transmitter and the receiver look almost the same, except the transmitters have the mics as well as the mute and pairing buttons, while the receiver has the volume button, 3.5mm output and headphone jack. The three units are easily chargeable via USB (wires included) – the charging wire provided allows you to charge all 3 units at once with its splitter cable. The battery life is about 6 hours per charge.
Being wireless, it means you can use the transmitters as mics themselves, but you also have the option to plug the wired lavalier mics (included) into the 3.5mm aux port. If you’re recording outdoors, you have the option of attaching the fur windshields onto the transmitter mics.
If you’ve had experience with using older wireless lavalier mics, the first thing you’ll notice about Maono’s receiver unit and the 2 transmitter units is that they’re plastic, so they’re super lightweight (29g) and tiny enough (they’re 4cmx4cm) to stuff into your pocket or clip onto your collar (they all have clips at the back).
The user experience
The Maono WM820 is super easy to use – basically, you just need to pair the transmitters with the receiver with the touch of a button. It’s just like pairing your wireless headphones. The set comes with two transmitters, so you can use one mic or both of the mics for anything from interviews to conversations. The mic is omnidirectional, so you don’t need to speak into the mic.
The range of the transmission is up to a whopping 50m – however, keep in mind that there shouldn’t be any obstruction between them (like a wall).
To record, you’ll just need to plug the receiver to whatever you’re recording with – it could be your laptop, camera or even mobile phone. The set comes with the cables for whichever you choose (if you’re using an iPhone, you’ll need to get an adapter). There’s also a headphone jack so you can plug in to listen to what you’re recording.
The best part about the Maono WM820 is that everything is lightweight and fits into the carrying case, so you can literally take it anywhere and start recording.
Audio quality
The Maono WM820 is not a professional studio level, but it’s a very decent mic for what you pay for. For starters, it’s a lot better than recording with a mobile phone because it utilises a 2.4 GHz frequency band, and the transmitter has a built-in omnidirectional condenser capsule.
Voices sound clear and clean as the mic uses SADP adaptive noise reduction technology, so you don’t get a lot of background noise like you have when you record with a mobile phone. Plus, you have the option of attaching the fur windshields (which are provided) if you’re in a noisy setting.
This is a basic wireless mic which actually gives you good – but not studio quality – sound. The minor complaint is that it doesn’t have any displays to show battery life or noise levels, and doesn’t pair with any apps to control the sound – but for the price, it’s a very decent wireless mic for anyone who’s a vlogger or podcaster.
The Maono WM820, which comes with a pair of transmitters, retails for USD149.99.
