An audio recorder is a central device for every video creator. Whether he’s starting a vlog, podcast, or YouTube channel, one of the first things he needs is a microphone system to help him sound like a pro. Also, if you’re recording outside of a YouTube studio, your recording device should be portable and offer good sound quality without cables.
In this review, we test the dual wireless microphone system WM821 by Maono.
Maono WM821 Dual Wireless Microphone System: First Impressions and Specs
Wireless microphone systems are a new technology trend. It comes with a transmitter that picks up the audio and sends it over a specific wireless frequency band (2.4HZ for Maono WM821) to the receiver and syncs it to the camera that records the video. The WM821 has one receiver and two transmitters, so it can record two people at the same time.
When you hold the Maono WM821 for the first time, you’ll notice how stylish all the parts (including the charging case) are. The case contains 2 transmitters and 1 receiver. Both are lightweight and have a clamp on the back for attaching to clothing.
This design is complemented by the WM821, a cable-free wireless system. With this in mind, moving around while recording shouldn’t be a problem, making the WM821 perfect for conducting interviews or recording outdoors.
Before we get into the details, let’s take a look at the complete list of technical specifications for the Maono WM821 dual microphone system.
- Transmission type: 2.4GHz wireless
- Directivity pattern (built-in microphone): Omnidirectional
- Built-in microphone frequency response: 80Hz to 16kHz
- Frequency response of external microphone: 50Hz to 18kHz
- Maximum output level: Line Out – 10dBu, Headphone Out – 3.2dBu
- Maximum sound pressure: 105dB SPL (1kHz @1m)
- audio input: 3.5mm TRS lavalier microphone input (transmitter)
- audio output: 3.5mm TRS (Receiver)
- range: 328 feet (100 m) line of sight
- battery: 350mAh/3.7V, 2500mAh/3.7V, 20 hours battery life
- charging port: Type C, DC 5V
- price: Starting at $189 at Amazon
Right out of the box, you’ll be amazed at how Mano seems to have thought of everything when making the WM821.
This is a simple recording system for 1 or 2 people with 2 transmitters and 1 receiver. Both the transmitter and receiver have great battery life, plus a charging case that can extend that. The lav mic and windshield protector are great add-ons that make your recordings more flexible.
design and unpack
The build quality of the Maono wireless microphone system feels premium as soon as you open the box. The various parts of the kit are individually packed in small boxes with clear labels. Transmitter and receiver are easily transported in Maono’s charging case, and all accessories can be stored and transported using the dedicated carrying pouch included in the package.
what’s in the box
Here’s everything in the box when you unpack it:
- Vision WM821 Receiver
- Two Vision WM821 transmitters
- charging case
- audio cable for camera
- audio cable for smartphone
- USB-A to USB-C cable
- two lavalier microphones
- 2 fur windshields
- vision storage bag
Two pocket-sized transmitters and one receiver are housed in a rugged charging case. They are all super lightweight, each wearable weighing only 35g, so you won’t even notice it’s on your clothes.
Each transmitter has a built-in microphone (omni-directional) so you don’t need to attach a love mic for recording. However, if you prefer to use external microphones, the Maono kit includes two lavalier microphones.
The transmitter has a power button, a mute button, a pairing button, a low cut button that filters out low frequencies to eliminate unwanted vibrations, and an indicator to show if the transmitter is on or off.
The receiver has a power button that doubles as a switch from mono to stereo mode and a volume control button. The side of the receiver has a headphone jack and an output jack for connecting a headset.
The receiver also has an LED screen with useful visuals such as mono/stereo mode, battery level, pairing status and transmitter level meter.
There are also two furry windshields that can be attached to the transmitter to diffuse the audio and improve audio quality. However, the twist-and-lock mechanism seems to be underdeveloped, and the windshield isn’t always attached to the transmitter while in motion.
Sound quality and features
Usually, when I buy my first audio recording setup, I choose the condenser and dynamic microphone models. If you’re planning on recording static video in one room, it’s a fair choice. But if you need a recorder that you can use on the go for capturing dynamic stuff, or if you need to move your recording setup to different locations frequently, a wireless microphone system like the WM821 is a good choice. .
Of course, you don’t want to sacrifice sound quality when switching from a standard condenser to a wireless mic. With the WM821, you don’t have to. Audio recorded with the built-in microphone sounds natural and clear.
When shooting indoors, you don’t have to do much in terms of setup. First, turn on the transmitter and receiver. Then place the transmitter nearby or use a clip to secure it to your clothing. Then connect the receiver to your filming camera using a TRS or TRRS audio cable. When the LED indicators on both units stop blinking and start glowing, the devices are paired and ready to start recording.
Due to the Omni built-in mic, we recommend adding a windshield protector if your shooting location is windy. Reduces noisy background noise without affecting the clarity of your recordings.
If you don’t like how your transmitter looks on camera (especially with the fluffy protector on), you can use an external lapel mic (or lavalier mic) when recording. The lav mic included in the kit is very basic but works well. It’s short, but enough to plug into your transmitter and put in your pocket.
The WM821 model is packed with features to improve audio quality when you need to move around while filming or recording outdoors. One of these features is the low-cut filter. It acts as a digital windshield, removing unwanted background noise from your recordings.
Dual transmitters are great for use in many situations. For example, if you need to record two of her at once. If one person is speaking softly and she is speaking loudly, you can set the transmitter to two separate channels, each with different gain settings. Or, if she only has one chance to record something, she can record a backup his copy of the same audio using a different transmitter.
The Range
The Maono WM821 microphone system’s most impressive feature is its range. Maono promises an extended transmission range of up to 328 feet (100 m) under normal conditions and 400 feet in open environments where no obstacles block the transmitted signal.
During our testing, we were impressed with its ability to cover a distance of 100 meters. Recording quality does not degrade no matter how far you are from the receiver. The only requirement is that there is nothing (walls, etc.) between you and the receiver.
compatibility
Maono WM821 is compatible with all devices with 3.5mm port. The mic kit has his two connector cables labeled. phone When cameraso you can’t confuse them.
You can use these cables to connect the WM821 to your camcorder, DSLR camera or smartphone. The only exception is the iPhone. A Lightning adapter cable is required to connect your iPhone to the Maono WM821, but it is not included.
battery life
We’ve already talked about the WM821’s excellent battery life of up to 10 hours. Maono says the transmitter lasts even longer, with up to 12 hours of use on a single charge. Thanks to the charging case, he is able to double these numbers before using the actual charger.
A little battery-related life hack: If you’re only using one transmitter, you can swap it out with another from the charging case and continue recording.
Should I buy the Maono WM821 Dual Wireless Microphone System?
The Maono WM821 is an excellent multi-purpose microphone kit that content creators on a tight budget will appreciate. This mic is perfect for both vloggers shooting dynamic shorts and gamers looking to record live streaming sessions.
Where the Maono WM820 A2 was the more entry-level option, the WM821 offers more features, better audio, range, better battery life for advanced users, and more complex video and audio projects. increase.