SmallRig Forevala W60 Review - How Good Is It? [2022]

So what is the SmallRig Forevala W60?

It’s a compact wireless microphone with a low-latency, high-quality audio transmission. It consists of dual transmitters with omnidirectional microphones and a receiver. All this comes in a compact storage/charging case. For mounting flexibility, the company put its money on magnetic attachments.

You can connect the receiver to different devices such as:

• Smartphones
• Cameras
• Computers
• Tablets
• Voice recorders

Forevala W60 is most suitable for podcasting, interviews, and live streaming.

As always, we tested the microphone set firsthand to be able to provide the most comprehensive answers to all your questions. What’s more, you can also enjoy some key tips and tricks on how to make the best use of the service in this SmallRig W60 review.

Shall we get started?

Features, Accessories, and Quality

Let’s take a look at its essential features:

Connectivity

The mic kit features Plug-and-Play smart pairing, a handy tool you can use to connect the transmitters to the receiver with one click. Just take one of the TRS to TRS cables and place one end in the 3.5mm output on the receiver. Then plug the other one into the recording device you chose.

And that’s it! Now you can start your interview or podcast.

Thanks to the 2.4G Adaptive Frequency Hopping technology, the transmitter units deliver audio with a low latency of 10ms up to 328ft away. However, you have to make sure that there are no obstacles in the way.

Battery

The SmallRig W60 is equipped with built-in lithium-polymer batteries that ensure high-quality recording for up to eight hours with a single charge.

The transmitters (TX) and the receiver (RX) are low-power consumers. However, when you need to charge them, you can do it in two different ways:

• Direct to TX/RX USB-C port
• Storage case USB-A or USB-C cable

The most convenient way to do so is simultaneously charging the three Forevala W60 components through the storage case.

The receiver and the transmitters are magnetic, fitting perfectly in the also magnetic case. When you turn it upside down, you’ll notice a hidden cable. Take it out, plug it into a USB port, and leave the TX inside for one hour and the RX for an hour and a half. This feature renders the system perfect even if you constantly switch your recording location.

A red light indicates the device is charging, while a green one signals it’s ready to use.

Build Quality

You can find the TX (2.24x1.48x0.7”) and the RX (2.4x1.75x0.83”) in a plastic case (6.41x2.83x1.16”). Made of aluminum alloy and ABS, they boast three separate LCD displays, which show in real-time:

• Recording mode
• Battery level
• Recording dynamics

The microphone system is pretty compact while simultaneously feeling premium.

Dual Transmitters

The SmallRig W60 offers a pair of transmitters with built-in mics. Both TX units have a low-cut filter mode, which removes low-frequency background noise below 200Hz, such as air conditioning or traffic. You can adjust the volume from 0 to 10 dB by using the silver dials at the top of the receiver.

Forevala W60 is ideal for two-person interviews as both will sound clear. Although the transmitters aren’t very discreet, there aren’t any cables you’d have to wonder where to hide. For example, you can clip them to your clothes with the magnetic mounting and record hands-free.

There is also a 3.5mm input to add a lavalier microphone. Unfortunately, it’s not included in the package, but you can easily purchase one from the website. In addition, there are two fuzzy windscreens to reduce wind interference. However, we must admit that we struggled a little to put them on.

Omnidirectional Pattern 

This polar pattern picks up audio in a 360-degree radius with equal sensitivity. Meaning that the speaker can talk from any direction, and the mic won’t have any problem capturing the sound.

It’s especially suitable in cases where clear audio is needed, even when multiple people are talking.

The only disadvantage to the оmnidirectional pattern is that it can potentially pick up unwanted sounds.

Mute

Both TX units allow you to silence yourself or any other unwanted sounds. 

Performance

Setting up the SmallRig Forevala W60 is a walk in the park. All you have to do is turn the gadgets on and click on the low cut/pairing button. And that’s it! They connect automatically. You can pair the receiver with a recording device of your choice.

We used an iPhone with an adapter for the test. Even without fine-tuning the settings, the audio was of high quality. Therefore, the need for any complex post-editing processes is gone.

We are happy to say that the microphones’ performance is excellent. They produced crisp and clear audio both indoors and outdoors. Even if you don’t talk directly into them, one can hear what you’re saying very well.

As often happens, while we were recording, our lovely neighbors had invited a whole construction workers team to interfere with daily life. However, by employing the low-cut mode and windscreen, such sounds became barely noticeable on record.

Though we have to admit that the low-cut mode is a little strong. It eliminates unwanted sounds, but it also removes the bass of your voice.

Overall, we can say we’re satisfied with the product. It produces good quality audio and boasts a more than reasonable price.

That being said, here is some crucial advice on how to use the Forevala W60 in the most efficient way.

Tips and Tricks

• Make sure there aren’t any obstacles between the TX and RX when recording.
• Always check the battery status before you start your podcast or interview.
• Test the microphones and adjust the settings if you’re not satisfied.

And that’s it! You can now enjoy your high-quality audio recording.

Though we mentioned something about a reasonable price. So let’s explore that subject a bit:

Pricing

The wireless mic set costs $199 on the official SmallRig website. You can take advantage of the free shipping for orders over $119.

Unfortunately, the company doesn’t provide a money-back guarantee. Though if you’re unhappy with the item, you can return it within a month after the purchase. You’ll get a full refund if the product is in its original condition. Just note that the shipping will be at your expense.

Additionally, the firm has a seven days DOA return policy. If you received a wrong or damaged item, you need to contact customer support within a week after the purchase. If you’re eligible for a refund, you’ll receive one within five to seven business days.

Another perk is the one-year warranty. If something happens to your mic in that period, SmallRig will replace your item with a new one. Though once again, you must pay the shipping costs.

Verdict

Overall, Forevala W60 falls short in certain regards but still offers excellent value for money.

Even though there isn’t an added lavalier mic, and the low-cut mode is a little harsh, the wireless microphone system has a lot to offer.

You get a pair of omnidirectional mics, a Plug-and-Play pairing, long battery life and transmission distance.

The low-cut filter mode, switch between stereo and mono mode, and mute or unmute buttons are just one click away.

During the testing stage of this SmallRig W60 review, we produced high-quality audio with mics performing pretty well both indoors and outdoors.

So, do we recommend it?

If you are aiming for vlogs, podcasting, or interview with excellent audio quality, then go for it.