I guess its no secret that I'm always relying on the mic on my earphones to sing on singing application. However, I recently discovered that we do have some spare microphone lying around that we hardly use.
So I did some research online and discovered that its possible to use them with my iPhone and sing with them! There are a few ways to do this, the more expensive way (by getting a cable that connect the mic straight to your phone) or cheaper way by using adapter.
It's obvious which way I chose, right?
Anyway, here is what you need:
1) Microphone and XLR Cable (obviously) - $0.
If you already have a microphone, you probably have these already.
2) XLR to Mono 3.5mm TRS - $1.
I'm no expert with these audio jacks and their segments. However, I realised that only those with one line will work.
3) An audio split that works with iPhone. - $2.
Note that the number of lines should be as the photo. (3 lines) And you should get one that work with iPhone!
The audio split will have a connector for audio and one for microphone.
The setup is very easy.
You just need to connect the microphone to the XLR to 3.5mm adapter and then connect the adapter to the microphone connector in the audio split.
Then connect the whole setup to your phone jack and it's done!
If you want to hear the output while you sing, you can connect your earphone to the audio connector in the audio split.
As you can see, this setup cost about $3 only. (excluding the microphone because I already have one)
If you're wondering how it sounds, well I must say, it's very sensitive and you might need to sing in a quiet place or it'll capture a lot of the environmental sound.
I don't know about other people who can sing professionally, but I don't like how I sound with this setup. Although I like how I can have more control over that mic when I sing (like controlling the distance of the mic from my mouth) and there is little to no pop even when I blow into the mic.
Basically, there are pros and cons to this setup and it's up to you to try it or not.
I got really curious about dual coil/dual drivers and hybrid earphones recently, although I don't really know how they works, my research told me that they usually have 2 different drivers for different frequency range. (Usually one for bass and one for mid and high)
General Specification
Brand
REMAX
Model
RM-580
Color
Black, Gold
Wearing Type
In-ear
Cable Length (m)
1.2m
Technical Parameters
Microphone
Yes
Wired Control
Support
Plug Type
3.5mm
Rated Power
5mW
Receive Sensitivity
106dB
Impedance
32Ω
Frequency
Response
20-20kHz
However, the Remax RM 580 have 2 dynamic drivers, which doesn't seems to be trying to "tackle" 2 different frequency range. But oh well, it's one of the cheaper option (and that I would trust the Remax brand a little more)
This earphone cost about SG$27 when I got it from Qoo10 and well, as always, the packaging is very presentable.
The package comes with:
1 x earphone
1 x pouch
2 x replacement earbuds (S and L)
The earphone itself is well, not very attractive. I totally dislike it's cable design (or maybe the black version just doesn't look as nice as the gold one). The cable feels a little on the flimsy side too and feels and looks a little cheap (personal opinion).
The earhook on the other hand, is pretty comfortable and the earphone stays in ear.
The casing is mainly plastic to showcase the dual coil inside. It does look pretty cool this way and I really hope that the cable would have been better looking.
I wasn't too impressed with the sound. I feel it should have done better because, well it has 2 drivers instead of one and it cost the price of 2 drivers.
Firstly, I don't feel the noise cancellation is good. I usually keep my volume at around 45-55 and this pair can't block out most of the noise at this volume, I end up having to turn the volume up to about 65-70.
The soundstage is pretty wide and listening to the Diamond Zhang sound I mentioned in my previous reviews proved to be an enjoyment!
However, the bass is pretty dull and not as lively as expected... It just feels a little empty with some of the songs that I listen to. I guess it just lags a little bit of punch.
The mid however surprised me. It is clear and very sweet. Mid and vocal is definitely where the Remax Rm 580 shines!
I don't have a problem with the high although I can't really say that they're outstanding.
The microphone proves to be a failure. But also thanks to this Rm 580 pair that I know that I shouldn't talk built in mic for granted. (I've always think that any pair with built in mic would at least be decent enough for normal conversations and is not something that I need to test)
The Remax Rm 580 proves otherwise. The microphone is rather unclear and I've more than 1 person complained about not able to hear me clearly when the mic is not few cm away from my mouth when I'm outdoors. (I'm not taking about a room with 100 screaming kids but just walking on the street) So basically, it's either I have conversations indoors or I kiss the mic when I talk.
So obviously, the microphone is not that fun to sing with too.
So let's sum up:
Pros:
- Mid and Vocal.
Mid and Vocal are sweet and clear.
- Comfortable
Earhook is a good add-on. It's comfortable and makes the earphone stay in ear.
- Wide Soundstage
- Remote control works very well with iPhone.
Cons:
- Bass is dull and less lively
- Noise Cancellation is not able to block out most of the environmental sound at lower volume.
- Cable design is ugly.
- Cable tangles easily. (The earhook can get hooked and tangles the cable)
- Microphone is unclear and muffled.
Overall score: 3/5
Microphone: 2.5/5
*Note: I'm no audiophile, just a person who loves music and earphones!!
Most of us own more than 1 smart device that requires charging - power banks, phones, tablets, smart watches ... etc. And the charging ports are never enough! I can't say how many times during that I've to be fighting for a USB port to charging my dying phone or power bank.
That's why I'm so glad that Multiple Ports Charging Hubs are invented; 1 hub to charge all your devices (hopefully)... It just makes things much more easier and peaceful.
If you do a quick search on Google, you'll probably find the more "popular" brands like Aukey and Anker popping up. However, there are many other brands and options out there that are cheaper and yet perform as well. And now I'm going to down a simple "shoot-out" of the 4 Multiple Ports charging hub I've reviewed and pick my "personal best".
Although they're all Chinese brands, they perform very well. (Reasonably well for some)
But before the shoot-out, I would suggest you read my previous reviews on the items, which I've provided the links below. It's not compulsory though, but it might give you a more in depth details about each charging hubs.
Pros:
Lightweight
Choice of EU, UK and US power cord
Design is simple and has a "cute" look
Cheapest of all 4
Cons:
2.4A port doesn't supply even 1.5A charging current
2.1A port seems to supply only 1.0A. (Tried with a few devices)
Some ports seems to only provide 0.5A when all ports were used
Slight smell (when heated)
Gets really hot when all ports were used
Pros:
Choice of EU, UK and US power cord
Nice Design, solid build
Current for all ports stay at 1.0A even when all ports were used
Auto-ID to auto allocate current
Cheap (Under $20)
Cons:
Unattractive Packaging (if it's nicer, it'll make a good gift)
Auto-ID sometimes not detecting correctly, hence not supplying amount of charge correctly
Pros:
Choice of EU, UK and US power cord
Charging current is pretty stable (above 1.4A) when all 4 non-QC ports were used
Has a QC3.0 port
SmartCT to auto allocate current
Simple and nice design, bass is stable for placing vertically on desk.
Fast Charging, fastest of all. (See table below)
Solid build
Cheap (Under $20)
Cons:
Charging current is at 1.6-1.7A despite being a 2.4A port.
Unattractive Packaging that looks cheap.
Slight smell when heated
Gets pretty hot.
Charging current is pretty stable (above 1.5A) even when more than 3 ports were used
Stylish and cool design.
Solid build
Doesn't get too hot even after long hours of usage
Auto/Smart-ID to auto allocate current
Charging is fast. (See table below)
Cons:
The most expensive of all (Slightly over SG$20).
Well, I've done a table to show the results.
Notes:
- I always charge the iPhone 6+ on the fastest Non-QC port. So the ports used are as follow:
Remax Youth Edition: 2.4A port
LDNIO: (random port due to it having Auto-ID)
Habigis: (random port due to it having Auto/Smart-ID)
CD Coming Data: (random Non-QC port, since all were 2.4A as stated)
- For the CD ComingData Charging hub, I only use the 4 Non-QC ports.
Number of
Time to Charge iPhone 6+ from 20% - 100%
Remax
LDNIO
Habigis
CD ComingData
1 port used only
3hrs 30 mins
3hrs
-
2hrs 22mins
All (Non-QC) ports used
3hrs 40mins
3hrs 20mins
2hrs 36mins
2hrs 24mins
Number of Ports
5
6
6
5 (1QC3.0, 4 Non-QC)
Max Charger Current detected of the port used
2.1A
2.4A
2.4A
2.4A
Max Charging Current observed of the port (when All ports used)
~820mA
~920mA
~1560mA
~1650mA
Hotness after 2 hours of usage when all ports used (Scale of 0-5)
4.5
3
1
3
Now, if you ask me which is my "personal best" Budget Multiple Ports Charging Hub, I'll say it's the WINNER is Hagibis HADE1901-C 6 ports Charging Hub. Simply for the fact that I need as many ports as possible and that its the "coolest"charging hub that doesn't give off any smell even when used for long hours. But of course, your "personal best" could be different from mine, it all comes down to personal preferences.
Well, I know this blog is supposed to cover about budget/underdog items and brands... however, I've just hear rude comments from someone (not close) that I decided to discuss about it here.
I admit that I'm a little offended by the way the person put the message across.
It happened when I told her that I keep a blog that talks about budget items that I try and share it with my readers.
And she said in a tone that is both jokingly and despising, "Because You don't have a proper job, that's why you're buying budget items!"
Yes, I am not having a "proper job" (which is up to you to decide what is proper) but I am working at least! I've stable income, just that I don't hold a "full-time" job!
So basically, "Whatever!" I really don't bother explaining to her that I can well afford "branded" items but I just find them overprice and sometimes even overrated. And that some underdog brands produce great products too!
As mentioned before in my earlier post, the Hagibis charging hub is one of the more expensive choice in my list of budget alternatives, costing about SG$20 (excluding shipment). However, it is also the best looking and most powerful one of all. (At least according to the specifications)
Unfortunately, I didn't get it... BUT... There is a "BUT"... My friend was looking for a 6 ports charging hub to replace her slow charging 4 ports plug and free up some sockets for other use. So I recommended her the Hagibis 6 Ports charging hub. She agreed to getting it and letting me try it out!
So here goes my observations!
Specifications:
Material: Alummin Alloy + ABS Plastic
Size: 100 x 70 x 27 mm
Features: Smart ID
Power Cord: 120 cm
Input: AC 100-240V/50-60HZTotal Output: 5V/12A
Each Port Output: 5V/2.4A (Max)
I usually start with the packaging and unboxing. Well, for this charging hub, the packaging is very simple but it doesn't look cheap, instead it has this clean feel to it.
However, that also makes the unboxing not fun at all... because everything is just so straightforward.
The charger itself, on the other hand is very very beautiful and nice to hold in your hands. It's slightly heavier than any other of the charging hub I've reviewed and has this slightly rubbery body that works great at preventing the hub for being dragged around.
I did my little testing and observation as well, but due to this being my friend's, I only did a quick one.
I only managed to test the overall charging while using 5 ports of the charger, and here is the readings:
Although I've used 5 ports of the charging hub, I'm only getting readings from 2 ports - 1 charging my iPad Mini 2 and 1 charging my iPhone 6+.
The charging current is about 1500mA when the device are charging from 20-55%. The lowest reading recorded is 1290mA while the highest is 1600mA.
The charger is slightly warm to touch when 5 ports were used simultaneously. Hagibis HADE1901-C 6 ports Charging Hub is the "coolest" charging hub when more than 3 ports were used.
The time taken to charge my jailbroken iPhone 6+ from 20-100% is about 2hrs 40mins.
I am pretty impressed by this charging hub. It's not only very attractive design wise, it also works very well. As you can see from the reviews, none of the charging hub is able to reach or maintain a current of 1500mA as long as the Hagibis HADE1901-C when more than 3 ports were used.
"Why is it so small and light?" was the first thing that came to my mind when I first received the package. I had expected it to be a little bigger and heavier.
The packaging is very simple, just the usual cardboard box with some specifications. Nothing special or impressive, and to be honest, the packaging makes it look a little "cheap".
Fortunately, the charging hub looks much better than the packaging. The plastic casing looks stylish and is pretty solid. It is something
that will look nice on your desk.
The charging hub is pretty small and light, but is slightly more heavier than the Remax Youth Edition 5 USB Ports and LDINO A6705 charging hub that I've reviewed earlier on.
The base is also pretty stable that the charging hub is able to stay "standing" and not topple even when all ports were being used or when I tugged the cable.
This charging hub comes with EU, UK
and US plug, I actually ordered the UK plug, but got the US one instead.
But a simple converting adapter solved the problem easily.
The QC function because the hub's QC is compatible with most well-known Androids, like Oppo, Samsung, XiaoMi... etc (See List for all compatible brands and models)
Unfortunately, I only have I-Devices, so I can't test it. When I plug my iPhone into the QC port, it just show the Max charging current as 1A while my phone is still just charging at 900ish mA. However, when I plug my iPhone into the non-QC ports, the phone detected the Max charger current as 2.4A and it can charge at 1500-1650 mA.
Highest charging current recorded is:
1910-1950mA on the port charging iPad Mini 2
1600-1650mA on the port charging iPhone 6+
900-1060mA on the port charging a 10000mAh Power Bank
So basically, I don't really use the QC port to charge my devices since it can never perform as well as the Non-QC ports.
The charging hub remains relatively cool throughout the whole charging process and is just warm to touch.
The iPhone took roughly 1.5 hours to charge from about 40% to 100%.
My father bought this charger back when he was in Malaysia because its cheap. It cost about RM50. (The exchange rate is roughly SG$1 : RM3) So this baby cost about SG$17 after the conversion.
What he didn't know is that I've actually bought 2 other charging hub during the 10 days he was on his little "honeymoon" in Malaysia with my mum.
But oh well, this would also mean one more budget alternative to try! So let's get going now!
Specifications:
Output port: 6 USB ports
Input: AC 100-240 in
Output: 5V 7A
Size: 95.8×66.4×31.5 mm
Power Cord: 150 cm
Firstly, I'll start with the "unboxing". To be honest, the packaging is neither attractive nor a total turn-off. Basically a rather "unsurprising" unboxing experience. It's also not very presentable as a gift, because of the somewhat bleh and cheap-looking packaging.
But the charging hub itself does looks and feel rather solid and "trust-able" (basically, it just doesn't look like it'll break easily or cause a power trip).
This charging hub has become our "official" charging hub now. We've been using it for more than 3 weeks now and with our "long list' of devices:
1 x iPad Mini 1
1 x iPad Mini 2
1 x iPhone 6 Plus
1 x iPhone 6S Plus
1 x iPhone 5S
2 x 10000 mAh Power Bank (and a few more ranging from 4800mAh - 10400mAh)
You can expect this baby to be always "busy" (or even "abused").
However, it surprised me. I realised that the current each port supply (when 2 or more ports were in use, all the way to all 6 ports) is pretty constant at about 900-1000ish mA. If only one port is in use, the charging current can be up to 1450ish mA.
Other Observations:
The application on my devices detected the Max charger current as 2400mA, for all ports.
The charging hub gets a little hot to touch when more than 3 ports are being used at the same time. However, it also cools down pretty fast too, so nothing to worry about.
The hub came with Auto-ID, however it Sometimes doesn't detect my iPhone 6+ as a device that can draw 2.1A and only supply it with a Max Charger current of 1.0A to it. I don't know if its the charger or that my phone is jailbroken or that I've had the battery replaced before as the hub is able to detect both my iPad Mini 1 & 2 and supply over 1.5A to it. *Update: I guess the problem is with the charging hub. When I used my phone with another charger, it's able to supply 2.1A and the charging current stays above 1400mA.*
The average time needed to charge an iPad from 20% to 100% is about 7 hours.
The average time to charge an iPhone 6 Plus from 20ish% - 100% is about 3-3.5 hours.
