When it comes to capturing high-quality audio, having the right microphone can make all the difference. Whether you’re vlogging, podcasting, or just capturing your daily life, choosing the right mic is crucial. Recently, I tested four different audio solutions: the EJCC 3-in-1 wireless lapel mic, the Rode Videomic Pro Plus, the built-in microphone on an iPhone Pro Max, and the innovative Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. Here’s how they stack up against each other in various scenarios.
The Contenders
- EJCC 3-in-1 Wireless Lapel Mic
- Price: $24 (with coupon)
- Features: Compact, easy to use, includes two microphones for recording two people simultaneously.
- Rode Videomic Pro Plus
- Price: $300
- Features: High-end shotgun microphone known for its excellent audio quality and noise rejection.
- iPhone 12 Pro Max Internal Microphone
- Price: Included with the phone, $490
- Features: Built-in mic, standard for casual recording and general use.
- Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses
- Price: $300-$400
- Features: Equipped with five microphones, designed for hands-free recording and smart functionality.
Testing Setup
To compare these devices, I conducted a series of tests both indoors and outdoors, varying distances and conditions to see how each microphone performed.
Indoor Testing
- 2.5 Feet Away:
- iPhone Pro Max Mic: Clear, decent quality for close-range recordings.
- EJCC 3-in-1 Mic: Good clarity and noise isolation, noticeably better than the iPhone.
- Rode Videomic Pro Plus: Superior audio quality with great focus on the speaker’s voice.
- 15 Feet Away:
- iPhone Pro Max Mic: Sound quality degrades, with noticeable loss in clarity.
- EJCC 3-in-1 Mic: Still maintains good audio quality.
- Rode Videomic Pro Plus: Audio remains crisp and clear, even at a distance.
- 30 Feet Away:
- iPhone Pro Max Mic: Significant drop in audio quality.
- EJCC 3-in-1 Mic: Audio quality begins to diminish but still usable.
- Rode Videomic Pro Plus: Excellent performance, minimal loss of quality.
Outdoor Testing
- 15 Feet Away with Wind:
- iPhone Pro Max Mic: Wind noise is intrusive, reducing audio clarity.
- EJCC 3-in-1 Mic: Handles wind better than the iPhone, but some noise is still present.
- Rode Videomic Pro Plus: Superior wind noise reduction, clear audio even with gusts.
- 35 Feet Away:
- EJCC 3-in-1 Mic: Reliable but starts to struggle with audio clarity.
- Rode Videomic Pro Plus: Maintains high-quality audio, with minimal degradation.
Extended Distance Testing
- EJCC 3-in-1 Mic:
- Struggled to maintain a clear connection beyond 50 feet. It experienced significant dropouts and audio degradation, but reconnected at over 200 feet with poor quality.
- Ray-Ban Meta Glasses:
- Impressive performance, maintaining a clear connection and quality audio up to and beyond 200 feet. The built-in microphones managed to capture sound effectively even at extended distances.
Conclusion
Here’s a quick rundown of how these microphones performed:
- EJCC 3-in-1 Wireless Lapel Mic:
- Pros: Affordable, easy to use, good quality for close distances, excellent value for the price.
- Cons: Limited range, audio quality drops at longer distances.
- Rode Videomic Pro Plus:
- Pros: Superior audio quality, excellent for professional use, great wind noise reduction.
- Cons: Expensive, bulky.
- iPhone 12 Pro Max Internal Mic:
- Pros: Convenient, decent quality for basic recordings.
- Cons: Poor performance at longer distances and in windy conditions.
- Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses:
- Pros: Outstanding range, innovative design, good audio quality even at extended distances.
- Cons: Price and functionality may not justify for all users, smart glasses may not suit everyone’s style.
Each of these audio solutions has its strengths:
- EJCC 3-in-1: Affordable and easy to use, ideal for casual recordings.
- Rode VideoMic Pro Plus: Premium quality, best for professional use.
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: Convenient, decent quality, and always available.
- Ray-Ban Meta: Innovative with impressive range and noise reduction.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. Whether you’re looking for a reliable backup mic or a high-end audio solution, there’s something for everyone in this lineup.
Final Thoughts: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that performs well for close-range recording, the EJCC 3-in-1 is a solid choice. For professional-quality audio, the Rode Videomic Pro Plus remains the top pick. The iPhone’s internal mic is fine for casual use, but if you need a microphone that combines innovative technology with impressive performance, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses offer a fascinating alternative.
Whether you’re vlogging, podcasting, or just experimenting with new tech, there’s a microphone in this lineup to suit your needs.
Disclaimer: The links above are affiliate links so I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting this small blog.
The TechWanderer 