Minimalist Audio - The 1 Mic Challenge ft. the COMICA VM10 PRO

If you're a Solo Content Creator like me, you might be tired of all the gear you bring around just to shoot a video. So that got me thinking, is there a minimalist solution for audio? Well, let's find out just how many recording set ups and content creation scenarios we can bust on with just 1 microphone!
Big thanks to COMICA for sending the VM10 PRO for this video! If this mic fits with your content creation needs, check out their Amazon store here:
geni.us/U7jU
What kind of Content do YOU create and what would you look for in a single mic? Let us know in the Comments below!
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Other Equipment: (affiliate links ahead)
GoPro Hero 8 Black: amzn.to/3uvVhM5
Hero 8 MediaMod: amzn.to/39NNcuL
GoPro Display Mod: amzn.to/3yitYXj
Canon EOS T7i - amzn.to/2D8Pd0N
Lewitt LCT-440 Pure Condenser Microphone - amzn.to/2UWcAFf
Rode PSA1 Microphone Boom Arm - amzn.to/2UQmpnZ
Yamaha AG03 USB Interface - amzn.to/2D7dwMQ

[@briangschaefer7048]

Brilliant video! Thank you Wayne :)

[@Dodefi-Podcast]

Great mic and great video. Thank you!

[@sumedibles4974]

Bro honestly this video is excellent. 💚

[@WayneRECs]

Thanks for your kind words! This video gave me a greater appreciation for the variety of types of Content Creators out there!

[@csc-photo]

Helpful tips, fantastic quality from that mic

[@WayneRECs]

Thanks Craig! I appreciate you saying so!

[@JorgeGamaPsi]

the best video about that mic

[@noah_ross]

So helpful! This covered so much. Even the GoPro Media Mod which was great as I was looking into buying a compact mic as audio for it.

[@WayneRECs]

Hey Noah! Thanks for your comment! Glad the video was helpful! The VM10 PRO is really great for action cam vlogging! I've used it with my GoPro and also my DJI Action 3 and it's sounded great on both (& stays out of the shot lol)

[@noah_ross]

@@WayneRECs Good to know!

[@PeterIngersoll]

Honestly, this sounds great.

[@WayneRECs]

Hey Peter! Thanks for your comment! I agree that it sounds great in certain applications and environments and still held it's own in less than ideal situations. Given where it falls in the budget mic arena, it definitely surpassed my expectations!

[@1100_Rebels]

I bought the VM10 Pro recently, being completely convinced by your presentation. And you didn't promise too much. Excellent lil mic, indeed. I was even lucky, that I was able to purchase it for just $35 (not second hand). I live in the Philippines and expect these things to be more expensive, and normally they are. Thanks a lot for the infos about this mic

[@WayneRECs]

Awesome! Sounds like you got a great deal on one!

[@StaticCamperVan]

Nice versatile mic, I like the USB out. Great video as always.

[@WayneRECs]

Thanks for your comment! When digitally outputing via USB-C, the 3.5mm jack functions as a headphone output for monitoring your level.

[@DecoratewithManas]

Loved the video, coz I have also struggled with multiple gear. This tiny mic sounds great in all scenarios. Value for money as compared to rode.

[@WayneRECs]

Thanks for your comment! It really is a great little mic!

[@TDCIYB77]

Great video! Have been overthinking my setup, this gives me inspiration. And nice to see you now get stuff send from brands like Comica, keep on with your KZbin journey, you will make it! To the mic: Seems truly like the best of those mini on cam mics right now, from a features+performance to price perspective. Perfect for beginners!

[@WayneRECs]

Hey Steven! Thanks for your comment! I hear ya! I've been overthinking production stuff for the whole summer lol! The VM10 PRO really outperforms its price class! I'm sure you'll be hearing it more in the future!

[@TDCIYB77]

@@WayneRECs I'll be sure to sure to hear it in the future, you are one of the few creators i have notifications on and immediately watch every video as soon as i can! All the best & till next time! :)

[@David_prod-eNGee]

Lol I was not expecting to see the SF30 8bitdo controller. Got the same one!

[@WayneRECs]

Ha, I love it so much I bought 2 lol! Growing up on NES & SNES controllers mean I can't use any of these modern chonky controllers!

[@dentaltv]

Nice video and nice glasses 😎🚀

[@WayneRECs]

Ha, thanks Alessandro!

[@adrian4jc]

Thanks for the video. Very informative. I always use microsoft teams? Which one is better to use? This one or the rode videomic go 2? I prefer not to see the mic on the video.

[@greinalexandra]

Great video 🙌

[@WayneRECs]

Thanks Alex for your comment as always!

[@frankroy5444]

This little mic sounds great! price is very reasonable, I'm going to buy one to try

[@WayneRECs]

Hey Frank! The VM10 PRO is a great little mic! It has yet to disappoint in all my uses!

[@uncle-english]

I've got two Comica mics and the sound quality and noise level are impressive. As for VM10 PRO, I found it "just fine". Considering the price, it could be a good deal. Yet still thanks for testing it and demonstrating the correct way to vlog with a on-camera mic like this. Practical as usual.

[@WayneRECs]

Thanks as always for your comment! This was my first use of a Comica mic and really, based on it's price point and features, I think it will fit a lot of people's needs!

[@meipaile]

hey sincerly here for your review, and if i could ask a question that maybe you missing in this video is, how to connect it with an iPhone? with the original apple's usb-c to lightning cable which is coming along with the iphone 's inbox like series from years recently iphone SE iphone 13 ..? or using a 3.5 to 3.5 to lightning adapter along years ago habits? or using the usb-c to usb-c cable to an adapter which convert usb-c to lightning? so thanks cause i'm really need this digital sound feature for my iphone, .

[@sixx_xlr]

good to see you back guy i was getting worried xD congrats on 1k subs

[@WayneRECs]

Ha, hey Sixx! Yeah, I had to take some time off over the summer, but I have a lot of new content plans coming up! And thanks for the congrats!

[@sixx_xlr]

@@WayneRECs ok! are you still taking audio audits or are you dropping that series?

[@jyscenes6496]

How is it compare to the Deity D4 Mini for the sound quality for indoor scenes?

[@KaKwanKitYu]

thx for sharing i was thinking to get one but iam iphone user can i use a lighting to usb c for that? 😂

[@AS-ih2dk]

Are there any methods or even ad-hoc solutions where I can have a boom or otherwise extension arm with a suction cup mounted to a mirror to get the VM10-PRO microphone as close to me as possible when doing vlogging in a gym?

[@malan2099]

I we’ll order one what gian u recommend for dji action 3

[@BeMeCam]

On the smartphone USB (digital mode) connection I see a constant hiss. You'd think that the USB connection would be cleaner than the TRS connection but - I guess not?

[@galindovisita6482]

Nice videos,, I will appreciate it if you do a video using f3 zoom with lav mics. I coudn't figure it out what cables to use 😀 Thanks for your videos

[@WayneRECs]

Hi, thanks for your comment! I am actually planning a video about lav mics (in which I'll use my F3) so keep an eye out for it!

[@KryptonicHD]

@@WayneRECs I too am on the lookout for that!

[@ComicaAudio]

Hi Wayne, Thanks for showing us what's possible with the VM10 PRO, this little mic can meet a lot of needs right?😉

[@WayneRECs]

Thanks for the mic! I really enjoyed using it and I'm sure it will pop up again!

[@andrewdavies2109]

Enjoyed the video. For many people, convenience and simplicity really matter. I've been using the rode videomic go ii for the same reason. It lacks the gain dial and is nearly twice the price though. How do they compare?

[@WayneRECs]

Hey Andrew! As I am not currently in possession of a Videomic GO II, I can't make any direct comparisons. But while they both seem to have similar features, I think both mics suit different kinds of creators. While RODE is a much larger company and potentially can invest more in their product development (and software and apps), I can appreciate the simplicity of the VM10 PRO (along with all it's included accessories) and think it's an ideal multiuse solution for those who prefer a streamlined workflow.

[@andrewdavies2109]

@@WayneRECs sure, in fact the simplicity of the vm10 with a dial for gain rather than needing to faff around in a Rode app is an advantage. If it sounds anyway near the rode, it could well be a better choice.

[@GroupIII]

That is impressive. I’m wondering if paired with an external recorder like zoom f2, if that may increase the sound quality when logging in noisy areas. Great video!

[@WayneRECs]

Hey Nestor! Are you still vlogging with the Action 2? While I can't confirm, I believe you could plug this mic directly into the Action 2 via USB-C. Ive pre-ordered the Action 3 so hopefully will be testing mic vlogging options when it arrives.

[@GroupIII]

@@WayneRECs yes yes still Vlogging with action 2 and you’re right it would be so cool to direct connect but I’ve been using the Rode Wireless connected to camera and lave connect to ride transmitter thru the zoom f2 acting as a back up in case ride sounds horrible. It’s wacky setup but it works for me. I’ll get it right one day.

[@WayneRECs]

@@GroupIII Well, you sounded great at MOMA so that's what really matters!

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

hi there. I'm getting this mic for my 15 pro max. Can you recommend a foam wind screen that would fit perfectly? I don't want to use the included deadcat. Thanks

[@AlexandreG]

Bro your shit is banging, you're kicking the butt of all these other mic reviewers. You got your mic for free just like them, but you didn't take it as an excuse to just spend 8 minutes opening it, 2 reviewing the sound, get your 10 minutes, and call it a day. You actually put in thought and work to help all the people watching this video to decide if this is worth for them, like a true professional, and I appreciate that a lot 🙌

[@timjagielo2801]

Hey, this is pretty useful -- my video camera is a ZCAM F6, which has a terrible built-in preamp. It looks like a mic like this with a digital mode, *might* be a solution to get better sound. I need an on-mic preamp to avoid more gear hanging off the frame.

[@WayneRECs]

Hey Tim! Thanks for your comment! As I don't own a ZCAM, I can't confirm this, but I do not believe that your ZCAM will accept a digital audio signal from a mic like the VM-10 PRO via the USB-C port. To my knowledge (and I may be wrong on this) the only cameras I know of that natively accept USB-C mics are the DJI Action 2 and Action 3. In your case, you might be better served with an external audio recorder.

[@timjagielo2801]

@@WayneRECs Or, that ZOOM M3 MicTrak. My goal is to be quick-assemble and run-and-gun as possible. (I chose the wrong camera for that). Thanks for the information and content

[@WayneRECs]

@@timjagielo2801 The Zoom M3 is a great run and gun option! That being said, there are some issues and apparently Zoom has pull all the MicTrak line from their online store, so it looks like they're attempting to address the issues. Might be a good idea to wait if you can until things are ironed out.

[@timjagielo2801]

@@WayneRECs Ok so the issue might be more widespread than those initial serial numbers on the 'NEWS' page … thank you

[@worlverineloganx384]

Shit I’m getting one

[@abhijithkg1467]

Good detailed video bro👌🏼, you showed all the probable scenarios with this microphone 😊and that was very useful👍🏼. I'm looking to buy this or the VM20 but I'm currently leaning towards this vm10pro as it is smaller and has USB c support so that I can use it with my smartphone or Laptop. But I have 3 questions for you...if you could please clear my doubts about it😅.. they are 1) When you used your S10 with USB c adapter did you just plug it directly to the USB c port of the S10 or was a USB DAC adapter was needed for it to work, I'm asking coz I've S20FE phone n it needs DAC adapter to connect to any 3.5mm device as it does not have 3.5mm jack. I know your S10 has 3.5mm jack but don't know if it's USB c port allows audio pass through. So will it work on new Android devices? 2) On it's website it says it can record in 24bit quality, but in case of Vm20 doesn't mention anything. Does this 24bit matter much for microphones ? 3) Is there any noise produced by the mic in digital mode in a very quite room ie : internal noise of the mics preamp etc? (don't know the scientific term but I am calling it hissing noise). Thank you 😊🙏🏼 Wayne.

[@WayneRECs]

Thanks for your kind comment! To answer your questions: 1) You shouldn't need any kind of adapter. I've also successfully used the mic with a Samsung Galaxy S20 and a Z Flip 3 and in the native Android camera app, in Pro mode, you can set the usb mic level (in addition to adjusting the dial on the VM10 Pro) 2) 24-bit is more or less the standard for most cameras & mics and if you se the levels properly in #1 (above) then you'll be able to get a good clean recording. 3) The Microphone's self noise is pretty low (compared to other mics in the same price range). I typically turn my dial up around 30% and keep my camera app audio level at 0db and in my studio can get a really clean recording with no perceivable white noise or hiss. Now turning the dial to the highest setting will obviously introduce some self noise, but in your use case, I don't think you'd need to do that.

[@abhijithkg1467]

@@WayneRECs Ah 😃 thanks man for the quick reply 👍🏼 didn't expect this quick tbh😅. It's actually a relief to know it works with new Samsung devices without any adapters, thanks a lot bruv. I also saw ur suspense mic test video about 4 microphones n the first one processed using Adobe shocked me coz that's very similar to all those indoor podcasts sounds like😂🤭, silly me. But the Vm10 pro was impressive too in that video, it's a pocket dynamite 😬 for the VFM it provides. I also saw ur blue yeti microphone (latest video) n it was hilarious too, but it seemed very possible/practical in my mind just coz rules are sometimes meant to be broken or improvised 😅 maybe your mind too😬. So yes looking forward to your vlogging/youtubing using that blue yeti n other similar vids. Good job bruv n thanks for your quick answers. 😊🙏🏼

[@abhijithkg1467]

Also I have 2 more questions about this mic, as ur the microphone specialist youtuber guy😅 n you have this one with you now. 1) On the product website/datasheet it says VM10PRO has 60hz - 20khz frequency capture ability but VM20 has 20-20khz, so does this omission matter in recording ASMR like sound capture? 2) According to you What kind of mic is best suited for Primary objective of general indoor/outdoor shooting & Secondary usage as ASMR recordings in a budget? So far I'm liking this VM10PRO coz of these features at VFM price points😊, that's why so many questions 😅🤭 .[ Please note the VM20 is battery powered n has low pass filter two of them -75db & -150db + gain control]. Thank you bro for ur replies 😊🙏🏼

[@larixdecidua8099]

Hi, thanks for your video. Do you think this would be a good device to record loud musical instruments like trumpets or bagpipe with minimal distortion of the sound?

[@WayneRECs]

Hi, thanks for your question! While I love the VM10-PRO, the SPL rating is only 120db which may not be high enough for loud instruments if you're planning on close mic'ing. If you are a good distance away from your instruments, you should be able to set the level low enough for a clean recording, but it will also depend on what camera/ recording device the mic is connected to. My recommendation these days for any loud sound sources is to go with a 32-bit float recorder. These would allow you to not worry about adjusting gain levels during the recording process and not worry about clipping if an instrument suddenly gets louder than expected. Otherwise, finding a recording/mic set up that has a safety track feature, -20 db pad feature and/or recording in 24-bit at a lower level with a higher (130db spl) mic would also be a good way to go.

[@larixdecidua8099]

@@WayneRECs Thanks a lot for your detailed answer!

[@LawrenceArnell]

Great mic. The dead cat isn't exactly Killin it tho. Got some rumble.

[@WayneRECs]

Hey Lawrence! Thanks for your comment! You're totally right about the low end rumble from the wind. I suspect that if I had applied my normal HPF in post, that could have helped some.

[@jetreadyuk]

I was hoping this would work with my Osmo Action 1, but the mic does not appear to be receiving power. I've tried direct connection via USB-C, and also with CYNOVA 3.5mm Mic Adapter. Am I doing something wrong?

[@WayneRECs]

To my knowledge, the VM10 PRO will not work with the Action 1 via USB-C to USB-C as the Action 1 does not support USB-C mics (unlike the Action 2, 3 & 4). Using the original Action 1 Cynova audio adapter, I'd check these things: Make sure you're using the TRS to TRS 3.5mm cable included with the mic and not the TRS to TRRS cable. You may need to switch the mic into Analog mode when connecting via 3.5mm TRS cables. Additionally, the orange gain knob on the top may need to be adjusted to send a healthy signal. If the blue led is indicating the mic is not receiving power, try connecting the mic to a different device (like a mobile phone or computer) to rule out a broken mic or faulty cable. Actually, the blue led may not illuminate at all when using analog mode via 3.5mm TRS cables.

[@jetreadyuk]

@@WayneRECs You are completely right and I thank you for taking the time to reply. I was using the TRS to TRRS cable, but once I switched over to TRS/TRS the mic works fine. True, the blue LED doesn't illuminate with this configuration which was confusing at first. Thanks again.

[@khalidalkaabi5506]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@user-kx4mx5gj5d]

Thank you for your review. I'm thinking of buying this for my keenly awaited iPhone 15 PRO but all the reviews I can find only look at the vlogging/interviewing type scenario and I will want use it for recording my daughter's function band live. Would you say this mic would fit the bill for that?

[@WayneRECs]

Thanks for your question! It's hard to say without knowing some specific details, but I'm probably say no. While I love the Comica VM10 Pro, it's a good mic up close (like in vlogging situations) and TBH I don't know how it would sound paired with the iPhone 15 Pro specifically. Here are a few factors to consider when recording in what you've described. What kind of venue (size, acoustics) would this performance be in? What is the size of the band and what/how many instrumentation/vocals are there? Does everything have amplification? Or is there no amplification (onstage mics, guitar amps etc). This factors into whether you will be recording voices and instruments directly or picking them up from speaker cabinets at the venue. Where do you have access to microphone placement? If you are in possession of the mic you're using, but you're located amongst other audience members, you'll likely pick up audience sounds. All of these (& more) could factor into how best to approach a live recording scenario.

[@user-kx4mx5gj5d]

@@WayneRECs Hi Wayne and thank you for your reply. She sings mostly on cruise ships in the US now and the venue sizes on the ships can vary quite a lot but mostly on the smaller size like a large bar, sometimes atrium, occasionally main stage. When home she does pubs clubs restaurants etc. I'm just looking for something that will give a better sound reproduction the the iPhone itself without the mic being overwhelmed as the gigs can be quite loud. I liked the Comica because of the onboard gain control for that reason. And it wont break the bank!! Best Regards J

[@user-kx4mx5gj5d]

Sorry I didnt read it all...... 6 piece rock band, picking up speakers from the audience. @@WayneRECs

[@WayneRECs]

Hey J! Thanks for the details! Situations like you've described can be really tricky to capture clean audio recordings. In an ideal situation, I would use a separate 32-bit float recorder and place that closer to the speaker array/cluster as opposed to amid a general audience. A 32-bit float recorder would allow you to not worry about clipping in unexpected loud situations (provided the recorder or mic used has a high spl (sound pressure level). But this kind of set up can get pricey as well as requires a little bit of pre-show set up time as well as post editing work. Really though, it may come down to trial and error given the wide variety of factors. The Comica VM10 PRO would be a low investment mic to try out which like you said, with it's Digital gain control could fit your needs. Alternatively, you could also look a the Deity V-Mic D4 which also has a stepless gain knob (that can actually act as a pad) which for under ~$100 could be a step up from the Comica. All this being said however, as I don't have an iPhone 15, I can't say for sure how these mics would integrate with your camera app (though I've seen some good things about the Blackmagic camera app for the iPhone).

[@user-kx4mx5gj5d]

Thanks Wayne. I did send a reply a couple of days ago but it doesnt seem to have registered. Your comments are much appreciated and I will continue with y investigations. All the best and keep up the good work!@@WayneRECs

[@corei51]

Does it also work digitally on the DJI Action 4?? Thanks

[@WayneRECs]

Sure does! IMO, one of the better mics for the Action 3/4 kzbin.infoyJbXvEdGfUE?feature=share

[@dentaltv]

What boom arms are you using for your mics?

[@WayneRECs]

For anything where I have to move around locations, I use an OnStage MS7701B boom stand. For my permanent studio set up, I use a RODE PSA1 which is strong enough to hold heavier condenser mics.

[@michaelmarcano9200]

Where did you get that mini tripod that extends?!

[@WayneRECs]

Ha, hey Michael! That mini tripod was probably my best Amazon Prime deal from a few years back! The closest thing to it now would be the Ulanzi MT-08. Hope this helps!

[@michaelmarcano9200]

@@WayneRECs awesome thank you!