The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless Mic is a simple wireless lavalier mic for creators with superb AI noise cancelation. However, this simplicity may be what holds it back for more advanced creators.
JBL Quantum Stream
The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless Mic is a simple wireless lavalier mic compatible with iPhone 15, Android phones, and many other devices with USB-C ports. The mic is incredibly simple to use and set up, with plug-and-play functionality and further customization via the JBL Headphones app to control gain, noise cancelation, and audio profile. It boasts superb AI noise cancelation, but that cancelation comes at the cost of tinny, muffled audio when enabled. This mic has additional limitations, such as a lack of internal recording or incompatibility with dedicated cameras, that make it subpar for advanced users.
How to Set Up the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless Mic
Setting up this microphone is incredibly simple. First, make sure the mic is charged. The case has a charge level indicator when open, displaying up to four lights to indicate charge. Next, plug the USB-C receiver into a phone or computer with a USB-C port—we even successfully tested on a MacBook Pro—and take the mic out of the case.
If the mic and receiver’s indicator lights are flashing, the mic is pairing, and if the lights on each are solid, they are paired and ready to use. If desired, attach the included windscreen, which may take several tries to fasten securely.
You’ll notice that this mic only has one button: a mute button. There are no other controls, meaning creators of any skill level can use this mic easily and be guaranteed not to misuse it or accidentally change settings.
Last, to make adjustments to the mic’s settings, download the JBL Headphones App, available foriPhoneandAndroid. While the receiver is plugged in to your phone or tablet, you may adjust the gain, AI noise cancelation, and use one of three sound profiles: natural, powerful, and bright. This will affect the mic’s recording in any other app.
Impressive AI Noise Cancelation
We put this microphone through its paces to test its advertised AI noise cancelation feature on its medium setting adjustable in the app.
First, we took a control recording in a somewhat sound-treated room. Then, we turned on a fan on “high” and opened a window during a rainstorm. These noise sources were audible, but they were clearly reduced, and speaking remained completely clear.
Next, to push this mic to its limit, we placed it directly in front of the fan, pointed the mic into it (with the windscreen attached), and spoke from around 9 inches away. The fan was audible, but speaking still remained clear as the AI dramatically reduced the background noise of the point-blank fan on high.
The noise cancelation on the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless Mic is spectacular for the price point. No matter what sound condition you are in, chances are, your voice will be clear and audible. That said, using the AI noise cancelation significantly degrades audio quality when enabled.
Audio Quality Leaves Much to be Desired
The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless Mic’s ease of use and extremely powerful AI noise cancelation at a relatively low price point of $99.99 come at the cost of audio quality, it seems.
First, the audio quality is quite good when the gain is adjusted properly in all three sound profiles. Your voice comes through clearly, and as long as you give yourself around 6–12 inches of distance from the mic, you will be unlikely to clip your audio and cause distortion. However, if you use the AI noise cancelation at any level, even on low, the mic has a tinny, muffled sound. The noise cancelation feature is incredible when it is necessary, but for the best audio quality, you should leave it turned off entirely, which defeats the purpose of having it.
The overall audio quality is not helped by the relatively low bit depth of 16 bits, giving this mic a weak dynamic range of decibels and incredibly easy to peak in amplitude, causing clipping and distortion. You absolutely cannot hold this mic near your mouth unless you drastically reduce the gain via the JBL Headphones App. You should clip it on something at least 6–12 inches away, such as a breast pocket, T-shirt collar, or lapel on outer wear like a jacket or sweater.
This mic does not sound bad, but its audio quality is nowhere near superb, either, considering the low bit depth and the tinny sound while noise cancelation is enabled.
Inconveniences and Limitations in Using This Mic
While the mic is incredibly simple to use: plug, play, go. This simplicity also trades off function and some convenient features. Users seeking a quality lavalier system with more robust features and the potential to upgrade alongside your video will be disappointed.
The Windscreen Is Subpar
For example, the windscreen feels quite cheaply built, is difficult to secure on the mic, and comes off with little effort. Moreover, if you put the windscreen on, the mic no longer fits inside the charging case, as the screen’s bulk prevents the case from closing. Because of how difficult the screen is to put on, it should at least fit in the case, so that you don’t need to repeat the process.
The windscreen functions perfectly well, but its user experience leaves much to be desired. Thankfully, this mic comes with two windscreens in case one is lost or damaged, but the redundancy may be an indicator of a lack of faith in quality, too.
The Hardware Is Limited for Advanced Users
The only control on the mic itself is the mute button, which also functions as a pairing button when held down. This also means that it is quite possible to accidentally press the mute button and lose your audio recording. Some way to lock the mute button would be helpful.
Additionally, the mic does not have any USB port, so if your case or charging connector are damaged, there is no backup charging method. This certainly reduces the potential lifespan of the mic.
Last, the receiver only connects via USB-C, making this mic impossible to use with a camera without workarounds, such as potentially a 3.5mm to USB-C cable, which I did not test. I tried to plug in the receiver to the USB-C port of a Sony ZV-1F, and it did not work, making this mic truly limited in what you can use it with, namely phones with USB-C ports.
Lack of Internal Recording Is a Major Drawback
Using a wireless microphone has inherent risks: your signal may be damaged by interference, ruining your audio. In our testing, the audio disconnected at around 35 feet with major obstructions and went significantly further when unobstructed. Chances are, most people using this mic will be shooting with a cell phone situated nearby, and this disconnection risk will be minimal.
However, JBL could have completely hedged against this risk if it included internal recording to the mic, as well as a USB-C port to transfer files that also functions as a backup charger. While the ease of use and AI noise cancelation are phenomenal, this mic is not for pro users.
Comparison with DJI Wireless Mic System
The leading wireless lavalier mic systems for creators are the DJI Wireless Mic 2 and Rode Wireless Pro. They are over triple the price of the JBL, but their additional features highlight the fact that, with the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless Mic, you get what you pay for.
JBL Quantum Stream Wireless Mic
DJI Wireless Mic 2
Rode Wireless PRO
Mics Included
Audio Bit Depth
32-bit float
Case + USB-C
Compatibility on Receiver
USB-C, Lightning, 3.5mm
USB-C, 3.5mm
Wireless Connection
AI Noise Cancellation
Yes (Adjustable In-App)
Yes (Toggle On/Off)
Wireless Range
Close Case with Wind Screen On?
Sound Monitoring on Receiver?
Gain Adjustment?
Yes (only via app)
Works with Cameras?
No (workarounds may be possible)
Plug in other 3.5mm Mics?
Smartphone Creators Would Enjoy the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless Mic
This mic is perfect for creators who record using their cell phone with USB-C compatibility who need an easy to use, somewhat high quality mic setup for outdoor vlogging in unpredictable sound conditions. The AI noise cancelation is truly spectacular when it is needed, so this mic will truly shine when that feature is relevant, such as in the outdoors. Otherwise, TikTok creators or live streamers who broadcast from their phone who want to upgrade to a simple, flexible lavalier mic would also benefit from using this mic provided noise cancelation is disabled to maximize quality.
However, we don’t recommend the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless Mic for creators with more complicated setups or more professional use cases. If you use a dedicated camera or are even considering upgrading from your smartphone to a camera, invest in a different audio system that can grow with you. The JBL’s ease of use is what makes it great for beginners, but that simplicity comes at the cost of depth of features for advanced users, such as low bit depth and lack of internal recording.
Should You But the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless?
If you don’t need advanced features and just want a simple wireless lavalier mic that works in any soundscape with little aspiration to change your setup, the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless Mic is perfect for you. If you need more advanced or professional features, look elsewhere. Your desire for simplicity of use will determine if this mic is right.
