The GODOX Cube mic is the mobile creator’s tiny friend

It’s 2024, and if you are with any social media platform, you know that phones are taking a bigger piece of the content creation pie. If 15 years ago, “The best camera was the camera that is always with you”, then today, this saying is shifting towards video. One thing that phone makers have not yet figured out is audio. While phones’ video quality is blowing through the roof, you still need an external mic to get good audio. And this is where the Godox Cube S comes in. It is a lipstick-sized two-channel wireless mic that connects directly to your phone – we got ours from Insstro. The short version is that it’s a great companion for short-form content, but if you want to hear more, let’s dive in.

What’s in the box?

Unboxing the GODOX Cube S mic is a quick and fun experience. The package includes a soft shell case (even smaller than the tiny Godox Magic XT1) with a small suit for mobile creators:

• Lipstick-size hard case/charger
• Two windshields (AKA dead cats)
• Two clips
• Two mounting lanyards
• And a USB-A to USB-C charging cable.

It’s a tiny package, but it has pretty much anything you’ll need to start rolling.

The lipstick case holds two tiny microphones and a phone attachment (either USB-C or Apple lightning). It also charges the three units. You open the case by pushing it, which makes a small, satisfying click, and opens the main compartment, where you will see the receiver and two transmitters. For most cases, I would probably leave the soft case and go strictly with the lipstick case. It is incredibly compact and will fit in your pocket, purse, or funny pack.

There is also a set of “cute” stickers to “decorate” the microphone if you fancy this kind of thing.

Design and build

The design of the GODOX Cube S mic is pretty unique. It’s incredibly small, roughly the size of a lipstick tube, making it easy to carry around and store in your bag or pocket. Despite its small size, the Cube mic doesn’t feel “plasticy” or fragile. It is not a tank, but also it is not something you’ll feel you need to be delicate with.

One of the best features of the Cube mic is its magnetic attachment system. This allows you to easily clip the microphone to your clothing, whether it’s a shirt, jacket, or even a thick winter coat. The magnets are strong enough to hold the microphone securely in place, so that it stays put during your shoots.

And there is a whole system. The microphones themselves are magnetized to attach to a shirt, or you can attach them to a small clip or to a lanyard around your neck. Pretty much anything you’d need.

On each microphone, there is also a noise-cancellation feature, which can be activated with a single button press. This function is essential for recording in noisy environments, ensuring that your voice comes through clearly without unwanted background noise. It has a bit of an impact on the audio, but it is still miles better than using the in-phone mic.

A phone-first microphone

The GODOX Cube S mic is a phone-first microphone, and it certainly feels phone-optimized. For once, there is no need for extra cables to attach it to a phone; it goes directly into the plug. But also, the receiver is one of the smallest receivers I’ve seen in the industry. There are four kits in total: USB-C / Lightning and one/two microphones, so make sure to pick the right combo for your workflow. I am an Android user so I went with the USB-C version.

This optimization comes with a tradeoff for camera use. There is no line-out port, so there is no way to connect the mic to a camera. I’ve seen some tests online plugging the mic into the action camera’s USB-C port; some are Okay, and some not so much. Interestingly, I was able to connect the receiver to my laptop, so if you are using OBS or similar software, this is a great little solution. If you ask me, these tradeoffs are more than acceptable to keep the small form factor. If your workflow is solely using a phone, this will not be an issue. But if you alternate between phones and cameras, this should be a consideration.

Audio quality and connection over distance

I like the overall sound of the mic. If you are wondering, here is a comparison with a few different mics and the Cube-S. We set the gain to “2” on the app. (The Cube S uses a 48kHz/24bit combo, so the audio is hard to clip, and you still get nice lows)

Another significant advantage is the noise-canceling feature, which enhances audio clarity by reducing background noise. You tap the mic or the receiver to activate it, and the LED goes orange on both the mic and the receiver. This is particularly useful in environments with unpredictable sounds, such as wind or traffic. You’re giving up a bit of the audio quality for this, but sometimes, it’s better to have less-than-ideal audio over non-usable audio. You can also control three levels of noise reduction: None, Weak, and Strong.

On Spec, the Cube S has a range of 300 meters. Sadly, the biggest straight, clear path I could access was about 200 meters long. That said, with a line of sight, the signal was solid for entire 210 meters. When I was facing away from the camera, I had a solid connection up to 50 meters, which I have to say is better than some other bigger mics we have tested.

The App

The Cube mic comes with the basic Godox app – GodoxMic- which allows you to control gain, reduce noise, and use an amplifier. It is very basic and very straightforward. The only thing I am missing here is the ability to select between mix/safety/and left-right channels, like in the Godox XT1 mic. But I also assume that this is fixable via software.

Battery Life

One of the most critical aspects of any wireless microphone system is its battery life, and the GODOX Cube mic does not disappoint in this regard. The microphones themselves offer up to 10 hours of continuous use, which is more than sufficient for most content-creation scenarios. Additionally, the rechargeable base station extends this battery life even further, ensuring that you have enough power to get through long shoots without worrying about running out of juice. The charger adds 20 more hours of runtime. This gives you a solid 30 hours of usage in three 10-hour intervals. Obviously, this is enough for most scenarios, but even if you are on a trip, recording for entire days off the grid, this will last 3-4 dawn to dusk days.

Integrations: “Apple Find My” and Bluetooth

This is an interesting feature, and I can see it applying to iPhone users. The case actually integrates with Apple’s Find My system. This feature allows you to track the location of your microphone case, similar to how you would track an AirTag. If you ever misplace the case, you can easily locate it using your iPhone, providing peace of mind for busy content creators who are always on the move. But maybe more interesting is the fact that if the microphone is your camera case, it acts as a “Find My” device for the entire case. If you have been following DIYP for a while, you know that this could be a valuable feature.

In addition to Find My integration, the Cube mic includes a clever remote control feature: the ability to use the microphone as a remote shutter button for your phone’s camera. When you double-click the button on the side of the microphone, the phone will start a video recording. I think this is genius and can eliminate a lot of the hustle of starting and stopping a recording while away from the phone.

Real-World Usage: A Practical Tool for Creators

In real-world usage, the GODOX Cube S mic proves to be an invaluable tool for mobile content creators. Its small size and portability make it easy to carry around and set up quickly, which is crucial for capturing spontaneous moments. The microphone’s ability to deliver clear audio even in challenging environments, such as windy outdoor settings, ensures that your content maintains a professional quality.

The Cube mic’s flexibility in mounting options also shines during practical use. Whether you’re vlogging, conducting an interview, or filming a tutorial, you can easily attach the microphone in a way that best suits your needs. The magnetic system, in particular, is a standout feature, allowing for quick and secure attachment without the hassle of clips or wires.

If you opt for the dual-microphone setup, it’s great for collaborations and interviews. You can easily capture conversations between two people, making the Cube mic perfect for interviews or co-hosted content.

Price and availability

The Godox Cube-S is already in stores. The two-mic kits for USB-C and Lightning will cost $109 and $119, respectively.

Conclusion

The GODOX Cube S mic stands out as a serious contender for mobile content creators. Its compact design, integration with the “Find My network”, and clever remote feature make it an excellent choice for anyone serious about mobile workflow. While it has limitations with certain cameras, its strengths in mobile content creation are undeniable. If you want to learn more, Godox audio just started a Reddit community.

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