Wonderful review, Ian! I really appreciate how thoroughly you demonstrated the stereo performance in particular. That segment with your back garden has sold me on the Clippy!
The Clippy is a great lavalier. It’s my ‘Goto’ lav when it’s size doesn’t matter or for planting in scenes. With a Rodelink, it’s deadly. I use it all of the time.
It is a slight upgrade. Slightly less noise and I think that the sound is a touch more robust in the bass. Worst thing ... no foamie and it’s quite big for a lav, and the lead could be a fraction longer.
Basically Kevin, the only UK importer and maker of them is a single guy at micbooster.com in the UK. (Isle of Wight) He’s a BBC guy who runs a small firm. That’s the only place really to get them made up. The capsules are Primo EM172 which can be bought from China, I think if you want to make one yourself. I think they’re worth the trouble for the sound although they are a large lav for wearing. Fantastic for plants because you can take advantage of the low noise floor and raise the gain a bit. He also makes up EM184 capsules which are cardioid. Two of them make a more ‘conventional’ stereo mic by either crossing them together or setting them up as a spaced pair. Noise is higher though so you’re back to being very careful with gain. Very often, people who know the sound of microphones can’t tell I’m using a lavalier. If you want one Kevin and he won’t send it to USA, then just let me know on TBF on Facebook or email me and I can help..
This is Nick from micbooster.com. Thank you for the great review, appreciated. We do ship direct to the US and around the world, we only charge at cost for shipping so it should not be expensive.
Thanks Nick. I did check and let Kevin know on Facebook. The new cardiod capsule looks interesting and has a lower noise floor than the em184 I believe. Dave Harry sent me one to try out and it seemed pretty good. Can’t remember the number, but I don’t think you sell them as clippies or made up as a lav.
@@iancraig Thx. Just need to check where to get them, because since the brexit things got more complicated with customs and stuff. I am from germany :)
Hi Rene. Honestly, it’s a really low noise lavalier so you don’t have to worry quite as much about the noise floor and therefore you have a little more gain at your fingertips. I have often recorded ambience with it at a very high volume and then in post, reduced it, crushing the noise even more. I did that with some waves at a beach last summer and I also collected sound effects for a swimming pool scene. Recorded them loud and close up and just turned down under speech on the video. If I need a lav to be hidden, I use the Rode lavalier or the smartlav+ but they have more self noise and aren’t quite as ‘beefy’ as the Clippy. Last year I made a series of films in Menorca with a GoPro (Because I was there for a month) and for a microphone, all I used was a Little Clippy pinned to the GoPro adapter! Nothing else. Before I went, I did an experiment in Cornwall with it and it worked so well that I felt able to go to Menorca with very little gear to cart around...... and I’ll be doing that again this year! Cheers Ian
Yes, I have had some interference, Rene. However, only when the capsule is right on top of the transmitter and I’m using a 4 inch lead. I had a custom one made. Wearing the lav with transmitter on belt or in pocket, there’s nothing. It has an aluminium housing.
@@iancraig I love your Channel. I even loved the fact that you replied back. Many people don't reply back. So therefore I just subscribed. Here's one for you now. Type in KK Motion Pictures Nasa I filmed a lady astronaut who's on the space station check it out you will like it. Keep up the awesome work my friend I love it Keith Kuhn
Thanks for the video really good information about this particular kind of microphone it seems really good value Btw , what's wrong with actually using the stereo pair and just clipping one-on each chestplate basically surely u get a good stereo sound?
For good stereo, normally, cardioid mics are used and the capsules are placed one above the other. This avoids something called ‘phasing’. You get a slight stereo image with two of these spaced but not really the best stereo effect where you can place things easily from what you hear.
@@iancraig OK. Thanks for that.its just I'm used to watching vloggers using action cams like go pro or Osmo actions, and the audio isnt great. So I thought of using a couple of these 172s even with phasing would still sound better? Or maybe I'll buy some cheap one or the Sony clip on one? I'll have a think about it. Cheers.
Yes, it works really well. You can put an extension onto the lead to make it longer and separate the two mics by making a ‘T’ shape. Then the mics are about 6 feet or so apart. I think one of the best uses for it.
I tend not to use the stereo Clippy, but mono Clippy. Mostly because my videos contain speech. I use the stereo pair if I want ambience in stereo (or wider sounding than mono) because they are extremely low noise lavaliers. I still think the Clippy is one of the best cheap lavs around and use it most of the time. The only other stereo mic I really use is a Rode one. It’s more directional.
I'm over here in the USA, waiting on the arrival of my XLR version of the Clippy EM-272. Does my purchase of the XLR version, instead of the 3.5 mm mean that I'm good to go with 48 volts phantom power, or is that too much?
From the site, it looks as though it can take 12 - 48v phantom power Darius. I might take a look at that one myself!! It converts the phantom power to 8v for the Clippy, which will make it nice and lively.
@@iancraig Thanks for you quick reply. Yeah, I'm just trying to investigate and be careful, so I don't fry it right off the bat! I'd probably be using it with a Motu M2 audio interface.
If the Motu supplies 12 or 24v I’d try that first. There is a converter in the plug so 48v would make no difference to what the capsule gets. I hadn’t realised they did this until you mentioned the xlr version! Cheers.
@@iancraig As is, the non-detachable cable it comes with, is probably adequate for my main use case. If the need for a longer length should arise, however, would simply buying a decent-quality XLR-extension-cable be good enough (not degrading the sound-quality or compromising compatibility), or should I have anticipated this beforehand, placing a custom-order, with a longer cable, to begin with? Thanks and cheers!
I think an extended xlr cable will work fine. Good shielding too. The power will still reach the capsule and you have the best shielding to keep interference away.
micbooster.com/clippy-and-pluggy-microphones/98-2323-clippy-stereo-em272-microphone.html#/84-plug_type-right_angle/202-microphone-em272m They do send out of UK to other countries as well.
@@iancraig thanks I bought one I was always looking for a low noise Lavalier also because I like to use Lavalier as voice microphones so I wanted to do this without very loud noise
Ah, ok. The mic is fantastic. Low noise. High output. Not good with radio transmitters. Picks up interference if connected to transmitters. My most used lavalier actually.
I wouldn't say better. Different. I use the Clippy more than anything else. It has a louder output and less noise. It is quite a bit larger. This review shows two clippies but they are available as singles too
Not 'true' stereo. Dual mono for two people. You get a stereo effect by placing them at 90 or 180 degrees to each other, but not a great 'stereo'. For proper stereo, you need two cardioids normally, close to each other, either pointing outwards or inwards. Outwards gives a more spacey effect and inwards more focused. The Clippy is an Omni mic so pics up all around.
Is stereo picking up more surrounding noise perhaps? I sometimes use them for ambience, but never for voice because the sound can wander left and right when you turn your head and it sounds more ‘airy’ in stereo and not so focused.
Wonderful review, Ian! I really appreciate how thoroughly you demonstrated the stereo performance in particular. That segment with your back garden has sold me on the Clippy!
The Clippy is a great lavalier. It’s my ‘Goto’ lav when it’s size doesn’t matter or for planting in scenes. With a Rodelink, it’s deadly. I use it all of the time.
Thank you for the video, they look like good quality mic's
It is a great lavalier. Sounds particularly good outdoors too.
@@iancraig I just ordered Clippy EM272 Mono Microphone, can't find the EM172 so I hope its an upgrade :)
It is a slight upgrade. Slightly less noise and I think that the sound is a touch more robust in the bass. Worst thing ... no foamie and it’s quite big for a lav, and the lead could be a fraction longer.
Nice sounding lav! Impressed with the low noise.
It’s the lowest noise lav I’ve heard, Kevin. I find it very difficult to use anything else as a result although for a lav it’s quite large.
@@iancraig And, from what I can tell, not available in the states? I checked Amazon. :)
Basically Kevin, the only UK importer and maker of them is a single guy at micbooster.com in the UK. (Isle of Wight) He’s a BBC guy who runs a small firm. That’s the only place really to get them made up. The capsules are Primo EM172 which can be bought from China, I think if you want to make one yourself.
I think they’re worth the trouble for the sound although they are a large lav for wearing. Fantastic for plants because you can take advantage of the low noise floor and raise the gain a bit.
He also makes up EM184 capsules which are cardioid. Two of them make a more ‘conventional’ stereo mic by either crossing them together or setting them up as a spaced pair. Noise is higher though so you’re back to being very careful with gain.
Very often, people who know the sound of microphones can’t tell I’m using a lavalier.
If you want one Kevin and he won’t send it to USA, then just let me know on TBF on Facebook or email me and I can help..
This is Nick from micbooster.com. Thank you for the great review, appreciated. We do ship direct to the US and around the world, we only charge at cost for shipping so it should not be expensive.
Thanks Nick. I did check and let Kevin know on Facebook. The new cardiod capsule looks interesting and has a lower noise floor than the em184 I believe. Dave Harry sent me one to try out and it seemed pretty good. Can’t remember the number, but I don’t think you sell them as clippies or made up as a lav.
thank you very much, this is one of the best reviews I have heard about microphones. And yes it's sounds great I'm going to buy a pair.
Thanks Philippe. They are an excellent buy. Very low noise as well.
Extremely useful video ..Thanks a lot
It’s a great sounding lavalier. I’m still using it all of the time.
@@iancraig ordered one...once again thanks..
Great video. Helped me as i had these mics on my list.
The em272 Little Clippy is excellent.
@@iancraig Thx. Just need to check where to get them, because since the brexit things got more complicated with customs and stuff.
I am from germany :)
Order a foamie with it. They are quite big.....
micbooster.com/clippy-and-pluggy-microphones/65-clippy-em172-microphone.html
@@iancraig
Thank you. Diameter of 12mm including the plastic surroundinsg right?
Not sure. I’m working away from home at the moment. It’s bigger than most lavs but sounds great.
Hi Ian, Both you and David Harry have convinced me on the EM172. Next time I have a need for a new lav mic I’m going to purchase one. Cheers.
Hi Rene. Honestly, it’s a really low noise lavalier so you don’t have to worry quite as much about the noise floor and therefore you have a little more gain at your fingertips. I have often recorded ambience with it at a very high volume and then in post, reduced it, crushing the noise even more. I did that with some waves at a beach last summer and I also collected sound effects for a swimming pool scene. Recorded them loud and close up and just turned down under speech on the video.
If I need a lav to be hidden, I use the Rode lavalier or the smartlav+ but they have more self noise and aren’t quite as ‘beefy’ as the Clippy.
Last year I made a series of films in Menorca with a GoPro (Because I was there for a month) and for a microphone, all I used was a Little Clippy pinned to the GoPro adapter! Nothing else. Before I went, I did an experiment in Cornwall with it and it worked so well that I felt able to go to Menorca with very little gear to cart around...... and I’ll be doing that again this year!
Cheers
Ian
Ian, have you gotten any RF interference on the EM172 when using it with a 2.4ghz wireless system like the Wireless Go?
Yes, I have had some interference, Rene. However, only when the capsule is right on top of the transmitter and I’m using a 4 inch lead. I had a custom one made.
Wearing the lav with transmitter on belt or in pocket, there’s nothing. It has an aluminium housing.
Good to know. Thank you.
Very very nice
Thanks Keith.
@@iancraig
I love your Channel.
I even loved the fact that you replied back.
Many people don't reply back.
So therefore I just subscribed.
Here's one for you now.
Type in
KK Motion Pictures
Nasa
I filmed a lady astronaut who's on the space station check it out you will like it.
Keep up the awesome work my friend I love it
Keith Kuhn
Thanks for the video really good information about this particular kind of microphone it seems really good value
Btw , what's wrong with actually using the stereo pair and just clipping one-on each chestplate basically surely u get a good stereo sound?
For good stereo, normally, cardioid mics are used and the capsules are placed one above the other. This avoids something called ‘phasing’. You get a slight stereo image with two of these spaced but not really the best stereo effect where you can place things easily from what you hear.
@@iancraig OK. Thanks for that.its just I'm used to watching vloggers using action cams like go pro or Osmo actions, and the audio isnt great. So I thought of using a couple of these 172s even with phasing would still sound better?
Or maybe I'll buy some cheap one or the Sony clip on one?
I'll have a think about it.
Cheers.
Or a single Little Clippy. It is an excellent lavalier.
Would a voice Interview with another person be a use for the Stereo clippy? I would think the other person would be within a meter of me
Yes, it works really well. You can put an extension onto the lead to make it longer and separate the two mics by making a ‘T’ shape. Then the mics are about 6 feet or so apart. I think one of the best uses for it.
great video, I have 2 questions about figure of eight configuration, is it better for recording ambient sound? can be used for interviews?
Hi. For interviews I would split them but for ambient, figure 8 works really well.
Hi, what is your experience after 3 years? this you test any alternative li Usi Pro or something like that?
I tend not to use the stereo Clippy, but mono Clippy. Mostly because my videos contain speech. I use the stereo pair if I want ambience in stereo (or wider sounding than mono) because they are extremely low noise lavaliers. I still think the Clippy is one of the best cheap lavs around and use it most of the time.
The only other stereo mic I really use is a Rode one. It’s more directional.
Just use a 90 degree connection into the camera then split it after that?
I'm over here in the USA, waiting on the arrival of my XLR version of the Clippy EM-272. Does my purchase of the XLR version, instead of the 3.5 mm mean that I'm good to go with 48 volts phantom power, or is that too much?
From the site, it looks as though it can take 12 - 48v phantom power Darius. I might take a look at that one myself!!
It converts the phantom power to 8v for the Clippy, which will make it nice and lively.
@@iancraig Thanks for you quick reply. Yeah, I'm just trying to investigate and be careful, so I don't fry it right off the bat! I'd probably be using it with a Motu M2 audio interface.
If the Motu supplies 12 or 24v I’d try that first. There is a converter in the plug so 48v would make no difference to what the capsule gets. I hadn’t realised they did this until you mentioned the xlr version! Cheers.
@@iancraig As is, the non-detachable cable it comes with, is probably adequate for my main use case. If the need for a longer length should arise, however, would simply buying a decent-quality XLR-extension-cable be good enough (not degrading the sound-quality or compromising compatibility), or should I have anticipated this beforehand, placing a custom-order, with a longer cable, to begin with? Thanks and cheers!
I think an extended xlr cable will work fine. Good shielding too. The power will still reach the capsule and you have the best shielding to keep interference away.
Where can I buy this microphone? I can’t find it.
micbooster.com/clippy-and-pluggy-microphones/98-2323-clippy-stereo-em272-microphone.html#/84-plug_type-right_angle/202-microphone-em272m
They do send out of UK to other countries as well.
@@iancraig thanks I bought one I was always looking for a low noise Lavalier also because I like to use Lavalier as voice microphones so I wanted to do this without very loud noise
You want two mics for voice?
@@iancraig no I just ordered one of the microphones not the combo
Ah, ok. The mic is fantastic. Low noise. High output. Not good with radio transmitters. Picks up interference if connected to transmitters. My most used lavalier actually.
Rode Smartlav+ Lavalier Microphone for Smartphone?is it better than this one which is more expensive
I wouldn't say better. Different. I use the Clippy more than anything else. It has a louder output and less noise. It is quite a bit larger. This review shows two clippies but they are available as singles too
thanks does two make it stereo?
Not 'true' stereo. Dual mono for two people. You get a stereo effect by placing them at 90 or 180 degrees to each other, but not a great 'stereo'. For proper stereo, you need two cardioids normally, close to each other, either pointing outwards or inwards. Outwards gives a more spacey effect and inwards more focused. The Clippy is an Omni mic so pics up all around.
I hate to say this, but, I think the mono sounds better 🤨
Is stereo picking up more surrounding noise perhaps? I sometimes use them for ambience, but never for voice because the sound can wander left and right when you turn your head and it sounds more ‘airy’ in stereo and not so focused.