The popularity of social media platforms, especially video-focused ones, has turned many people into amateur content creators. We frequently shoot Reels videos and want them to look and sound good. While smartphones already offer very impressive video quality, audio usually requires an additional accessory, and this is where many companies are trying to provide solutions. Boya specializes in microphones for smartphones and cameras, and the Magic-03 model offers a comprehensive solution for anyone who wants to sound great in the videos they record.
The Magic-03 kit is quite extensive. First of all, it includes two clip-on microphones along with two magnets, allowing users either to magnetically attach them to a shirt or simply clip them on. In addition, the package includes a plastic case that stores the two microphones. The case also charges them and can function as a microphone itself when the smaller microphones are stored inside it. This form factor is more convenient for interviews, and it also includes a branded Boya foam cover and a windscreen, allowing users to record in more challenging weather conditions. The package also includes two windscreens for the smaller microphones.
The handheld microphone case is highly versatile. Besides what was already mentioned, it can also be converted into a desktop microphone when connected to a compatible tripod (sold separately), and with the appropriate accessory, it can also be mounted onto a camera.
Since the kit includes two compact microphones, users can leave one inside the case and use it as a handheld microphone while giving the second compact microphone to another person during an interview or conversation.
For connecting to a smartphone or computer, the kit includes a receiver that plugs into a USB-C port and establishes the connection automatically. There is no need for an app or additional software to get started. I used this setup myself for a live television broadcast. Of course, there is also an app that adds extra features, which I’ll discuss later.
The receiver itself is compact and connects conveniently to the bottom of a smartphone. After use, it can be stored in the lower section of the microphone case, where a USB-C connector magnetically snaps into place. There is no need to charge the receiver separately, as it draws power directly from the device it is connected to.
For those who want to connect the microphone to a professional camera (DSLR and similar models), there is also a dedicated receiver that connects through the audio input. By the way, this receiver is not limited to professional cameras and can also connect to action cameras such as GoPro.
Noise Cancellation for Challenging Environments – Boya Magic
Boya offers a 48kHz sampling rate and 24-bit depth with the microphone. The company has integrated a noise-cancellation technology capable of reducing background noise levels by up to 40 decibels. The noise cancellation performs very well, without distorting the voice or making it sound overly processed. Voices still sound natural while surrounding noise almost disappears. Activating the noise cancellation is done with a single button press on the microphone.
Without the noise cancellation enabled, environmental sounds can still be heard and may become distracting, though not excessively so. It is worth noting that the filtering mainly targets consistent background noise such as traffic sounds from nearby roads. However, if a loud motorcycle suddenly passes by, its engine noise will still be audible.
If users become overly enthusiastic and start speaking too loudly, the Magic includes a limiter that keeps audio levels balanced and is designed to prevent sudden peaks and distortion. In my testing, it worked well only after lowering the Gain setting in the app rather than leaving it at the default level. In addition, a secondary safety track is recorded at a lower volume level, serving as a -12dB backup.
The Boya Central app provides battery indicators for the microphones, firmware updates, adjustments for the noise-cancellation intensity, and equalizer controls.
The Charging Case Adds Extra Power – Boya Magic
Battery life on the Magic provides up to 6 hours per microphone and a total of 30 hours when using the charging case. Besides the battery indicator available in the app, there are also four LED lights on the back of the case indicating its remaining battery level.
Price: NIS 500 (available at Bug retail stores)
Bottom line: The Boya Magic-03 delivers a comprehensive solution for content creators looking for a microphone that can magnetically attach to clothing (or clip on), function as a traditional handheld microphone with a windscreen, and even support desktop use. The overall audio quality was impressive, alongside noise cancellation that demonstrated very solid performance.