I tested the Neewer KM18 mini wireless lavalier microphone to see if it stood up to rigorous testing. It turns out that simplicity has both drawbacks and benefits. Here’s what I found out.
One of the most important aspects of any video is the audio, so finding a better way to record voiceovers is important. While many people watch videos on YouTube, many people only listen to the audio while doing other things. They will move on to another YouTuber if the audio is poor. With moderate hearing loss, audio quality is essential for me.
It is a Lavalier
The term “lavalier” is often a misnomer, as it originally meant a pendant worn around the neck. However, lav mics are typically attached to the lapel of a shirt, and “lapel mic” is a better term. However, in addition to being able to clip the mic to your clothing, these models also come with a lanyard, so you can wear them around your neck.
What’s in the box?
Like most microphones of its kind, Neewer KM18 includes a charging case with a built-in battery. It works similarly to the headphone case, charging the two microphones when docked. A large LED display on the case shows the battery charge level. Inside, there are two microphone transmitters and a receiver. In addition to the previously mentioned strap, there are also two dead cat wind silencers, a high-quality USB to USB-C charging cable, and a smart carrying case.
How to use Mic
The microphone is easy to use as a plug-and-play device with your phone. You plug the receiver into your phone’s USB-C port, attach the button to your lapel, and you’re good to go.
The two button-shaped mics weigh just 0.49 oz (14 g) each and can be attached to your lapel with a magnetic clip. You can also attach them to the previously mentioned lanyard. They automatically pair with the transmitter and transmit a 48 kHz/24-bit signal to the receiver. The receiver is designed to plug into and be powered by a smartphone or laptop via that device’s USB-C port.
Once you plug the receiver into your phone, you turn on the transmitter by holding the power button for 3 seconds. The blue link light will flash and connect immediately to the receiver.
The microphone has a noise-cancelling function. This function is activated by pressing the power button twice. Meanwhile, a single click mutes the microphone.
Are missing features a problem?
The receiver does not have a 3.5mm jack. Therefore, it can only be used with a device such as a smartphone or laptop that can supply power to the receiver and also allow audio to be transmitted. If your digital camera or recorder does not provide power via USB, it cannot be used with it.
Another missing feature is a headphone monitoring jack. I think this would be useful for monitoring recordings. However, the recording levels when plugged into my Samsung Galaxy were fine. Also, the microphone does not have a 3.5mm mic input jack like some models. This would allow the microphone to pass signals from other microphones. Some more sophisticated microphones also have a micro SD slot for recording.
However, many people don’t need these features and use their phones to record video. For a simple plug-and-play recording setup with a smartphone, the Neewer KM18 is a perfect choice. Additionally, Neewer makes more sophisticated models if those features are needed.
Check Mic
After charging the mic, I plugged the receiver into my smartphone. It paired instantly with the receiver and I was able to walk around my 150 year old house with thick stone walls and the connection never dropped.
I used them for an hour and the charge on the mic barely decreased.
Next, I took it outside and did a short test recording. I attached one of the microphones to my shirt pocket. At first, I thought there was a problem because the sound was very low. But I use a cheap Redmi smartphone for daily use, so I switched to a Samsung Galaxy and it worked much better; that’s the phone I used to record the attached video.
I have tested other wireless microphones in the past and found the sound quality to be superior to the Neewer KM18. Especially when I compared them with the noise canceling feature enabled. With some other brands, I found the sound to be a bit distorted when the noise canceling feature was enabled. But with the Neewer, it virtually eliminated the noise of a light aircraft flying by while still keeping my voice clear.
The power button for mute and noise cancellation makes a clear click.
My only gripe with all of these mics is the front-facing LEDs. LEDs on mics can be distracting. However, in this case, the LEDs are small and, on daytime video, not so bright that they are distracting. They are bright enough to see if the mute or noise canceling is engaged.
What I liked and what could be improved next time
What I like
- Easy plug and play operation.
- Very easy to connect.
- Good sound quality.
- Effective noise reduction.
- Long distance connection.
- High quality.
- LED lights are relatively discreet.
- Light.
- Affordable and currently on sale on Amazon for $59.99.
What could be improved next time?
- Simply providing a 3.5mm output jack from the receiver would make this much more versatile and usable for video production with a DSLR or mirrorless camera. But other Neewer models have that functionality as well. I think being able to buy a version of this mic with that option would attract more people to this kit.
Conclude
Ignore what’s missing from the Neewer KM18 Wireless Lavalier Microphone Kit and accept it for what it is, a very easy-to-use plug-and-play microphone setup specifically designed to work with smartphones, this product gets the job done. Not only that, it does it exceptionally well.
New YouTubers who want to use their smartphone or laptop to record videos will find these mics to be a great option. They work well for the simple video I shot above, but when you’re using a DSLR and creating more complex videos, you’ll want a more advanced mic system.
Specifications
- Each transmitter weighs just 0.49 oz (14 g).
- Audio format 48 kHz/24-bit.
- Signal-to-noise ratio is 70 dB and maximum sound pressure level handling is 115 dB.
- USB-C interface.
- 30 hour battery life with easy charging.
Package Contents
- 1 Recipient
- 2 Generators
- 1 Charging Box
- 1 Charging cable
- 2 Fur Windshields
- 2 Straps
- 1 Carrying Bag
- 1 User Manual
The Neewer KM18 Lavalier Wireless Microphone Kit is now available on Amazon for $59.99.
