Today, we will be taking a look at the Maono Wave T5 Wireless Lavalier Microphone, a professional-grade 2.4 GHz wireless microphone with a dual-transmitter setup, AI noise cancellation and exceptional battery life. Does it live up to its expectations? Let’s find out.
Unboxing & First Impressions
The Maono Wave T5 comes in four different version and the only difference in them is the receiver type. The four variants are:
- Combo version (Lightning + USB Type-C + Camera receivers)
- Type-C version (Only USB Type-C receiver)
- Lightning version (Only Lightning receiver)
- Camera version (Only Camera receiver)
Some contents of the box will vary based on the version you get but we will be reviewing the Combo version that includes all the three types of receivers.
The Maono T5 Wave Combo Version arrives in a neatly packaged box, showcasing a clean and professional design.
The combo version includes both Carry Pouch as well as the collection box. Here’s what the inside of the collection box looks like.
Here’s everything that you get in the combo version:
- Two Lavalier Microphones (TX units)
- Three Receivers (RX):
- USB-C Receiver (for Android, new iPhones and all other Type-C devices)
- Lightning Receiver (for older iPhones and iPads)
- Camera Receiver (3.5mm TRS output for DSLR and mirrorless cameras)
- Charging Case (750 mAh capacity)
- USB-C Charging Cable
- 3.5mm TRS to TRS Cable (for camera connectivity)
- 2 Windscreens for noise reduction
- 2 clips
- 1 magnetic necklace clip
- Carrying Pouch
- Collection Box
- Maono Brand Stickers
- User Manual
Right out of the box, the build quality feels quite premium. The transmitters and receivers have a compact and lightweight design, making them highly portable. The clip-on mechanism is sturdy, ensuring the microphone stays in place during use.
Specification
Here is the specification of Maono Wave T5.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Microphone Type | Omnidirectional Lavalier |
| Transmission Type | 2.4 GHz Digital Frequency Hopping |
| Range | Up to 300m (line of sight), 100m (obstructed) |
| Battery Life | TX – Up to 9 hours, Charging Case – Charges TX twice |
| Charging Port | USB-C |
| Charging Time | TX – 1.5 hours, Charging Case – 2 hours |
| Compatibility | Smartphones, Laptops, Cameras, Tablets |
| Noise Reduction | AI-powered ENC (adjustable via app) |
| Receiver Types | USB-C, Lightning, and Camera (3.5mm output) |
| Weight | TX – 9.0g, RX – 13.6g, Charging Case – 107.6g |
How to Setup
Setting up the Maono T5 Wave Combo Version is pretty straightforward:
- Power On: Remove the Transmitters from the charging case, and it will power on automatically.
- Pairing: The devices are pre-paired from the factory. If needed, hold the power buttons on TX and RX for 6 seconds to re-pair.
- Plug & Play: Connect the appropriate receiver (USB-C, Lightning, or Camera RX) to your device.
- Test Audio: Use a recording app to ensure proper functionality.
Maono Link App
Maono also has an app that you can download from the App Store or Play Store. You can also scan this QR Code to download the app.
The app shows you connectivity with the transmitters as well as their battery levels.
You can use the app to do the following:
- Real-time monitoring of audio levels
- Adjustments to noise reduction (weak, medium, strong, custom)
- Change sound coloration
- Firmware updates
The app is useful for those who need fine-tuned audio settings, but it could be improved with more advanced customization options.
Features & Review
- Easy to setup and easy to use
- Dual TX setup allows for two-person recordings such as interviews
- Three types of receivers make it highly versatile
- Long battery life (9 hours per TX, extended with charging case).
- Stable 2.4GHz wireless connectivity with minimal latency
- Charging case ensures microphones are always ready to use
- AI-powered noise reduction with multiple levels
- Versatile compatibility with multiple devices.
- No physical gain control on the microphone (except for the Camera receiver)
- Windscreens are difficult to install on the transmitters
Setup and Ease of Use
The simplicity of setup makes this microphone perfect for beginners. Since it requires no additional software installation, and you can start recording almost immediately after unboxing. The automatic pairing feature ensures a hassle-free connection. The only issue I faced is during windscreen installation as it requires a bit of effort to fit the transmitter inside of it. This can be a bit of annoyance if you use the windscreen regularly.
Maono App
While the Maono Link App is a good addition, it lacks advanced customization options found in premium microphone brands. However, the real-time monitoring and noise reduction adjustments are useful for refining audio output.
Audio Quality
For its price, the Maono T5 Wave Combo Version delivers impressive audio quality. The omnidirectional pickup captures sound evenly, making it suitable for interviews, meetings, vlogging, and presentations. The AI-powered noise reduction feature helps eliminate background disturbances, though in extremely noisy environments, some external noise still seeps through. Compared to competitors, the clarity is surprisingly strong, rivaling microphones at a higher price point.
Battery Life and Charging
With up to 9 hours of battery life per TX, the Maono T5 Wave can easily last through a full day of content creation. The 750mAh charging case allows for two full recharges, making it a reliable solution for extended recording sessions. The USB-C fast charging ensures minimal downtime.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The 2.4GHz wireless connection provides a stable and lag-free transmission. The range is impressive, allowing users to move around freely while recording. The inclusion of three different receivers (USB-C, Lightning, and Camera RX) makes it one of the most versatile wireless microphone kits available.
Noise Reduction and Latency
The AI-powered Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) effectively reduces unwanted sounds, enhancing voice clarity. In quiet indoor settings, the noise reduction works well, but in outdoor environments with strong background noise, it struggles slightly. Latency is minimal, making it suitable for real-time applications such as live streaming and video conferencing. The only issue I faced with Noise Cancellation is when it is set to strong in a noisy environment, it can introduce some background artifacts that can affect the clarity of audio.
Voice Samples
Comparison with iPhone 16 Pro and AU-400
Here are some voice samples comparing Maono Wave T5 with the entry-level Maono AU-400 and the default microphone of iPhone 16 Pro.
Maono Wave T5
Maono AU-400
iPhone 16 Pro
Noise Cancellation Performance
Here are the voice samples at difference settings of noise reduction.
Noise Reduction Off
Noise Reduction at Moderate Setting
Noise Reduction at Strong Setting
Windscreen On vs Off
Here are the voice samples with and without the windscreen in an noist environment.
Windscreen Off
Windscreen On
Final Verdict
The Maono T5 Wave Wireless Lavalier Microphone (Combo Version) is an excellent choice for content creators, vloggers, and online educators who need a dual-mic setup with multiple receiver options. It offers great audio quality, strong wireless connectivity, and long battery life, all in a lightweight and portable design.
Compared to other options in this price range, the Combo Version provides more versatility with dual TX, a charging case, and three different receivers, making it a top contender for wireless microphones under $150.
You can buy the Maono Wave T5 from either Maono’s official website or from the Amazon.
