JBL Quantum Stream Wireless - Review
Over the years I have reviewed a good handful of microphones, some of them are standalone and some attached to headsets, but they all had one thing in common, they are tethered to a computer. JBL have been involved in that as well, their Quantum Stream being a prime example, but when you want to record things on the go, there have been two options, cheap items from Amazon or the very expensive professional options. Which was why when JBL revealed the Quantum Stream Wireless, I knew I had to check it out.
Normally, when I do a hardware review, I talk about the form of a product, as if you can’t wear it or hold it, then it matters not. For the Quantum Stream Wireless is actually slightly different, as the actual microphone is quite small and designed to be clipped onto your top or strap and then forgotten. When I took the microphone from the packaging, I was a little shocked at how big the container was. I knew that it had to hold both the microphone and the USB-C adapter, but I was not prepared for its actual size. Opening up the lid, the size of the contain was immediately made clear, the microphone is not tiny, but also it is not large and cumbersome. The size of the microphone itself is a tiny 4.5cm tall and 2cm wide, making it one of the smaller options around. By comparison the Rode Wireless Go is 4.6cm tall and 4.4cm wide, making it the same size as two of the Quantum Wireless Steams. Located along side the mic is the previously mentioned USB-C adaptor, this is required for it to work. Don’t worry if you have an iPhone that has not been updated yet, as they do also sell a Lightning adaptor version. Once you take the parts out of the case, the case can be put away, as its only used for holding them when not in use and charging up the mic.
With the parts out, connecting to a phone or computer is simple, just insert it. My Windows PC, iPhone 15 and iPad Pro all understood what the device was once I plugged in the adapter. On my iPhone I just opened up the voice memos app and was able to start a recording, I didn’t have to do anything else at all. If you want to tweak things, the JBL does let you adjust the gain levels, turn on a noise cancelling option and even set a few mic effects. The only real problem with the app is that once you go into it, if you are recording in voice memos, it ends the recording, so you have to go back and forth to find the settings that work for you. The same setup can be done on the iPad and Android devices that have USB-C, but if you don’t need all that, plug and play works just perfectly. On the Windows PC, things were a little more challenging, as there are Windows microphone settings and JBL app settings that you can tweak and while the app is more user friendly, there is more control with Windows. Then there are the countless programs for recording audio like Audacity, which can have all their own settings, but again plug and play works fine here as well.
Included within the box was a microphone muff, one of those little fuzzy things that goes around a mic to help reduce wind and other external noises. The one that JBL include is incredibly soft, but more importantly it cuts down a significant portion of wind noise, so a real win. It does have one major issue; it doesn’t fit in the container with the mic when attached. At first I thought I had it on the wrong way, but flipping it around didn’t fix the problem. I even tried to have it disconnected and just shoved in the top of the case, but then it refuses to close and somewhat looks like someone is trying to shove a Tribble into a small space. Honestly if the case was just a little taller, so there was space for the muff, then it would be perfect.
If you are looking for a new wireless mic, for content creation or just for when you need to record something, this is one impressive little unit. The size of the mic is perfect and there were times I honestly forgot I was wearing it and while the case it slides into for storage and charging is larger than you might expect, its not something that should be a reason to not buy. The included muff is perfect for the mic, but the lack of a solution for its transport, outside of that wax bag they include is a letdown. With the apps easy customisation options and its ability to connect to almost every major modern device, this is one mic that will help you broadcast yourself.
The Score
9.0
Review unit provided by JBL
The Pros
Out of the box, there is nothing you need to do and you get a great capture
The app is simple enough that you can make adjustments to suit your needs…
The Cons
… however the options the app provides are basic, so audio pros might not be thrilled
The included muff works, but there is no place to store it
