Wavo POD Streamer Set review – “Easy set up and clean recording”

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  • Incredibly easy to install mic arm
  • Easy mounting features for headset
  • Clear recording and easy access controls

Choosing the right tech for starting podcasts, streaming, or content creation can be quite challenging due to the numerous brands competing for your interest. To simplify this decision, Joby has developed the Wavo POD Streamer Kit – a podcast streaming solution. This kit comes equipped with a standalone microphone and an arm for mounting it on your desk, making it easy to use.

It’s great to let you know that our podcast has resumed production! Of course, restarting a podcast involves some adjustments such as managing accounts, editing episodes, and ensuring we have the necessary equipment. Previously, I was using a reliable microphone, although it’s over a decade old. Unfortunately, my house is quite noisy due to appliances like fans and washing machines, as well as loud pets. As a result, my old microphone was capturing an excessive amount of background noise.

Besides, what I required was something versatile due to the frequent use of my desk and my tendency to move around frequently. Ideally, it should be easily adjustable to be close at hand – preferably elevated enough to prevent it from picking up the noise of me typing on my keyboard during recordings.

It was clearly time for a new microphone set up.

The Joby Wavo POD Streamer Kit arrived as two connected boxes resembling one long box. Inside, you’ll find the Wavo Pod microphone – a sleek, freestanding design with a circular base and an adjustable U-shaped arm. This minimalistic setup is distinguished by its bold red pop-filter. Despite its simplicity, it’s the central mute button that makes it stand out and adds to its user-friendly nature.

Remove the U-shaped frame and you can attach it to the ‘Wavo Boom Arm’, a versatile double-jointed arm that allows you to adjust the microphone’s angle, including a ball-joint for additional flexibility. It also comes with a cup holder and a bracket for holding headphones or cables when attached to your desk.

I find the boom arm quite convenient. It has a good level of tension, making it simple to tuck away when not in use. Moreover, adjusting and tightening it was a breeze (perhaps even too easy due to the abundance of tools and components included in the package). Importantly, it’s designed with cable management in mind, allowing you to route the provided USB-C microphone cable along the arm before securing the brand-red trimming to hide it.

Moving forward, let’s focus more on functional aspects rather than physical appearances. For my new microphone, the requirements were straightforward: reducing background noise, eliminating low rumbles, and minimizing keyboard vibrations during recordings. Fortunately, the arm with its rubber pads has already addressed the third concern.

Initially, I anticipated that the first two problems might pose a challenge. However, the microphone included in this device is a Condenser mic, which was supposed to bring some novelty since it differs from the common directional and omnidirectional mics. Unfortunately, I discovered that many of these terms are merely variants of the same concept. The Wavo Pod offers two modes: one ‘cardioid’ (heart-shaped) and another fully omnidirectional. Although there was a button to switch between these modes, it didn’t solve my problem, as I was still bothered by background noises that extended beyond my immediate surroundings.

The answer turned out to be quite straightforward: It’s just superior, more up-to-date technology compared to my old gadget, and amazingly affordable when you consider its competitors.

The Wavo Pod Microphone captures even quiet whispers effectively, but the real advantage lies with the boom mic. By adjusting the microphone closer to your mouth and raised above your desk, it significantly reduces ambient noise. The built-in pop filter plays a crucial role in preventing excessive sibilance, as I discovered when using it without the filter; the sound was excessively hissy. Additionally, the thoughtful design of the pop filter simplifies usage. Since only the top quarter of the microphone is active and the pop filter covers just one angle, it’s clear where to speak when using the microphone in cardioid mode.

To wrap things up, let me highlight an interesting aspect about Joby’s Wavo Pod: it comes with both a USB-A to USB-C cable and a USB-C to USB-C cable. This means it’s compatible with most contemporary phones and can serve as an additional microphone with just plug and play functionality. As an iPhone user, I appreciate the advancements in built-in microphones and sound quality over time. Yet, there are two compelling factors that make Wavo Pod an attractive upgrade: its charming design and the practical use of the pop filter. This upgrade not only enhances your setup but also communicates a clear intent visually.

Despite the many words I’ve used, the best way to understand the significant change that has occurred is by listening to our podcast. You’ll clearly notice the improvement in sound quality when comparing episodes 11 and 12.

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2025-01-08 17:18