What’s up gamers, welcome back to another- oh, this is an article, not a video. Well, if you’ve ever tried your hand at some video or audio content creation, then you may be familiar with how tricky and fiddly certain hardware and peripherals can be. Especially with wires and connectors. I swear I’m untangling things at least three times a day.
When recording on the move, whether it be interviews, public interaction, or the need for going hands-free, lapel mics are the way to go, but often, these are some of the most annoying for wiring or setup. Traditionally, wires would run under your shirt, or you’d have a local receiver clipped on, that sort of thing. As a solution to this persistent problem, this month I got the chance to take a look at the Maono Wave T5 Wireless Lavalier Mic kit.
Now for today’s sponsor, Raid Shadow Le- I’m joking, none of this is sponsored, all thoughts and words are my own, etc.
The Easiest Way To Record Hands-Free Audio I’ve Seen
While I’m versed in video production, getting technical with mics is something new to me. I don’t think I’ve touched my audio interface since first setting it up, and quite frankly, I’m scared to look at it. Luckily, however, this Maono kit was incredibly straightforward, even without extensive knowledge of the hardware.
With two microphones stored in an airpod-style charging capsule, along with a slot for the main receiver, all you have to do is take them out and they’ll automatically connect, as long as the receiver is turned on. The receiver itself can connect to devices with a 3.5mm audio jack or a USB-C port and has a dial to control the gain of the mics. You can clip this onto your person or slot it onto the hot shoe mount of your camera directly, running the cable to your camera’s ports.
“Boasting a top-level 120dB maximum SPL and an 80dB signal-to-noise ratio, the microphone captures everything from subtle whispers to dynamic screams with precision. Equipped with 48kHz/24-bit resolution, it ensures professional-grade audio fidelity for every project.”
Translation: It makes sounds sound good.
Wireless, Magnetic, And Excellent Quality Audio
With everything being wireless, the goal is ease of use, and that’s where magnetic attachment comes in. The mics themselves don’t have clips built on. You can either magnetically attach them to the provided clips (which have a strong enough magnet to withstand any movement) or use the magnetic necklaces provided. These can be an easier, alternative way to have someone wear one of the mics on the fly, or you can keep one on yourself under your shirt and simply have the mic clip to it through your clothes without issue.
The magnet works just as well through a t-shirt or a hoodie, with no worry of unattaching.
When using both mics, the receiver will automatically record in two channels, and the audio quality is excellent. I found it best to use the lowest gain and noise reduction off (indicated by a blue light on the mic when off, green when on) when in quieter environments, but these will need adjustments and tests when in crowded areas or windy conditions.
“Advanced intelligent noise cancellation features three modes and 14 levels of noise reduction, guaranteeing clear, uninterrupted sound even in challenging environments.”
The kit also contains a case to keep everything in, along with cables, windshields, and dedicated USB-C and Lightning connector receivers for easier use with mobile devices.
An Undeniable Choice For Easy, Portable Recording
I still can’t quite believe how easy these mics are to use. Yes, that sounds very convenient and like an ad, but unfortunately, I don’t have any sponsorship money. I just think these are neat.
The Maono Wave T5 Wireless Lavalier Microphone starts at around $119.99 on Amazon US and the Maono website, and £135 on Amazon UK.
It’s a huge relief to know that, whenever the need arises for hands-free VO or capturing audio directly through my camera or phone while on the move, the solution is simply a capsule that fits in my pocket. No untangling required, and no abundance of technical know-how or fiddling beforehand. There’s enough difficulty in hardware, in a world that is shaping itself more and more in the form of content, so streamlining even a bit of that where possible makes things like this so much easier to recommend.