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Neewer CM28 Wireless Mics: A Budget-Friendly Choice for Content Creators
Is affordability compromising quality or offering a new standard?
In this video, I unbox and review the Neewer CM28, and whether or not it’s worth it or if you’re better off buying a DJI Mic 2 or Rode Wireless Pro mic systems. Having quality audio is often more important than video quality. In the past having good audio meant expensive equipment that was heavy and hard to move. Today we’ve got many portable AND affordable options available. The thing to figure out is which system will meet your creative needs without breaking the bank. The Neewer CM28 is definitely worth taking a look at because it has a unique offering at a great price.
I also provide a full tutorial on how to get the most out of the Neewer CM28 and what each button does.
Table of Contents
In today’s tech-saturated world, wireless microphones have become a key tool for content creators, journalists, and vloggers alike. Their convenience, portability, and quality can vary significantly across different price ranges. Recently, I delved into understanding how the budget-friendly Neewer CM28 wireless microphones stack up against high-end counterparts like the Rode VideoMic NTG or a high end studio mic. Let’s unpack my insights and see if the Neewer CM28 is worth your money.
At any point you can learn more about the mics here:
➡️ Neewer CM28 (paid link): https://amzn.to/3ZpIpFt
Other Wireless Mics:
➡️ DJI Mic 2 (paid link): https://amzn.to/4inImmh
➡️ Hollyland Lark M2 (paid link): https://amzn.to/4g3kG58
Evaluating Sound Quality and Microphone Positioning
Sound quality is can be somewhat subjective, but certain technical benchmarks can help in this evaluation. I noticed that one key factor influencing sound quality is microphone positioning. All mics I tested showed significant variances in sound quality based on distance and placement, affirming the critical role of optimal positioning.
If you’re looking for an easy, fuss-free setup in unpredictable filming environments, you might find the Neewer CM28’s ease of use appealing. It’s portable so you can easily position it without having to worry about wires getting in your way.
Neewer CM28: Functionality and Features
Despite its lower cost, Neewer CM28 offers an array of functionalities that make it versatile. The mic features a modern design with a black and yellow (batman style) case, automatic power-on mechanism when opened, and internal storage capable of 10 hours of recording at 16-bit, 48 kHz quality. Such specifications make it suitable for long shooting sessions without the immediate need for file transfers.
Moreover, priced around $70-$90 when on sale, the Neewer CM28 includes magnetic clips and USB-C output for easy file transfer, noise reduction capabilities (personally wouldn’t recommend), and comes with built-in batteries that last approximately 8-9 hours but are non-replaceable. These qualities lend the mic an edge in portability and ease of use, especially for quick, mobile shoots.
Recording Modes and Adjustments
I explored the different recording modes offered by the Neewer CM28, a feature often found on other expensive models. The device features three modes:
- Mono Mode: Sums up both audio channels into a single track.
- Stereo Mode: Separates each mic to channels left and right, giving more granular control over each microphone’s levels.
- MS Mode (Mono with Safety Track): Provides a backup with one channel at normal volume and a lower volume safety track.
The receiver displays audio levels and allows gain adjustment through five visual options.
Value and Long-Term Prospects
When you look at the price tag of the Neewer CM28 in comparison to the DJI Mic 2 or the Rode Wireless Pro price tag, there’s no doubt that Neewer offers significant economic value. However, key features like 32-bit float in high-end models, which help prevent audio clipping, are absent in the Neewer CM28. Also, I raise questions about the Neewer’s longevity and reliability compared to its more expensive peers. For that… time will tell.
Conclusion: Is the Neewer CM28 Worth It?
The Neewer CM28, despite its few limitations, stands as a viable option for those on a budget seeking portable, user-friendly wireless microphones. It may not replace the sophisticated sound quality of higher-end models, but its array of functionalities and affordability make it a compelling choice for aspiring content creators, journalists, and vloggers stepping into the world of wireless audio.
Ultimately, the decision boils down to your specific needs and budget. For beginner content creators or those needing a quick, straightforward setup, the Neewer CM28 could be a cost-effective addition to their equipment arsenal.
➡️ Check out Neewer CM28 (paid link): https://amzn.to/3ZpIpFt
