April 20, 2026

Lavalier Shootout - Weighing the Lift of Apple HLS

Lavalier Shootout - Weighing the Lift of Apple HLS
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Apple Podcasts podcast player iconPocketCasts podcast player iconOvercast podcast player icon

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of a good old fashioned microphone shootout—this time, it’s all about wireless lavalier mics! I (quickly) run through a lineup of wireless lavalier microphones including the DJI Mic Mini, Hollyland Lark M2, Rode Wireless Micro, Rode Wireless Go, and Shure Move Mic. Not only do I compare how they sound right out of the box, but I also show how a little post production can level the playing field between even budget and premium options. If you’ve ever wondered whether it matters which one you pick, you’ll definitely want to listen.

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The Weight Of Adding Video - The First Look at Apple HLS

The second big theme of today’s show is the pressure, and potential pitfalls, of adding video to your podcasting workflow. I break down what’s happening with Apple HLS video, what hosts like Captivate are charging, and why you need to seriously consider the “weight” video adds before taking the plunge.

Getting Your Edited Audio To People In Apple - You Can't (If you add video)

Can you maintain your audio quality? Should you be editing audio and video together, or keeping them separate? I also share some spot-on advice from Elsie Escobar about only adding video if it makes sense for your goals—not because you feel FOMO or outside pressure.

Whether you’re mic shopping, contemplating a shift to video, or just want a sanity check on your podcasting process, this episode is for you. Enjoy!

Gear Mentioned In This Episode

DJI Mic Mini

Shure Movemic

Hollyland Lark M2

Rode Wireless Go 3

Rode Wireless Micro

DJI Mic 2

Captivate Media Hosting

Other Items

Ecamm Video Software

Streamdeck

Accentize Plugins (DeRoom, Revive)

USB-C extenders

Blue Ocean Strategy Book

The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing (specifically, the "Law of Category" chapter)

The Audacity to Podcast

1000 True Fans by Kevin Kelley

Captivate Webinar on Apple HLS Implementation

New Media Show Rob Greenlee with Sharon Taylor

Media Roundtable with Dan Granger, Tim Ferriss (Entrepreneur & Host, The Tim Ferriss Show) and Dr. Laurie Santos

WordPress Plugins Compromised

Monica Rivera on Episode 613

Zoom Handyrecorder App

David Draiman | The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan

Transistor Media Hosting

Buzzsprout Media Hosting

Justin Jackson Apple Podcasts Demo

Mentioned in this episode:

Live Appearances

I will be at the Empower Podcasting Conference (Year 3!) in Charlotte North Carolina. This is my favorite type of conference with a cap at 250 people, it's a great crowd without being overwhelming. Great speakers, great networking, and a great location.

Where Will I Be?

Get Some Feedback On Your Show

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School of Podcasting

Question of the Month: The Future of Podcasting

Someone asked me, and I had to think about it. So now I'm asking you, How do you feel about the future of podcasting? Where do you think it's going? (etc,). Feel free to share your opinion and why. Don't forget to tell us about your show and where we can find it.

Question of the Month

Give Your Podcast A Home

When you look at our podcasting pieces, your media host is the engine. But your website is the home.It’s where your audience learns who you are, explores your episodes, and decides to subscribe.At Podpage, we build podcast websites that are fast, reliable, and designed to convert visitors into listeners. Every episode is automatically published, SEO-optimized, and structured for growth—so you can focus on creating, not managing your site.If your media host powers your podcast, Podpage gives it a place to live—and a place to grow.Start building your podcast’s home with Podpage by going to www.podpage.com/preview and start your 14 day free trial today.

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00:00 - Untitled

00:00 - Intro

00:38 - Opening

02:06 - The Lineup

02:36 - Buy it With a Charging Case

04:20 - DJI Mic Mini

04:29 - Hollyland Lark M2s

04:37 - Rode Wireless Micro

04:44 - Rode Wireless Go III

04:52 - Shure Move mic

04:57 - They ALL Sound better if you Hold Them

05:45 - Everyone Adds Post Production

05:54 - DJI Mic Mini

06:03 - Hollyland Mark M2s

06:10 - Rode Wireless Micro

06:17 - Rode Wireless Go III

06:24 - Shure Movemic

07:09 - Hollyland before and After

07:50 - Recording On Phone Tools

08:43 - Pairing Woes

09:19 - Wired 32 bit float Option

12:15 - Apple HLS Update

12:50 - This Doesn't Seem Very Apple

13:47 - I Test 720 Viewing

16:05 - Two Different Versions

17:51 - The Show on YouTube

18:53 - You and Audio are Backwards

23:18 - What's Missing From the "BIG" Companies in Podcasting

24:26 - Rob and Elise Wisdom

27:24 - Weigh The Lift

30:15 - Side One: Apple Newton

30:37 - Side Two: First Mover Advantage

31:09 - Experiment with YouTube

34:12 - Tim Ferris on the Media Roundtable

36:33 - Tim's Social Media Test

37:56 - CPM Discussion on the New Media Show

39:58 - Check Your WordPress Site

42:09 - Join the School of Podcasting