I’ve been using a set of wireless mics from Movo for over a year now, and I love them. Read on for all of the pros, plus a couple of cons (but nothing that should stop you from buying them).
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When I’m recording an audition at home, framed chest to top of head, I could probably get away with using the mic on my device. Since I live in a noisy neighborhood, I use a small shotgun mic, which sounds better and cuts out a lot of background noise. (Incidentally, this mic is also from Movo – I really love their stuff.)
But if I’m recording in a wider frame, such as a full-body slate or an audition that wants to see more than a mid close-up, I use my Movo mic so that it doesn’t sound like I’m yelling across the room.
The Basics
There are four different versions of these mics, depending on your device and the port you’ll be attaching the receiver to. While my review is only for the version I own, the descriptions for all four are very similar. The only significant difference is that the receiver for the 3.5mm version does not run off of the device’s battery, and has to be charged.
USB-C Wireless Microphones for iPhone 15 and Up, Android, iPad Pro & Laptops (that’s the version I have)
USB-C Duo Wireless Microphones for iPhone 15/16/17 and up
Wireless Microphones for older iPhones and other Apple products with lightning connectors
3.5mm Wireless Microphones for cameras, camcorders, and recording devices
I’m honestly not sure what the difference is between the first two. They both use a USB-C connection for the receiver, so in theory they should both work with USB-C devices. But there may be some kind of iPhone-based difference I’m not aware of, so to be safe, go with the one that mentions your device.
For three out of the four versions, you also have the option of getting one mic or two. I would highly recommend getting two. It’s not much more money, and you have so much more flexibility. When I have a reader on Zoom and I’m using one of these mics, I can place the other one wherever I have to for my reader’s voice to be at the appropriate level. Plus, if you break one, you have a backup.
There’s also this bundle for the USB-C and lightning versions, which comes with handheld adapters for the clip-on mics. Great if you’re auditioning to be a reporter!
What I Love
- The sound, of course! That’s a full-body slate above that I recorded recently (I cropped it so you could see the mic better, but the sound has not been edited). In order to frame me head-to-toe, my phone was all the way across the room, so if I’d used the phone’s mic, the sound would have been terrible.
- The mics cut out a lot of background noise. I just recorded an audition that I was having a lot of trouble with. I was finally having a decent take, and in the middle of it, a siren got closer and closer, and when it passed right by it was so loud I thought the take might be ruined. But when I went back to listen to it, the siren sounded like it was way in the background! I ended up removing the siren anyway because it’s so easy to do, but I totally could have submitted it as it was, thanks to the mic.
- The mics are very easy to use. All I have to do is plug the receiver into my phone or tablet, turn on one or both mics, and everything connects up quickly. You don’t need to connect anything to Bluetooth or download any apps. (Depending on your device and software, you might have to choose the Movo microphone in your camera settings, but that would be true for any mic.)
- The lights on the receiver and mics are a steady blue when the mics are connected, making it easy to see that you’re ready to go.
- The mics are very small and light, and have a secure clip for attaching to your clothes.
- The mics have a very long battery life, 10 hours according to Movo. I’ve never tested this, but I also rarely charge them and have never had a problem.
- The receiver doesn’t need to be charged, since it runs off of the device that it’s attached to.
- The receiver has a pass-through USB-C port, so that you can charge your device with the receiver attached. It even supports fast charging.
- The mics work far from the receiver – up to 164 feet, according to Movo.
- The set comes with two charging cords, so that you can charge both mics at once, and a soft case to keep everything together.
- The price is relatively cheap for the high quality.
What Needs Improvement
- The mics are printed with “MOVO” on both sides in bright white, which is unfortunate. Initially I tried blocking it with a Sharpie. It sort of worked in certain light, but not in others. I ended up wrapping electrical tape around the clips and I put the mics on backwards, so that just the thin clip is visible (the actual microphone is on top, so this doesn’t affect the sound quality). Black paint made for plastic should also work.
- The mics come with two windscreens that are obviously shaped for rounder mics, and don’t stay on. I’ve never had to use these in wind, so I don’t know how much of a problem that is.
Things to Be Aware Of
- There’s a noise cancellation feature on the mics, and I tried it when I first got them, but didn’t notice any difference, so I haven’t bothered with that feature since. If I do some testing, I’ll update this post.
- There’s a mute feature on the mics that I’ve never had to use, but I tried it and it works.
- I tend to be pretty rough with my equipment and the mics have held up well, but the clip on one did break off when I dropped it on a cement floor yesterday. The mic itself still works fine though.
Other Movo Microphones
If you’re interested in checking out other Movo microphones, you can find mics for older iPhones here and the newer iPhones here, and Android mics here. They also make a lot of other sound-related equipment, and you can check out the Movo store here.
When I broke the clip off of one of my mics, I immediately ordered the same set again. But after thinking about it, I cancelled that order and decided that this would be a good opportunity to try out a different set, so I ordered this one, which looks like a small upgrade. But to be clear, had I not broken one, I would not have been looking for any kind of upgrade—these mics are great!