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Do You Need An External Microphone?
While using the built-in microphone on your device can produce decent sound when you start out on a budget. A separate external mic will drastically improve your sound clarity if you make the correct choice.
Technical Specs
✅ Type: Cardioid Microphone
✅ Frequency Response: 40Hz – 20 kHz
✅ Signal to Noise Ratio: >68dB
✅ Power Requirements: None (powered by your camera or cellphone)
✅ Audio Connector Input: TRRS cable (can be used with camera or cellphone)
✅ Mic Weight: 52 grams
✅ Mic Dimensions: 6.3 inches long by 2 inches wide by 3.4 inches high
✅ Gain Adjustment: None available
✅ High-Pass Filter: None available
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Package Contents & Build Quality
In the package, you get the microphone unit with a removable foam windscreen. There is a built-in hard plastic shock mount, a 3.5 mm TRRS camera cable that is hard wired permanently and a user manual.
The mic weighs only 52 grams, mostly due to it having no built-in battery or requiring a battery. The mic feels solid, without any loose areas. However, the build is pretty much all plastic, so this is not a sturdy enough microphone for extreme environments.
Comica V30 Lite Setup & Features
Microphone Unit
At the back of the mic, there is a switch to indicate which device the microphone is plugged into, either a camera or a cellphone. There is no indicator light to tell you whether the mic is powered on or not. Usually, this would be a huge negative for me. However, this mic is instantly powered once you plug it into a camera or cellphone that is powered on. I see this as a great advantage because there is no chance that you will forget to turn on your mic again. I’ve made the mistake of recording without checking to see if the mic was on. With this mic, that issue is solved. The only setting to pay attention to is the switch for camera or cellphone. If you use this mic in a stationary setup, then it really will be a set it and forget it setup.
Mounting Options
The Comica V30 Lite is mounted using your camera’s cold shoe mount. There is also a ¼” opening at the bottom of the cold shoe mount to attach the mic to a camera cage or a cellphone tripod or holder.
Audio Adjustments & Inputs
Unlike its big brother, the Comica V30 Pro, which retails for double the price, the V30 Lite offers no audio or gain adjustments. However, the sound clarity from my tests was perfectly acceptable without the need for much audio editing.
Battery Life
Since this is powered by your phone or camera, battery life is dependent on your device’s battery level, which is both a pro and a con.
Audio Examples
Unedited camera audio from the Comica V30 Lite – time-stamped: https://youtu.be/mirbHj791wk?t=98
Unedited comparison cellphone audio from the Comica V30 Lite: https://youtu.be/mirbHj791wk?t=172
Please keep in mind that some phones or cameras will automatically add audio adjustments to enhance the audio, so your results may vary.
Summing Up
The Comica V30 Lite mic is an excellent option for those who are on a budget and want a light-weight set it and forget it option. For this mic’s price, I was impressed with the sound clarity straight out of the camera without editing. If you sometimes forget to turn on your mic before you start recording, resulting in unusable footage, this is a great and inexpensive option!
If there is anything that I missed in the review, or if you have any questions that I did not cover, please leave a comment below.
Some links may be referral links, which means I earn a small commission for qualifying sales. There is no additional cost to you.