Joby Wavo AirFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 33 mentions across 10 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment39%
PROS 39%
CONS 61%

Rank based on 33 mentions across 10 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want an affordable 2.4GHz wireless lav system
  • You mainly need clear voice audio for phone or simple video use
  • You're fine masking or ignoring the bright red branding

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need separate tracks per lav mic or onboard recording
  • You require a battery/level indicator and headphone monitoring
  • You need seamless iPhone connectivity without extra adapters

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal soundMinimal monitor and drum bleedTrusted for regular gig useDistracting large logoHigh price tag
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal sound
Minimal monitor and drum bleed
Trusted for regular gig use
Distracting large logo
High price tag
2Premium
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner SatisfactionExceptional Sound ClarityGreat for Field RecordingHigh PriceNot Omnidirectional / More MuffledUltrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner Satisfaction
Exceptional Sound Clarity
Great for Field Recording
High Price
Not Omnidirectional / More Muffled
Ultrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
3Premium
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operationClean, distortion-free audioSolid build quality
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operation
Clean, distortion-free audio
Solid build quality
4Premium
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibilityVersatile across instrumentsStrong, non-boomy low endPrice barrier for some buyersUnclear M/S and connector design questionsLacking low-mid presence on some vocals
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibility
Versatile across instruments
Strong, non-boomy low end
Price barrier for some buyers
Unclear M/S and connector design questions
Lacking low-mid presence on some vocals
5Mid
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound qualityVersatile onboard EQ switchesBuilt-in gain boostHigh price for some buyersUncertain added value over existing setupFiddly dip switches
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound quality
Versatile onboard EQ switches
Built-in gain boost
High price for some buyers
Uncertain added value over existing setup
Fiddly dip switches
6Mid
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57Excellent on acoustic guitarDurable, long-lasting buildCan sound harsh in some applicationsAppearance not universally likedInconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57
Excellent on acoustic guitar
Durable, long-lasting build
Can sound harsh in some applications
Appearance not universally liked
Inconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
7Mid
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocalsStriking, attractive designRecognizable, notable reputation
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocals
Striking, attractive design
Recognizable, notable reputation
8Premium
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm characterCompetitive with top-tier micsFull-bodied, rich low endHard to distinguish from cheaper alternativesVery high pricePositioning-sensitive
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm character
Competitive with top-tier mics
Full-bodied, rich low end
Hard to distinguish from cheaper alternatives
Very high price
Positioning-sensitive
9Premium
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67Warm, creamy tube toneAttractive appearance
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67
Warm, creamy tube tone
Attractive appearance
Best value
10Mid
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tonePreferred over U87ai in blind testsLow sibilance / smooth highsAudible distortion noted at price pointCan sound muddy or bass-heavyCardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tone
Preferred over U87ai in blind tests
Low sibilance / smooth highs
Audible distortion noted at price point
Can sound muddy or bass-heavy
Cardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
You are here
31Budget
Joby Wavo Air
Good sound quality for the priceAffordable pricingMulti-mic flexibilityConspicuous red designPhone connectivity issuesInconsistent or poor audio in some setups
Joby Wavo Air
Good sound quality for the price
Affordable pricing
Multi-mic flexibility
Conspicuous red design
Phone connectivity issues
Inconsistent or poor audio in some setups

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Sound quality is inconsistent across users and setups. Several commenters were impressed by the clarity, low wind noise and solid performance at distance, calling it a fair deal for the price. Others experienced crackling, buzzing, distortion or harsh lav audio, especially when paired with certain cameras like Sony, Panasonic and Canon. One buyer found the sound cheap and loud enough to return the unit entirely.

Missing hardware features frustrate serious users. Commenters repeatedly note the absence of a battery indicator, audio clipping/level LED, display screen on transmitter or receiver, and headphone monitoring output. The system also can't record two separate tracks per lav or store audio onboard, unlike rivals such as the DJI mic or Rode Go 2. A tiny pairing pin is also easy to lose.

Design and connectivity draw mixed reactions. The bright red transmitter cap is widely disliked, with users saying it draws the eye in shots and looks cheap or 'weird,' and some wish for a more subdued color. The shoe mount lacks a screw clamp, and multiple iPhone users struggled to connect due to missing TRRS adapters for modern phones without an aux jack.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?