BOYA has been making waves with its microphone systems and, with the BOYA Magic, the company is pushing the envelope further into the realm of multifunctional mics. The Magic can be a lavalier, handheld, desktop, and on-camera microphone, adapting to the desired function. On paper, it sounds like a great idea, as a do-it-all solution, but how does it fare in the real world? Here is my review.
Behind the magic
The key to the BOYA Magic’s shape-shifting functionality is the charging case. It’s a slim cylinder reminiscent of a shotgun microphone. The transmitters are housed within for charging. While present within the case, the BOYA Magic’s handheld/desktop/on-camera forms can be activated. Take the transmitters out of the case, where they can be used as lightweight lavs, and the lavalier mode is active.
When it comes to recording sound, the Magic supports 48kHz/24-bit audio, 144 dB dynamic range, and captures 20Hz-20kHz. AI noise cancellation assists with recording quality, which comes in especially handy when recording outside. I’m also pleased to confirm that the Magic has both a built-in limiter and -12 dB safety track, which can help save the day and rescue clipped sound that wasn’t spotted while live.
Another important spec is battery life. Outside of the case, each transmitter can last up to six hours. Using the case will extend the longevity up to 30 hours. Considering the size of the hardware, I think this is a pretty impressive achievement.
It actually works
When trying to succeed at many different things, it’s common for the result to be failure. Thankfully, the BOYA Magic’s versatility is successful. Being able to switch between the microphone types works well and is genuinely practical for fast-moving production workflows. Having one mic that does it all is truly useful.
Other highlights include the overall sound quality, which is bolstered by the AI noise cancellation in more challenging environments. For the price, I was surprised at the BOYA Magic’s clarity and performance.
Shortcomings
When it comes to negatives, the absence of 32-bit float recording is going to be a deal-breaker for some. I’ll admit, its absence was the first thing I noticed and I’m sure others will be disappointed by the limit to 24-bit.
Another rough area is the BOYA Central app. While you can get a lot done within the app, it’s not the smoothest experience and I can see impatient users balking and swiping it away.
Disclosure: Review sample provided by BOYA.
Final Verdict
At $90, the BOYA Magic brings impressive versatility at a budget-friendly price. It isn’t perfect, but it manages to deliver solid sound quality and useful features in a compact package. The ability to adapt between different mic styles makes it especially convenient for creators on the move. While not without its drawbacks, it stands out as a practical all-in-one solution.
Positives and Negatives
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Multifunctional mic with versatile modes
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Compact charging case extends usability
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Strong AI noise cancellation outdoors
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Built-in limiter and safety track
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Impressive 30-hour battery support
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Clear, detailed audio at low price
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Lacks modern 32-bit float recording
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App experience feels clunky at times
