Could this be the best mobile microphone for 2024?
If there’s one piece of equipment you can invest in that will significantly elevate your short videos for social media, it has to be a mobile microphone.
A microphone that connects to your phone so you can record hands-free offers more options for the type of content you create while capturing high-quality audio in the process. Just think, you could record your next video for your business while on the move rather than stationed at your desk
With a lot of mics on the market, it can be difficult to decide which is best. In this blog, I’ll share my favourite mobile mic of 2024 so far so you can see if it’s the best mobile microphone for you.
Comica Vimo S Microphone
Why settle for one microphone when you can have two? The Comica Vimo S contains two microphones in one charge case; giving you the option of recording videos by yourself or with a friend.
What’s included?
The case, which also acts as a charging pod, contains two microphones and a receiver that plugs into your smartphone. The built-in clips on the back of the microphones make it easy to attach them to your clothes so you can record hands-free.
The Comica Vimo S includes two windshield accessories that fit over the microphones. As with any windshield, these are useful for recording outdoors to capture higher-quality sound.
I like to use the windshield as a pop-filter when I record piece to camera when holding the microphone. This helps to reduce the push of air from hitting the microphone when I’m speaking.
Comica Vimo S unpacked
The case doubles as a charging station and carrier for the microphones and receiver. The case also displays the battery percentage so you don’t have to second guess when to charge next.
Cheaper mics tend to fail
Before the Comica Vimo S, I burned through three sets of cheaper mobile microphones, like this one. Recording used to take more time due to the number of retakes I had to shoot because the mic disconnected or ran out of power unexpectedly.
What’s to like?
I first tested Comica’s Vimo S in the busy exhibition hall of the International Broadcast Convention in 2023. The quality of the audio captured in the bustling space combined with its recording range of up to 200 metres was impressive.
My initial thought was ‘Finally, a mobile microphone that performs,’ but this was not the only thing I noticed.
First, the lights on the receiver and the microphones make it easy to check the microphone has power and is connected. While this is not a unique feature for mobile mics, the size, position and brightness of the lights are better designed than most.
Never forget to charge
A second feature is the charging case which holds up to 15 hours of power and acts as a safety case for the microphones. Again, this is the result of clever design thinking. When my microphones are not in use they are in the case charging.
These two features combined have reduced my recording time significantly as I no longer have to shoot retakes because of connection or power issues.
What’s not to like?
While the Comica Vimo S is no match for my in-studio microphones, it is effective for recording short piece-to-camera and voiceovers on my phone. This means it’s ideal for the 30-second to 3-minute videos that you create for social media.
That’s not to say you couldn’t use it to record longer-form content, such as podcast episodes or vlogs - you certainly can if you don’t mind using your mobile phone for this purpose. If you do, I suggest reserving time to treat and boost the audio in post-production (especially if you’re creating audio-only content).
Aside from this, there are design features on the Comica Vimo S that I’m not a fan of. I didn’t notice these until after several recordings using this model.
The first is the gain control on the receiver. The absence of numerals and steps on the dial makes it difficult to gauge and maintain the level. To overcome this, I set the gain at maximum for consistency - I normally set the gain high on my microphones anyway for my voice. This workaround is unlikely to suit everyone.
Difficult to gauge volume
The orange dial on the right side of the receiver controls the gain. Without clear markings or step dial, it is challenging to set and keep the level consistent.
The second drawback doesn’t only apply to Comica’s Vimo S. Microphone manufacturers, such as RØDE and DJI, do this too although some designs are more obvious than others.
Can you guess what I’m going to say?
The company logo on the microphones is impossible to conceal. Aside from the distracting design, it is annoying being so obviously part of a company’s marketing strategy.
While Comica is not the only company doing this, they could revise the design to make it more subtle and less distracting when recording piece to camera. At the end of the day, we want our audience to focus on what we’re saying and not on the brand of gear we’re using.
Is Comica Vimo S for you?
If it is, then make sure you purchase the model that correlates to your phone model. There is a specific model for iPhone 15 and 15 Plus the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, and earlier models that use a lightning connection.
Here are links to the different model with colour options where available.
Comica Vimo S MI with lightning connection (Black)
Comica Vimo S MI with lightning connection (White)
For Android and post-iPhone 15 model phones that use a USB Type C connection.
Comia Vimo S UC with USB Type C connection for Android phones (Black)
Want to see the Comica Vimo S in use? Watch this short video here or click play below.
The best things come in short form.
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Good to Know
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