OM SYSTEM Olympus ME52W Unidirectional Mono Microphone Set

My first reaction to this microphone was astonishment at is its small size. It's larger than most lapel microphones, but that's because of the physical requirements for noise-cancellation. Still, it's very small, especially for a true "cardioid" (noise-cancelling) microphone. The performance is superb! As Jim wrote, it is very sensitive. I tested it in a quiet room at distances up to 10 feet away. At about 3 feet, my voice was strong and clear. At 10 feet, it was obviously remote, but the sound was good and very clear, with no echo. Off-axis, the sensitivity drops rapidly. At about 70 degrees, the sound weakens noticeably, and beyond 90 degrees, it is almost inaudible. M. L. Strickland is correct in warning that the microphone requires external power. The instructions on the box specify 1.5 - 10 volts. Writers who reported that the microphone was very weak were almost certainly using a recorder that does not provide the necessary excitation voltage. This energizer voltage draws negligible power from the recorder's batteries. However, he is wrong when he writes, '... the noise "cancelation" is only provided by a directional shield. True cancellation is obtained by using a stereo mike with the two pickups wired to cancel noise that arrives at both equally.' Noise-cancelling microphones have existed almost from the start, long before stereo ever existed. The close-up photo on this page clearly shows a slot ("port") in the side of the microphone's body. There is another on the other side. These ports channel sound to the back of the transducer (the sound-sensitive element) so that it is 180 degrees out of phase with the sound striking the front. These opposing signals cancel each other acoustically, but there is always some sound "leakage" through the case and because of imperfect cancellation, resulting in a weak output. This microphone is intended for recording sounds at a distance, which is the purpose of all cardioid (unidirectional) microphones. Its output level is higher than on most microphones, so there is a possibility of distortion, especially if the sound source (such as the speaker) is too close. For a normal voice, I suggest it be held 8 to 12 inches from the speaker's mouth. This microphone was bought to be used on an Olympus DS-330, a six-year-old monophonic digital voice recorder. The internal microphone is sensitive and effective, but because it is omni-directional, recordings in a noisy environment, or at a distance from the speaker, are unclear. The ME-52W mic worked equally well in the "Dictation" (low-sensitivity) and "Conference" (high-sensitivy) modes, but the "Dictation" mode is preferable. It's almost identical in sensitivity to the "Conference" mode, and omits residual background noise, such as radios and air conditioners. With a rated frequency range of 100 - 15,000 Hz, and depending on your equipment, the ME-52W makes excellent voice recordings, and respectable, but not perfect, music recordings. It essentially eliminates echoes, and strongly reduces background sounds. If it's compatible with your equipment, it should be a winner. Edit; 16 Jun 2012: Several inquiries regarding the use of this microphone on stereo recorders prompt me to add this comment. This microphone is monophonic, and two-channel recording from this mic requires one of two conditions: 1: The recorder has a "mono-input" or "mono-recording" mode, which delivers the signal from the microphone to both recording channels, or 2. A mono-to-stereo adaptor must be used. These adaptors are available at Radio Shack stores, and usually in the electronics departments of Wal-Mart and Best Buy stores. The "plug" end of the adaptor will have two contacts: the tip, and a "ring" below it. The plug on this microphone has only the tip contact. These adaptors usually cost about $2 to $3. Stereo hand-held recorders have become very popular, but most of the less-expensive models do not have cardioid microphones. A couple of notable exceptions: TASCAM TASCAM DR-07MKII Portable Digital Recorder Zoom H1 Handy Portable Digital Recorder Both recorders cost about $100. When searching for stereo recorders, be sure to look for "cardioid" or "uni-directional" in the descriptions of the microphones Edit; 19 Jul 2012: This microphone will not work with the iPad, iPhone, or iPod, as many users have discovered, for two reasons: 1: The jacks on these devices are non-standard 2: The microphone requires power from the device to which it is connected. While browsing through the comments today, I came across a reference which I immediately checked out, and I learned that these Apple devices do have excitation power available for external electret microphones, but a special adaptor is needed to access the power connection. One supplier of such adaptors is <kVconnection.com.> Their web-site describes the configuration of the jacks in the Apple devices, and lists a number of adaptors and cables to connect unpowered electret microphones, such as this Olympus ME-52W, to them.

This definitely increase the quality of my recordings (I use an Olympus brand voice recorder). I record class lectures on the lowest quality setting and they come out great. Sometimes ill spend 5 minutes removing background noise with audacity (very easy, just look up a tutorial on Google) and the result is amazing.The microphone is directional so you want to aim it at the thing you are recording, but it tilts up and down so you can leave the recorder flat on a desk and aim the mic towards the speakers mouth. Remember, Olympus voice recorders have a microphone sensitivity setting. Use "dictation" if you are going to be recording yourself or someone right in front of you (within a few feet of the microphone) and use "conference" to increase the sensitivity to record things like a lecture where the speaker is more than a few feet away. Audacity can be used to remove background noise and make the voice clearer, and also eliminate the noise of yourself or someone else typing notes if that's a problem in your recording. I've also used this on my mac book to video conference and my voice was MUCH clearer than using the tiny built in microphone. It works great buy you need a cheap USB audio adapter because the mac book audio port doesn't work correctly with this microphone For the price, this is worth every penny. Unless you have a really high quality expensive voice recorder, this microphone is going to be better than the one built in.

I got this microphone to do a little motovlogging. It plugs into my GoPro Hero2 (or the Hero3+ with the adapter) and has enough cable to reach from wherever the camera is on the helmet to the inside and in front of my face. It comes with a little foam "windscreen" and an alligator clip which actually comes in handy... not for inside the helmet though. For general use, the mic does a pretty good job and the sound isn't all bad. Reminder: it only records on the left channel so unless you have editing software that can turn it into a mono channel, you'll need to get a mono adapter. It's nice to have sound from one place and the camera in another. It's also nice to have something this small since you can put it pretty much anywhere, like in a pocket or the back of a hat - and still pick up good sound. For motovlogging, I'm going to keep looking for another mic. This one has a "pop pop" as it clips from too much sound - a combination of my bike's exhaust, the wind noise, and my voice. I can use a noise gate and compressor and other effects in my editing software to clean it up, but nothing eliminates the sound of a mic clipping. Also, when the surrounding environment has that much noise, the mic exhibits its tendency to sound like a cellphone since it's picking up everything and compressing your voice to what's loudest in front of it; lower and higher frequencies get drowned out. The windscreen is not tolerant of even mild abuse, so I quickly fashioned a new windscreen out of a strip of T-Shirt and a zip tie, and the alligator clip is useless in a helmet, so plenty of Gorilla Tape does the job there. I put the mic behind the left cheek pad with the opening of the mic almost in front of my mouth. All in all, I'm happy with it because I'm doing what's important: sharing my rides with YouTube. However, I'm a stickler for improving the quality of my videos, so I'm still on the hunt for another microphone. This one was at a great price, is a great size, and does what I need it to. I wouldn't look past it or fail to recommend it to another person in a similar situation.

Contrary to ad claims, as others have stated I noticed no noise cancellation with this microphone. I bought it to replace a "cheap" microphone that came with an amplification device... but the cheap microphone produced better sound. The Olympus was more tinny and picked up more background noise. Of some annoyance was the wind screen. There is nothing which holds it on to the microphone, making it slip off very easily; one would need to tape or glue it on to insure not losing it during use. This is an okay microphone, but there are better on the market. For recording using the extension cord at business meetings this may do fine, but for anything else (especially when replacing a built-in-mic)... the results may likely be less impressive than desired.

I recently purchased an aftermarket PLZ Android car stereo for my 2012 Acura TL. While the PLZ car stereo has a built-in microphone it is awful. After reading reviews on the PLZ stereo I saw where others had purchased aftermarket microphones that are equipped with a 3.5mm jack. After reading the reviews on this particular mic, and it also having noise cancellation, I decided to go with this one. As you can see in the picture I drilled a hole in one of my unused dash accessory ports and flush mounted the microphone. After sliding on the little foam microphone cover the mic looks like it came from the factory and is barely noticeable. It has been a game changer as it works perfectly and people tell me how loud and clear I come across when talking to them in my car through this microphone. Highly recommend this microphone for anyone looking to use it with an aftermarket car stereo.

I tested this an Olympus WS-823 voice recorder , which does supply the excitation voltage required by this mic. For some reason, Olympus doesn't promote this unit with pictures of all its included accessories which make it an even better value than it appears to be. The ME-52W package includes not only the microphone (which has an adjustabl;e head which is often not explained in advertising, but a 3 foot cable and lapel kit. In other words you have everything you need for very versatile usage. I tried it as a lapel mic first with the microphone between 6 and 10 inches from my mouth and the head pointed toward my lips.I used an AM talk show as a source of background noise. I recorded with the radio on and off. The ME-52W is very directional with excellent noise reduction. Obviously, it doesn't completely eliminate background noise, but it does very definitely reduce it. By the way, I did not tinker with the WS-823's own recording environment toggles which I suspect would have increased the background noise rejection. I then tried it literally as a hand mic, holding it 2 - 3 inches from my mouth as the Olympus instructions suggest. My background noise source, that AM talk show,was directly to the rear of the microphone. Again excellent rejection characteristics. Next I tried it as a hand-held directional microphone. Using the normal record mode on the WS-823, the recorded audio was listenable, but on the weak side. setting the WS-823 to "lecture" mode, intended for lecture situations in large rooms and auditoriums, the audio was excellent. In all, a very good microphone especially if you take the time to optimize your recorder's settings. Two minor negatives. The lapel clip Olympus supplies is ridiculous. It has a bright chrome plating which makes the ME-52W unsuitable for video recording since the clip could be used an an aircraft landing system with the way it reflects light. Some judiciously applied black tape takes care of the problem and another as well. Whether it is the chrome plating or something else, the clip is so slippery that opening the jaws and keeping them open until you want to close them is a hassle. The clip constantly wants to launch itself into orbit. Next, the supplied windscreen - a welcome provision, by the way, is a shade too big for the barrel. You can use either a tie to secure it or double-sided adhesive tape on the barrel. If you use tape, be sure not to cover up the two slits toward the rear of the barrel: t7hey are needed for effective noise cancellation. Overall an excellent, very versatile microphone at a very attractive price.And, yes, the audio quality was very good to excellent in all instances of my testing. Jerry

Works really well with my aftermarket Android Auto radio.

If you are computer gamer looking for quality sound chances are you have tried gaming headsets before. Now for most people if these headsets play sound decently and transmit your voice audibly then that is all they are looking for. However, chances are you are not one of those people if you are looking at a $16 lavaliere mic. Your obsession with audio quality has probably led you to various audiophile-oriented internet forums (head-fi.org) seeking out information about what headset/headphone + mic setup would be optimal. By and large most forums will point you away from "gamer" oriented headsets, deriding them for their poor return on value on sound quality, instead recommending increasingly audiophile-oriented (read: expensive) headphones that do not come with built-in mics. Thus begins the search for a separate microphone that will allow you to use your headphones without losing the quality/convenience you are used to with a headset. This is where a product like the Olympus ME-52W may have come to your attention -- the other more common choices for those with headphones are probably: the Zalman ZM-MIC1, the AntLion ModMic, Logitech USB desk mic and a gaming headset. ZALMAN ZM-MIC1:I passed on the Zalman mainly because I was worried that its omni-directional microphone would pick up the sound from my mechanical keyboard, also the thin wire did not look terribly durable, a concern when I tend to snag my wires on various objects at an alarming rate. ANTLION MODMIC: For the AntLion ModMic, the price at $40 was prohibitive for a microphone simply intended for talking to my friends on skype or guild on ventrilo. My headphones of choice are only the lowly $30 Superlux HD 681 (which are quite excellent for the price) so I flinched at the thought of paying more than that for a mic. DESK MIC: With a desk microphone, I liked the idea of avoiding another wire around my neck with a desk mic but I was too concerned with the sound quality of the microphone if I leaned back into my chair and also the sound coming from my aforementioned mechanical keyboard on the same desk. GAMING HEADSET: The allure of a one device/one line setup is hard to miss. With gaming headsets I have tried: Plantronics Gamecom 367 and the Creative Fatal1ty Gaming Headset. Both of these headphones used some felt material which rubbed against my ears constantly because of their small can size (or conversely, my large ear size) and became uncomfortably warm after playing for awhile because they were closed headphones as well. Their sound quality was about the same as a basic $5-10 dollar set of headphones for songs, perhaps a bit better with positional audio for gaming. The mic quality was actually fairly good, but they definitely not as clear nor as good at ignoring background noise as the Olympus ME-52W. More worrisome about gaming headsets to me is their cheap build quality; I had the Plantronics Gamecom go dead on me in less than a year of use which was surprising because they actually looked fairly durable. The Creative Fatal1ty have held up better in that regard but were just too uncomfortable for me for daily use. I was seriously considering the SteelSeries Siberia V2 for a time but for the price point (~$90) you headphones from audio-oriented companies such as Sennheiser, Audio Technica and Grado that are simply superior in sound. With these other options carefully examined and explained, I will now enter the part of the review where I actually review the Olympus ME-52W. SETUP: As far as setup goes, this should have been simple but was not because there was serious interference when I used the wire included with the mic. It was probably not thick/shielded enough so the microphone emitted a very audible hum/buzz no matter what options I chose, although this is understandable and I do not blame Olympus for this because this is a mic for an audio recorder that would presumably not have the interference my computer setup has from other wires. It was also very silent no matter what setting I used and if I dared turn up mic boost the buzzing/hum would overpower my voice. I used a 6' stereo extension cable that did the job and the mic has worked flawless since. One other concerning thing is that this mic is mono and if you playback your sound from the windows sound menu it will only come out of one ear, but skype/ventrilo was smart enough to auto-correct this so my voice plays over both channels. The clip is very handy and clips permanently onto my headset cord which makes it very simple: I just wear my headphones and I am ready to go. SOUND QUALITY: The clarity of my voice with this mic over skype/ventrilo has increased dramatically. I think it sounds as good as a lapel mic a lecturer might use for a sermon and certainly makes my voice sound more life-like and less like I am in a fish tank than the mics I have used before. My voice is deep and it seems like my old headset would just crush the sound at times so I had to repeat words. Also my breathing doesn't produce the pop/boom anymore like with a headset. NOISE CANCELLING: The noise cancelling feature is probably where I am the most disappointing with this mic. Perhaps I was expecting too much but the mic does not isolate so much as deadens down the background noise from my keyboard/mouse clicker/5.1 stereo system. People can definitely still hear the background noise but it sounds very far off in the background compared to my voice so it is not a huge issue -- my voice is still crystal clear and it does not pick up noises that are well into the next room. Even though I expected a bit more from a product that claims to be noise cancelling, it is far better than my old boom mic on the Creative and better than my temporary cheapo desk mic which does no sound-isolation at all. Overall if you were a gamer looking for a good mic to go with a pair of quality headphones instead of a gaming headset and can get over some of the setup woes you may encounter, I would definitely recommend this mic for its audio clarity, convenience and sound isolating properties because it simply outclasses any of the other available options available without moving several price brackets up. Disclaimer: This is a review of the Olympus ME-52W used as a gamer's VOIP/skype lapel mic for a PC, even though it is not marketed specifically for that purpose. I am but a simple gamer/computer enthusiast that has a propensity to over-analyze any technologically related purchase for the sole purpose of getting the best deal, not an audiophile or audio professional prepared to back my statements regarding sound quality with mounds of empirical data.

Je possède déjà un micro de ce type, j'en suis toujours très satisfait : exemple enregistrement de conférencier ( le mono suffit ) sans trop accrocher les bruits de l'assistance ( attention, si en fin de conférence ils y a des questions posées par l'assistance, on ne les entend pratiquement pas et il faut prévoir une deuxième source d'enregistrement ). Petit détail : la bonette qui faisait partie du lot il y a 2 ans n'est plus fournie ( elle était de piètre qualité il est vrai ). ATTENTION : n' achetez pas les bonettes mousses Rycote 105501 qui sont beucoup trop petites pour ce micro, ( je viens d'en faire les frais ).

I installed third party chinese car android, for bluetooth hands free calls, i tried many mics but no use, after so much searching i found this mic, moment of truth the noise cancelling mic worked, it tried eliminating thee car background noise, my phone calls are much better. High price, but the noise cancelling worked.

Awsome mic use it wiht my aftermarket car screen as a phone mic, no road noise in my phone calls!

Schnelle Lieferung! Hochwertiges Produkt! Ehrlicher Verkäufer!

excelente la calidad del micrófono, a pesar de solo ser mono y no estéreo, funciona de maravilla, no elimina completamente el sonido de la habitación, pero si lo disminuye de manera notoria.