Lavalier Microphone M1 BY-M1 Black Review – A Detailed Look at the BOYA BY-M1
Introduction
The BOYA BY-M1 lavalier microphone has quickly become a popular choice for content creators on a budget. Its compact design and surprisingly good audio quality make it a tempting option for vlogging, interviewing, and recording audio for various devices. I’ve spent the last few weeks putting this little microphone through its paces, testing it in a variety of situations, and I’m ready to share my comprehensive review.
Features
The BY-M1 is a simple yet effective lavalier microphone boasting a surprising number of features for its price. Key features include its omni-directional pickup pattern, which captures sound from all directions, making it ideal for interviews or situations where you might move around. The included accessories are a nice touch, providing everything you need to get started, including a foam windscreen for reducing pops and wind noise, a lapel clip for secure attachment, and a convenient carrying case.
The 20-inch cable offers decent reach, and the 3.5mm 4-pole gold plug ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices. The integration of a small LR44 battery provides the power needed for operation.
| Colour Name | Black |
|---|---|
| What’s In The Box | BOYA BY-M1 Pro lavalier microphone • Foam windscreen • Clothing clip • Velcro • Battery(LR44) • Carrying case • User manual • Warranty card |
| Model Number | BY-M1 |
| Model Name | BOYA LAVALIER MICROPHONE M1 |
Performance
The BOYA BY-M1 delivers surprisingly good audio quality considering its price point. In controlled environments, the audio is clear and crisp with minimal background noise. However, in noisier environments, the omni-directional pickup pattern picks up more ambient sounds than a directional microphone would. This isn’t a deal breaker, but it’s something to be mindful of. I found the windscreen to be effective at minimizing plosives and wind noise, though stronger wind gusts still resulted in some noticeable audio artifacts.
I tested the microphone with several different devices, including my smartphone, DSLR camera, and a portable audio recorder. It performed consistently well across all of them, proving its versatility. The cable length is adequate for most situations, though a longer cable length would have been appreciated.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Affordable, excellent sound quality in quiet environments, versatile compatibility, convenient accessories included, compact and portable.
- Cons: Omni-directional pickup can pick up background noise, cable length could be longer, performance can suffer in very windy conditions.
Final Verdict
The BOYA BY-M1 is an excellent entry-level lavalier microphone that punches above its weight in terms of sound quality and features. While it might not be the perfect choice for professional productions requiring absolute noise isolation, it’s more than capable for vlogging, interviews, and other applications where portability and affordability are key considerations. For its price, it offers exceptional value and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use lavalier microphone.
