Nowadays, creating content is as much about clear audio as it is about clear images and a well-structured script. That's where a good microphone becomes essential, especially if you're just starting out. Because most good wireless microphones come with a hefty price tag, there is a growing demand for budget-friendly options that still deliver good performance. Meet the Crossbeats Clip M01, a microphone that claims to offer excellent audio quality at a price of approx ₹3,000. But does it live up to the hype? I tested the Clip M01 extensively over the course of two months and here's how it performed in the real world.
Design and feel in the hand:
Clip M01 is supplied in a plastic case with one receiver and two transmitters. There's also a USB-C and Lightning dongle in the case to ensure connectivity with both Android and older iPhones.
The case itself is quite cheap to hold and is also sensitive to many fingerprints and scratches. I've been carrying the Clip M01 for a few months now, with the case usually lying around in an almirah or my bag, and it's already looking completely worn out – which isn't a good sign when it comes to durability.
There's also a glass-like finish on top of the case, which I initially assumed would reflect charging percentage or connection status, but it turns out it's just there for show. Instead, the charge percentage is tucked away under the Crossbeats logo, where it is barely visible.
Connectivity and usage:
Connecting the M01 is relatively simple. Simply plug the transmitter into your phone's Type-C or Lightning port and press the top button on the two microphones. Once the violet and blue lights appear on both microphones, it means they are connected to the phone.
The two omnidirectional microphones can be used in an interview-style setup or to achieve stereo sound reproduction. I tested the Clip M01 on two separate Android devices (iQOO 13 and Vivo X200) and there were no issues capturing audio with a recording app or recording via the default camera app.
The Clip M01 can record audio with a sampling rate of 48 kHz and a depth of 24 bits. Crossbeats claims a range of 120 meters with the microphone, but I wouldn't recommend keeping it more than 30-40 meters away from the phone, at which point the sound will stutter and the connection will become unstable.
The microphone can record decent quality audio and can also reduce lighter background noise when ENC mode is enabled. However, the Clip M01 only comes with a single noise cancellation option that cannot be adjusted, unlike many other microphones in this range that offer three levels of noise cancellation.
Crossbeats claims 10 hours of battery life for the microphones and a total charge time of 40 hours with the case. While I couldn't confirm the exact battery life of the microphones, I did notice that the included case's battery life dropped significantly (about 10-12 percent in about 5 minutes) after I replaced the microphones after 30 minutes of use, which makes me skeptical about the battery life claims.
Verdict: Should you buy Crossbeats Clip M01?
With a starting price of ₹2,999, the Crossbeats Clip M01 could be a tempting option for someone just starting their journey into content creation. However, the durability of the included housing, lack of customizable noise cancellation options, and concerns about battery life prevent me from fully recommending these microphones as a final purchase.
