This helpful accent drastically improved my telephone’s video high quality

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Shure MoveMic Wi-fi Lavalier mic system is accessible now, both bought as a equipment (with mics and receiver, or as particular person items). 
• Good sound, straightforward setup, and the receiver menu is a deal with to make use of.
• Word that the vary is restricted to round 100 toes. That ought to nonetheless be far sufficient for many customers.

Shure has been within the audio enterprise for a very long time. I’ve used so many Shure mics through the years that I could not even start to rely them. However in terms of lavalier mics, I have been utilizing a pair of Sony UWP-D21 mics with sensible outcomes. I join them to my ZCAM E2 F6 cinematic digital camera figuring out I can rely on them each step of the best way.

Additionally: The very best streaming mics of 2024 for TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch

However what about when I haven’t got my Sony mics or my principal digital camera? What about if I am out and about and have to movie an interview or another second and all I’ve is my telephone? That is when the brand new Shure MoveMic wi-fi lapel mic system shines.

This newly launched wi-fi lavalier mic makes it attainable to seize professional-level audio on cellphones, cameras, or computer systems. The small, wi-fi, clip-on mic connects to a receiver, which you then connect with your gadget, and offers you 24 hours of recording time on a single cost (eight hours from the mic and a further 16 from the charger). 

View at Bhphotovideo

I examined the MoveMic on three completely different gadgets:

• Sony Alpha 7 III
• ZCAM E2 F6
• Pixel 8 Professional

For the overview, I used to be despatched the MoveMic Two Receiver Equipment, which included the receiver and two lapel mics. This setup runs $499.00. You should buy the parts individually as such:

• MoveMic Receiver – $199.00
• MoveMic One – $249.00
• MoveMic Two – $349.00
• MoveMic Two Receiver Equipment (what I reviewed) – $499.00

The specs

So far as specs are involved, listed here are the highlights:

• Two-channel wi-fi mic system
• Eight hours of recording time from a full cost on the mic and a further 24 hours of recording time from the charging case
• Instantaneous setup and connectivity
• Direct-to-device wi-fi (with the Certain MOTIV) app, or utilizing the MoveMic Receiver
• Customized acoustic design
• Customizable audio, together with achieve, EQ limiter, noise discount, excessive go, and compressor
• Rated IPX4
• 50Hz to 20kHZ frequency vary
• Tolerance of +/- 1dB
• 3.5 mm audio out, 3.5 mm headphone jack, and USB-A port on the receiver

My expertise

My first check was with the ZCAM, the place I assumed the achieve was set at a median degree. After a fast five-minute check, I moved the drive to my iMac, related it, and watched the video, solely to search out the audio extremely distorted.

I then determined to do a fair faster check with my Pixel 8 Professional. I plugged the receiver into the telephone (by way of an included USB-C cable), opened the digital camera, and started filming. After a few minutes, I ended recording and performed it again to search out the audio was excellent.

Additionally: My go-to microphone for podcasting and streaming over the previous decade

With my digital camera, I ran via the easy-to-use menu system — and I do imply straightforward, which is a reduction — and took the achieve down from the default, which I imagine was 40dB, to 5dB. One other fast check and I used to be shocked to search out the audio was virtually nearly as good as from my Sony mics (which, for 2 mics and two receivers, price virtually 3 times the value of the Shure MoveMic system that I had examined). 

The largest distinction between the 2 programs is vary. The Sony mics have an enormous vary. I’ve walked throughout our 3,000 square-foot home, in each room, and the Sony mics did not miss a beat. I’ve watched video assessments the place the speaker walked far sufficient away that they have been laborious to make out, but may nonetheless be heard.

As for the Shure MoveMic, the vary is roughly 100 toes. Now, that is completely nice. Chances are high that you’re going to by no means want the vary that comes with the Sony mics.

Additionally: DJI’s newest wi-fi microphones resolve one in all my greatest issues

Additionally, the Sony mics do have a bit extra depth to their sound, however that might be as a result of they’re conventional lav mics that may be taped to the within of a shirt, which profit from gaining a little bit of resonance from the chest. The Shure MoveMics are clip-on mics that do not profit from resonance and are additionally a bit more durable to cover. That is okay for interviews, however if you happen to’re doing any form of narrative work, you may need to get inventive to cover the mic from sight and nonetheless retain the high-quality sound.

One space the place the Shure mics rise above Sony’s is EQ. The Sony mics don’t have any EQ settings, whereas the Shure mics provide you with a five-band EQ (starting from 100Hz to 10kHz) that may assist overcome the shortage of resonance you may not get from placement. With the slightest tweak to the EQ, the Shure MoveMic sound was wealthy, clear, and dynamic.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

Caveats apart, the Shure MoveMic critically impressed me — after I resolved the achieve concern. Though I would not change my Sony mics with this equipment, I might completely use these for on-the-go interviews or different situations once I want an additional pair of mics. And given the value is significantly decrease than the Sony mics, the Shure MoveMic is a no brainer for these seeking to up their audio recreation for video.