The Boya Mini Ultra Compact Wireless Lavalier Mic is a tiny powerhouse, promising big sound in a small package. This review dives deep into the performance of these dual microphones, exploring their audio quality, noise reduction capabilities, battery life, and overall usability. We unpack the contents, test the mics in various noisy environments, and assess the unique voice-changing feature. From the initial unboxing experience to real-world testing, we'll determine if the Boya Mini lives up to the hype surrounding its compact design and impressive specifications.This in-depth analysis covers everything from the build quality and included accessories to the microphone's performance in diverse settings. We'll scrutinize the effectiveness of the three AI noise reduction levels, examine the limitations of the maximum sound pressure level, and evaluate the convenience of the dual iOS and Android dongles. Ultimately, we'll provide a conclusive verdict on whether the Boya Mini Lavalier mics are a worthwhile investment for vloggers, podcasters, or anyone seeking a reliable and portable audio solution.
Pros And Cons
- 6 hours of battery life per mic, 30 hours total with charging case
- Records at 48k 16bit
- Max sound pressure level of 120 DB helps prevent clipping
- Includes a limiter
- Three levels of AI noise reduction
- Voice changer with male and female voice effects
- Includes charging case, charging cable, two dongles (Android and iOS), carrying pouch, and documentation
- Works with PC via USB-C to USB-A adapter
- Clips are small and might not provide a secure fit
- Generic cable
- Noise reduction can make voice sound robotic
- Clipping can occur at high volumes
Read more: SM Professional XR50 Wireless Microphone: Unboxing, Features & Review
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Boya Mini Lavalier mics arrived in a compact package. Inside, I found two microphones, a charging case, a charging cable, two dongles (for Android and iOS), a carrying pouch, and the documentation. The mics themselves are made entirely of plastic and come with foam caps for wind rejection. The included clips are functional but a bit small; I would have preferred larger, more secure clips for a better fit on clothing.
The charging case is sleek and practical, offering 30 hours of total battery life. The carrying pouch is surprisingly soft and well-made, providing good protection for the delicate microphones. Overall, the unboxing experience was positive, showcasing a well-thought-out presentation of the product.
Sound Quality and Noise Reduction
The Boya Mini mics boast a 48kHz/16-bit recording quality, which is standard for lavalier microphones. The max sound pressure level of 120dB prevents clipping, and a built-in limiter further ensures audio quality. The three levels of AI noise reduction significantly improve the clarity in various environments.
Testing in different scenarios, such as a coffee shop and with a loud fan, demonstrated the effectiveness of the noise reduction. Level 1 offered a decent balance between background noise reduction and voice clarity. Level 2 was more aggressive, noticeably reducing background sounds but potentially adding some robotic quality to the voice. Level 3’s performance had to be checked post recording, and further evaluation was needed.
Voice Changer Feature and Additional Features
One fun and unique aspect of these microphones is the inclusion of a voice changer with two effects: male and female voices. This feature is entertaining and could be useful for creative applications. The dual microphones provide 6 hours of battery life each and a total of 30 hours using the charging case.
A significant advantage is the inclusion of both Android and iOS dongles. This dual compatibility enhances its versatility. It's worth noting, however, that both dongles can't be used simultaneously. Connecting the mics to a PC via a USB-C to USB-A adapter is possible, functioning effectively as a regular microphone.
Overall Verdict and Conclusion
The Boya Mini Lavalier microphones offer a compelling combination of features, including good sound quality, effective noise reduction, and a fun voice changer. Their small size and long battery life make them perfect for various applications, including vlogging and podcasting.
Despite several advantages, there's room for improvement. Clipping occurred during testing, hinting at a potential limitation in handling very loud sounds. However, this issue might be easily fixed with a firmware update. If you need dependable, compact, and versatile lavalier microphones, the Boya Mini is a strong contender. This is the best clear most accurate pickup but only if the clipping issue is fixed.