Rode SmartLav+ vs Boya BY-M1 Lavalier Mic Test Comparison | Is Rode worth the extra bucks?

[@jakeduggan3854]

The gain was way to high for both the mics. You had both microphones clipping. The Boya-M1 is actually a fantastic microphone. Rode has its signature warm tone and Boya is more natural sounding. You should be setting your microphone to be just under -6db at peak volumes. Both microphones should be worn four fingers down from you color bone for best results. If you are having issues with wind noises clipping your audio then you should be using a "dead cat" to prevent it. Dude, the Boya BY-M1 is heaps better than the Rode in my opinion. It has a more natural/neutral sound, it works well for women also and I find that you can EQ the sound more easily in post.

[@HenriUnzip]

Hi Jake, I used a smartphone to record audio, especially for the smartlav+ which goes straight to your phone (ofc you can buy trrs-trs adapter), but I kept things simple. I agree that chest height is the best for lapel mics, but I tried different positions bc there are many that wear simple t-shirts and clip the mic around the neck. To be honest, Rode to me is a better choice, more versatile, you saw the self noise test, the proximity, plus the size form factor.. well it could be a matter of opinions, but I'd go for the Rode here. Thank you for your input again, cheers!

[@jakeduggan3854]

@@HenriUnzip there are plenty of apps that give you gain controls. I'm an Android user and use the app ASR. I'd assume Apple has professional recording apps as well. If you are recording video and audio with your phone I'd suggest using an app called filmic pro, it gives you gain controls, allows you to film in V-Log for a better ability to colour grade in post.

[@HenriUnzip]

No I actually don't use any of that, I use the zoom h5 as my primary audio rec and for video a real camera (I'm also familiar with the filmic pro). However I will make sure on next tests with lapel mics to use an appropriate app and control the gain and give fair comparison.

[@jamoolak]

@@HenriUnzip I have 2 questions. 1. For Android, which one is better and why? ASR or recforge. 2. For adjusting, is it only the plus/minus db, or there are more settings? Thanks..

[@HenriUnzip]

@@jamoolak Hi there, I'd recommend you RecForge II. ASR has crashed on me sometimes, the RecForge II is very reliable and has a simple menu. Except adjusting the gain, there is more settings (audio format, mono/stereo, sample rate). You can watch my other video, I have used the RecForge II and showed it on the video, so you can have a look. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoCmcp1roMh4nas

[@david3d471]

Rode in the background noise test killed it!! Great video dude

[@smartnothard2400]

Sounded the same (no headphones) until you see the graphic! Great test

[@ChrisMilestone1]

The quallity from the boya sounds much different to the original boya M1 I think you caught one of the fake ones by accident

[@ih_stallion950]

I thought im the only one who noticed he bought the fake one, even looking at the sticker

[@durianriders]

makes a big difference! good video bro.

[@etgmaster44]

I can only hear "$30 cheaper"

[@MentalManasulo]

🤣🤣🤣

[@truthseeker6804]

but every audio you record would be $30 cheaper, therefore is it worth it in the long term after youve recorded 30 videos with bad audio? consider it as paying extra $1 for good audio for 30 audios, and after that you keep it for free. we buy highly priced phones that $30 cheaper doesnt make any difference.

[@gameur2.093]

This is what I was looking for, thanks for testing 🙏

[@HenriUnzip]

Glad I could help

[@GadgetAddict]

Boya should have made the cable as an optional extension, instead of a crazy 6 meter long cable. As other people said, the audio is clipping on both mics because your app gain is too high. So it's hard to compare them. You need to use an app that lets you adjust the gain, so you can compare them both under ideal circumstances.

[@nikoloztarielashvili6281]

thank you very much Henri for your review. I was not sure why there is price 3 times more, but now I see and it really makes sence to get the better quality if money is there! Great review!

[@smartnothard2400]

Bro great and informative vid. The mic graphic on the top right was a great idea! Quick question - or maybe top tip? For voice over maybe just position the mic as you would for indoor instead of putting in your mouth? I’m completely new to mics and getting some for my daughters who’s iPad cases muffle the built in mics. I hadn’t realised lavs are so cheap, especially for kids wanted to start and in my case a 7 & 9 year old. The boya is currently £15 (UK) and smartlav £50. As I need two and it’s their first mics I think £30 makes a lot more sense for now and if they get into it we can consider options. Was looking at wireless but that’s where it gets tricky and expensive so to avoid drama from the wife, won’t go wireless, yet.

[@Angeloflight444]

Thank you for pointing out the SPL difference, I think it is nice to know the the Rode mic will handle louder noises better. Also I appreciated the graphs shown for the silence test but also pointing out the graph differences while recording. I do think it's a bit unfair to test them by speaking too close to them (the voice over test) but on the other hand it does demonstrate in a very clear manner the SPL difference. But I gotta say when the Boya one was at a reasonable distance from your mouth during the indoor test it performed pretty well. But again, It's nice to know the Rode one can handle the louder noises..

[@HenriUnzip]

Hi, thank you. Exactly, that was one of the biggest takeaways, that Rode has higher SPL than the BOYA. I did this very basic comparison with both mics plugged on a smartphone bc I have seen many people using the lavs just as simple as that, plug and go. Of course if I would use a proper audio recorder where I can manipulate the gain, things would be cool for the Boya. Cheers!

[@florasd6239]

Would there be a difference if I record directly from my PC instead of the phone?

[@shesagoddess3592]

This edit was so clear for us. Thank you

[@BEYONDBOOKSWITHSHAHID]

I have used both, and boya m1 is far better and produce professional quality voice than the other toy.

[@CosasdelJardin]

great job!! I was going to save money but it is not worth at all. I better go for the rode

[@irfan9380]

After 2 years later I watching this video same to you it's have big difference between Rode is rode !

[@samidaliphoto]

I have rode smartlav. No regrets.

[@RJGURRI]

Great detailed review. I want a mic for singing (recreational).. Vlogging.. And maybe voice over.. So rode is good? Also what if one has to go far off in a video while someone else is shooting.. How does one use the mic.. Use a wireless one? M just thinking these lapel mics r better..

[@GoGoRider]

Thank you!❤️ From Malaysia 🇲🇾

[@HenriUnzip]

You're welcome 😊

[@isabellac.8155]

Thank you for this video!! Can I use the RodeSmart Lav in online meetings in a computer

[@craytee6431]

Спасибо ! Столько времени потратил, что бы найти нормальный микрофон для записи на улице. Спасибо тебе огромное !

[@gagemassey3056]

Rode handles background noise leagues better than the Boya. I would say it is worth the extra money. I was looking to buy the smartLav+ and this video solidified that decision.

[@HenriUnzip]

Totally worth it man! Thanks for watching!

[@Ebu26]

how would the Audio-Technica ATR3350X lav mic fair against these?

[@camilocarrenosoto6694]

Great review!!! Thanks a lot. Have you used the Boya M1 PRO? I´m trying to compare it with the Rode Smartlav+ Regards!

[@HenriUnzip]

Hi, thanks Camilo. No, I haven't tried the M1 Pro, I can't share an opinion on that

[@ArwaHub]

Does the rode mic has better quality in general? I have boya and I want to buy rode!

[@sionfumaitlapipe]

We can also adjust treble et bass on post-prod.

[@SocietateaAscendenta]

Thanks for the review! This helped a lot!

[@HenriUnzip]

Glad to hear it!

[@verehaaleh7413]

Can you tell the difference in picture quality between mp4 vs mov when shooting on Panasonic G9 ? Reply please 🙏

[@BlossomWithDeborah]

Instead of making my research before buying, I bought before making my research! 🤦🏾‍♀️ trusting these youtubers will bring you into lies sometimes! 🤦🏾‍♀️ rode smartlav is better!😪

[@zyad6122]

Same here 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@P37_28]

The gain staging on the Rode and Boya are different. Boya has got a higher gain, and hence it does sound more ambient noise as compared to the Rode. Of course this comparison is done right out of the box, non-post edited (gain only). It would be a comparison if you bring down the gain level to match the Rode, who knows, they might both sound...the same?

[@HenriUnzip]

Yes, the Boya's gain is way up, that's why the SPL is also limited. The only way to do that scientific comparison would be through a field recorder and I might do that.

[@christianmilon2311]

Hi Henry, I have a boya but I need to use it for an iPhone. I got an adapter for iPhone but it doesn’t work. Are there specific specs of microphone adaptors or is it a regular headphone adaptor ? Thanks for your answer

[@mitra463]

This comparison helped...and you've got nice eyes 😉

[@isabellac.8155]

Amazing video!!!

[@toi3213]

Do you adjust the gain of your mic

[@HenriUnzip]

There is no gain adjustment.

[@drombit]

Adjust the input level on your recording device. If the device has no input control, get a device that does.

[@Mmd-sd3ud]

Thank you ❤

[@kumarchandresh0]

Very helpful video. Thanks for sharing.

[@arnelyruma3900]

Well done test comparison

[@sciencemaster5150]

what is noise reduce clip condenser microphone? Boya By-M1 Lavalier Mic or Rode smartLav+

[@eltercerelias]

I have a boya, i try to use it recordind a message in whatss app, but it doesn't work

[@EkeminiJacobs]

Best comparison

[@AdelAlberk]

thanks, that was helpful

[@DivineMisterAdVentures]

I think you missed the point that greater sensitivity can be TURNED DOWN. You have a charge circuit there for camera use. If you use it on a phone, or if you want to minimize clipping or background noise - just turn your mic input volume down.

[@kontikonsumi2028]

How do I do that on an iPhone?

[@DivineMisterAdVentures]

@@kontikonsumi2028 Well, not familiar with APPLE products but the general answer is to use an app that has mic volume. It MIGHT also be built into the OS - don't know. But any 5* rated video or audio app will undoubtedly provide.😄

[@fabulouscarsmore909]

Can you make a video about how to edit audio?

[@anything7087]

At street both were in same gain?

[@francyperez]

Nice video 👍🏼

[@igordiniz2747]

Thank you very much.

[@C11]

Thank you Dave Franco

[@eltercerelias]

I have a boya i try to use at pc but doesn't wor k

[@joelcio4889]

thanks from Brazil

[@cookingtrial8229]

The Boya sounds clearer here.

[@20thcenturyboy85]

Sorry but the Boya's boosted sound is better to me. I will use it for Zoom and conferencing.

[@ugglebo1198]

your levels seem kinda off, its clipping like crazy.

[@serendra90210]

Henri is quite dashing. 😁

Great video

[@LeYoTheMan69]

Reviewing a mic and clipping through the sample portion.. Smh.

[@ivrsn_1569]

Hi there during online class would i hear my teacher's voice during the use boya with my phone?

[@HenriUnzip]

Hi, yes it works, I have used mine for online video chat.

[@ivrsn_1569]

@@HenriUnzip what phone do you use? I use samsung j60plus would it work with myphone?

[@HenriUnzip]

I have an iPhone and a Huawei. It works on both. It should work on yours too!

[@ivrsn_1569]

@@HenriUnzip cheers to you mate!! Thanks for the advicee! Suppport from Philippines!!😊🙏😘

[@grzegorzwencaw8705]

What you expected from mic cheaper 5-6 time less then Rode... :D

[@Techistrue]

rode smartlav Plus mic properly work in OnePlus 7T

[@HenriUnzip]

Hi, yes it works, just buy the 3.5mm adapter. If you want to buy the Rode, check out this other comparison test I did: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZK5nHqQprpjpM0

[@helloeveryone5111]

Sorry but it's ridiculous to speak into the mic like you did. That's not meant for that

[@PatDavis-qg5no]

Please do not record on the shitty build in recorder app, thats why the mics will often clip. Using a 3rd party recording app will improve the audio quality by a lot.

[@PeteSimpson]

I have both those mics and I completely disagree with your conclusions. You clearly (and probably deliberately) had the mic gain set *WAY* too high on your phones recording app. I'm not sure why you did that, but I must say that your tests were extremely unprofessional and extremely unbalanced. If you going to create a mic comparison video, you should always use a neutral mic gain settings. Just record without boosting the audio signal as with these 2 mics there's no need to boost up the gain and then complain about audio clipping which by the way was 100% of your own making 👎

[@NoProb4Rob]

Which would you recommend for recording public speaking inside an auditorium?

[@rajeshkanna7553]

Boya super

[@codebitman]

I bought boya and I agree add 30$.

[@lushisokoli2439]

It's sunyand very noisy,I'm looking and hearing the best all the things Test is try right now,,Wishing you health harmonyandall the best alwayes,Hugs,

[@r00kiet80]

i think the biggest upside is that the boya is also usable by ur camera and not just the phone

[@BenderdickCumbersnatch]

Thanks a LOT these are the exact two mic I was choosing between! I also haaaaaate the battery required in the BY-M1. And your video shows how badly it handles sound pressure. I am getting the SmartLav+. Actually to be specific I am getting the Rode Lavalier Go (requires an adapter like the Rode SC4 or the Boya BY-CIP, which converts TRS-female to TRRS-male if used with smartphone), which is bassier than the SmartLav+. Check the video "Rode Lavalier Go Vs Rode SmartLav + Which one do you prefer?" by "Touch Tehcnology Review".

[@HenriUnzip]

To choose between the two it will come down mostly to what you need the mic for (bc both are priced almost the same). The smartlav+ is made straight for smartphones but of course you can buy the adapter to benefit from the camera preamps. The Lavalier GO, goes straight to your camera or your field recorder and benefit from their preamps. Keep in mind in terms of specs, both are 100% the same except one has a TRS plug and the other TRRS one. Take the one that your style will benefit more.

[@BenderdickCumbersnatch]

@@HenriUnzip Yeah. And we should also remember that both the Lavalier Go and SmartLav+ require around 2.7-3 volts of power coming from the mic jack. Which computers do NOT provide. So these two mics can only be used with cameras, smartphones and field recorders. Those are the only devices that provide enough power to the mic. Computers motherboard ports and professional audio interfaces (for computers) do not.

[@joshuakwan9536]

Benderdick Cumbersnatch i just bought the Boya BY-M1. I only need a battery for it if I’m using it with a camera. It’s otherwise turned off when I plug it into my phone or my desktop computer. It was a bit annoying as I had to buy the Rode SC3 adapter (TRRS to TRS) so I could use it on my desktop though.

[@ULTRA5364]

I think you're mistaken.

[@guidenews2458]

Nice bro

[@srinathsatya]

I prefer Rode.

[@happyvmusician102]

you think we are stupid, Boya mic was too close to ur mouth that is why it was little bit distorting mxm

[@sanjaychand.]

I think Rode is best

[@arenaofvalor595]

I want to buy boya by m1 and I want to use it for prank videos by putting it under my t shirt, is this microphone suitable for this?

[@HenriUnzip]

Hi, for that kind of work you better go for the smartLav+ because of the smaller size factor to hide the mic and the nice shorter cable. The BOYA is a bit bulky with its capsule and long cable. Hope it helps!

[@arenaofvalor595]

@@HenriUnzip thank you but I do not have enough money to buy rode, if I buy boya m1, is this enough for prank videos? Thank you for your help

[@HenriUnzip]

Yes it will work, but there's also another lavalier that has a smaller capsule and that doesn't require a batterie at all. Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoCmcp1roMh4nas

[@LLlMEJI]

One of worst test, what i ever seen... different positions and cliping. I preferred Boya m1 and not by price!

[@Daniel-vu4qu]

Don't listen to this fool.. He had the gain up WAY too high on the Boya... You can turn down the gain and it would just as good if not better than the Rode.

[@nicksyahrilstorror5183]

Haha i just order one mic boya mm1😅

[@StanAdriana]

its a great mic, dont worry. I bought a Boya 4 months ago and I'm super pleased with it. ALl my videos are recorded with it and I don't think it sounds THAT bad, as in this guy's video.

[@satanstrilogy2288]

W.O.W.