Maono Wave T5 Wireless Lavalier Microphone Review

The company Maono recently sent me their PD300X Dynamic Microphone to review.   They also just provided me their Maono Wave T5 Wireless Lavalier microphone to review.  I was provided the PA3 Combo version. ($149.99)

A lavalier microphone is simply a mini, wearable microphone that allows the user mobility.

Obviously, if you are stationary at a desk or table or studio, and creating a video a big stationary Dynamic microphone is what you want to use.  But if you are mobile, and moving around, especially outdoors, a lavalier wireless microphone is exactly what you need.

What’s In The Box?

The Maono Wave T5 comes very well packaged.  And it comes with a carrying pouch and a hard shell case.  I am a sucker for a hard shell case.

Maono Wave T5 Unboxing (click pics to enlarge)

Within that zippered case is a charging case that holds the camera receiver and 2 transmitters.  The two included receivers have different connectors.  One is a USB C, and the other is an iPhone lightning connector.  To round things out there is a carrying pouch and a USB cable for charging.  Also included is a 3.5 to 3.5mm connector for your camera.  Lastly there is a product manual and a magnetic sheet necklace for securing a transmitter when attaching it to clothing is impractical.

Leading Particulars

I’m not really one to re-list specifications but there are a few important ones:

• 48kHz/24-bit audio
• 80dB signal-to-noise ratio
• 9 hour battery life of transmitters
• 30 hours on a fully charged case
• 300 meter operating distance
• 120dB maximum SPL
• Noise cancellation
• Mute button on transmitters
• Voice filters (when using app)

Operation Using Smart Phone

The receiver with the iPhone Lightning connector is connected to my iPhone 13.

The round transmitter (microphone) and the receiver both have a green light displayed. This indicates that Noise Reduction is enabled.

I have my Sound Colorization set to “Huskiness” which I think sounds the best for my voice in my environment.

Additionally, I also have the Noise Reduction set to Moderate which I also think sounds best.

Conversely, microphone gain can also be set here as shown by the screenshot below.

 

The Maono microphone will be the default device once installed and initialized.

Sound Comparison

There is almost no comparison.  First I use just the microphone in the iPhone.  Then I use the Wave T5.   While the iPhone microphone isn’t bad, it doesn’t match the quality of the Wave T5.  Additionally, the Wave T5 is very configurable and the sound can be tweaked until satisfied.

Having Noise Reduction is a major plus as well.

Camera Operation

The PA3 Combo kit contains a receiver that mounts very nicely on the hot shoe of the camera.  A provided 3.5 to 3.5 mm cable allows for connection from the receiver to the camera.

This is a picture of me using the setup on my Canon EOS M50 while making a video for another product review.

The round microphone transmitter can be seen laying to the right of the power supply on the board.

I was trying to capture a high pitch noise the device was making.

Scratch that.  I DID capture the noise.

Also, I really, really, like the camera integration.  I do have one comment regarding that setup though.

The FAQ on the Maono Wave T5 product page states:  “Canon cameras: Set the recording mode to manual and adjust the gain to the first notch on the left.”  I wish the camera settings recommendations were included in the product manual.

Maono Wave T5 Wireless Lavalier Microphone Camera Audio Samples

In the video below I recorded a screencast of the Maono app on IOS while using the mic.  The second part is my iPhone recording the receiver on a Canon EOS M50 camera, and lastly the Canon films the receiver and app on my iPhone 13.

This is a really versatile microphone system that can be used in a variety of methods.  The USB receiver which generally is intended for an Android phone also works on my MacBookAir albeit with no functioning application.  But it works just fine and would be awesome for screen casting audio.

Final Thoughts

I never gave much consideration to my audio in my YouTube videos or videos intended for friends and family.  This is an easy system to deploy and most importantly it sounds GREAT.  Better than your built in mic in your phone or camera to be sure.  If you are an influencer or podcaster, especially one that requires some mobility this is a perfect setup for your vblogs.

Again, I never thought much about my audio before but now I can really hear the difference a quality microphone makes.

JOHN’S TECH BLOG FULLY ENDORSES THE MAONO WAVE T5 WIRELESS LAVALIER MICROPHONE.  GET ONE.