Ulanzi U-Mic | The BEST budget wireless microphone? Full unboxing with competition comparisons

The Ulanzi U-Mic is here and it's packing a punch at $100 retail. How's it sound? What features does it have? How's it compare to my previous go-to budget mic, the HollyLand Lark M1? This review looks at all the features the AM18 has and how it stacks up against the competition.
Note: Ulanzi did NOT send me this sample to review - I paid for it with my own hard earned cash. Also - some links may be affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra to buy through those links, but it helps to support the channel!
Ulanzi U-Mic: amzn.to/45qOeTZ
#ulanzi #UMIC #smartphonefilmmaking #filmmaking #microphone

[@Walkingclaxxic]

nice! i got one coming cant wait to use it!

[@SmartphoneStorytellers]

That's great! The more I use mine, the more I like them. Hope you enjoy them!

[@markshirley01]

Good price - and I like Ulanzi as a company, Ive bought their falcam clips and a cage. If the internal batteries can last 3 years, Im happy with that, as I only do 2 - 3 interviews a year

[@badseed12052]

Great review and breakdown like always! Off topic question- Have you ever heard of the Zacuto Smart Z-Finder? And would that be something that you could see yourself ever using for outdoors etc?

[@SmartphoneStorytellers]

Thanks for enjoying it! I used a Z-Finder YEARS ago with my Canon 7D and it worked great in that environment, but I'm honestly not sold on their use with the iPhone. I'd certainly be open to testing one out if I got my hands on it, but I'm not sure that it solves the problems in the right ways.

[@timothy_films]

Pretty incredible mic for the price. Definitely will keep my DJI mic but this is a great option! Awesome review 🤘

[@SmartphoneStorytellers]

Thanks! The DJI definitely is the better option, only downside is that it's three times the price. I like to view these types of mics in three categories - budget, decent, and the top of the line. The Ulanzi is the best budget one I've found, while (from what I've seen so far,) the Rode Wireless Pro is the top of the line (or those beautiful new Deity mics!) The DJI is right there in the middle, and it's a GREAT option for anyone. I also think the Ulanzi would shine even more with some post-work done to the audio. I didn't process the audio except normalizing it, so it's pretty much the straight raw audio. Throw some post work on it, I think they'll hold their own!

[@timothy_films]

Definitely agree 🤘

[@GuillaumeTANNEUX]

Thank you.

[@chefalicious]

I saw this mic recently and was super interested in getting it! But I found a video stating there was an internal audio recording issue. Stating its not best for long term use as a mic. You mentioned it with the more than 30 minute recording on the file. But as long as the receiver is plugged into my camera it should be good? Loved the review!.

[@SmartphoneStorytellers]

Glad you enjoyed it! Everytime I've used the mic and recorded directly to the phone, I've had zero issues! I did recently have a few times where one of my units didn't fully save the recording afterwards, but it's only happened with one of my transmitters so I plan to put in a support ticket. Recording directly to the phone has been flawless, though!

[@melquiads1]

Alguém poderia me ajudar? Quando eu faço gravação com o microfone Ulanzi AM18 conectado, a gravação fica muito ruim. Fica extremamente estourada e distorcida. Mas quando eu gravo só no gravador interno ela fica boa. O que poderia ser? É um IPhone 13 Já testei em outros iPhones e ocorreu a mesma coisa.

[@pjlee89]

will these connect to Insta360x3 or DJI Action 4 without the adapters like the DJI Mic 2 does

[@melquiads1]

Alguém poderia me ajudar? Quando eu faço gravação com o microfone Ulanzi AM18 conectado, a gravação fica muito ruim. Fica extremamente estourada e distorcida. Mas quando eu gravo só no gravador interno ela fica boa. O que poderia ser? É um IPhone 13 Já testei em outros iPhones e ocorreu a mesma coisa.

[@hanbiteatatime]

Could you review the Neewer CM28 against this? Similar price points and features has me confused lol

[@SmartphoneStorytellers]

I'll see if I can get my hands on a set!

[@djxcel23]

If they made this system smaller it would have really been better. It just seems too big there are smaller options

[@SmartphoneStorytellers]

I definitely wish it was a bit smaller - the size of the DJI is the ideal size. I think it shines best either using it handheld or with a lapel, but in a pinch it's not terrible if you MUST put it on your shirt. It does feel like they could slim it down, though, with how light it feels.

[@Gillean_est2012]

Just another KZbinr doing the same things. Brother talk about what people need to do while editing the video together. Any of these mics are better than not having a mic. What’s important is editing. Taking the recordings and applying them to the video. Do you need a 3rd party application? How efficient is this product when it comes to editing process. DJI has the most simplistic approach with just basically drag and drop. But Rode needs their Rode application etc. Talk about what it takes to edit and how effective and efficient your edit is and then how does it sound after rendering the video. As far as I’m concerned I have yet to see a KZbinr review the editing process of these microphones. That’s where the value really is.

[@timothy_films]

Lol that’s a limited perspective. Reviewing the product is a very valuable thing. If you see the need to talk about editing then go ahead and fill that gap lol

[@SmartphoneStorytellers]

Appreciate the feedback - I try to cover all angles of storytelling, this video just focused on reviewing this mic specifically. That being said, I like your idea about discussing my editing process for audio, so I plan to talk about that in the future! Either way, appreciate you taking the time to share some feedback, and for checking out the video!

[@OkayDip]

Compare with DJI mic

[@SmartphoneStorytellers]

Honestly, they're in different tiers. If you have the budget, I prefer the DJIs. The Ulanzis really shine if you're looking at a budget option with solid features. Sound isn't quite as good as the DJIs, and features aren't on par, but at 1/3 the price, the Ulanzi has a great sound and feature set.