As a content creator, I’m always on the lookout for gear that can enhance my work, and I had high hopes for the Joby WAVO Air wireless lav kit.. However, after thorough testing, I’ve got some mixed feelings about it. Let’s break down what I found.
What’s in the Box?
The Joby WAVO Air comes with a pretty comprehensive set of items:
- 1 Receiver: To be mounted on your camera.
- 2 Transmitters: Each with built-in microphones, volume control, and a mic input for the included wired lav microphones.
- Cables: TRS to TRS jack cable for cameras and TRS to TRS for smartphones.
- 3 USB-A to USB-C Charging Cables: Allowing simultaneous charging of both transmitters and the receiver.
- Mounting Accessories: Including belt clips, a magnetic necklace, and a hot shoe mount.
Pros of the Joby WAVO Air
- Complete System: Ideal for those looking to buy a full wireless lav kit for two-person interviews.
- Short-Range Audio Quality: The audio quality is decent at short ranges.
Cons and Concerns
- Build Quality: The kit feels quite plasticky and more like a budget option, despite its higher price point.
- Mounting System: The side placement for the lav mic input is awkward, and the cold shoe mount doesn’t fit all accessories.
- Windshields: The clip-on windshields are easy to knock off, a problem Rode has already moved away from.
- Range Issues: The range of the WAVO Air is significantly less than competitors like the Rode Wireless Go, even with a clear line of sight.
Range Test Comparison
I conducted a range test comparing the Joby WAVO Air with the Rode Wireless Go. Here’s what I found:
- Joby WAVO Air: Started struggling at a shorter distance, with flaky range even in clear line of sight.
- Rode Wireless Go: Considerably better range, maintaining clear audio at distances where the WAVO Air struggled.
Final Thoughts
While the Joby WAVO Air could be a decent option for creators looking for a complete system, its higher price point and the issues I encountered make it tough to recommend, especially when compared to alternatives like the Rode Wireless Go or the more budget-friendly Saramonic kit.
Equipment Discussed in This Review
- Joby WAVO Air https://geni.us/MenB
- Rode Wireless Go 2 https://geni.us/tCmOnC
- Rode Wireless Go single mic kit https://geni.us/lsbE3
- Saramonic Blink 500 Wireless Kit https://geni.us/vkGMGA
I hope this review helps you make an informed decision about your audio gear.
