Neewer KM18 Wireless Lavalier: Affordable Plug-and-Play Solution for Clear Audio
I recently had the opportunity to test out the Neewer KM18 mini wireless lavalier microphone kit to determine if it could withstand the demands of rigorous use. What I found was that while its simplicity has some limitations, it also offers significant benefits.
When it comes to video production, sound quality is just as important as the visuals. Many people multitask while watching videos, often just listening to the audio. If the sound isn’t up to par, they won’t hesitate to switch to another channel. As someone with moderate hearing loss, I place a high priority on sound quality.
What’s in the Box?
The Neewer KM18 kit comes with everything you’d expect from a microphone setup of this type. Inside the package, you’ll find a charging case with a built-in battery that works similarly to an ear pod case, charging the two microphones when docked. The case also features a large LED display that indicates the battery level. The kit includes two microphone transmitters, one receiver unit, two dead cat wind muffles, a high-quality USB to USB-C charging cable, lanyards, and a smart storage pouch.
How Easy Is It to Use?
Using the Neewer KM18 mics is straightforward. Simply plug the receiver into your phone’s USB-C socket, attach the microphone to your lapel using the magnetic clamp or lanyard, and you’re ready to go. The microphones automatically pair with the receiver and transmit a 48 kHz/24-bit signal. The receiver is powered directly by the smartphone or laptop it’s plugged into.
To get started, plug the receiver into your device, press and hold the power button on the transmitter for three seconds, and the units will connect instantly. The microphones also feature noise-canceling capabilities, which can be activated by pressing the power button twice. A single press will mute the mic.
Are There Any Drawbacks?
The Neewer KM18 lacks a 3.5mm jack plug, meaning it can only be used with devices like smartphones or laptops that can power the receiver through their USB ports. Additionally, there’s no headphone monitoring socket, which might be a drawback for those who need to monitor their recordings in real-time. While some other models offer additional features like micro SD slots or 3.5mm mic input sockets, the Neewer KM18 is designed to be a simple, plug-and-play option.
How Does It Perform?
After fully charging the microphones, I tested the setup both indoors and outdoors. Indoors, I was impressed with the strong connection, even while moving around my 150-year-old house with thick stone walls. The microphones also performed well outside.
Compared to other wireless microphones I’ve tested, the Neewer KM18 delivered superior sound quality, especially with the noise cancellation feature activated. Unlike other brands, which can sometimes muffle sound with noise cancellation, the Neewer KM18 effectively reduced background noise without compromising the clarity of my voice.
One minor issue I noticed was the LED lights on the microphones. While they weren’t overly bright, they could be a distraction in some lighting conditions. However, they were easy to see and helpful in indicating whether the mute or noise cancellation functions were active.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Easy plug-and-play operation
- Quick and reliable connection
- High-quality sound with effective noise cancellation
- Long-distance connection without drops
- Lightweight and discreet design
- Affordable, currently priced at $59.99 on Amazon
Cons:
- No 3.5mm output socket, limiting its use with cameras
- No headphone monitoring or external mic input
Final Thoughts
While the Neewer KM18 might lack some features that more advanced users would appreciate, it excels at what it was designed for: providing a simple and effective audio solution for smartphone recordings. For aspiring YouTubers or anyone looking to improve the audio quality of their smartphone videos, this kit offers excellent value for the price. However, if you’re working with more complex setups or need additional functionality, you might want to explore other options.
The Neewer KM18 Wireless Lavalier Microphone Kit is available on Amazon for €97,13