Developer: Sennheiser
Publisher: Sennheiser
Platform: Mobile devices or PC with 3.5 mm port
Sennheiser XS Lav Mobile – Hardware Review
With the ongoing pandemic, the world has been on lockdown for quite some time now. It has become increasingly important to stay in touch with your work contacts or friends and family via a digital platform. While many devices now come with a semi-decent webcam incorporated in the design, the microphone often also happens to be just that; semi-decent. While we can easily make do with our modern gadgets for simple and short conversations, it becomes tedious when the audio quality is subpar for longer meetings, streaming sessions or that long conversation you have with your loved ones to catch up on things. Over the years we have reviewed bigger desk microphones, which are an ideal solution for some, while others love it a bit more compact and useful for on the go. We recently took a closer look at Sandberg’s Streamer USB Clip Microphone, which was a high-quality tiny device. Now, however, we take a look at Sennheiser’s version of the ‘lavalier’ microphone, the XS Lav Mobile.
Design
The design of this device is very simple. You’ll be treated to a solid black piece of hardware. This means that the XS Lav Mobile has no real distinguishable features in its design, it’s just a solid black piece of hardware, with the logo imprinted on the actual plastic containing the 3.5 mm jack. The clip is also donned with a black coating, making it all one classy whole. The microphone itself can be touched up with a wind protector (small foam cap), but it doesn’t really change that much in terms of the overall design.
Comfort
In terms of comfort, there is not that much to discuss. The device has a 2 meters long cable, making it depend completely on your setup. For a mobile device, this is more than enough wiggle room. For a desktop setup, it all depends on where you have your PC. The only risk you’ll have is forgetting you have this tiny lightweight device clipped onto your clothes, making you leave your working area with the device still plugged in, thus yanking the cable. Other than that, it would have been nice to have a small LED to indicate if the microphone was on.
Specs
- Frequency response 50 – 18,000 Hz
- Weight 19 g
- Cable length 2.0 m
- Omnidirectional microphone
- Storage pouch included
- Foam wind protector cap included
Overview
The XS Lav Mobile is a simple plug-and-play device, where you just have to connect the device using the 3.5 mm jack. Even though some smartphones are stepping away from the traditional jack to wireless designs or USB-C, a small adapter is often easy to find. That being said, you just plug in the device, and you’re good to go. When buying this product, you’ll also get a small pouch to store the device safely, as well as a wind protector cap, softening the interference of wind for the person on the receiving end.
For those on the receiving end, the audio quality is a lot better than that of standard webcam microphones or even those of your normal smartphone. You will sound a bit more distant than compared to a bigger desk model, however, but you can of course experiment a bit as to where you clip it onto your clothes.
Conclusion
This product is very similar to Sandberg’s Streamer USB Clip Microphone, albeit a bit more versatile in its connectivity options. While there are many mobile devices that are stepping away from a traditional 3.5 mm port, you can find small adapters for this easily. The XS Lav Mobile will ensure a crisp audio quality on the receiving end, and thus make meetings and other conversations a lot more pleasant. Even though this is a Sennheiser product, which often goes hand in hand with a higher asking price, the XS Lav Mobile is actually very budget-friendly. If you’re in need of a device such as this for meetings, longer Skype calls or just some streaming, this one might offer a perfect solution.
Sennheiser XS Lav Mobile - Hardware Review,
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