In TabletZona we have had the opportunity to test the wireless microphones of Maono WM820 TikMic. In other words, a kit with two transmitter microphones and a receiver designed for use with cameras, tablets or mobiles. For those who want to use them with an iPhone, there is also the WM820 B2 version, with the same qualities, but with different connectors.
To this we must add the versions with a single wireless microphone or with a receiver, called WM820 A1 and B1. More recommended for those who do not require two emitters, due to its somewhat lower price. In any case, the review that we do here about the TikMic is equally applicable to them.
Ease of handling
The first section that we are going to deal with is the ease of handling the microphones. As soon as we opened the box, we already got an idea of ​​how easy it would be to work with them. Their instructions they are a small unfolding paper in which there is hardly any a few paragraphs to explain everything.
just turn on microphones and receiver so that they link themselves. Moreover, it is surprising how quickly the connection is established. In no case has it given us time to see the light blinking that indicates the search for the devices. It is to turn them on at the same time, and immediately they are ready to transmit.
The only thing that we have had to stop for a moment has been in the output volume adjustment. Something that can be controlled with the receiver, thanks to specific buttons, or on the camera that you are going to use. We have used a Canon EOS 70D. Definitely, these microphones get a 10 in ease of use for its simplicity and connection speed.
Accessories included
The Maono WM820 wireless microphones they come fully equipped with everything you need to work with them. The box includes the two transmitter microphones, two other lapel microphones that can be connected to them in case you prefer them to go more unnoticed, a cable to connect the receiver to a camera, another cable in case you want to connect to a tablet or a mobile, three windbreaks and a cable to charge the three devices at the same time. All this can be stored in a small case full of specific pockets for each accessory.
The only thing missing is some headphones to connect to the receiver, allowing you to hear how the sound input is. However, this is easy to solve because who else and who less has some hanging around the house. Because of this, we lowered it one point in this section to stay with and a, since for everything else it is a very complete kit.
Signal stability of wireless microphones
In our work we usually record at a maximum distance of 15 meters and We have not had connection problems at any time. What's more, just to test them we have separated up to approximately 30 meters and the sound quality has been the same.
We have not been able to test the microphones up to 50 meters, which is the maximum distance indicated on the box. Although recordings at this distance are not very frequent and only occur in very specific jobs in which telephoto lenses have to be used. In this section, we can only put another 9 to the Maono microphones.
Component quality
En general, the quality of everything that comes in the box is high. Both the microphones and the receiver are reasonably good, as are the windscreens. Even with everything, this section is where a point for improvement comes. when we have moved while talking to camera the lavalier microphone connection has been lost. And that we have only walked with the receiver in our pocket and we have not made any unusual movement that could subject the jack type connector to undue twisting.
For this reason, as long as it is not a recording in which the announcer is static, we recommend using the transmitter microphones directly and leaving the lavalier microphones parked. What it means to carry a much more voluminous and striking microphone in sight. Taking this into account, The note that we give in this section to the Maono WM820 TikMic wireless microphones is a 7. A note that would be lower if it were not for the possibility of using the receiving microphones.
Sound quality
On the basis that they are not professional wireless microphones, it must be recognized that the Maono WM820 They are a good product in terms of sound quality. Without the weight and prominent antennas of the microphones used in television, it achieves a good quality for videos on YouTube or works of a similar magnitude.
Yes, it is true that, placed on the lapel of the shirt, they have a very strong signal that can be easily distorted. Although it's nothing that can't be controlled with the + and – buttons on the receiver. Of course, when you want a signal that is around -12 db (common in many types of recordings), you have to set them to a minimum and you even have to pull the camera controls to lower it a little more.
Ultimately, the note we give to the sound quality of these microphones is 7,5. Remembering that we are in the league of affordable microphones. With this last data,The final average obtained by the Maono WM820 TikMic wireless microphones is 8,5. Which makes them a good buy considering their price and the recommendations we give in this article.