ACCESSORIES
This high-tech mic is designed for vloggers. Richard Sibley puts it to the test
● £260
DESIGNED for vloggers and filmmakers, the Joby Wavo Pro microphone hides some exciting features beneath its unconventional design, which are designed to make it easier to create high-quality audio without hours of post-production. Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, the mic automatically powers on and off in sync with the camera. Anyone who has ever experienced the pain of forgetting to switch on their external microphone will appreciate this. Additional reassurance comes in the form of LED lights, including a front-facing one, highlighting that the mic is working.
Additional security comes with the option of Safety Track recording. This records the audio on the right channel at 10db less than the left channel, so hopefully, the right channel won’t suffer from any clipping if there are sudden loud noises. Nearly all of the microphone’s features, including a +10db and +20db level boost, can be changed via buttons on the rear and base, but it’s easier to use the Wavo Pro smartphone app. The mic is mounted on an in-built Rycote lyre to help it ‘float’ and prevent noise, but some is still present if you are walking around vlogging. Turning on the Active Noise Reduction does quite an impressive job of removing the faint boomy noise that’s created as the microphone moves with each step. The ANR doesn’t entirely eliminate it, but it won’t be noticeable if you are talking to the camera, or adding light background music.
I tested the Wavo Pro with a Sony ZV-1 and found that the included 3.5mm cable was a little short, as the camera’s mic socket is on the side of its handgrip. However, most cameras place their mic sockets on the opposite side, so that cables don’t get in the way of holding the camera. In terms of audio, its sound is good for picking out a voice in a busy scene (and anecdotally similar to the Rode VideoMic Pro+). Adjusting the EQ via the app is helpful for fine-tuning the sound to your taste.
Verdict
The Joby Wavo Pro microphone has several great features that are useful for casual filmmakers. Its sma
