The Xvive U6 is a compact, lightweight, wireless audio system with a built-in microphone that operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency spectrum.

The system consists of a TX unit and an RX unit.

The transmitter can be worn in four different ways: two hidden and two visible. If you prefer a clean on-camera look, use the system’s hook + loop fastener mode to hide the transmitter under a jacket or shirt, or you can use the clip and tuck method to place the unit on the underside of your clothing.

If you don’t need to hide it you can either the hook + loop fasteners to attach the transmitter on top of your clothing.

I wish someone would make a system that didn’t have large company logos plastered all over them. Nobody wants to see a brand logo on a microphone that is in shot.

The U6 receiver’s shoe mount allows it to sit on top of a camera.

The TX unit features a built-in omnidirectional microphone and it tips the scales at just 18g (0.63 oz).

The RX unit weighs 29g (1.02 oz) and you can set the output gain to 0 dB, -10 dB, or -20 dB.

You can also connect the RX unit to a smartphone, provided you have the necessary adapter to bridge from a 1/8”/3.55 mm plug to your phone’s input (there is a TRS to TRRS adapter included with the U6). The receiver can be mounted to the back of your phone (or a tripod) using the supplied hook + loop fasteners, or even a piece of tape.

As I previously mentioned, like most of these affordable systems, the U6 works on the 2.4 GHz band, and it has a range of 90′ / 27.43m line of sight. The system has four channels to choose from, and the True Diversity receiver has two antennas. Xvive claims that the latency is only 5 ms, so vision and audio will be in sync.

The Xvive U6 is now available to purchase for $139 USD.

While the Xvive U6 looks like a decent budget option, it doesn’t offer anything new or exciting over the myriad of other options that have been on the market for years. It would be nice to see some innovation in this space and not countless companies all making the exact same thing.

Matthew Allard is a multi-award-winning, ACS accredited freelance Director of Photography with 30 years' experience working in more than 50 countries around the world. He is the Editor of Newsshooter.com and has been writing on the site since 2010. Matthew has won 43 ACS Awards, including four prestigious Golden Tripods. In 2016 he won the Award for Best Cinematography at the 21st Asian Television Awards. Matthew is available to hire as a DP in Japan or for work anywhere else in the world.

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