Marketed as the world’s tiniest wireless microphone, the BOYA Mini looks to be a cost-effective solution for content creators. Indeed it does boast some important features such as noise reduction and battery life but what it sacrifices to achieve its namesake might be a turn-off for some people. While it should appeal to a certain kind of content creator one does wonder if the cost for its title is worth the price.
Specifications
- Current Price: $59.99 (Amazon)
- Hardware: 2 Receivers (USB-C/Lightning), 2 Transmitters
TRANSMITTER
- Weight: 5g
- Dimensions: 31 x 15x 16.4 mm
- Sample Rate / Bit Depth: 48 kHz / 16-bit
- Singal-to-Noise Ratio: > 80 dB
- Max SPL: 120 dB
- Output Mode: Mono
- Noise Cancellation: Yes - One-click
- Frequency Response 20 Hz - 20kHz
- Latency: 25 ms
- Human Voice Enhancement: Voice Changer 3-Level
- Transmission Range: 100 m
- Built-in Mic: 6 mm Condenser Microphone
- Battery Life: 6 Hours
RECEIVER
- Playback without Unplugging Receiver: Yes
- Power Supply: via the movie device when connected
- Connection: USB-C /Lightning (two separate receivers provided)
CASE
- Weight: 29 g
- Dimensions 67.4 x 48.4 x 22.5 mm
- Battery Capacity: 260mAh
BOYA Mini - Design and Highlights
The BOYA Mini Wireless Microphone is the smallest microphone I’ve ever worked with. With transmitters weighing a mere 5g, the BOYA Mini is by design, discrete and petite. With two color options available (white and black) this wireless microphone is a plug-and-play solution designed for quick setup and go sessions. While there are three accessory options to choose from, BOYA sent over the UC + DI package that includes the two transmitters, a single USB-C receiver, a single lightning receiver, a charger case, a USB-A to USB-C data cable and a carry bag.
The Transmitters offer an impressively compact design with attached windscreens, a Noise-reduction button and an attached mounting clip. A single LED indicates which mode the transmitter is currently in (NC on or off) allowing for quick glace status checks. As for the receivers, aside from the distinct port adaptor (USB-C or Lightning), the only other feature present is a noise reduction button that pulls double duty for function cycling.
All of this fits securely inside the accompanying carry case thanks to a magnetic mounting system. The case doubles as the transmitter charger and has a battery capacity of 24 hours on top of the transmitter's 6-hour usage time. It's compact and easy to fit in either your pants pocket or the side pouch in your camera bag. One note though on the charger case is that it's only designed to hold the two transmitters and one receiver. If you opt to purchase the UC + DI package you’ll need to store the unused receiver in the carry bag along with the data cable.
Despite its compact size, the BOYA Mini still manages to offer some useful features for recording. Three levels of noise reduction offer some adaptability while recording giving you the ability to accommodate for the environment. To further support adaptable recording the Mini offers an 80dB Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) which helps filter the desired signal capture from background noise. Additionally, with a rating of 120dB sound pressure level (SPL), the Mini is built to handle audio peaks well providing a clear and consistent audio capture despite loud environmental factors.
As an added fun feature, the BOYA Mini is equipped with two voice modification modes in addition to the regular capture. While not something typically seen in many wireless microphone systems, it does add a fun flair to the Mini’s feature lineup. Perhaps one of the best and most useful features though is the plug-and-play design. Simply connect the receiver to your phone and take a transmitter out of the case, open up your recording software of choice and you’re in business. It's simple, straightforward forward and easy to use.
BOYA Mini - Performance and Functionality
Considering its compact size BOYA has done a solid job at incorporating a lot of functionality into the Mini. While it lacks some of the more advanced features seen in premium wireless microphone systems, it offers a solid, straightforward and functional wireless microphone experience, at least on paper. How does it perform in a real-world setting though? That’s what these tests are for.
In basic audio capture, the BOYA Mini does an adequate job. The source audio comes through clearly though in my case the low end was a bit muddy, a common issue with my voice and capture. While the sample rate is 48kHz which is standard for recording it would have been nice to see a higher bit depth. While 16-bit is adequate for standard voice capture as heard in the clip below it lacks some of the crispness and clarity afforded higher bit rates. The audio is quite serviceable and considering its 66-dollar price point is a solid option for short-form content creation.
On the note of audio capture, the BOYA Mini comes with two transmitters which will capture two sources simultaneously, there are a few limitations to be aware of. For starters the only available recording profile is mono, there is no stereo profile available. Additionally, when recording both transmitters capture a single track meaning that in post there is no way to EQ the sources separately. This also means that gain control is locked down to a single track both during recording and in post-edit. Furthermore, there is no direct gain control on the transmitters at all, it is managed from whichever recording application you choose to use.
In noise reduction tests the BOYA Mini performed exceptionally well. I was surprised at how well it filtered background noise while still managing to maintain the overall quality of my voice capture. In the audio sample below which was taken while standing beside an active 3D printer and a dryer mid-cycle, the BOYA Mini filtered the audio quite well with each stage of NR continuing to maintain the fairly consistent quality of my voice. Swapping between NR modes is a simple affair. Pressing the NR switch on the transmitter activates noise reduction mode and pressing the NR switch on the receiver cycles through the three levels.
The Voice change modes, while functional, are purely for entertainment. It's a nice onboard feature that can save some time in post if you’re looking for either a voice deepener or a chipmunks modifier to your voice. Like swapping between NR modes, voice mode changing requires simply double-tapping the NR switch on the receiver. A corresponding blink sequence will indicate which mode you are in. As is the theme of every other element of the BOYA Mini, it's a simple, straightforward experience.
On that note perhaps one of the best elements of the BOYA Mini is its plug-and-play functionality. I tested it on a few different recording apps including the native camera app on my Xiamoi 14 T Pro, Smart Recorder from Saramonic and the Android stalk recording application. In all three cases, the Mini was immediately recognized and became the default audio capture device.
As for wearing the transmitter, it quickly becomes unnoticeable. Its 5g weight means it doesn’t pull on clothing and its small form factor makes it fairly inconspicuous while filming. The 6-hour battery offers plenty of recording time as well and thanks to the charging case, I never found myself running low on battery while doing longer form testing.
Finally, the Mini is rated for a 100m line of sight which is impressive considering its small size. While it cannot compete with more premium wireless systems in this department it still provides plenty of range for more selfie style and close-up shooting. Testing revealed the 100m to be quite accurate though there was a slight audio degradation as I approached the 100m range. For a system this small it's still an impressive feat.
So who is this for? The BOYA Mini offers a streamlined, plug-and-play experience for content creators interested in short-form content or selfie-style filming. Its ease of use makes the Mini a quick and simple solution that requires virtually no additional work to use beyond plugging it in. Its compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for this type of content. The Mini will offer a more consistent and even audio capture over the microphone in the camera and frees the creator up to move around a space without worrying about a drop in audio capture. While not as clean and crisp as more premium wireless systems its price, compact design and ease of use make it a solid option for this type of content.
Final Thoughts
The BOYA Mini lives up to its name as the world’s tiniest wireless microphone. While that does come at a cost of overall audio capture quality the Mini still produces adequate audio that will free a content creator up to move further away from their camera and provide a more consistent capture all without an intrusive microphone pulling on their clothing. While not perfect or premium, the BOYA Mini still offers a functional, economical solution for content creators in specific situations.
The product described in this article was provided by the manufacturer for evaluation purposes. Some articles may contain affiliate links and purchases made through this will result in a small commission for the site. Commissions are not directed to the author or related to compensation in any way.