BOYA Dual Channel Wireless Lavalier Microphone BY XM6 S4 and S6 Review – Good wireless microphones for USB-C and Lightning

1 - Introduction and background story 2 - Technical data and features 3 - Practical use, videos and conclusion

Unboxing and accessories

I’ve laid out my hybrid mix on the table, with the new set in the old charging cradle. Apart from the charging cradle, the accessories are the same for both versions, so I’ll just generalize the whole thing. Incidentally, the gimbal in the picture is also new and this also has a purely practical reason. As good as the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 used last year may be, it had to give way to an InstaFlow 360 (pictured) for purely practical reasons (size of the receiving station) and the design of the gimbal arm. Its arm is much better suited to the horizontal operation of the iPhone as a camera and does not constantly block when turning. But that will be a separate test, because all the video influencers unfortunately deliberately ignore this fact. Without the microphone set, the two are no different, but if you use the Boya, the Osmo Mobile 6 is really tight. But that’s another story…

In addition to the receiver station (RX), which is plugged directly into the USB-C or Lightning port of the smartphone, you get two transmitters (TX) with an integrated microphone, to which the two supplied lavalier microphones can also be optionally connected, which you can also attach to your lapel, for example, using a clip. There is also an optional foam spit guard and fuzzy wind filters. That’s it and you’re currently in the game at just under 200 euros. I paid just under 300 euros for the version with charging cradle in Taiwan in 2023.

The two manufacturer images show us once again the accessories mentioned, which also include the two short USB-C charging cables for the transmitter modules, because charging without a charging cradle must also be possible. Here we first see the version for Apple’s Lightning socket (up to iPhone 15):

Visually, nothing has changed much in the 2024 model with the USB-C, and the accessories have also remained the same. Nevertheless, I miss the practical charging cradle, as it even fitted into the back pocket of my jeans. The more stretch it has, the better for wearing comfort.

Technical data

The BOYA Dual Channel Wireless Lavalier Microphone BY-XM6 (regardless of connector type) offers a variety of technical features that make it ideal for vlogging, content creation, live streaming, interviews and recording. Here are some of the technical specifications:

• Transmission type: 2.4 GHz digital frequency with GFSK modulation.
• Operating range: Up to 100 meters (328 ft) without obstacles.
• RF output power: Less than 10 mW.
• Polar pattern: Omnidirectional.
• Frequency response: 35 Hz to 18 kHz.
• Maximum sound pressure level (SPL): 120 dB SPL for the built-in microphone, 110 dB SPL for the lavalier microphone.
• Sensitivity: -39 dB for both microphone types.
• Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): Over 84 dB.
• Power supply: Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery or USB-C DC 5V.
• Battery life: About 7 hours.
• Antenna: PIFA antenna.
• Weight: Approx. 32g for the transmitter, 14.5g for the receiver.
• Dimensions: 62.1×31.6×16.5 mm for the transmitter, 75.6×23.15×12 mm for the receiver.
• Operating temperature: -10°C to 50°C.

Functionality and features

The system includes two transmitters and one receiver, which ensure high-quality audio transmission and provide easy, automatic connection during commissioning. It supports real-time audio monitoring via headphone output and requires no additional apps or cables for operation. The dual-mode principle is ideal for scenarios where two audio sources need to be recorded simultaneously, such as interviews or dialogs between two people. Here you can record in true stereo or simple mono, depending on what is required.

The microphones and the receiver pair automatically as soon as they are switched on and connected to each other. This simplifies setup and minimizes the need for technical knowledge. The use of the 2.4 GHz frequency ensures clear and stable audio transmission, with digital modulation (GFSK) helping to avoid interference from other devices such as televisions and radios. According to the manufacturer, the effective range of the system is up to 100 meters without obstructions, giving users more freedom to move around while recording. I did manage to follow an employee acoustically during a company tour after he had taken the elevator down one floor to go to a certain place. But instead of the head cinema, I stopped the recording. So you should always remember that the plugged-in transmitter really does go a long way and has a mute function.

The transmitters can be used for up to 7 hours, which is enough for most recording sessions without the need for recharging. I easily got through the day on a single charge, as I don’t stream or record non-stop. And in an emergency, I still have my beloved charging cradle. With a USB-C or Lightning connection on the receiver, the microphone system is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets and computers.

The receiver has a headphone output that allows the user to monitor the recorded audio in real time, which is particularly useful for ensuring that the audio quality is always optimal during recording. These features make the BOYA BY-XM6 S6 a powerful tool for professional audio recording in a variety of environments, from field recordings to controlled studio environments.