Maono Wave T5 review: A compact wireless mic kit that punches above its weight

Irish Examiner

5 days ago

The Maono Wave T5 is a compact, clip-on wireless lavalier microphone designed for creators, vloggers, and on-the-go professionals. With specs like 48kHz/24-bit audio, up to 300 metres of claimed wireless range, and built-in noise cancellation, the Wave T5 looks like an excellent value for the money system.
Design and build quality
The Wave T5 features two lightweight transmitter mics and comes with accessories that make setup easy and intuitive. Each transmitter weighs just 9 grams and has a clean, rounded square form that feels premium despite its compact size.
The magnets built into the back are strong and allow for flexible placement using the included back clips or lanyards, which is ideal for presenters who don't want to fuss with complicated mounting.
The charging case is reasonably compact and sturdy enough to toss into a gear bag. Everything fits inside neatly, and there's even a carry pouch for a more streamlined travel kit.
Sound performance
Sound quality is where the Wave T5 really excels, thanks to a 48kHz/24-bit resolution, 120dB maximum SPL, and an 80dB signal-to-noise ratio. It delivers clean, detailed recordings across a wide dynamic range. Whether I was whispering indoors or projecting outdoors with wind blowing, it handled the extremes well.
There are three noise cancellation modes and 14 adjustable levels, which you can fine-tune using the free Maono Link app, available for both iOS and Android. While I didn't always need the app, when I did use it, I found it allowed for a decent amount of customisation. Filters like 'Warmth,' 'Brightness,' 'Voice Enhancer,' or 'Huskiness' enable you to tailor your tone to suit your recording environment or personal style.
The lack of a built-in headphone jack means real-time monitoring isn't possible unless you rely on playback. Fortunately, the system supports playback directly without requiring the receiver to be unplugged, which is a helpful feature.
Usability
The setup is plug-and-play. I tried it on a phone, tablet, and my Sony A7 IV mirrorless camera, and it worked seamlessly with all of them. The dual-button layout on the transmitters is intuitive: a power button with a long press for noise cancellation, and a second multifunction button that mutes with one tap and doubles as a remote shutter for video or photos when held — a clever bonus for solo creators.
The transmitters offer up to nine hours of battery life each, and the case can extend this to a total of 30 hours before needing a top-up. That's more than enough for long recording sessions or full-day shoots.
I tested the range and managed to get surprisingly far, certainly over 100 metres. While I didn't measure exactly 300 metres, it held a stable connection well beyond what most users would realistically need.
Features and compatibility
In the combo kit I received for this review, there were USB-C and Lightning receivers, making it compatible with everything from the latest Androids and iPhones to iPads and laptops. There's also a 3.5mm receiver for traditional camera setups, so you're well covered across most gear ecosystems.
I also appreciated the small extras, such as the fur-lined windscreens (great for outdoor use) and magnetic lanyards, which made wearing the mic both comfortable and discreet. You can charge your device through the receiver while in use, which is ideal for older iPhones or long-form streaming sessions where battery anxiety is a concern.
Verdict
The Maono Wave T5 combo kit is a versatile wireless lav mic system that punches far above its price tag. It offers clear, professional-quality sound with intelligent noise cancellation, intuitive controls, and a feature set that rivals pricier competitors, such as DJI. While I'd love to see a headphone monitoring option, it's a small compromise in what is otherwise a superbly rounded kit.
€114 Maono Combo kit, Amazon.co.uk