Considering going for a wireless mic setup on a budget? This review of the LensGo LWM-318C will help you decide if this is the right system for you. TL;DR: I’d buy it.
Don’t like reading? Check out my video review on YouTube instead.
Technical Specs
✅ Type: Omni-directional microphone
✅ Frequency Response: 30Hz – 20 kHz
✅ Signal to Noise Ratio: 96dB
✅ 500 mAh rechargeable battery with up to 4½ hours battery life
✅ Max. Operating Range: 50 meters / 164 feet (with a clear line of sight)
✅ Audio Connector Input: TRS or TRRS cable (use with a camera or cellphone)
✅ Transmitter Mic Unit Weight: 30 grams
✅ Mic Dimensions: 67mm Long x 26mm High x 30mm Wide
✅ Gain Adjustment: None available
✅ High-Pass Filter: None available
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Package Contents & Build Quality
In the package, you get a separate transmitter and receiver unit with two magnetic clips attached to each unit’s underside. You also get two micro USB charging cables, a TRS and TRRS cable, a wired lavalier mic, a mic lapel clip, a wind muff for the transmitter and the wired lav mic, lanyard and carrying pouch.
The units are made of ABS plastic, which is durable but prone to fingerprints and scratches with daily use. The units have a solid build, and there is no looseness or squeaking when you exert pressure on them.
LensGO LWM-318C Setup & Features
Transmitter Unit
The transmitter mic unit weighs only 30 grams, so it can be clipped or attached to a heavy fabric t-shirt or sweater without too much sagging if you clip the mic unit inward towards your body so that the unit rests against your chest. On the back of the unit, it has a built-in microphone and a 3.5 mm input port for a wired lav mic if needed, pictured below. On the underside of the transmitter unit, there is a magnet to secure the separate magnetic clip. There is a power button on the top of the transmitter. When the unit is powered on, a solid blue LED light stays on. The unit has a reset hole if needed on the side. The micro USB charging port is located on the side of both the transmitter and receiver.
Receiver Unit
The receiver unit also weighs 30 grams and can be clipped to your camera’s cold shoe mount. When powered on, the LED light stays on as a solid cyan color. On the back of the unit, there is a 3.5 mm audio jack for real-time audio monitoring if needed.
Unique Magnetic Clip System
My favourite part about this system is the magnetic clips. While some systems require you to clip the unit to your shirt collar or run a wired lav mic, this system has a unique advantage. The magnets used with this system are so powerful that I could attach the unit through my sweater without clipping to my collar. The magnetic pull was enough to secure the unit through the middle area of my sweater quite easily. I even tugged and pulled at my sweater pretty vigorously, and the system did not come loose.
Check out my demonstration here: https://youtu.be/Qv8J0dk8XfU?t=365
Audio Adjustments
There are no gain adjustments on either of the units, so audio adjustments must be done through post-processing.
Battery Life
The units are rated for up to 5 hours of battery life, but I experienced a little over 4 hours.
Audio Examples
Unedited audio from LWM-318C With Wired Lav Mic – time-stamped: https://youtu.be/Qv8J0dk8XfU?t=208
Unedited audio from the LensGO LWM-318C – time-stamped: https://youtu.be/Qv8J0dk8XfU?t=313
The sound is decent out of the box without post-processing. However, when compared to higher-end products, such as the Rode Wireless GO system, the LensGO audio sounds a bit muddy. However, keep in mind that the Rode Wireless GO system is over 3 times the price.
The audio did sound better when connecting the supplied wired lav mic that was included in the package to the transmitter.
Summing Up
While this system does not produce the same sound quality as the Rode Wireless unit, you cannot beat the value. When you take into account the supplied wired lav mic, which can cost around $20 to $30 on its own, this is a good deal. Plus, it comes with a TRS and TRRS cable, which you will not need to buy separately for use with a cellphone or laptop. If the absolute best sound is your first priority, then you will find that with the Rode Wireless GO system.
However, if you want a set it and forget type of system which produces decent sound and has a versatile mounting system, this works great.
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.