Cons — Build appears a bit flimsy; no dead cats for the lavalier mics included.

Executive Summary

Introduction

Vlogging, live streaming, and virtual meetings are becoming increasingly important. When two people are looking into the same camera, a microphone for each is needed. The Maono WM820 offers this functionality. The set features two clip-on transmitters with built-in microphone and a receiver connected to your computer, phone, or other broadcasting device.

The clip-ons also offer the option to connect an included lavalier microphone for improved sound quality or simply for convenience – as well as a headset for real-time monitoring. The transmission range of the sound is up to 50 m, but in any case can one move around the house safely without losing contact to the receiver.

The WM820 set looks awfully close to the Røde GO II set, but at less than half the price, appealing to the cost-conscious consumer.

Maono is a high-tech company that produces affordable microphones, audio interfaces, headphones, and other audio accessories. They preferably sell directly to consumers to keep their prices reasonable.

I am a big fan of good sounding microphones and have certain expectations. Spoiler alert, the WM820-A2 deliver, albeit they cannot be compared to radio-station microphones, just to state the obvious.

Specifications

Physicals

The WM820 set comes with all necessary accessories other than OTG adapters for phones. For example, you have to buy an Apple Audio Adapter for use with iPhone.

In the box…is a lot: 2 transmitters, 1 receiver, a charging cable with three USB-C connectors for simultaneous charging of all three units, a 3.5mm TRS Cable (for cameras), a 3.5mm TRRS Cable (for phones), 2 lavalier microphones, 3 dead cats for the transmitters, and the paperwork. And all that comes in a big pouch.

The receiver and the two transmitters feel a bit light and the plastic a bit flimsy, and I would not want to drop them onto a concrete sidewalk (to be fair, the same accounts for my iPhone). But being heavier would make them more difficult to wear around one’s collar. The pouch smells a bit like petroleum and the lavaliers and the other accessories are sturdy.

Functionality and Operation

The principal idea is to assign a “talking head” to each of the two transmitters, and to connect the receiver to a DSLR, smartphone/tablet, or computer so that the two people can have a recorded or streamed conversation with the outside world.

There is a 3.5 mm output jack on the Maono WM820’s receiver for this purpose. The transmitter features a 3.5 mm jack for connecting an external lavalier microphone (which bypasses the internal mic) as well as a 3.5 mm headphone jack for real-time monitoring.

Both receiver and transmitters feature three buttons on the side with various functionality. First, apart from ON/OFF, for Bluetooth pairing by simply holding button combinations down on both. Pairing has a memory: once done, you will not have to do it again. The receiver buttons allow to adjust the 22 dB gain in 2 dB steps of the incoming signal as monitored through a connected headset (also works for the mics).

Transmitters and receivers features a couple of LEDs on their front top, one as battery-level indicator and the other for Bluetooth connection status.

The set can be used indoors and outdoors. The receiver fits any standard camera shoe or phone rig as you see below. The company claims a 6 h battery life, which is more than sufficient. The build-in 350 mAh batteries are charged with a standard 5V USB charger (not included, but any phone charger or computer port will work). Charging time is 2 hours.

The microphones built into the transmitters follow a polar pattern and are (to some extent) omnidirectional with noise cancelling technology. Transmission distance is given as 50 m without physical obstruction such as walls. I tested this in the following video.

Sound Quality

When it comes to spoken word and speech intelligibility, I am fuzzy. First, I love talk radio and own several old-fashioned FM radios. Second, one of my first cousins and one of my nieces are voice actors. When listening to the “big” radio sound, you hear differences depending on the microphones used.

There is always a competition of richness against clarity, and the question is how well extended a voice is towards the top and bottom of the frequency spectrum. A microphone with little upper extension makes the voice sound boxed in and blunt, one without lower extension makes one sound tinny and analytical.

My wife and I tested the transmitters with both the built-in microphone and the added lavalier. According to specs, the lavaliers should yield a richer sound, but listen yourself to the sound of the video below.

So, what do you think? I did not change the default gain or process the sound. You get the raw data, just like somebody in a live stream or zoom call. I find the sound strikes the right balance between richness and clarity. And since you can attach any microphone to the transmitter you want, I also tried my Sony ECM-CS3, which sounded clearer, but also sterile and analytical. The Manao delivers the more natural sound with a bit or warmth added.

Concluding Remarks

The Maono WM820 is a well working and good sounding set…though I see a bit of “copycatting” as it comes optically very close to the Røde GO II (at more than twice the price). It may be a functional lower-priced alternative to the hobbyist like me, but the build is too light for professional use.

And since the company is big on influencers and affiliate programs, a built-in disclaimer: I/we don’t participate in any of that as we are not salesmen on a commission but product analysts. I just tested the set – and without any humour.

Until next time…keep on listening!

Disclaimer

The WM820 was provided unsolicited by Maono and I thank them for that.

Our generic standard disclaimer.

Gallery

The post 2-Person Wireless Mic MAONO WM820 Review – Talking Heads appeared first on Audio Reviews.

Cons — Non-serviceable battery.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Comica CVM-VM20 is a great-sounding shotgun microphone with useful features that works very well for my vlogging purposes. A personal favourite.

INTRODUCTION

I have been into vlogging since Q2 2020. My start was treacherous, but – since we are an audio blog – I have always favoured sound over images. My 2016 iPhone SE produces good video but unacceptable audio. A friend recommended a certain lavalier microphone, which was a step up. I then played with a few more lavaliers before I tried my first an on-camera microphone. The price range of my selection was $20-$100. I still could not produce a sound nearly as good as these YouTube influencers with their large mics in front of their mouths. But these microphones are expensive and they need an additional $200 device to supply them with 48 V “phantom power”. Sure, I could massage the thin sound of my lavaliers to some extent through specialized software, which would demand much work for every video. But, in my books, a sound has to be decent even raw in a live stream. So what to do?

Coincidentally, the opportunity of reviewing the Comica CVM-VM20 microphone came at the right moment. It was ranked in the top 10 microphones by the Microphone Geeks recently. This is surprising considering that their closest competition range from twice to ten times the price. Is the Comica CVM-VM20 a bargain?

If the Comica CVM-VM20 was good enough for pros, should it be good enough for a casual vlogger like me? The good thing about reviewing a microphone is that you can provide sound samples – nothing to sugar coat. So let’s find out how the Comica CVM-VM20 works for me.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Polar Pattern: super cardioid
• Frequency Response: 20 -20,000 Hz
• Low-Cut: 75Hz/150 Hz
• Sensitivity Range: -43 dBto -23 dB
• S/N: >75 dB
• Maximum SPL: >105 dB
• Output Form: 3,6 mm TRS
• Power: Li-ion battery 3.7 V 300 mac
• Size: 22 mm * 177 mm
• Net Weight: 84 g
• Operating Temperature: 0-50C
• Storage Temperature: -10C to 60 C
• Tested at: $129
• Product Page: Comica Professional Audio Equipment
• Purchase Link: PERGEAR

PHYSICAL THINGS

The Comica CVM-VM20 comes as a complete set with all required accessories: the actual mic with built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery, shock mount, foam cover and furry wind muff, TRS to TRRS cable (connecting to phones), TRS to TRS cable (connecting to a camera), USB-C to USB-A charge cable, and the obligatory paperwork. And the whole lots is nicely stowed in the large included, padded case. There is no charger included, but the Comica CVM-VM20 can be connected to any USB outlet.

The microphone’s body is made of metal; build and haptic are excellent.

HOW THE COMICA CVM-VM20 WORKS

The Comica CVM-VM20 microphone is a condenser microphone with a strongly directional super-cardioid polar pickup pattern. It is most sensitive to on-axis sounds (where the mic “points”) with null points at 127° and 233° and a rear lobe of sensitivity. This pattern has the shape of a heart (kardiá, Greek: heart). The “super” added to cardioid refers to that little tail behind the microphone that offer some extra sound intake from sources behind the microphone….for example useful when filming ahead while commenting from behind the camera.

FEATURES

Built-in Li-ion battery: supplies 60 hours of operation. An OLED display indicates battery level and when the Comica CVM-VM20 needs to be connected through its USB-C port to a USB outlet for charging – with the included cable.

Two-step low-cut button: cycles from flat through 75 and 150 Hz rolloff. The 150 Hz low cut filters out low-frequency ambient noise such as traffic, furnace, or air conditioning. The 75 Hz low cut essentially replaces the “pop filter” when speaking close to the microphone.

Gain knob: produces a variable gain from 1 to 10…which translates to a max. boost of 20 dB. The effect of the gain is demonstrated in my sound-sample video (below).

OPERATION

Easy. The Comica CVM-VM20 is mounted on a standard cold shoe or on a standard 1/4″-20 thread. It connects to a phone or camera with the included cables. No splitter or adapter required. Connect to your camera/phone, switch it on, decide on a low-cut filter (or not), set your gain…and you are recording.

SOUND

Equipment used: Comica CVM-V20 microphone, iPhone SE (first generation, 2016), Ulanzi video rig, amazon basics boom microphone stand with adapter.

I have used several lavalier and two cardioid pattern microphones before – and have never been satisfied with my YouTube sound. Some cut the bass off so that the sound is transparent and clear, but volume and body are lacking. Others do not have the upper extension that adds life to the sound. All of these microphones need lots of time-consuming post precessing to sound somewhat acceptable…but I still did not sound as strong and weighty as these groomed and curated YouTube tech salespeople.

This has changed with the Comica CVM-VM20. Even without processing (“live streams”), my voice is rich, full bodied, and weighty, yet crisp and lively – just like that of a radio host. There is good extension towards the upper and lower end and clarity is good, too.

I could also not detect any hiss or handling noise. Check out the sound samples below from outside and inside the house. I did not use any of the low-cut filters – and the foam cover instead of the wind muff. The sound is raw. In the outdoor part, the traffic noise of a nearby Calgary city highway and schoolchildren playing about 100-150 m away is picked up by the Comica CVM-VM20.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF THE COMICA CVM-VM20 MICROPHONE

Cardioid condenser shotgun microphones are used by the movie industry because of their directionality. The “super” added to the cardioid gives the person behind the camera (phone, DLR) a voice, too. The Comica CVM-VM20 can be used mounted on a camera/mobile phone or simply on a microphone stand for recording sounds from far and near. My videos and images in this article should give you some idea of the Comica CVM-VM20’s versatile uses.

I used the Comica CVM-VM20 for the Whizzer Kylin HE01 review below – in an untreated room – with no low-cut filter applied. It features minimal sound processing in iMovie: I pushed the “auto” button in the sound panel, and the software adjusted the sound minimally.

I shot the Earmen Sparrow video in the same room but applied the 75 dB low-cut filter. Sound was also adjusted to “auto” in iMovie.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

The Comica CVM-VM20 comes as a very pleasant surprise to me – after having tried so many microphones. It has impressed me so much that I have used it for all my blogging and zoom activities since. It delivers the full and rich-bodied radio sound I always wanted. The Microphone Geeks were spot on with their ranking. For an amateur YouTuber like me, the Comica CVM-VM20 is the sonic endgame. Why pay more?

And if you want to hear more Comica CVM-VM20 sound in the future, please subscribe to my YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/c/audioreviews…or simply get your own.

Until next time…keep on listening!

Contact us!

DISCLAIMER

The Comica CVM-VM20 was provided unsolicited by PERGEAR. I thank them for that.

You can get the Comica CVM-VM20 from PERGEAR.

Our generic standard disclaimer.

MORE VISUALS…

The post Comica CVM-VM20 Multi-Functional Super Cardioid Condenser Shotgun Microphone Review – Top Gun appeared first on Audio Reviews.

Cons — Raw sound can be a bit cool; could be a bit more sensitive towards the lower frequencies.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Sennheiser MKE 200 is a directional, sensitive, affordable on-camera microphone that creates a wide, neutral (“uncoloured”) sonic signature with a good sparkle. The raw sound can be easily processed to fit one’s preference. The MKE 200 worked for me well indoors and outside, even at high winds and temperatures at around -10 °C.

INTRODUCTION

Vlogging (video logging) has become a very important source of (mis-) information with the rise of YouTube. Everybody can now expose their videos to a wide audience. This goes hand in had with much improved intelligent video processing in normal smartphones and the ability for traditional cameras to record high-quality moving pictures. But these devices deliver traditionally poor sound not living up to their image quality (you know this from your TV and purchased a “soundbar”, right?) so that vloggers started using external microphones. And since many watch YouTube videos on their phone, that is small screens, and with earphones/headphones, sound has overtaken images in importance. As a side effect, these camera-mounted microphones typically look impressive.

German company Sennheiser, established 1945, is one of the market leaders of microphones for professional applications. Many of my favourite sports clubs (press conferences) and even the German parliament use Sennheiser audio equipment. Sennheiser combine audio quality with practical design. Their products are sleek, inconspicuous, and functional. And they work!

The company has recently discovered the market for budget on-camera microphones – and released the MKE 200 which is price wise far behind their professional lines and therefore appealing to and affordable by the rest of us.

SPECIFICATIONS

Tested at: $99
Product Page: https://en-ca.sennheiser.com/mke-200
Quick Guide: Download

PHYSICAL THINGS AND USABILITY

In the is everything one needs – the complete set: the actual microphone, storage bag, wind muff and two audio cables (the TRS-TRS for cameras and the TRRS-TRS for smartphones).

The microphone (enclosure) is made of hard polycarbonate. Its cylindrical shape is reminiscent of the classic minimalistic industrial Bauhaus design: “form follows function”…which makes it distinct and appealing to people like me.

Traditional microphones typically have a foam cover to minimize “popping” sounds as well as as a visible shock mount to minimize resonance and vibrations (‘handling’ noise”) entering the recording. The Sennheiser MKE 200 has both inside the enclosure. And I can take it away, this works well, and the wind muff does, too.

The microphone is intended to be used with one’s camera or cellphone-video rig: it is mounted by a standard cold shoe or standard thread. It can be pointed backwards to the camera operator (“narrator”) or to the front. But I also used it successfully with a standard microphone stand.

HOW THE SENNHEISER MKE 200 WORKS

You know these stage microphones with that round knob made of metal mesh on top. These rely on a dynamic principle that convert an electrical signal into sound by means of electromagnetism. The MKE 200 is a different kind: it is a condenser (= capacitor) microphone that converts acoustic energy into sound.

The Sennheiser MKE200 microphone is highly directional and has a super-cardioid pattern. This means it picks up the strongest signal along a line right ahead of it, the signal becomes weaker laterally “off axis”, that is towards the sides away from this corridor. This pattern has the shape of a heart (kardiá, Greek: heart). The “super” added to cardioid refers to that little tail behind the microphone that offer some extra sound intake from sources behind the microphone….for example useful when vlogging a crowd in front and commenting from behind the camera.

OPERATION

…is very simple. The Sennheiser MKE 200 is mounted on a camera or a video rig by a standard cold shoe. There are two cables provided. The TRS to TRS cable is used to connect the MKE 200 to a camera, and the TRS to TRRS connects the mic to a phone (or computer). The cables are attached firmly to the mic by a screw-on thread. There is no battery required.

TONALITY AND TECHNICALITIES

Equipment used: Sennheiser MKE 200 microphone, iPhone SE (first generation, 2016), Ulanzi video rig, amazon basic boom microphone stand with adapter.

The sound can be described as uncoloured neutral with a near-flat frequency response from the midrange to lower treble that rolls off rather early at the low end – but it is well extended towards the top frequencies.

When reviewing headphones, the analyst has to convey in words what he/she hears. In the case of a microphone, the reviewer can produce sound samples…which I did in this video. Note that I left the sound unprocessed.

In detail, the raw sound is crystal clear with a nice sparkle through that well extended treble. Voices have a lean weight and are rather on the cool side (as opposed to being fat, warm and rounded as on talk radio) with great presence, clarity, and transparency….and a good attack (“bite”) without being harsh or aggressive. The decreased sensitivity towards the lower frequencies has the advantage that the Sennheiser MKE 200 picks up little ambient low-frequency noise such as handling noise, traffic, air conditioning, or other environmental rumble, and that is creates a wide soundstage. My recording/playback experience/playback experience is essentially what I read out of the frequency response graphs, which I annotated accordingly.

Compared to my other microphones, the Sennheiser is more vivid, has more attack, and the sonic image is wider, but also a bit flatter and leaner.

The raw sound recorded with the Sennheiser MKE 200, because of its neutral signature, can be easily amped and processed with audio software such as “Audacity” or video software such as iMovie. For example, the simple iMovie program allows to add “body” by boosting the bass with the integrated equalizer – and the volume can be increased easily, too. It is always best to start processing from a flat signature. A microphone producing a coloured raw sound may be problematic.

Sensitivity of the Sennheiser MKE 200 is very good. I picked up screaming school kids from a good 100 m away. You find this and the sound attenuation within 2 m from the microphone and also behind the microphone in the accompanying video.

You will also notice that the Sennheiser MKE 200 does not pick up handling noise because of its intelligent internal suspension (“shock mount”), and no pop sounds or sibilance because of its internal “wind protection”. You will also see that the included furry muff filtered wind noises out effectively. And there is no audible self noise either.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

The Sennheiser MKE 200 is a well-designed, well-engineered, and easy to use plug’n’play on-camera microphone from one of the world’s most competent audio product manufacturers, at a competitive price. It creates a solid neutral, clear, transparent sound that can be used as is, but that is also “customizable” in editing softwares. My only criticism is that the low-end sensitivity appears to roll off a bit early at above the standard A (440 Hz). Sure, you will not get that rich “talk radio sound” out of the MKE 200, but such microphones cost 10-30 times as much. I don’t have to be a wisecrack to see that Sennheiser has the youthful vlogging market in mind – and the MKE 200 will do well. I really enjoy using it.

Until next time…keep on listening!

DISCLAIMER

I received a loaner of the Sennheiser MKE 200 upon my request from Sennheiser Canada. And I thank them for that.

Our generic standard disclaimer.

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