BOYA BY-M1 Lavalier Microphone Review: My Cheap but Reliable Backup Mic
I still remember buying the BOYA BY-M1 lavalier microphone years ago. At the time, I was just starting to shoot videos and didn’t want to spend much on gear. The price was so low that I figured, why not? Even if it wasn’t perfect, it could at least be a backup. And honestly, that’s exactly how it’s turned out to be—cheap, practical, and surprisingly useful when I need it.
Table of Contents
We Like
- Affordable and budget-friendly – Perfect for someone starting out.
- Works with multiple devices – Cameras, computers, and phones (with an adapter).
- Clearer audio than built-in phone mics – Noticeable improvement in sound quality.
- Long cable – The 6-meter cable gives you flexibility, especially if you need to set up your camera at a distance.
We Don't Like
- Needs an adapter for smartphones – A small extra cost if you want to use it with your phone.
- Long cable can be annoying to store – While the long cable is useful, it also gets tangled easily when you’re trying to pack it away.
- Not professional-level sound – It’s good for the price, but don’t expect studio-quality audio.
Specification
- Transducer Type: Electret Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
- Frequency Range: 65Hz – 18kHz
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 74dB SPL
- Sensitivity: -30dB ± 3dB (0dB = 1V/Pa, 1kHz)
- Output Impedance: 1000 Ohm or less
- Connection: 3.5mm (1/8″) 4-pole gold plug
- Battery Type: LR44 (Included)
- Cable Length: 6 meters (20 feet)
- Weight: Lightweight and portable
Why I Bought It
Back then, I didn’t have fancy recording equipment. I just needed something better than the built-in mic on my camera and laptop. The BOYA BY-M1 seemed like a simple solution: plug it in, clip it on, and go. It was affordable enough that I didn’t have to overthink the purchase.
My Experience with Audio Quality
When I first tested it, I wasn’t blown away, but I wasn’t disappointed either. The audio was better than my camera’s mic, with clearer voices and less echo. Still, it’s not “studio quality.” There’s a little bit of background pickup, and it doesn’t have the rich depth you’d get from a more expensive lavalier or shotgun mic.
But for my videos, it worked just fine. And over the years, I’ve come to see it as a good enough mic—something that won’t wow you but won’t let you down either.
Compatibility: The 3.5mm Advantage (and Limitation)
One of the things I liked right away was the 3.5mm jack. On older devices like my PC, laptop, and DSLR, it worked instantly—no setup headaches.
Of course, technology has moved on. Many modern devices now use USB-C (and iPhones have Lightning), so the BY-M1 isn’t as “plug-and-play” as it used to be. These days, I need an adapter to connect it to my phone. It’s not ideal, but it’s manageable.
That Extra-Long Cable
If there’s one feature I have mixed feelings about, it’s the cable length. It’s almost too long for casual use. I’ve had times where I’m untangling it and wishing it were shorter.
But when I’m filming and need to stand several feet away from the camera, that long cable suddenly becomes a lifesaver. So while it’s a bit of a hassle, I can’t deny it’s practical for certain situations.
Conclusion
Looking back, I’m glad I bought the BOYA BY-M1. It’s not perfect—the sound is decent but not amazing, and it’s less convenient with modern devices. But it’s cheap, reliable, and always ready to go.
I don’t use it every day, but whenever I need a backup mic or something simple for a quick shoot, it’s there in my bag, waiting. And that’s exactly why I’d still recommend it: not as your main microphone, but as a practical, affordable tool that earns its keep over time.
Verdict: A budget-friendly mic that may not impress, but will definitely come in handy.