Content creation has continued to pick up pace and come into the mainstream in the last few years. Therefore, the need to address the audio needs of online content cannot be ignored. That’s why the Sennheiser XS Lav USB-C Lavalier Microphone Mobile Kit was created. This microphone and tripod package geared toward vloggers and podcasters is comprised of three elements:
- Sennheiser XS Lavalier USB-C
- Sennheiser Smartphone Clamp
- Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod
Sennheiser XS Lavalier USB-C
The centerpiece of the kit is the XS Lavalier USB-C. This is a wired omnidirectional lavalier microphone intended for prosumer dialogue applications such as podcasting, vlogging, and voiceover. That said, I can also see further uses for this microphone on low-budget film sets, and on video calls that may warrant enhanced dialogue intelligibility — like working from home.
The microphone features a frequency response from 70Hz – 18,000Hz. This can be considered well within the vocal range of just about every project that isn’t a Hollywood movie production. The omnidirectional pickup pattern is a standard feature of most lavalier microphones. This means that microphone placement and body movement will not severely disrupt sound quality. Although, the best sound quality is achieved when microphone placement is reasonably close to the mouth, such as on a shirt collar or button, but no lower than chest-level.
The microphone noticeably accentuates high-end frequencies, which is likely a conscious and desirable design choice for dialogue-specific applications. This enhances intelligibility and decreases the risk of a muddy vocal quality when placed further from the mouth.
Additional Lavalier Features
The 6.6’ (2m) cable has a USB-C connection for use with any compatible Android, Windows, MacOS, or iPadOS device. It’s worth noting that iPhones use a Lightning connector, which can be used with the non-USB-C model (XS Lav) via a 1/8” TRRS to Lightning adapter.
Also included is a lapel clip for mounting the microphone to clothing, an easily-removable windscreen for minimizing plosives and wind noise, and a storage pouch for all the accessories. The microphone and all connections feel rock-solid. I have no trouble imagining great longevity for one of these products, regardless of how often it might get used.
Sennheiser Smartphone Clamp
Added by the mobile kit is the Sennheiser Smartphone Clamp. The clamp features robust aluminum construction with rubber grips that prevent the mobile device from slipping. It has two secure locks. The first of which is for the rotational swivel joint. This allows the mobile device to easily adjust between portrait or landscape modes. The second lock secures the claw’s position that, gently but firmly, clamps to the mobile device for added stability.
The locking insert port on the top can accept a Sennheiser MKE 400 or MKE 200 compact shotgun microphone, or a Sennheiser XSW-D Portable Lavalier Receiver. The 1/4″ and 3/8” mounting options allow it to connect to a variety of third-party products, such as the tripod featured with the kit.
Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod
This is the PIXI Mini Tripod from the well-known and globally-trusted Manfrotto, and rounds out the mobile kit. Made from Adapto-coated stainless steel, this lightweight unit has collapsible rubber-tipped legs for added traction. When collapsed, the legs function as a handle. This makes the tripod useful for both tabletop and handheld recording. A locking ball head allows for free rotation of the smartphone clamp around the center of the tripod by way of a push-button mechanism, allowing for instantaneous framing and adjustability.
When I point out the thoughtfulness of the Sennheiser XS Lav USB-C Lavalier Microphone Mobile Kit, it’s because Sennheiser has really done the work for you in picking out three excellent products that flawlessly complement one another. They can be used in a variety of applications and all feature comparable build quality, such that no individual piece will break ahead of its time. This Sennheiser mobile kit is intended for portable, minimalistic mobile setups without compromising sound quality — and to that end, it excels with great ease.
