A lot of new video creators have a question: Why buy an extra microphone? In fact, for some creators who have actually shot video works, it should be clear that the built-in microphone of camera or mobile phone can not provide high-quality audio recording and good directivity.If you want to shoot video with clear sound quality and not be affected by ambient noise, you need to equip your recording device with an external microphone.
This post focuses on the external microphone of choice for most vlog vloggers-the wireless Lavalier microphone.
I. Answers to common questions about wireless microphones
What is a wireless lavalier microphone?
As a derivative of the traditional lavalier microphone, the wireless lavalier microphone is in line with the development trend of wireless electronic products. At present, the wireless lavalier on the market is mainly connected through VHF, UHF and 2.4GHz.
What are the advantages of a wireless lavalier microphone?
① Easy to carry
The advantage of wireless is reflected in the aspect of carrying. If users need to go out to record, the wired lavalier microphone needs to carry all kinds of audio wires, which are very easy to wind into a ball, and it takes a lot of time to untie them. There is no need to worry about such problems when you go out to shoot.If there is a storage box (charging box), put the receiver and transmitter in the charging box and take them away. If there is no charging box, put the receiver and transmitter directly in the pocket and take them away.
② Easy to use
Compared with the wired one, the wireless Lavalier also has obvious advantages in terms of use. In addition to the wireless connection of various wires, it can be used directly after pairing (most of the pairing is completed in the factory, and there is no need for the user to pair by himself). In the process of recording audio, it can also move freely (within the range of wireless signal connection!), and there is no need to worry about being limited by the length of the wire.
③ It is beautiful to wear
It takes a little time to hide the "eyesore" audio cable to maintain the image in front of the screen before it goes on camera.
What is the difference between VHF and UHF wireless connections?
This issue is more professional, but I have seen many people have doubts about it. I will try my best to explain this issue in plain language.
VHF (Very High Frequency), also known as V section; It refers to radio waves in the frequency range of 30 MHz to 300 MHz.
UHF (Ultra High Frequency), also known as U-band; It refers to radio waves in the frequency band between 300 MHz and 3000 MHz.
The difference between the two is:
① Transmission signal of the transmitter
Most of the wireless microphone transmitters with U segment design use phase-locked loop technology to get high frequency signals, and the frequency of the transmitter is mostly adjustable.
The wireless microphone with V segment design obtains high frequency signal mainly through several frequency multiplication circuits on the transmitter, and the carrier frequency of the signal on the transmitter is fixed.
② Transmission signal of the receiver
The receiving frequency of most of the wireless microphone receivers using the U segment is adjustable.
Many wireless microphone receivers with V band are designed with fixed frequency.
③ Anti-interference capability
It is difficult for the wireless microphone with V-segment design to avoid interference when it is in a place where interference signals exist. The wireless microphone with U segment design can avoid interference relatively easily by adjusting the frequency of transmitter and receiver.
V-band has a narrow low-frequency range (180MHZ-280MHZ), so there are more than 6 bands around it to interfere with each other. The low frequency range of U segment is relatively wide (500MHZ-900MHZ), and only more than 60 bands around it will interfere with each other.
④ Signal transmission path
UHF radio frequency signal transmission reflects more on smaller metal objects, and multi-path transmission can form interference. Large shielding attenuation to nonmetal objects such as human body; The loss of the feeder is large, so the receiver should be as close as possible to the microphone; A larger transmitting power is required, and the use time of the battery is short; Less high-frequency interference; The available frequency range is 270 MHZ, the expandable range is large, and multiple microphones can be used.A larger system can be formed; The dynamic range of the signal is large.
VHF radio frequency signal transmission has small reflection on small metal objects and can diffract; Can penetrate non-metal objects such as human bodies; The loss of the feeder is low, and the antenna can be properly extended; The battery is used for a long time; It is greatly interfered by VHF TV channel, paging, alphabet machine and industrial pollution such as welding, motor, etc. The usable frequency range is 61 MHZ, and the expandable range is too narrow.Frequencies are crowded when multiple microphones are used, and compatible frequencies are few; The dynamic range of the signal is small.
So how to choose between UHF and VHF?
In fact, the two types of frequency bands have their own advantages and disadvantages, so the choice should be based on the needs of users.
II. Precautions for selecting and purchasing wirelessLavalier microphone
① Endurance
As a wireless microphone, battery life is definitely a focus of attention. At present, the battery life of similar products on the market is about 3 hours, which is not enough to satisfy the use of enthusiasts. For full-time video bloggers, it is recommended to choose a model with a battery life of more than 3 hours.
② Microphone pointing
The so-called microphone direction refers to the pickup direction of the microphone, which direction will pick up the sound and which direction will not pick up the sound, you can choose according to your own needs, the common types are:
Heart-shaped direction
Pick up the sound source right in front of the microphone. Applicable scenes: single live broadcast and singing.
Omnidirectional
The pickup range is 360 ° per circle, which is suitable for scenes such as performance, conference, speech, etc.
Figure 8 points to
Pick up the sound source on the front and back of the microphone. Applicable scenes: duet, interview, etc.
③ Signal-to-noise ratio
Signal-to-noise ratio refers to the ratio of microphone output signal power to noise power. The parameter relationship of signal-to-noise ratio is that the larger the signal-to-noise ratio is, the smaller the noise is, and the higher the sound quality is.
④ Sound pressure level
Sound pressure level refers to the ability of the microphone to withstand the maximum sound pressure. If the sound pressure level is too small, it is easy to overload the sound pressure and cause distortion.
⑤ Sensitivity
The higher the sensitivity of the microphone, the greater the level output capability. A high-sensitivity microphone can pick up tiny sounds.
III. What are the mainstream brands on the market at present?
①Sennheiser
As the world's top microphone brand, Sennheiser was founded in Germany in 1945, with 4 development centers, 3 production bases and 21 sales subsidiaries all over the world. We are committed to shaping the future of audio and creating unique sound experiences for our customers. The Sennheiser product line includes headphones, microphones, wireless microphones, and monitoring systems. Conference and information systems;Aviation equipment and acoustic technology equipment, etc. The Sennheiser Group has a number of subsidiaries and offices around the world and manufactures a number of internationally renowned brands, including Georg Neumann GmbH, which produces the world's leading studio equipment Neumann microphones.
② Sony
Sony, as the world's top well-known electronic brand, is deeply loved by the Chinese people, and its products span consumer electronics, semiconductor components, mobile communications, game consoles, media entertainment, financial products and other fields. Sony is the world's leader in audio-visual, video games, communication products and information technology, and the pioneer of portable digital products.Is one of the world's largest electronics manufacturers.
③Saramonic
Founded in 2012, Saramonic, as a domestic high-end brand, provides consumers with more high-end and high-quality audio products and sound services to help creators maximize audio quality and create better video works. After years of hard work and efforts,Saramonic's products and services have spread over more than 100 countries and regions, including China, the United States, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, South Korea and Singapore, and have been recognized and loved by more and more consumers.Saramonic's product line includes camera/camcorder wireless microphones, shotgun interview microphones, lavalier microphones, smartphone interview microphones, GoPro microphones, camera mixers/front speakers, recording pens, etc. Whether you are a professional recording engineer or an amateur player, whether your equipment is a SLR camera, a video camera or a smart phone, a motion camera, or a drone.You can find the perfect product at Saramonic.
④RODE
Founded in 1990, RODE is an Australian brand specializing in the design and manufacture of microphones and related accessories and audio software. Its products are mainly used in studio and live recording and live sound reinforcement. RODE's wide range of camera microphones and accessories makes it far ahead of its competitors in the same type of microphone market. Rod is committed to developing new products and categories.Improve production and service, and ultimately inspire thousands of users to create by owning high-quality microphones and accessories that are easy to buy and contain sophisticated technology.
⑤BOYA
Since its establishment in 2012, BOYA has been insisting on forging an efficient and innovative R & D team, constantly innovating production equipment and improving production efficiency. While weeding out the old and bringing forth the new, BOYA also pays attention to laying a high-quality pre-sales and after-sales service system covering online and offline. It is one of the most well-known microphone brands at home and abroad.BOYA product line covers wireless microphone, shotgun microphone,Lavalier microphone, handheld microphone, USB microphone and many other types of microphones and accessories; It is committed to providing more innovative audio equipment for the majority of photography enthusiasts, and offering consumers a superior hearing experience with high cost performance.
⑥MOMA
Founded in 2013, MOMA is committed to providing global customers with the best overall solution for digital high-definition audio and video transmission. So far, MOMA includes five wireless equipment series, namely, Xiaoma, Lark, Legend, Yema and Junma, and has its own core technologies in the fields of wireless microphone, wireless image transmission and wireless communication.Related products are widely used in film and television shooting, vlog video production, wedding recording, live broadcasting activities, interviews, school exhibitions, radio and television dance beauty, telecommunications industry and other fields.
⑦DJI
As a world-renowned civil UAV manufacturer, DJI's innovative business has expanded from UAV system to diversified product system, and has become the world's leading brand in UAV, handheld imaging system, robot education and other fields. It redefines the innovative connotation of "Made in China" with first-class technology products. For twelve years,Through continuous innovation of technology and products, the company has opened a new era of global "integration of heaven and earth" image. Some time ago, it launched its only wireless microphone, which received a good response in the market, so DJI was included in this list.
⑧Godox
Godox, founded in 1993, is a comprehensive photographic equipment brand integrating product development, design, manufacturing, sales and other comprehensive services. Shenniu's main products are: studio flash, outdoor flash, power box, camera lamp, flash remote control, camera remote control, studio accessories and other camera accessories; After years of continuous efforts,Shenniu Photographic Equipment has developed into one of the most competitive and influential brands in the domestic photographic equipment industry. Shenniu's products have been selling well in Europe, America, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Korea and Japan for many years, and have been well received.
⑨CoMica
Established in 2012, CoMica brand Godox is a comprehensive audio equipment enterprise integrating product development, manufacturing and sales. After years of efforts, CoMica now has a place in the domestic market. In addition, its products are also sold to Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Asia and other parts of the world.
⑩Takstar
Founded in 1995, Takstar provides personal audio, professional audio, engineering applications and other equipment and services. Through innovative technology and high-quality products, Takstar realizes people's dream of enjoying a higher quality of entertainment life and becomes a trustworthy voice partner around users! Takstar has a professional electro-acoustic technology R & D team in China, and is a world-renowned and influential manufacturer of electro-acoustic products.
IV. Recommendation of Wireless Lavalier Microphone in 2022
The following recommended models are based on the feedback of consumers on the market at present, integrating all the information, screening out the most recommendable model from each brand. For those who have questions or personalized needs, they can send me a private message or leave a message, and they will answer them one by one after seeing them!
①Sennheiser EW112P G4
Configuration and function: UHF wireless transmission technology and omnidirectional pickup direction design are adopted; Signal-to-noise ratio ≥ 110dBA, maximum sound pressure level 130dB, sensitivity 20mV/Pa; The longest wireless transmission distance can reach 100 meters, and the endurance is up to 8 hours. It is equipped with functions such as automatic frequency planning and channel frequency synchronization.
Evaluation: Sennheiser EW112P G4, as the top audiophile wireless microphone, is the top level in the industry in terms of configuration and function. The only disadvantage is that it is expensive! After all, the brand positioning is professional microphone, if the budget is sufficient, it is still worth starting, such as street interviews, conference speeches, musical instrument performances, stage performances and other needs can be used. PS:If you need a cardioid pickup direction, you can start with the EW 122P G4. The two models are identical except for the pickup direction.
② Sony UWP-D21
Configuration and function: UHF wireless transmission technology is adopted, and the pickup direction is omnidirectional; The signal to noise ratio is 60dB, the endurance time of the receiver can reach 6 hours, and the endurance time of the transmitter can reach 8 hours; It is equipped with automatic gain function and supports + 15 dB gain volume enhancement mode; Equipped with earphone monitoring hole to support earphone monitoring; And supports the NFC synchronization function,A quick and intuitive secure channel setup between the transmitter and the receiver can be achieved.
Comments: The UWP-D21 is one of Sony's few wireless microphones. This model was only known after a netizen asked me a question privately, so he hurried to find out the parameters of this model. The configuration and functions of UWP-D21 can meet the daily recording needs, but it should be noted that this model is mainly used for cameras and camcorders, if it needs to be connected to mobile devices.It is necessary to purchase an additional third-party adapter cable.
③Saramonic Blink900
Configuration and functions: The industry-leading 2.4GHz wireless transmission technology is adopted, the pickup direction is omnidirectional, and the mono and stereo switching is supported; Signal-to-noise ratio ≥ 80 dB, maximum sound pressure level 100 dB, sampling rate 48kHZ; It is equipped with three-level low-cut function, adjustable 0-6 gain and automatic gain function, and supports real-time monitoring. The wireless transmission distance can reach 200 meters and the endurance time can reach 6 hours.When used with the charging case, it can provide 3 cycles of charging.
Evaluation: Saramonic Blink900, as the main product of Fengdijia, is online in both appearance and configuration. The visual design of full-color LCD screen can obtain important information intuitively. Three-level low-cut function is a very practical function for bloggers who mainly shoot outdoors. After turning on the low-cut function, it can effectively filter the environmental noise and reduce the pressure of post-editing.The matching charging box can be fully charged three times, and the battery life is still very strong. PS: Blink900 supports one to two, that is, it is equipped with two transmitters, which can be used for two people to broadcast live at the same time.
④RODE Wireless GO Ⅱ
Configuration and function: The fourth-generation 2.4GHz wireless transmission technology is adopted, and the wireless transmission distance can reach 200m; The pickup direction is omnidirectional, and the maximum sound pressure level is 100 dB; It supports three-level gain adjustment, supports free switching between mono and multi-channel, and lasts up to 7 hours.
Evaluation: RODE also supports the use of one to two, which can satisfy two people to participate in audio recording at the same time. The design of color screen is also used in visualization, and some of the main information parameters can be seen intuitively. This model also supports the monitoring function, which can adjust the recording status through the feedback audio when recording. The wireless transmission distance can reach 200 meters like the maple flute.It is one of the few models that can break through 200 meters.
⑤BOYA XM6
Configuration and function: 2.4GHz wireless transmission technology is adopted, and the wireless transmission distance is 100m; The pickup direction is omnidirectional; Signal-to-noise ratio > 84dB, sensitivity -39dB, maximum sound pressure level 120dB; Endurance up to 7 hours; Equipped with earphone monitoring hole to support real-time monitoring; Both the transmitter and the receiver are visual operation interfaces.
Evaluation: The visual design of XM6 is very good. The transmitter and receiver are equipped with OLED display screen, which can clearly display the power, signal and other use status. Seven hours of battery life is enough to meet the needs of most outdoor shooting. The wireless transmission supports adaptive frequency modulation and automatic shielding of wireless signal interference, and the signal transmission can be more stable;XM6, a wireless microphone, has complete functions and configurations, which is cost-effective for non-professional users.
⑥MOMA lark150
Configuration and function: 2.4GHz wireless transmission technology is adopted, and the wireless transmission distance is 100m; The pickup direction is omnidirectional; The maximum sound pressure level is 100 dB, with intelligent noise reduction design, and the endurance is 6 hours. Equipped with secure track mode and monitor function; Support gain adjustment function (20dB).
Evaluation: The lark150 is also designed with a one-driving-two + charging box, which supports two people to record audio at the same time, and can last up to 17 hours with the charging box. It has complete functions and configurations, and can meet various indoor and outdoor recording needs.
⑦DJI Mic
Configuration and function: 2.4GHz wireless transmission technology is adopted, and the wireless transmission distance can reach 250m; The maximum sound pressure level is 114 dB and the sampling rate is 48 KHz. The transmitter lasts for 5.5 hours and the receiver lasts for 5 hours. Support multi-level gain adjustment and monitoring function; The transmitter has 8 gigabytes of memory and can store 14 hours of audio.
Evaluation: MIC is the only wireless microphone under DJI at present. As a professional UAV brand, it has also made great efforts in microphone. The biggest highlight is that the receiver supports touch control, and the transmitter has 8 gigabytes of built-in storage, which can store up to 14 hours of uncompressed audio, which can be used as a recording pen or backup sound. The disadvantages are also obvious.As a wireless microphone, the 5-hour endurance is short, and the endurance of similar products on the market is basically 6 hours or more.
⑧Godox MoveLink
Configuration and function: 2.4GHz wireless transmission technology is adopted, and the wireless transmission distance is 50m; The pickup direction is omnidirectional; Sensitivity: -32 dB, signal-to-noise ratio ≥ 70 dB, maximum sound pressure level 120 dB, endurance of 6 hours; Support -5dB ~ 10dB gain adjustment; Support free switching between single and dual channels;
Comments: MoveLink has complete configuration and functions, including gain adjustment and single-channel and dual-channel switching. It also supports real-time monitoring and one-drag-two use. The only drawback is that the wireless transmission distance is only 50 meters, which is a little awkward compared with the previous recommended models, and is more suitable for people who mainly need indoor recording.
⑨CoMica BoomX-D2
Configuration and function: 2.4GHz wireless transmission technology is adopted, and the wireless transmission distance is 50m; The pickup direction is omnidirectional; Sensitivity -86 dB, sampling rate 48 kHz; It is equipped with four-level gain adjustment (0-12 dB), supports headphone monitoring, and lasts for 6 hours.
Evaluation: The BoomX-D2 wireless microphone can basically meet the daily non-professional needs in terms of function and configuration, but it also has a problem of short wireless radio distance. The radio distance of 50 meters is not enough for outdoor recording. On the whole, BoomX-D2 still prefers indoor recording.
⑩Takstar V1
Configuration and function: 2.4GHz wireless transmission technology is adopted, and the wireless transmission distance is 50m; The pickup direction is omnidirectional; The signal-to-noise ratio is 85dB, the sensitivity is -86dB, and the maximum sound pressure level is 97dB; Both receiver and transmitter have built-in lithium batteries, which can last for 7 hours. Support intelligent noise reduction.
Evaluation: The wireless transmission distance of V1 is relatively close, so users who mainly shoot outdoors need to know in advance. Compared with the previous recommended models, the function is relatively small, which is suitable for the use of wireless microphone with insufficient budget or novice bloggers as a starting point.