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PRICE: £219 JobyWavoAir Joby recently introduced a series of microphones for the content creator market. So, we decided to give its wireless offering – the Wavo Air – a close examination JOBY.COM/UK-EN
JOBY IS BEST known for its GorillaPod, an incredibly versatile, ball-jointed mini tripod that could give essential support in all manner of shooting situations. From there, it has expanded its product range, and recently introduced the Wavo series of vlogging and podcasting microphones. The line includes the Wavo Pod, an £89 podcast mic, and the Wavo Pro DS, a pro-grade vlogging camera mic selling for £229. Here, we check out the Wavo Air, a flexible wireless solution that goes for £219. For that, you get all the accessories you need to start recording first-rate audio. Joby has done a fine packaging job, and the small Wavo Air box disgorges an impressive array of kit. The first thing I did was locate USB-C leads, getting the receiver and transmitters charged and paired. Pairing the units was no more difficult than powering them up, a process that was confirmed by the steady glow of blue LEDs. Once paired, the connection proved totally stable throughout the test. My initial assignment for the Wavo Air was simple enough. I fixed the receiver to the camera, then plugged in the TRS to TRS lead and attached
SPECS › Price £219
› In the box 2x transmitters, 1x receiver, 2x windjammers, 2x lavalier microphones with foam windshield and clip, 2x belt clip support, 1x GorillaPod leg clip, 1x necklace with magnetic support, 1x coldshoe 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 › Mic mounting method Clothing clip mount, coldshoe, magnetic mount, GorillaPod leg clip › Sensitivity Built-in microphone: -42dB, Lavalier microphone: -30dB › Frequency response 50Hz-18KHz › Signal to noise ratio >78dB › Polar pattern Omnidirectional › Output connection 3.5mm TRS › Power source Li-ion batteries › Battery life Up to six hours › Dimensions (wxhxl) 4.2x1.9x6.4cm › Weight 33g › Contact joby.com/uk-en
the mic – fitted with the clip-on windshield to my lapel – before retreating from the camera and doing a sound check as I went. The claimed working range is 50m, and I found nothing to contradict that. Sound quality was clear and crisp; my voice remained unmuffled, without any boominess in both indoor and outdoor tests. Having two mics is perfect for interviews. I wanted to record one for The Photography News Podcast, and with no need for video footage, I didn’t bother with a camera, simply using a Tascam recorder. This was set to mono recording, and with an XLR to 3.5mmmini jack adapter, I
connected the Wavo Air transmitter to this and left it sitting on the table. The two receivers were fitted with the kit’s lavalier mics and clipped onto clothing as normal. A sound level indicator for the receiver would have been useful. You can check the camera/recording device level, or do a test and check through the headphones. An instant guide would be useful, but it’s not a deal-breaker. WC
READY, STEADY, CHARGE The Wavo Air receiver and transmitters are li-ion battery-powered, and charging is done via a USB-C port
Verdict For a set-up of one receiver, two transmitters, and all the accessories needed to get you on the path to great audio recording, a price tag of £219 is excellent value. Add impressive performance, smart looks and good battery life, and the Wavo Air is a wireless system worth investing in. PROS Delivers crisp audio, simple pairing, looks smart, kit has all you need, good battery life and working range CONS Nothing serious, but a recording level indicator would be handy
MIC OPTIONS The Wavo Air kit comes with an easy-to-fit windjammer and various attaching options, or there’s the lavalier mic if preferred
RECEIVER CENTRAL Pairing the receiver with the transmitters only needs to be done once – and the connection proved very stable
38 Photography News | Issue 98
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