If you like a two-in-one system where the microphone and speaker is the same unit, then the IPEVO VOCAL could be the one to get for your conference calls. What’s special about the IPEVO VOCAL is that it uses two-way AI noise reduction on both ends of the call so that you deliver and listen to noise-free conversations. The IPEVO VOCAL retails for US$169.
Unboxing
In the box, you will find the following:
- IPEVO Vocal Bluetooth Speakerphone
- USB-C cable
- User manual
Build quality and design
The IPEVO VOCAL retains the same design language as all IPEVO products – long triangular base helmed but a rounded cylindrical top. Instead of a webcam, you have a microphone. The IPEVO VOCAL has a modern and sleek design in its black colour that will fit in whether it is on your home office desk setup or in a corporate setting. The circumference of the cylindrical microphone also houses the volume knob for the speakers.
Build quality of the IPEVO VOCAL is solid. The plastic used feels high quality and it has a matte texture to it that gives a more premium feeling to it. No creaking or flex were observed when squeezing the device. the buttons and switches on the IPEVO VOCAL all feel tactile and responsive. You have a large red mute button located on the front that you can quickly access.
The base of the IPEVO VOCAL is surrounded by a thick ring of rubber that keeps well gripped on any surface you place it on. The size and shape of the IPEVO VOCAL is quite slim as well, making it easy to bring around in a bag.
Connectivity options and battery life
There are two ways you can use the IPEVO VOCAL – (1) USB-C or (2) Bluetooth. If you’re working on your laptop, connecting the IPEVO VOCAL via USB-C might be the better option as you do not have to worry about battery life. If you prefer to use it wirelessly, the battery life lasts for 40 hours on full charge which is sufficient for me to tide through a full month of use before needing to charge again.
Microphone performance and user experience
The IPEVO VOCAL has two key features:
- Two-way AI noise reduction
- Directional and Omnidirectional mode
Two-way AI noise reduction
IPEVO calls it “two-way” because it applies noise reduction to both your speech and what you hear from the other party. IPEVO says it uses AI, which was trained with over 500 million data to filter out noise in the conversation. After doing some tests, I can understand why it is called AI. In a crowded cafe setting, IPEVO VOCAL is able to recognise that the background chatter and buzz is noise, and as such remove a bulk of it. Traffic noises seems to work as well, though sudden peaks like car horns can still leak through. TV shows playing in the background is quite situational. Sound effects are typically removed well, but the IPEVO VOCAL can struggle at removing voice lines made by the actors. This is likely because the AI does not deem voices as noise and hence not remove it.
Overall, I’m quite impressed by the AI noise reduction abilities of the IPEVO VOCAL. It does give you confidence that your voice will not be tarnished by the background noise in your surroundings.
Omnidirectional and Directional mode
Omnidirectional mode allows for sound to be captured in a 360º range, which makes it great if you are using to hold a call where participants are sitting opposite each other. In this mode, you can turn on the AI noise reduction if you wish to, or leave it disable if you do not want any processing done.
Directional mode will only use the front facing microphone and record at a 120º range. AI noise reduction will be turned on by default and you cannot disable it. I found that if you use Directional mode, the furthest you should be from the microphone is one arm’s length. If you’re any further, the AI noise reduction processing may deem your low volume to be ‘noise’ and cancel it out from the pickup. This will lead to voice dropouts. So, do keep the IPEVO VOCAL close to your mouth if want to more desired vocal pickup.
Recording quality
Do not expect professional quality as voice recorded from the IPEVO VOCAL won’t sound like using a proper dynamic microphone such as the Maono PD400X. Vocal output will sound like you’re using a very good pair of wireless earbuds. Voices are clear and forward. Without the AI noise reduction, IPEVO VOCAL still does a great job and keeping my voice center stage with good amount of detail with the background noise lingering at the back.
Using the Omnidirectional mode does give make your voice sound more natural sounding, though echoing is more obvious so the other party will probably know you’re taking then call on a speakerphone. Using the Directional mode removes all sorts of echo, and tightens up the overall audio out, making it sound like you are using a headset.
Conclusion
The IPEVO VOCAL is a solid speakerphone you can add to your work-from-home gadgets. Personally, I don’t like using headsets when I’m working from home so the IPEVO VOCAL comes in handy. I no longer need to shut my windows to reduce environmental noises as the AI noice reduction does remove such noises quite reliably. I’d say the IPEVO VOCAL is priced for its reliable noise reduction, more so that the quality of its microphone. And if you happen to need such technologies, then the IPEVO VOCAL is one you should consider.