Joby Wavo Pod USB Mic and Boom Arm Review: A One-Two Punch For Content Creators

Review: Joby Wavo Pod USB Desktop Microphone ($99)

The Joby Wavo Pod USB Desktop Microphone is a compact, versatile microphone designed for desktop use. It aims to provide high-quality audio for various applications, including podcasting, voiceovers, video conferencing, and live streaming. Let’s dive into the details of this microphone and see how it performs.

Design and Build Quality:

The Wavo Pod features a sleek and modern design with a cylindrical shape. It is made of quality materials that give it a sturdy and durable feel. The microphone stands on a sturdy metal base that ensures stability during use. Its compact size makes it ideal for desktop setups, as it doesn’t take up much space. You can also easily mount the Wavo Pod mic on the Wavo Boom arm, and it also works with the ecosystem of Joby products. The Wavo Pod Mic also comes with a plastic pop screen that is decent enough for most prosumer content creators.

Sound Quality:

One of the standout features of the Wavo Pod is its audio performance vs. the price point. It utilizes a cardioid polar pattern, which means it captures sound from the front while minimizing background noise, and Omnidirectional for capturing sound on both sides of the mic. We suggest getting two mics rather than using the omnidirectional polar pattern to avoid unwanted noise, but it will work if you are in a pinch and in a quiet area.

This mic is most suitable for recording spoken word content. The microphone delivers crisp, clear audio reproduction with decent detail and minimal distortion. We wouldn’t use this for recording vocals, and if that’s your aim, we recommend going higher end with a professional XLR mic.

Ease of Use:

This is where this mic really shines, along with much of the Joby kit available, it’s straightforward to use for entry-level creators. Setting up the Wavo Pod is a breeze. It connects to your computer via a USB connection, eliminating the need for additional cables or audio interfaces. Simply plug it in, and it’s ready to use. The microphone is compatible with both Windows and macOS systems, ensuring broad compatibility.

Adjustability and Flexibility:

The Wavo Pod offers flexibility in positioning. It features a 180-degree tilt and a 360-degree rotation, allowing you to adjust the microphone to the desired angle for optimal sound capture. The included desk stand provides stability and allows you to position the microphone at the ideal height for your setup. Additionally, the microphone is detachable from the stand, allowing you to mount it on a microphone arm or boom if desired.

Additional Features:

This microphone also incorporates a built-in headphone jack with zero-latency monitoring. It allows you to monitor your audio in real-time without any delay directly, ensuring accurate recordings and live monitoring during video calls or streaming sessions. The microphone also has a mute button on the front, allowing you to mute/unmute the audio with a single press.

Conclusion:

The Joby Wavo Pod USB Desktop Microphone is a reliable, high-performing microphone for desktop use. Its sleek design, sturdy build quality, and ease of use make it an excellent choice for content creators, podcasters, and prosumers who require clear audio in their recordings and communications. The Wavo Pod delivers solid sound quality, adjustable positioning, and convenient features like zero-latency monitoring and a mute button. If you’re looking for a versatile desktop microphone that combines quality and convenience, the Wavo Pod is worth considering.

Review: Joby Wavo Boom Arm ($99.95)

The Joby Wavo Boom Arm is a versatile and adjustable microphone arm designed to enhance your audio recording. It can also be used to mount small cameras and phones for video content creators. It offers a sturdy and flexible solution for positioning your microphone/camera at the perfect angle for optimal sound/video capture. Let’s dive into the details and explore the features and performance of the Wavo Boom Arm.

Design and Build Quality:

The Wavo Boom Arm features a sleek and purpose-built design with a black finish. It is constructed with high-quality materials, including durable metal components that ensure stability and longevity. The arm is robust and can securely hold heavier microphones without sagging or drooping. The cable management system built into the arm helps tidy your workspace by neatly routing your microphone cable. The cable management solution is note quite as good as the Blue or Rode boom stands, but it does the trick.

Adjustability and Flexibility:

The Wavo Boom Arm is fairly easy to adjust and get to the position you want. The Wavo Boom features a two-section articulated arm with a maximum reach of 34 inches (86 cm). This allows you to position your microphone/camera precisely where you need it, whether sitting or standing. The arm can be adjusted and locked in place using the integrated tension knobs, providing stability and preventing unwanted movement during recordings. Again if falls short of the Rode PSA1+ boom stand in regards to ease of movement, but does make up for it with camera mounts and a drink/headphone holder.

Easy Installation:

Setting up the Wavo Boom Arm is a straightforward process. It comes with a C-clamp mount that securely attaches to your desk or table. The clamp is designed to fit a wide range of surfaces and provides a firm grip without causing damage. The arm also includes a desk insert mount for those who prefer a more permanent installation option. The microphone attachment point features a 1/4”, 3/8″ universal mount and 5/8” screw to fit a variety of mics and cameras.

Versatility and Compatibility:

The Wavo Boom Arm is compatible with various microphones, including condenser, dynamic, and USB microphones. It can support microphones weighing up to 2.2 pounds (1 kg). This versatility makes it suitable for various applications, such as podcasting, voiceovers, live streaming, and gaming. It will also work with smaller mirrorless cameras, GoPros, and of course, smartphones, which makes this boom fantastic for content creators doing product reviews or podcasts that are being filmed. You might need five of these bad boys if you are doing a bigger podcast! The Wavo Boom Arm also features a holder for both headphones and drinks, which is a huge plus in small studios with limited table space.

Silent and Smooth Operation:

One notable feature of the Wavo Boom Arm is its silent and smooth operation. The internal springs and dampening system ensure that adjusting the arm and repositioning your microphone is quiet and free from unwanted noise. This is especially important during recordings or live broadcasts, as it eliminates any disturbances caused by handling the boom arm.

Conclusion:

The Joby Wavo Boom Arm is an excellent accessory for content creators on a budget and still looking for a high-quality solution for mics/cameras. , With its sturdy build quality, extensive adjustability, and smooth operation, it provides a convenient way to optimize your audio/video recording setup. Whether you want to improve your podcasting studio or enhance your live streaming experience, the Wavo Boom Arm is a reliable choice that delivers on performance and functionality at a great price.

Pros:

• It works excellent for mics and light cameras, making it a versatile boom for content creators.
• Reasonably priced for the quality
• Drink & Headphone Holders

Cons:

• The Boom Arm’s cable management is just ok, not as convenient as the RODE or Blue Booms we tested.
• The motion is ok; the RODE PSA1+ is superior regarding movement and setting but comes in $30 more and doesn’t feature cup/headphone holders.