Maono Wave T5 Lavalier Mics
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Maono Wave T5 mics are available on Amazon for just $89.
- These versatile lav mics may be cheap, but they don’t sound like it.
- They ultimately don’t match the deep resonance you’ll get with high-end lavaliers.
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I shoot a lot of video: everything from simple interviews to full run-and-gun filmmaking. One of the most challenging aspects of it all is getting good sound. When it comes to audio and film, Murphy’s law has a veritable field day. In other words, if it can go wrong… it will.
That’s why I always carry multiple mics. I use a pair of higher-end Sony lavs for solo interviews or talking head pieces, because their sound quality is outstanding.
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But there are times when the Sonys aren’t exactly the easiest pair to use. Not only do you have to worry about batteries (they use AA and can drain them quickly), but you also have to worry about rustling and feedback from the mic contacting clothing.
So any time I can test a new pair of lavalier mics, I jump at the chance. When Maono sent me the Wave T5, I was more than happy to oblige.
When I unboxed the mics, my first thought was, “Awww, how cute! I bet these sound hollow and tinny.”
Boy, was I wrong.
Don’t misunderstand me, the Wave T5s are no match for the Sonys (which also cost over five times as much), but for fast interviews or when I just have my phone, you can bet these lavs will be taken out of my travel storage and clipped on.
The Wave T5 looks big in my small hand.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
My experience
My initial impression of the Maono Wave T5 lavalier mics wasn’t exactly encouraging. They look unique and they’re small, but they do have a few options for attaching them to clothing. You could even use double-sided tape to get creative with mic placement.
The first thing I did (after charging the mics for a while – they arrived with depleted batteries) was to connect the receiver to my Sony α7 III camera, connect the clip mount (more on that in a bit), and then attach the clip to my clothing. I hit record and stood in front of the camera to record a short segment of video.
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After hitting stop, I removed the SD card from the Sony, inserted it into the card reader attached to my iMac, found the clip, and hit play.
Wow. The sound actually impressed me.
For such small and lightweight mics, these did a surprisingly good job. As I mentioned earlier, these don’t stand up to my Sony lavs, but they certainly sound better than any lavalier I’ve tested at this price ($89 on Amazon).
You’ll find three different receivers in the Wave T5 kit.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
The high-end Sony lavs have more resonance and depth on the low end. But that doesn’t mean the Maono mics miss out, either. They do have some depth to them, just not like the Sonys. Given that the Maono mics are far more budget-friendly, they make for a great option.
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I did test the range of the mics and found I was able to go anywhere in my home (which is only 1,100 square feet) and there was zero interference or lag. Of course, I was testing inside, where I can control the environment. Going outside would probably require that you use the included windscreen to help cut down wind noise.
How to attach the mics
Here, you have a few options. First off, the mic has a magnet on the back, which means you could easily attach it to a metal surface. And since the mics weigh next to nothing and the magnets are pretty strong, you won’t have to worry about them falling.
The next method is the attachable clips, which make use of the magnets. The clips are deep and strong enough to remain attached, even with movement.
Finally, the Wave T5 mics include a small, round magnet to attach the mic to clothing (so you can strategically place them where you need). With the clips, you’re limited to things like lapels, shirt necks, hats, etc. but the magnets let you place the mics wherever. Another option (one that’s not included with the mics or even mentioned in the manuals) is using double-sided tape, so you could attach the mic to whatever surface you need.
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The receivers
There are three receivers included in the kit:
- One for connecting via 3.5 mm cable (what I used).
- One for connecting to an Android phone.
- One for connecting to an iPhone.
Each receiver is very small and easy to use. Even better, the mics are automatically paired with the receiver, so set up takes seconds. These mics are about as fool-proof as you can get (for audio).
The 3.5mm receiver does have a clip, so you can attach it to something. I was able to clip it to my Sony camera cage, and it worked just fine. The Wave T5 also includes a 3.5 mm cable, so you won’t have to scramble and find one before the shoot.
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ZDNET’s buying advice
Would I ever use these mics for a serious video shoot? No. I would, however, consider them for interviews, where my Sony mics aren’t convenient, and as backups.
However, if you need a lavalier mic for simpler use (especially when a phone is the only device you have), the Maono Wave T5 lavalier mics are a great buy. You can bet I would very much consider these as a backup, should my Sonys fail. And because these are so incredibly easy to use, I can imagine using them in various situations, when more costly or bulkier mics aren’t an option.
Maono Wave T5 Lavalier Microphone tech specs
- Weight – 9g for each mic.
- Adjustable noise cancellation.
- 80dB signal-to-noise ratio, 120dB maximum sound pressure level, and 48kHz/24-bit audio format,.
- Dedicated ENC chip and algorithm with three ANC modes and 14-level noise cancellation adjustments (via the MAONO LINK app).
- Voice Filters: From warm to bright (via the app)
- Instant Pairing Out of the Box.
- 1000ft Reliable & Stable Transmission
- 9 hours of battery life per transmitter on a single charge, with 30 hours using the case.
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