Polsen OLM-20 Review
Dual Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
- Single 1/8" Stereo Connector
- 13.5' Cable with 10' Between Mics
- Works with Most 1/8" Recording Devices
- Includes LR44 Battery
- Battery Powered
- Includes 2 Tie Clips & Foam Windscreens
- Dual OLM-10 Omnidirectional Mic Capsules
- Left/Right Channel Indicated on Mics
- Each Mic Routes to Discrete Channel
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 45 Reviews
Excellent value. Great for interviews.
Polsen OLM-20 Dual Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Paul R. on B&H Photo Video
I agree with the other reviewers. This dual lavalier gives very good sound quality, and is an unbeatable value for the money. By comparison, I have been quite disappointed with the inexpensive audio-technica lavaliers in the same price range. The Polson is great for recording two-person interviews directly into my D70, or into my Tascam D40 using an RCA (1/4) to mini ( 1/8) plug adapter. It's true that you can't know when the battery is going to expire, but simply carry a small battery tester, which is a good idea anyway. It's easy to forget to turn the mike off, but if you do, you should get at least 6-10 hours out of button battery. Now that you can by replacement clips and foam windscreens these lavs are an even greater value. I agree with the other reviewers. This dual lavalier gives very good sound quality, and is an unbeatable value for the money. By comparison, I have been quite disappointed with the inexpensive audio-technica lavaliers in the same price range. The Polson is great for recording two-person interviews directly into my D70, or into my Tascam D40 using an RCA (1/4) to mini ( 1/8) plug adapter. It's true that you can't know when the battery is going to expire, but simply carry a small battery tester, which is a good idea anyway. It's easy to forget to turn the mike off, but if you do, you should get at least 6-10 hours out of button battery. Now that you can by replacement clips and foam windscreens these lavs are an even greater value. I agree with the other reviewers. This dual lavalier gives very good sound quality, and is an unbeatable value for the money. By comparison, I have been quite disappointed with the inexpensive audio-technica lavaliers in the same price range. The Polson is great for recording two-person interviews directly into my D70, or into my Tascam D40 using an RCA (1/4) to mini ( 1/8) plug adapter. It's true that you can't know when the battery is going to expire, but simply carry a small battery tester, which is a good idea anyway. It's easy to forget to turn the mike off, but if you do, you should get at least 6-10 hours out of button battery. Now that you can by replacement clips and foam windscreens these lavs are an even greater value. I agree with the other reviewers. This dual lavalier gives very good sound quality, and is an unbeatable value for the money. By comparison, I have been quite disappointed with the inexpensive audio-technica lavaliers in the same price range. The Polsen is great for recording two-person interviews directly into my D70, or into my Tascam D40 using an RCA (1/4) to mini ( 1/8) plug adapter. It's true that you can't know when the battery is going to expire, but simply carry a small battery tester, which is a good idea anyway. It is also easy to forget to turn the mike off, but if you do, you should get at least 6-10 hours out of the button battery. Now that you can by replacement clips and foam windscreens these lavs are an even greater value. ... More
A cheap lav that packs a punch
Polsen OLM-20 Dual Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Enrique on B&H Photo Video
I didn't expect much out of this lavalier when I planned to use it for small projects that required short interviews and on set dialogue, but I came to find out that the audio quality really stood out for catching professional sounds if it's just put in the right place and distance. I'm now planning on bringing this little lav for longer interview sessions and film sets. The only two things I see holding this lav from being perfect is not being wireless or being able to tell how full the batteries are. Other than that, everything works swell as long as you clip it in the right place. Enrique Bartolo - Cinematographer ... More
Really Surprised Me
Polsen OLM-20 Dual Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Evan on B&H Photo Video
I used the OLM-20's in conjunction with a Zoom H1 stereo recording device. I'm a musician and a sound designer. During a recent international trip I wanted to record some ambient noises in places like airports, markets, festivals, etc. Not wanting to draw attention to myself, I sought to use some low profile stereo lavalier type mics. I clipped these to either side of my backpack and managed to get some really awesome ambient sounds! While the OLM-20's aren't what I would call super high fidelity, they are amazing for what they are. For under 50USD you get a perfectly respectable frequency range in STEREO! Due to their low profile I had almost no issues with wind buffeting. So for my task at hand, I really couldn't have asked for a better deal. If I have any complaints it's that for my purpose of use, the cord was too long but I do understand not everyone is going to use these for the same purpose. Hope that all helps! ... More
Great Price - works well
Polsen OLM-20 Dual Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Albert on B&H Photo Video
A great Mic when used as a Direct Input into a Tascam for off camera live / outdoor Narrative tracks. Also can be used in an interview / talking head shot. The cable is one of those pull apart wire sets. So you just separate the Mic till you get the distance you want. But! Be aware that it does pick up RF. So you may have to use a Filter to Cut / Shelf the spurious sounds. In a Live environment you will not hear the background noise. Definitely not for super quiet scenes in the Studio.
Good sound
Polsen OLM-20 Dual Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Anthony B. on B&H Photo Video
Two microphones for stereo or two people. The two mics come with the wire together. You need to pull them apart if you want them to reach two different people. The sound seems good. Sensitivity too. I'm using them for interviews. It uses a button battery so not as easy to find as a AAA. I experienced some scratching sound when holding the switch and turning on the mic. But once I set it down, there was no issue during use. This is not scratching due to mic movement. It's an electrical scratching from the switch area. I'd buy these again. ... More
Ads
TryptoNite LOVES this Product!!
Polsen OLM-20 Dual Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Fox News Radio on B&H Photo Video
Perfect Product! Our key sponsor TryptoNite absolutley loves this Lav Mic system. The cables are both very long which allows the two subjects being interviewed to be comfortably situated in front of the camera. Combining the microphones also eliminates another cable which makes our sound engineer very happy! Thank you B&H for keeping this option affordable which makes our work easier. - Daniel McCaughan
Excellent product, you can not ask for more for the price.
Polsen OLM-20 Dual Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Dionicio on B&H Photo Video
I have many years in the video business, so I have microphones of many brands and expensive, so it took me a lot to buy these microphones because I thought that because of the low price would be of very poor quality. But one day I decided to try them and I was very satisfied. They do not ask anything of a professional. Maybe the materials it's built on will not be for many years, but today it's just what I needed. I used lavalier microphones with good quality, but they would not hurt if they were stolen or forgotten in the work I'm doing. Highly recommend. ... More
Nice microphone for the price
Polsen OLM-20 Dual Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Jim on B&H Photo Video
I have very little experience with external microphones but I needed a lavaliere mic for a project. B & H's advice was spot on. The mics work well and are simple to use. For my use, the sound is fine. They did not work when I ran the first test. I checked the battery to be sure I had installed it correctly. It was in the proper orientation. I tried bending the battery contacts upward so they would make a tighter connection with the battery once the cover was replaced, and that fixed the problem.
decent audio, but accepts interference from wireless devices
Polsen OLM-20 Dual Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Nesanel on B&H Photo Video
The audio quality of these Polsen lavaliers are not bad, but, as other reviewers have mentioned, they accept much interference from wireless devices - including cell phones and wireless mics. It makes a difference how far the emitting device is, but it will interfere (make static/clicking noises) both when near the mic itself and anywhere along the cable. The following two mics accept no interference - even when clipped on right next to a wireless mic: --RODE Lavalier GO Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone for Wireless GO Systems (Black) B&H #ROLAVGO MFR #LAVGO --Deity Microphones V.Lav Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone with Microprocessor BH# DEVLAV (With the Rode having a stronger cable, but generally requiring an extension cable, as it is much shorter than the Deity.) Sounds good?!:) ... More
Cheap Lavs for Two Personal Interviews
Polsen OLM-20 Dual Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Frank on B&H Photo Video
Polsen has the right idea about constructing a simple rig for an interviewer and questioner for audio recording or video interviews. One voice goes to one channel and the second voice to the other channel. Great idea, but very cheap execution. These mics are low quality and very noisy. Worst is the old style button battery power supply. Why not an AA battery? Hopefully some company will copy this with good quality lav mics and a better power supply. It would be so easy to do it right, with good mics and a high-quality power supply. But not this time.
Nice Mic
Polsen OLM-20 Dual Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Drysen on B&H Photo Video
I use this mic to record 2 person interviews directly into our Canon 6D. Has a good sound for a somewhat cheap lavilier mic. Would buy again.
Fine sound, but a little more fragile than I expected
Polsen OLM-20 Dual Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Laura on B&H Photo Video
I've used this for a couple of interviews so far. The sound is superb. BUT the two-conductor cord to the two microphones should have separated a little more easily. Without splitting the cord, the microphones were too close for an interview, but the plastic coating ripped away on one side when I split it. It was easily repaired with electrical tape and works fine, but for $44 I expected such a standard cord to be sturdier. I'm using it with my Zoom H6 recorder, and the sound from the two microphones is great--clear, no noise, and well balanced.
Inexpensive Viable Mircophone
Polsen OLM-20 Dual Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Pam on B&H Photo Video
The only issue I have had is that at one point we were taping and the sound changed from one moment to the next. We had not changed anything within the camera or the microphone settings yet there was a significant sound difference from one take to another. There was also extreme static at one point while moving and that was prior to our shoot, but it didn't happen again. The quality overall is good and the sound is clear without distortion and voices are picked up very well with them clipped where they say to put them. The only other issue is the sound baffling covers kept falling off of the microphone. Otherwise it works for an inexpensive alternative to the more expensive equipment. ... More
Glad I bought this
Polsen OLM-20 Dual Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
This dual lavalier Mic works great. The increased quality of voice audio takes it from a 6 to a 9. Thanks B&H for the good, economical recommendation. I give it 5 stars because of the value at the price. I suppose there are better mics, but I could not be more satisfied with my Polsen.
I WOULD BUY THIS PRODUCT AGAIN
Polsen OLM-20 Dual Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I use these Lavalier Mics for home video interviews. For the money they are an excellent buy. I find no problems with them.
Works great
Polsen OLM-20 Dual Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Cjaise on B&H Photo Video
I had to record a presentation for a college class and figured putting my photography skills to work may improve my score. I ordered this microphone to make the audio as good as I possibly could, It is very easy to use and worked quite well. The audio was as good as I expected.
works well for GoPro audio
Polsen OLM-20 Dual Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Greg on B&H Photo Video
I purchased this mic to record audio with increased channel separation. The audio quality is much better than the built in mic in the Hero 3. The only problem is that the level does not always seem to be constant between the two channels. I am not sure if this is an auto-level problem in the camera or the mic itself. Further tests will be needed.
Very good performance
Polsen OLM-20 Dual Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Avtar Singh on B&H Photo Video
It has solved all of my problems. Do not need anymore two sets of mic. I'm using it for interviews. It's working great with gopro and IPhone.
First upgrade and worth every penny!
Polsen OLM-20 Dual Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Gary on B&H Photo Video
I purchased this to use with the Zoom H1N and it has made a huge difference in the audio quality and versatility coming out of my studio. The extra long cord is helpful with interviews. I did also purchase a dual lavalier microphone clip separately from B&H so that I can use this as one person lapel mic. It fits perfectly. I recommend this mic to anyone with a small studio that wants to upi their audio game.
Works great!
Polsen OLM-20 Dual Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Kyungwhan on B&H Photo Video
When you shooting with two people interview but you have one camera to record them. This is good for you. the quality is good enough with this price. Only things that you have to be careful about the chords that it can be easily be mingle
