The World’s Most INSANE Lav Mic! Boya BY-M1S Review

Summary

This video provides an in-depth review of the budget-friendly BOYA BY-M1S microphone, comparing it to the more expensive Rode SmartLav+. The presenter tests the mic in various environments, highlighting its pros and cons, such as its long cable and high gain. Although it has some drawbacks, including tangled cables and the pop shield frequently falling off, the BOYA mic offers impressive sound quality for its low price. It’s ideal for those looking for a portable, affordable microphone option, particularly for travel or secondary use outside the studio.

Takeaways

• 🎤 The review focuses on the Booyah M1S mic, a budget-friendly option retailing for about £15-17 in the UK or $20 in the US.
• 💰 The Booyah M1S mic is significantly cheaper than its competitor, the Rode SmartLav Plus, which costs twice as much.
• 👍 The mic is suitable for those looking to upgrade from built-in smartphone or SLR mics, as well as for those needing a secondary travel mic.
• 🛠 The Booyah M1S no longer requires a battery, is powered by your device, and loses the -10 dB switch from previous models.
• 📦 The unboxing reveals the mic, a sturdy clip, a foam pop shield, and a TRRS connector. The packaging is simple but effective.
• 🌍 The mic performs well for out-and-about recordings, although the long cable can be a hassle to untangle and manage.
• 📱 When used with an iPhone, an Apple Lightning adapter is required, adding extra cost and length to the cable.
• 🎚 The mic's gain runs a bit hot, about 5 dB higher than the M1 Pro, so users need to be cautious about their recording levels.
• ⚠️ The long cable presents a tripping hazard, but it's a trade-off for not paying significantly more for a wireless mic.
• 🎬 Overall, the reviewer finds the mic offers excellent sound quality for the price and is a great budget option for YouTube content creators.

Q & A

What microphone is being reviewed in the video?

The microphone being reviewed is the Booyah by M1S.

How much does the Booyah M1S microphone retail for in the UK and US?

The Booyah M1S microphone retails for about 15 to 17 pounds in the UK, which is approximately 20 US dollars.

Which well-known brand's microphone is mentioned as a competitor to the Booyah M1S?

The Rode SmartLav Plus is mentioned as a competitor to the Booyah M1S.

What are the two main groups of people that the reviewer thinks the Booyah M1S would appeal to?

The Booyah M1S would appeal to people looking to upgrade their built-in smartphone or SLR microphones and those looking for a secondary microphone for use outside of a studio.

What is the main difference between the Booyah M1S and its predecessor, the M1 Pro?

The Booyah M1S does not require a battery and loses the -10 dB switch found on the M1 Pro.

What is the frequency response and signal-to-noise ratio of the Booyah M1S?

The frequency response is 50 Hz to 20 kHz, and the signal-to-noise ratio is 78 dB.

What does the reviewer find both a blessing and a curse about the Booyah M1S?

The cable of the Booyah M1S is both a blessing and a curse. It allows for more ambitious shots but takes a long time to untangle.

What does the reviewer say about the gain levels of the Booyah M1S compared to the M1 Pro?

The reviewer mentions that the Booyah M1S runs about 5 dB higher in gain than the M1 Pro, so users need to be careful not to talk too loudly.

What issue does the reviewer face with the pop shield, and how does he solve it?

The pop shield falls off easily when taken out of the pouch, so the reviewer uses double-sided tape to secure it.

What is the reviewer's overall impression of the Booyah M1S, especially given its price point?

The reviewer is impressed with the sound quality for the price point of 15 pounds and believes it outperforms its cost. Despite some fiddliness with the cable, they are satisfied with the product.