Getting started with the 3 Legged Thing Str3amcase Triple Microphone System is extremely easy. First and foremost, when everything is removed from the semi-hard case, all you need to do is pop the receiver into your camera’s hot shoe, connect the 3.5mm cable directly to your camera’s audio-in socket, and check that everything is paired. This is indicated by the small lights on top of the two transmitter mics and the receiver. Clip the two transmitter mics onto your subjects, and essentially, you’re ready to go.
If you set all your audio settings to auto on your camera, you can just start recording. Make sure the audio levels are showing correctly, and that’s really it. These are extremely simple to use. Straight out of the box, the two transmitting mics should be active, while the third mic integrated into the receiver should be muted by default. If you need to mute either of the two transmitting mics, a quick push of the power button on the side will mute the mic.
On both of the transmitters, there are two additional buttons. The top one is for pairing in case the units don’t automatically pair when removed from the charging case. The bottom one is for noise reduction and pairing. The noise reduction works relatively well, producing the typical slightly over-processed sound but still quite well-balanced, especially considering the price.
That said, with the amount of free tools available for applying noise reduction after recording, I usually find it better to capture audio without in-camera noise reduction for the best clarity. However, as an out-of-the-box solution, I have to say I’m quite impressed with the built-in noise reduction in these small units.
While the basic setup is ultra-easy, including switching on noise reduction and adjusting the input levels through the receiver to the camera, there are two features that really stand out. First is the monitoring jack on the receiver, which allows you to plug in a pair of headphones for real-time monitoring. Second is the use of a USB Type-C to 3.5mm cable for input into the camera, which seems to deliver a noticeably higher quality of audio compared to other units at a comparable price.
The major advantage, however, is that the two transmitter mic units include a mic input. This means you can use a wired lavalier mic for added discretion. Paired with a high-end lavalier, the audio quality becomes absolutely superb.
Coming to the audio quality, one of the first things you’ll notice is that with the sensitivity set in the mid-range, any echo is picked up quite easily. Reducing the sensitivity through the receiver is a good idea, provided your subjects are speaking clearly. Additionally, the audio offers a certain depth that’s often missing in cheaper microphones, which can sound a little tinny.
For the most part, these microphones are incredibly easy to use. If you want a straightforward, out-of-the-box set of microphones that you can attach to your camera, clip onto your interviewees, and start recording, then these are absolutely ideal. If you want to activate the third mic so that the person behind the camera can join the conversation, a quick double press of the power button will activate it. It’s worth experimenting with this feature a few times before using it in a real-world scenario. As always, it’s a good idea to have headphones plugged in to double-check that all the mics, including the transmitter mic, are working correctly.
Ultimately, as an out-of-the-box solution, these are really good. Of course, there are limitations, especially at this price range. While you can record easily in mono, there’s no option to divide the audio tracks for stereo recording, meaning you can’t adjust individual tracks in post-production. Additionally, with three microphones, there’s no tri-track mode, so you only get a single mono track for your audio production.
At this price point, the Str3amcase is very impressive. You get a decent set of microphones with the added bonus of the third mic, the option to plug in additional mics, and the ability to monitor audio—features that aren’t always included in entry-level wireless mic systems. This system would suit anyone looking to experiment with audio production, colleges seeking a reliable yet affordable wireless mic solution, and small businesses needing a solid and simple setup for social media videos without breaking the bank.