Are Cheap Wireless Lav Mics Any Good? (Fifine K037B Wireless Lavalier Review)
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 7. 07. 2018
- The Fifine K037B might just be the least expensive wireless lavalier microphone system on the market, but is it any good? Let's unbox & review to find out.
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#fifine #wireless #microphone - VÄda a technologie
As a follow-up to my comment below, here's a copy/paste of an email I received from Fifine support. Personally, I think they'd have a more commercially viable product by sticking with an electrical/physical standard but what do I know? I'm just a customer; one who thinks capitalism is supposed to be for me and not the seller through some sort of lock-in. E.g., think of the Zoom F1, sold only bundled with two mic options, neither of which I need. Here's the quote: "Sorry that only the inlcuded mini XLR microphone is compatible with the transmitter. And we don't recommend to use other mic with Fifine transmitter even you use an adapter. We have made some adjustment for the design of the xlr mic and the transmitter so that they match each other and work without any issue. And we learned from other customers' feedback that many other mics are not compatible with Fifine transmitter. In order not to take the risk of the poor customer experience, negative feedback, high return rate and damaged returned products at the end, we'd rather stop the trend of doing that at the beginning.
Hope you can understand."
Thanks for digging a little deeper on that, Edward. I'm going to pin this comment so others can see it too. I guess it's probably not worth the hassle of trying different microphones. Just treat it as an inexpensive, fixed system.
I'm very curious how a Sanken mini-xlr mic would work though. đ
I'm trying to theorize why the compatibility would be so tough. I wonder if they've made the impedance peculiar, or linked the UHF response to the connector. Who knows! I suppose I shouldn't complain about a $35 system too much.
Thanks again for the research and comment. Cheers! đ
I've seen elsewhere that the signal out of the receiver is very hot; the person suggested going to line level on whatever audio device it is plugged into. Line? Mic? Most of the gear I can afford doesn't know from any of that. But the output whatchmacallit on this system is likely pumped up in some way. I know I plugged it into my Zoom H4n and had to lower the Rec level way down; it was still peeking under the 40% mark. It's the wild west what with the massive expansion in capability of less and less expensive equipment. The buyer has a responsibility to understand the basic concepts of audio AND the seller has the responsibility to provide clear (professional grade) information about its gear's specifications. You shouldn't have to spend $2K for a Sound Devices recorder so you can read accurate and useful information about how the equipment works. (Zoom, I'm looking at you!) Maybe you should do a live (to tape) segment where you plug that Sanken mini-xlr into the Finfine to see what happens -- the return of gonzo journalism. Use a smoke filter if you do. And rubber pants. :)
Standby... ordering rubber pants.
Hi Gerald... bought one of these, or at least the K037 version without the headset. Pleased to report that manual, and website notwithstanding, with the included 6.3mm to 3.5 TRS adaptor, this DOES work both into the line in on my iMac, AND the mic input on my GH5. Set the GH5 input mic level to -12db and i get exactly that. A decent signal that peaks around -12 db. Sound quality is fine, with a little sweetening in FCP and Logic.
A perfectly usable set up for my less-than-demanding (read amateur!) needs. Thanks for the heads-up!
PS i have another lavalier on order for my cheap AKG setup (also with a mini 3 pin XLR) so as, and when it turns up, i will try it out with the Fifine transmitter. Sort of betting that it will work fine.
PS The above is my particular reply to your (somewhat vociferous) question..."Whaaat IS Haaaaaaapening?"
F-ing great review. Answered every question I had about this cheapo, but apparently decent wireless lav, and a few I didn't know I had. Seems like you got it to a semi pro sounding level in post, and some might even say pro. I will be massaging it through Audacity in post, before feeding into Lightworks. I think it will be more than sufficient for my needs. Thanks.
aye man! I was pretty much going to dismiss this product, but you gave it some hope at VERY end. excellent review comrade
I also got this mic and I have to say I am pretty impressed by it for its price! Enjoyed your video review. :)
Ive been using one of these connected directly into a Tascam DR-70D recorder and definitely get lower noise. I also noise reduce and add some EQ in post and I love the sound I get for the price. I bought it when on a tight budget but I havent felt a need to go out and spend ÂŁ500+ on something better yet, as it does the job sufficiently. My set was just the Lav tho, no headset!
I like how you did this review.The mic sounds good
Thanks for the video! Really looking into lav mics! đđđ
We use these mics for dance instructors during Zoom broadcasts (virtual/interactive lessons) . Very happy, works just fine!
Thanks for the review. I was about to use this for VR. But since the quality sounds like the same as the built in mic in VR, my search continues.
Great review, thumbs up buddy
Researching for a friend. Very helpful. Thank You.
I got one to test out as well , I am impressed with the quality when I tested on my channel. Especially for the price
Great job. Just opened my box and THEN watched your review. Not sure how to use this puppy with my Mac along with my cheap little usb mixer.
Just the video I needed as i'm starting to paint happy trees live on my Twitch and need something that wont get in the way as I paint. Thank you
Good demo, useful opinions, and funny as hell Zach bit.
I will be mostly live streaming in my home and outside. I appreciate your help
hey man, what is your mic setup before the Ffine? it sounds pretty good.
1:38 - Lav 1st go
1:55 - Lav on the move
2:41 - Condenser Mic
3:00 - Headset Mic
6:25 - Lav Normalized
7:45 - Noise reduction / equalizer lav
Good review, I would have loved to hear it against another lav mic around the same price point or as you mentioned with a better mic to see what the quality difference would be. Thanks again!
props to your editing team
Do you get to keep the mic set? I have tested and reviewed many Fifine items and have to say they all did as the said they would. They are mostly set for stage talking or on a PA system. It also works great for video production. It doesn't take nowhere near $500 to $600 to get a good sounding wireless mic.
Right on! Thanks. Good info. I was going to buy a 20 dollar Lav and record on my android and put it in the subjects pocket. But now I might get this thing and use my Zoom Hd4 so I can watch my levels and make sure it doesn't stop recording from a distance. Any suggestions on using a better microphone element with it?
Great review Thanks!
Can you tell me what webcam you're using?
Cheers
Thanks for the video. For this price this result. 100 time better then the thousands of videos record with the build in mic.
It sounded pretty crappy to me until the end when you did some EQ and compression. Then it really worked! It's good timing cos I just recorded with my Zoom H4N across the room and it sounded terrible so I'm gonna have to rethink. I've got plenty of audio gear so I'll figure it out; I do have a nice Line 6 wireless headset but, like you, I'm not keen on using that.
Yeah, you can definitely make it sound passable if you put a few effects on it.
Why do you have the Zoom across the room? What's stopping you from getting it close?
The mic is not why it sounded crapy it was due to the mic input of the camera is too sensitive. That is why it comes with a 1/4 jack so it can be used in a mixer and make it sound the way it was made to as he did at the end of the video.
1. If you could change out the actual mic for a better mic, what would you substitute into the system?
2. What would the next level up for this sort of system?
Thanks for the great review.
Great review. Iâm not sure this is what Iâm looking for, Iâm hoping to make a short film with just lav mics (I understand the drawbacks of that). The sound on the appendix is pretty good though. But Iâm guessing 266 euro for the rode wireless go II, is the minimum? I donât think Iâll be getting a preamp to clean up a cheaper option etc..
I LOVED your review! you are so funny..Question, Can I use it with my smartphone or it has to be connected to a camera? Many thanks
Sorry, this K037B works with only camera. We would recommend to use the K031B model (bit.ly/fifinemicrophone-k031b) and buy an USB adapter for smartphone. The model we can confirm that will be compatible with are: Samsung S7/8/9, Note 8, iPhone 5-8 and iPad.
With the work needed to make it sound passable, I'd rather use an external recorder and sync in post. Right?
Very helpful, thx
I don't know I was looking into these but that sound quality is just going to annoy people who watch my CZcams videos. Did sound a lot better plugged into audio interface but I need something I can use while filming away from my computer. Thanks for the review. :)
I love this mic bro â€ïžâ€ïžđđ»đ
sounds okay. you still using it?
It was keeping the signal pretty good, so even if one buy this for the transmitter and receiver ONLY, it makes sense :)
Love all you reviews simple and to the point!! What wireless mic would you recommend I use with my Osmo Pocket, I ask because you did a great review on the Osmo. Thank You in advance.
Thanks, Denny! Let me get back to you on that one. I've got a new mic I'm looking to get my hands on a little later that might be the answer.
Thank You and Keep up the great work!!@@geraldundone
Great lighting!
After EQ and NR it sounded much better! What camera did you have it plugged into initially? The reason I ask is that I have the GH5 and wanted to use a wireless system with the output plugged directly into the camera, especially for when I am out and about and don't have my audio interface / recorder available. Thanks for the review BTW - I may just have to get one now!
I was using the GH5, but it's no ordinary setup. I have a cheap AC adapter and a line splitter hooked up to it, so I often get noise in the GH5 due to interference of power over audio. So, I wanted to run it clean, but I didn't feel like unhooking everything, so I just recorded externally. While I don't think the GH5 is perfectly clean, running on battery away from my nest of cords would likely have sounded better just on its own. External recording is obviously best though.
Gerald Undone thanks! Makes sense, and youâve convinced me to get one of the mics to try for myself. Will let you know how I get on :-)
Great video!! I was just wandering, can you plug this into a smartphone and record wireless audio like that??
Sorry, it doesn' work with phone. We would recommend to use the K031B bit.ly/fifinemicrophone-k031b model and buy a USB adapter for connection. Then the mic will work with Samsung S and Note series of 7/8/9, iPhone 5-8, XS MAX, Sony Z series, Goolge Pixel 2 and Huawei Mate and P 20.
Thanks for the review! What mic connector is compatible with this, xlr? Ordered one, but have a feeling I may want to upgrade the Mic. TIA
I think it will really take you sometims to find the compatible one. So it might be better to stick with the included mic.
FIFINE MICROPHONE don't know that i want to stick with included mic. I guess i could check impedance and it should work if it matches. I think this product would really take off if it was a universal input. Just my opinion.
@@SuperMarioDiagnostics Haha, yes, if it's universally compatible, that would be awesome. And we're trying hard on improving it. If we made the breakthrough, we will pose it on the description to let buyers know.
Hello can you tell if I would need a eg, and a compressor and what other gear I would need to use to make my audio to sound better.
Iâm trying to look for a good singing microphone and so far this mic looks pretty good
I'm afraid that it won't work pretty well as a singing microphone. It's better to have a handheld mic, which has bigger capsule to have more engaged pickup of your voice. K025: bit.ly/fifinemicrophone-k025 the same receiver with a different mic is better suited for singing.
Thanks for the vid. I'm looking for something with a good quality sound to do Bible teachings with a budget friendly price. Sometimes I find something that potentially could work only to find out it doesn't have a 3.5mm jack..but anyways love when people like you actually let us hear the sound quality instead of just unboxing, helps greatly.
God Bless :)
~John 3:3,5, Acts 2:38, Acts 19:6, John 8:32
check out my channel I built a nice wooden cross, Jesus is awesome maybe you can help me out with another subscriber thank you in advance. lately I have been putting bible verses throughout my videos trying to plant seeds.
I'm super new to this & I'm trying to figure out how you connect it to your phone if I'm recording outside?
Is the adapter the answer? Is it that simple? đ€
Also do you have to manually add the audio or...?
Thank you đđŒ
It's connected with camera via the included adapter to record. And it will not work phone. But you can have a shot on the USB model. Just a USB type A to type C adapter is needed for the connection. And we have test out that it can work with Samsung S7/8/9, Note 8, iPhone 5-8, XS Max and iPad.
Holding the dongle as the headset đđđđđ
I have the DSLR T6 and the Sl2 which don't have a mike input so I don't want to have buy a zoom and bunch of other gear. I want to keep it simple as possible.
As someone starting out trying to stream games, I think I'm sold on a cheap receiver. Probably going to buy a different mic since I already have one picked out. Super helpful, thanks
I think Zack needs more One-on-One time... great idea not to compare apples to cheaper apples
Honestly i would like to see what it sounds like with a better lav because i'm only interested in finding a cheap wireless system, the included mic means nothing to me
I use it for singing and must say, i like it
was up with all that hizzz sound ,i can hereit on my headphones !
it does not sound terrible, but it does not sound great either, I might get something similar, I have this project in mind and I need a wireless lav and a wireless camera to do it, but I dont want to spend to much on it if I cant get it to work.
Looking to feed wireless mic to an overhead speaker system patched in at the sound booth and the audio input of a remote camera. Do you know if these units allow the transmitter to send to two receivers simultaneously?
Yes, the signal can be picked up by two receivers. And it's easy to set them up by entering into reset mode.
Help me a lot. Thanks. To be perfect: Maybe if you had taken a test outdoors... :P
you made it onto the company video on Amazon
These mics seem to be very adequate for beginning content creators. I am going to pair mine, when they arrive, with a Zoom H5 for more portable recording.
Hope the mic works well for you! But if there's any problem, feel free to contact us!
Okay, red means paired. Does that mean green (you would think that would be opposite) mean it is not paired?
For the new model, which frequency channel is from 565MHz to 584MHz, it's a yes. If you got the old model that has over 600MHz channel, then the green lights means synced.
Tweaking the mic made a huge improvement in sound quality.
You cant mount the reciever to the top of a camera
@gerald undone On the website of Fifine, they state that you can't use a different XLR lav mic with this device. Is that right? I ordered this device because of the great low noise level and want to replace the stock mic with a better, decent one.
It will take some trials and errors to find the one that works, it maybe just not worthy to replace with another mic. You can definitely edit most of the noise out in post production.
Could you transmit 2x Lav Mics to one receiver if you buy two sets?
Sorry no, receiver will pick up signal from only one transmitter, the other one won't work. Or you can just choose the dual channel system K038: bit.ly/fifinemicrophone-k038 at the first place, then you can have two transmitters with one receiver.
good job !!
Thanks, mate! đ
I have two Fifine K037 lav mics to use with my Canon R800 camcorder. How do you suggest I attach them to the camcorder?
A simple splitter will do the job.
www.amazon.com/Hosa-YMM-261-Stereo-Breakout-Cable/dp/B000068O5H/ref=sr_1_1?tag=tecbri-20&s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1511977562&sr=1-1&keywords=Hosa+YMM-261+3.5+mm+TRS+to+Dual+3.5+mm+TSF+Stereo+Breakout+Cable
Do you have a fifine wirless microphone
07:45 I would say that that sounds pretty good i would buy it if i would ever need it for budget.
Yeah! Managed to get it to sound decent after a few tweaks.
Thanks for the comment, Gustas! đ
No, that sounds garbage
we need a 2023 fallow up video thanks
I haven't watched this a second time but I *think* you suggested en pasant that better mics could be swapped in on this system. I just opened the box on mine and I find the mic connection is one of those weird (to me) three pin, male/female concoctions where I was expecting a 'standard' mini or phono plug. Is there an adapter that can bring the transmitter into the real world?
It's just a mini XLR. A smaller version of the plug you'd expect to find on any larger condenser mic. So, what you'd want is mini-XLR to 3.5mm.
Here's some examples:
amzn.to/2N4SeBY
goo.gl/dBKJWp
goo.gl/4sC4Ep
Also, many high-end lav mics come with the option to get an XLR connection instead of a 3.5mm. But generally, you'd be in the $300+ category there.
*NOTE: I can't say which mics with which adapters are going to work well. I haven't tested much of that. So beware that buying an adapter like the ones in the links above may or may not get great performance out of whatever mic you may try it with.
Excellent! Thanks for this. And for the NOTE. I have an equally inexpensive Audio-Technica cell battery powered lav that I thought to try. I'll have to do some reading on mini-XLR. (I like your work, by the way, and the fact that it comes through in "Canadian' is a bonus. Keep it up! )
Cheers! Appreciate that. Thanks. đ
I just bought this set but with over head mic - it's great for the money and the sound competes with my 2 pro level studio mics. This review does not show it properly - the sound is much better in reality, you just need to position it properly. The capsule needs to be rotated to the correct angle as well for better freq response. And should you stop pop-breathing into it? The receiver and transmitter are ugly as hell for sure :)
I was trying to connect it to my canon camera but I have to buy an adapter thats the only thing. Theo ne it comes with its for like sound consoles, it was too big for my camera.
can i connect the receiver directly to laptop? if not, what it needs to do so?
Even the 1/4" to 1/8" won't work. You need an audio interface that provides 1/4" input, such as Behringer UM2 or Scarlett 2i2, two of the starter external sound card. If you look for much more budget setup and make the mic system even use with smartphone, you can buy a separate USB receiver from our website: fifinemicrophone.com/
If the actors using this lav mic, and I add the boom mic on top of them, will the sound be better? Or will it lag because lav is wireless and the boom isnât.
No there should not be noticeable delay. But it would be hard to tell which one is better, since they're two different kinds of products, and actually they complement each other's drawback. You can definitely use the lav mic and boom mic together to have the safest recording option.
Also, can this microphone connect to a g7x mark ii
Sorry, no, g7x mark ii doesn't have mic input.
I like you video!!! tks.
Does this work on PC or do I have to buy the one that has a USB receiver instead of the bulky one? trying to avoid having to buy two, one for my DSLR and one for my PC when I stream
Hi there, you can buy a whole set and order a different receiver from FIFINE accessory website: fifine.cc/product-category/accessory/transmitter-receiver/
@@FIFINE Didn't expect the official FIFINE to respond. Thanks, much appreciated!!!
@@MetalMeltdown1995 HahađYou could see our reply under every comment that is about inquiry or question of FIFINE product!
$50?!!!? Definitely putting this in the âremember this for when I need in futureâ file đ
Cheers, Matt!
How's things with you?
Gerald Undone Pretty good, man. Been grinding pretty hard at work, finally have a day off. Nice to chill and catch up on my YT subscriptions. Loving the channel, my friend! Entertaining and super useful as always đ
It sounds pretty bad; but I guess that's more to do with the microphone than the wireless technology.
Can this mic work well in my country "Nigeria" if I buy from Amazon?
The performance will not vary much by country, but will have slight difference for indoor or outdoor.
You can check out on our AliExpress store, which provides international shipping: www.aliexpress.com/store/group/lavalier-microphone/4496094_514113968.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.0.0.14b849ebUDYi4I
@@FIFINE Thank you
@@Otojo1 No problem!
How could I use this on my iPhone 7 I just got one and donât want to purchase anything unnecessary lol
You can try with the TRRS adapter, but we cannot guarantee it will work. But if what you got is K031B, and with a lightening to USB type A adapter, it will work with iPhone 7.
But if I'll plug a very expensive lavalier? Don't get if the poor quality is because the receiver or because of the microphone you plugged in.
It maynot be compatible. So it could be better idea to stick with the included mic and do some post-production or get a wireless system from well-know brand.
does it work with an iphone?
Yes. You can use it with the adapter, and the packet includes the adapter.
will these work on phones and computers with an adaptor?
It can work on phone with an adapter. Besides, it can work on the computer with the adapter if your computer has the sound card.
@@FIFINE thank you fifine for answering my question . I hope you are always responsive in these kind of stuff :)
Are these great for performing on stage
It will do the job. Setup and problem-solving is quite easy, no worry on it going wrong. Included lapel and head-worn mic meet the need for different on stage scenarios. If you got a mixer to do the EQ, the sound quality can be more satisfied for your need.
Do it in under 4 minutes. Max!
wow at 8:35 sound so much batter
can it connect to a phone?
Sorry, it doesn' work with phone. You can consider the USB model K031B: bit.ly/fifinemicrophone-k031b With a proper USB adapter, it should work with most of the smartphones. We have tested on: Samsung S and Note series of 7/8/9, iPhone 5-8, XS MAX, Sony Z series, Goolge Pixel 2 and Huawei Mate and P 20. And all of them work.
i found a lav mic for 2 pound and 60 pence!
would this microphone be good for danny duncan type videos?
No nobody can be like him
WTHGaming wdym
WTHGaming iâm not trying to be like him, I just want a microphone like the one he has.
I just bought this and it came but it didnât work! Returning it now.
Hi there. Could you provide more detail about the problems? Fixing it up is more faster than proceeding the return.
FIFINE MICROPHONE so everything looks like itâs connecting properly. The red light is on. I am using it on my iPhone 11 Pro. But I can tell itâs not recording because I can hear and echo and when I walk ten feet away and replay it I can hear my voice getting softer when I walk away. Also when I blow into the mic it should make this specific noise but it doesnât.
It should make a wind noise when I blow on it. I donât think itâs recording at all and my phone is doing the recording.
It sounded ok until you plugged it into your audio interface. It was probably just clipping or your camera has better preamps than your audio interface. If its a focusrite Scarlett I wouldn't be surprised. I've got a Scarlett and it sounds so bad on talking or vocals
More opinions than facts.
sounds like you're talking through a soda can.....
WHAT? You actually add to the video that these are your actual feelings becasue you were not sponsored but you do add affiliate links to buying the mics?? This is like even worse then saying nothing.
Hi Gerald,
Could you please tone down your hyper beginning music, please?
I Liked your more natural style.
Best,
Lee
PS re-subscribed.
Do you mean the music during the unboxing?
You resubscribed? I didn't know you unsubscribed! What happened?
Gerald Undone yeah i guess i didnât like the unboxing music. sorry. after sending my sony camera back i couldnât stand hearing about sony and was unsubscribing from anyone who even mentioned sony. nothing personal. i just prefer canon. if you mention the other in the future i will just ignore it because i enjoy you.
I appreciate you coming back. Always nice to see your comments!
It's hard not to talk about Sony, or at least it was hard the last two months with everything that was coming out. I'm not really too brand loyal as you may have guessed. I kind of like everything. đ
Zack Morris and his massive phone
Ha! Yeah. Sometimes I wish I had one of those. There's a pretty funny/absurd montage on CZcams of the evolution of his phone throughout the years.
It doesn't sound the Best Buy for the price I'd buy it
Sounds terrible...do yourself a favor guys and cop a DPA system...itâs expensive but super high quality.
Bad
Sounds like shit. Tinny AF. Sounds like a $30 wireless mic. Still sounded pretty bad after the post-production.
But hey I'm actually going to buy one, because I need wireless because of my motorcycle helmet. And I'm broke. lol