This wireless microphone system produces unequaled, innovative audio equipment for content creators on the go.
One of my favorite camera gear designers, Joby, just recently released a product lineup of microphone systems and they are really cool. I was able to get my hands on the Wavo AIR Wireless Microphone system and it’s been a great experience. They are easy to set up and produce great, high-quality audio.
DETAILS
The Wavo AIR is designed to be the most complete and flexible wireless microphone kit available. It features high-quality, secure 2.4Ghz wireless audio transmission with a unique, modular mounting system that adapts to your creativity. The system boasts an impressive 6-hour battery life and a fast, immediate pairing process. The microphone system works with any smartphone or camera directly out of the box. The microphones are omnidirectional and made out of polycarbonate PC and ABS plastic.
SPECS
- Weight: 0.033 kg
- Frequency Response: 50Hz — 18Khz
- Maximum SPL: Built in mic: 120dB, Included lavalier: 110dB
- Power Source: Lithium Batteries
- Capsule Type: Condenser electret
- Sensitivity: Built-in Microphone: -42dB, Lavalier microphone: -30dB
- Signal to Noise Ratio: > 78dB
- Indicators: power, pairing, and gain LED
IN THE BOX
- 2x Transmitter
- 1x Receiver
- 2x Windjammer
- 2x Lavalier microphones with foam windshield and clip
- 2x Belt Clip support
- 1x GorillaPod Leg Clip
- 1x Necklace with magnetic support
- 1x Cold-Shoe support
- 1x Pairing pin
- 3x USB Type-C to Type-A cables
- 1x 3.5mm TRS to TRS cable
- 1x 3.5mm TRS to TRRS cable
USER EXPERIENCE
The Wavo Air kit comes in a retail-style package with the name of the product “Wavo AIR” printed across the top. The product line “Joby Wavo” is also printed on the front of the box. There is a large image of the transmitter pack on the front of the box with many of the features outlined on the back. There is also a very nice list of all the items that can be found in the box.
Opening the box involves removing the outer sleeve and then opening the inner box’s magnetic flap. There is a thin piece of foam covering the pieces of the kit for protection. The first parts of the kit you see are the transmitters, receiver, and a couple of different attachment modifiers.
Once you remove those parts and lift up the inner carton, you will find the remainder of the kit which includes two Windshields for the TXs and all the cables. I immediately found the design of the Windshields innovative since they just pop onto the end of the transmitters. I’ve used wireless microphone systems like this before and they never had an option for a windshield filter.
The equipment feels solid. The outer shell of the receiver and transmitter are hard plastic and they feel as though they are made to be rugged. I really love the mounting accessories and how they connect to the transmitters and receiver. It’s unique and the mechanism is actually very strong. I don’t have any concern that the mount will come loose while using the microphones.
As far as the sound quality goes, I was very impressed. One of the tests I did was to use my iPhone 12 Pro as the recording device. We do this sometimes on production as a backup for audio. This also brings me to the one complaint I have with the Wavo AIR microphones — there is no Lightning cable included with the kit. Since Joby is aiming this kit (and the others in the product line) at content creators, I think that it would make sense to include a Lightning/audio cable in the kit.
That said, I happened to have one available and I connected it to the iPhone and the receiver. Then, I recorded some audio to the VoiceOver app on the phone. I was immediately able to see an audio waveform on the screen that matched what I was reading. After I was done recording, I unplugged the Lightning cable and listened to the recording. I was surprised at how clear the audio actually was. I could easily see this used for any number of voiceovers or sound effect recordings. It seems like a very reliable, easy-to-use system.
CONCLUSION
The Joby Wavo AIR Wireless Microphone system is a smart investment if you are a content creator. There are a lot of wireless microphone systems like this, but I’ve not experienced a set like this. It’s lightweight, but rugged; it pairs instantly and has virtually no setup required to use it. The Wavo AIR system is a must-have for any content creator.
For more information, visit joby.com, Facebook, and Twitter.
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