FINALLY, a WIRELESS Shotgun Microphone! | Comica VM30 Review

Comica just released the Comica VM30 Wireless Shotgun Microphone! After years of filmmakers and creators jerry-rigging their own solutions to create a wire-free boom mic solution, we finally have one that's ready to go, out-of-the-box!
Comica VM30 Wireless Shotgun Microphone ↴
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NOTE: I forgot to mention, the display on the shotgun mic also houses the antenna behind it-for best performance, make sure that it is not covered (by your hand or by the mic holder) for best wireless transmission!
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0:00 - Introduction
1:02 - Build Quality & Features
2:14 - Audio Quality
4:29 - Favorite Features
5:58 - Pricing
6:34 - Conclusion

[@DavidZhou]

What do you think of the audio quality? 🤔

[@MarioSoMedia]

Very nice! The wireless feature is pretty revolutionary on a shotgun. Great review David!

[@DavidZhou]

100%, I love seeing companies innovate and bring something new to creators! And thanks Mario!

[@BoomingVisuals]

I've been doing this for a few years now with the wireless go 2 and videomic ntg. But i also get internal recording for back up.

[@SudburyMan]

You have made the direct comparison I have been searching for. The Rode does not seem to accentuate the highs very well. Especially if I am using a boom mic for audio fidelity testing of speakers. Comica V30 win. Thank you.

[@BurlapandLight]

Loved the quality and use bought one.

[@LaurenceAdams]

Just picked this up on Amazon. You saved me a lot of time, bro! ❤

[@DavidZhou]

🙏🏼🙏🏼 let me know about your experience!

[@LaurenceAdams]

@@DavidZhou Brother, how do you get rid of the white noise?

[@DavidZhou]

@@LaurenceAdams Try reducing the gain on the transmitter (microphone) and increasing the gain on the wireless receiver, that worked for me!

[@LaurenceAdams]

@DavidZhou Wow, brother. This microphone is really clear, man! Just gotta figure out some stuff in post, lmao. THANKS!!!

[@Ezlifeproductions]

This just helped me with my short film. Friggin 10/10 review

[@AlexJCheung]

Waittt this is actually pretty dope! Not having to wire the shotgun mic anymore is so much more convenient ngl

[@DavidZhou]

Just waiting for this to become the norm 😤

[@temiodl]

Hi David. Wanted to ask what boom arm and equipment you used for the mic. I'm just starting out and I'm interested in the Mic but don't know what boom pole or accessories to use to shotgun. Thank you so much

[@premium3991]

Great video! Have you tried using two of these for podcast/interview? How would you have both sounds connected through wireless, come through as an audio output in the computer for post podcast/interview editing? Thanks David! 👍

[@DavidZhou]

Hey! That's a pretty interesting use case, unfortunately, I don't own two of these so I can't real-world test it for you. But since they're directional, I'd imagine you'd get pretty good isolation. Though I think dynamic mics would be easier to work with, given the option!

[@KipJackson]

Safety track is clutch AF

[@DavidZhou]

Indeed 🙏🏼

[@ww1www]

Not bad, and I would probably be interested in picking one up had I not owned a lot of great other shotguns and a few wireless kits and recorders that can be combined with them. But would I have to choose my first video shotgun this Comica would be a strong contender. I watched a few reviews on it, and the audio sounds quite decent, especially in wired mode.

[@DavidZhou]

Agreed! In wired mode it sounds pretty solid-in wireless, there is a bit of decreased gain output and higher noise floor-but as a first shotgun mic, this is a strong option!

[@tonysluna]

1st time seeing your video/Channel.. im now a fan... have you done any Film Work with this Shotgun Mic... I just bought this Comica VM30....

[@DavidZhou]

Not yet as I haven’t needed a shotgun mic on my client shoots recently but let me know what your experience with them is!

[@Manuelrehse]

Thanks for the video! Being able to have wireless headphones would be even better. Could you add that too or would that signal interfere with mic's?

[@DavidZhou]

Theoretically you’d just need a 3.5mm to Bluetooth Transmitter, then pair a Bluetooth headset to the transmitter plugged into your camera. I haven’t done it before so I imagine latency and quality might be affected but it’s definitely doable!

[@YoungBlaze]

How does the safety track feature work again Like are you able to extract it connected it to the computer USB ?

[@DavidZhou]

It records a stereo track, with one channel recording at the gain level you set and the second channel recording at -6Db so that when you’re editing, you can use either channel, depending on if you need the -6Db track in the event it clipped!

[@mattwright9596]

Great review! Does the receiver function as a stand alone recorder? I'm wondering if this could be a solution for cameras with no mic jack.

[@DavidZhou]

Unfortunately it doesn’t (despite most wireless systems now having internal storage), I would love to see that in the next iteration (or from another company’s first attempt!)

[@FunnFoto]

@@DavidZhouThey say you can use it with the Boom-DX Pro Receiver so you could run the CM30v, So maybe there is way to get them work.

[@jaybillups2063]

Thanks for the info. Is the receiver stereo and can it receive a signal from anther transmitter?

[@DavidZhou]

I don’t believe it can be paired with another transmitter, I’ll test this later and reply again if I’m wrong!

[@kyouxtoki]

Which boom stand is good with it? Or could you recommend portable boom stand for this mic?

[@DavidZhou]

If you’re looking for something super budget, the Amazon Basics Adjustable Boom

[@TexpatOTG]

I use a Tascam DR10x recorders on my boom. I already have mics, so with only the recorder and my headphones I am ready to. This seems like too much stuff to do the same thing. Good review for a productt I would never buy.

[@janeaustine1078]

Actually, I like your hoarse voice in this video haha This mic is dope btw❤‍🔥

[@DavidZhou]

😂😂😂 thank you

[@Slipsch]

Sennheiser has the EW-DP with the EW-D SKP for wireless audio.

[@DavidZhou]

That’s true! But it’s still quite an expensive setup-granted probably better sound! I’m just glad to see the concept made in a more affordable out-of-the-box solution for beginning filmmakers!

[@Slipsch]

@@DavidZhou I pre-ordered mine. Looking to use it with MKH50, I mean, if someone is filming alot and likes to switch places in the house or any particular location and want the best audio, it might be worth the price if it's within their budget. I think what most people don't take into account when it comes with digital audio is the latency. The Sennheiser has only 1.9ms of latency, while something like the DJI or Rode Wireless go has about 26ms of latency.

[@DavidZhou]

I totally agree, I’m an advocate of buying the level of gear that will suit your production and the quality you need (especially for client work). And yeah, latency is definitely a factor (the CVM-VM30 is around 20ms).

[@tonysluna]

so.. you also... Work for SmallRig... nice... im looking into the Tripod AD-100 FreeBlazer... to Purchase.. lol

[@DavidZhou]

I’m a brand ambassador for SmallRig because I’m a fan of their products and use them consistently 😁 big fan of the FreeBlazer tripod (I have a video on it), but I’d also check out the new Sirui video tripod and the YC Onion one as well, they both look really promising as well

[@DigiDriftZone]

Question, how does this compare to something like a Rode VideoMic Go II with a Wireless Go 1? - I would guess the Rode system should sound a bit better, but less convenient than the Comica?

[@DavidZhou]

I’d imagine it should sound a little better for noise floor performance during wireless transmission but yes, less convenient and slightly more expensive haha

[@saqlaq96]

Thanks but I still think the Zoom M3 is better, 32 bit float and internal recording win it for me

[@andrewsytek]

Was wondering what was going on with your voice hahaha! Sick release though!

[@DavidZhou]

Unfortunate timing for testing a microphone 😭

[@andrewsytek]

@@DavidZhou Just goes to show how GOOD the sound quality is 😂

[@KipJackson]

Where did you get the arm stand for in your set up here ?

[@DavidZhou]

I can’t remember which brand it is, but I’d look up “Telescoping Boom Arm” on BHPhoto, I think they start at $25-$50!

[@KipJackson]

@@DavidZhou not bad I’m trying to put together the caleb Pike type audio kit/package for when I get booked for short films and documentaries as a Cinematographer so I can get two sources of income you know !!

[@diva9ja798]

I don’t know how to set up a mic by connecting the sound to phone or camera 😢

[@JonathanPajakLensCulture]

Pretty cool to see the innovation! its 16bit?

[@DavidZhou]

24bit!

[@JonathanPajakLensCulture]

@@DavidZhou Oh not bad!

[@RyanKemperinOhio]

Darn. I wish that safety track worked in wireless. Two of its greatest features can’t work simultaneously. 😢

[@DavidZhou]

I know! It's a product that's almost there in terms of being able to do all of the things we want lol

[@RyanKemperinOhio]

@@DavidZhou awesome mic otherwise!

[@darjeelingmomsvlogs2167]

🙏🙏🙏♥️♥️

[@ministerioredencionfilms]

How can it be possible to use a single transmitter to listen to you from the camera and the person in charge of the microphone someone to explain to me.

[@jaybillups2063]

Just got this mic. Great idea, but there is an unacceptable amount of hiss. Returning it. Shame

[@DavidZhou]

Hoping v2 will have better audio performance (or whatever the market comes out with using this idea)

[@ComicaAudio]

Thanks for your support. The reason for the hiss may be because the adjustment of the gun mic and receiver gain is too large. We recommend adjusting the gain of the receiver first if the effect is still not satisfied, and then you can adjust the gain of the gun mic. If you still have hiss after trying the above, you can send us a message directly and we will be happy to help you solve the problem.😊

[@jaybillups2063]

@@ComicaAudio Thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to respond; most companies don’t. I tried all of that in my testing, to no avail. Tried on multiple cameras of different types. Maybe I had a bad copy. I love the idea. I know this is new, but here are couple ideas for future versions: -XLR output or at provide a quality cable as an upgrade. I’d buy that. -A receiver that can handle two shotgun mics (two person interview) or a shotgun and lapel mic. I’d buy that. I can do these things with the DJI mic, but it’s kind of a hack and dislike having to do that. Not clean or professional. I would much rather have something purpose built and professional. Thank you.

[@A1Bokeh]

Wireless means you can eliminate the use for a wire lol

[@DavidZhou]

Well you’re technically not wrong 😫

[@ThemelisPikos]

Test, test... 🤣

[@DavidZhou]

Got eem 😂

[@ffffff7773]

Good design, but unacceptable sound quality

[@DavidZhou]

I’ve found it to be good enough, but I agree there’s room for improvement

[@ffffff7773]

@@DavidZhou I think recording conferences and speeches can be used in occasions where the sound quality is not important, but the recording of vocal interviews, music, and singing is absolutely unacceptable