The brand new Vimo Q is a four-channel, wi-fi mic system in a position to transmit four-channel audio in 48kHz / 24-bit or output digital or analog audio to an exterior gadget through USB-C or 3.5mm jack. The mics/transmitters are extraordinarily mild at 16g however preserve an 8-hour battery life and extra.
As wi-fi dual-mic programs have virtually gained mainstream family equipment standing, it appears as if the world is prepared for the subsequent step – a four-channel system! Puns apart, there are numerous evolutionary paths, and there’s a purpose why most of them advance in direction of elevating the talents of dual-mic programs, however extra on that later. As we’ll see, the brand new Vimo Q system refrains from direct competitors towards the likes of RØDE Wi-fi Go II, DJI Mic, and so on.
Being touted as “best for video shoots, vlogging, interviews, stay streaming, podcasts, on-line conferences, and on-line tutoring” (as in Comica’s press launch), the Vimo Q does possess some attention-grabbing skills. At first – four-channel output is fairly distinctive throughout the trade, not to mention on this value vary ($249). The system additionally contains Comica’s CalMix™ noise discount algorithms. We’ll have to attend and see if it really works within the subject, nevertheless it’s a pleasant addition for the target market.
Bodily specs
The Vimo Q system consists of 4 transmitters, one receiver, and a charging case. In its entirety, it weighs not more than 760g/1.67 lbs. 330g/.73 lbs of that is the charging case, leaving 430g for the receiver + transmitters. Every transmitter weighs a mere 16g/.035 lbs, making it best for fast setup and lengthy capturing days. In that 16g, the transmitters efficiently pack a microphone, a 3.5mm enter (for lavaliers or different mics), a mute button, quantity management, and a battery.
By itself, the system will present 8 hours of battery life, and the charging case will get you one other 8, for a complete of 16 hours (Comica’s numbers). The receiver features a 3.5mm stereo output, USB-C output, a further 3.5mm monitoring output, and a shade show. Additionally included are a USB-C cable, USB-A adapter, TRS cable, TRS-TRRS cable, and 4 “useless cat” windshields. All have designated spots within the charging case.
Vary and latency
The Vimo Q set will have the ability to transmit at a variety of 200 meters, with a latency of 20ms. These numbers come from Comica’s PR, so we’ll have to attend and see how the product performs in actual life. These specs are roughly on par with different comparable wi-fi programs.
4-channel recording?
In-camera, four-channel recording is generally reserved for devoted video/cine cameras or high-end hybrid cameras (generally requiring a further mixer unit). Because the Vimo Q shouldn’t be supposed for such an viewers, a problem happens: 4 channels have to be compressed into two. The process is fairly easy: the receiver mixes each two channels into one. There’s additionally an choice to output only one mono channel, mixing all 4. It should assist with fast turnaround and minimal edit initiatives however may intrude with professionally-oriented initiatives, crippling many modifying prospects. That stated – such capabilities at this value level dictate some stage of compromise.
Who’s the Comica Vimo Q for?
There’s a purpose why dual-mic programs gained such recognition. It’s a magic quantity for a lot of varieties of video content material initiatives. Two further mics might generally make a distinction however for my part, these conditions are somewhat uncommon within the scope of cinema, documentary filmmaking, industrial, and tv. I consider this method will likely be helpful for instructional functions, keynote boards, and such. As there aren’t many (or any) wi-fi options on this value vary, it’d show widespread in these fields. Options are scarce, however one possibility is to take a self-recording wi-fi system, such because the RØDE Wi-fi Go II or the RØDE Wi-fi PRO. Two units will likely be considerably costlier and would require sync in publish, nevertheless, this type of system will present larger mixing and modifying flexibility and a further layer of backup most often.
Value and availability
The Comica Vimo Q will set you again $249. On the time of publishing this text, it’s not but out there however we’ll maintain our eyes and ears on it.
Does four-channel recording aid you along with your present work? The place are you able to see the advantages of such a system? Tell us within the feedback.
