Reviews |3 Legged Thing Str3amcase review

3 Legged Thing Str3amcase review

Cheap, well-made, and simple, these wireless mics make their mark in an otherwise crowded market.

3 Legged Thing Str3amcase review
Review

Price when reviewed

£99

$99
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Our Verdict

Let’s face it—looking at my desk right now, I have six different wireless mic systems to review. There’s no doubt that, much like the rise of lightweight travel tripods a few years ago, the world of wireless mic systems is now creating a buzz, and for good reason. A few years ago, if you wanted a decent wireless mic system, you’d have to pay a fortune. Back then, the only real options were the RODE Wireless GO and later the RODE Wireless GO II. But now, with DJI entering the market, competition has really heated up, and even among premium brands, the actual expense isn’t as high as it once was.

However, do you really need to spend over £200 on a wireless mic system when you have the 3 Legged Thing Str3amcase available for just under £100/$100?

To be honest, this is a bit of a surprising unit. It arrives in a neat semi-hard case that packs in all the connectors you need to attach the microphones to your mobile phone, camera, or camcorder. It also includes windjammers to help minimise wind noise when in use.

The actual mics come in a charging case. Once the case is charged, the two transmitter mics and the receiver can be topped up when placed back into the charging case, providing enough power for a full day’s shoot, if not more.

3 Legged Thing has gone for pure simplicity with the setup, but when it comes to features, they’ve pushed the boat out a little further than most manufacturers—something they needed to do to get their product noticed in a competitive market.

First and foremost, one thing I really like is that they haven’t gone for loud, flashy logos on the front. Instead, the transmitters are marked with “TX” for easy identification, and the receiver is marked with “RX”—a thoughtful, failsafe design for quickly identifying which is which.

The receiver is designed to plug directly into your camera or smartphone. Interestingly, one of the first noticeable differences with the 3 Legged Thing units compared to many others is that the output to the camera uses a USB Type-C to 3.5mm connection, ensuring a high-quality audio connection. Similarly, on the transmitters, you not only have the built-in microphone—which is, of course, very handy—but also the option to plug in a lavalier mic through the 3.5mm jack. Additionally, there are volume up and down controls, which are really useful.

Once set up and in use, there’s not much to it. Adjustments can be made either through the volume settings on the mics or directly on your camera, depending on your preference.

When it comes to audio quality, it’s surprisingly decent considering the price. It is a little bit tinny compared to the fuller sound you’d get with something like the DJI Mic 2, but for most people, this audio is more than enough. It’s perfect for corporate, creative, and educational use, and I can see these mics making a significant impact in these fields.

If you’re in the market for a decent set of wireless mics but don’t want to spend a fortune, I would highly recommend the 3 Legged Thing Str3amcase as your first port of call. It’s an excellent choice.

For

  • Includes charging case
  • Dual mic system
  • Features semi-hard case for accessories

Against

  • Very little at this price

What is the STR3AMCASE Triple Mic System?

3 Legged Thing is the latest company to launch into the wireless microphone market with the Str3amcase. This new two-mic, one-receiver unit kit is designed as a compact, wireless lavalier microphone system that’s perfect for anyone looking to conduct interviews or film direct-to-camera content. It also has one additional feature that, in a crowded market, makes it stand out: a third mic. On the back of the RX unit, there’s the same basic layout as you see on the two TX units, and with a quick double click of the power button on the side, it activates the built-in mic. This essentially gives you a three-mic system, which is quite unique, especially at this price level.

The Str3amcase is aimed at content creators from beginners to enthusiasts, and it provides all the tools a professional would want from a basic set of wireless mics. It essentially enables you to get started without needing to worry about many of the complexities you encounter with more advanced systems. That said, while these are extremely user-friendly with plug-and-play features, there are options to plug in headphones for monitoring and wired lavalier mics for a more discreet approach than simply clipping the small boxes onto clothing.

3 Legged Thing Str3amcase review

When it comes to intended use, these are essentially designed for wireless vlogging and content creation. Their design makes them ideal for interviews, documentaries, and event coverage. What’s nice about these over other similar systems is the option to add in the third mic built into the receiver unit, so the person behind the camera can join the conversation.

While there are plenty of wireless mic sets out there, what makes these stand out is the Triple Microphone System, which gives you three mics instead of two, the user-friendly features such as auto-pairing, one-press noise reduction, and mute, as well as the connectivity options for both phones and cameras. The ultra-portable design, along with the included charging and semi-hard case, rounds off an impressive package.

Specification

  • Microphone System: : 2 x Lavalier Mics, Receiver with built-in mic
  • Range: : Up to 50 metres (line of sight)
  • Battery Life:: Up to 5 hours per mic, rechargeable via USB-C charging case
  • Connectivity:: iPhone (Lightning), Android (USB-C), 3.5mm devices
  • Wind Protection:: Includes wind shields (“dead hamster”)
  • Charging Case: : Compact, USB-C powered, magnetic storage
  • Additional Features: : One-touch mute, noise reduction, auto-pairing

Build and Handling:

The design of the STR3AMCASE Triple Mic System almost follows the usual approach for a wireless mic system; however, you do need to consider that this is 3 Legged Thing, and they like to do things slightly differently. Inside the box, you get a semi-hard case, and inside that, you’ll find the charging case. The charging case is very nice, with a matte, slightly rubberised, and tough-feeling exterior. It feels good, durable, and should survive being knocked around in your kit bag.

The great thing about the semi-hard case is that it also has space for all the cables and windjammers, keeping everything neatly organised in one place. That feature isn’t too different from other systems, but where it does differ is when you open up the charging case. It reveals the three units that make up the triple mic wireless mic system.

Again, this isn’t unusual—you have two transmitter mics and one receiver. The difference is that this receiver also features its own built-in mic. The design and build of the three units make them look almost identical, with the only difference being the logo on the surface: “TX” for transmitters and “RX” for the receiver.

3 Legged Thing Str3amcase review

Installing them onto your camera is simple enough. The RX slots into place on your camera’s hot shoe, and then a 3.5mm cable connects directly to the audio socket on your camera. The two transmitter mics, once removed from the case, will automatically pair with the receiver. They can then be clipped onto a lapel or conveniently attached to the person you’re interviewing—or to yourself.

That’s really it—nice and simple in terms of design. But there are a few small additions. If you want to adjust the volume, there are volume buttons on both the transmitter mics as well as on the receiver unit. This gives you plenty of flexibility over the audio input volume for the two people speaking, and also for the person behind the mic if they want to be involved in the conversation.

Like most mics at this price point, there’s also a noise reduction button. A quick push activates the noise reduction feature, helping to cut out background noise. There’s also a quick mute for each mic. By double-pressing the button, you can mute the mic, which is handy if you need a moment of privacy (for example, to step away). By default, the mic attached to the camera is set to mute, but a double press of the button activates it. This means the two people chatting away can involve the person behind the camera in the conversation. Having a third mic is a great addition and quite unusual.

The final standout feature of the system is that the two transmitter mics, while simple in design, offer audio input. If you want to use a wired lavalier mic for ultimate discretion, it can be attached, and you can clip the small transmitter mic to your belt. This essentially creates an almost completely invisible mic system.

Features:

The 3 Legged Thing Str3amcase is one of a growing number of compact, wireless lavalier microphone systems designed to enhance audio capture for content creators, vloggers, and interviewers. The system includes three 2.4GHz lightweight microphones—one receiver and two transmitters—which is a bit of a break from the norm and enables up to three people to be recorded simultaneously.

Each microphone features one-key noise reduction and auto-pairing for quick setup, along with a one-touch mute function. The receiver offers a 3.5mm headphone input, enabling real-time monitoring of audio levels, which is handy. It also provides digital output options compatible with cameras, iPhones, and Android phones, with connectors for each type supplied in the semi-hard case.

3 Legged Thing Str3amcase review

The transmitters include 3.5mm sockets, allowing additional lavalier microphones to be connected. For mics at this price point, this is uncommon, so it’s a great addition for anyone taking audio recording seriously. In use, the microphones have a 50-meter unobstructed operating range and offer up to five hours of usage with rechargeable Li-Ion batteries. Each mic comes with a “dead hamster” (3LT) windjammer shield to reduce wind noise during outdoor recording.

Performance:

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.

3 Legged Thing Str3amcase review

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.

3 Legged Thing Str3amcase review

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.

Final Thoughts

The 3 Legged Thing Str3amcase Triple Microphone System is an excellent option if you’re a content creator, vlogger, of conducting interviewers and need a reliable and easy-to-use wireless mic setup at an affordable price. Its standout feature—the inclusion of a third microphone in the receiver—adds a level of versatility rarely seen at this price point. The system is designed with user-friendliness in mind, featuring auto-pairing, one-touch noise reduction, and straightforward volume controls, ensuring that even if you’re new to wireless audio can get started quickly. The ability to plug in additional lavalier mics via the transmitters is another great feature, offering a professional-grade audio option if you need a more discreet setup.

3 Legged Thing Str3amcase review

The inclusion of a semi-hard case and charging case helps to keep everything organised while providing enough power for a full day’s shoot. Audio quality is good, delivering depth and clarity that exceeds expectations for its price range. While it may not provide the richness of more premium systems like the DJI Mic 2, the sound quality is more than good enough for a wide range of uses, including corporate projects, creative productions, and educational content. Limitations, such as the lack of stereo or tri-track recording, aren’t really expected at this price point and do not detract from the overall value.

This system is well-suited to anyone just getting in to wireless audio or looking for a simple solution. Its affordability and straightforward design make it a great starting point for beginners. Similarly, it is an excellent choice for educational institutions requiring reliable, cheap and robust wireless mic setups and for small businesses creating social media content or internal communications. The Str3amcase delivers a superb combination of practicality, portability, and performance, making it a great option.