3 Legged Thing Str3amcase Review: High Quality Sound, Plug and Play Ease

3 Legged Thing is a Stagsden, Bedfordshire, England-based manufacturer of tripods, camera bags, and accessories. I have reviewed a few of their products and found them excellent and full of personality, with colorful anodized components and a modular design. As the company’s first piece of audio gear, the 3 Legged Thing Str3amcase wireless lavalier microphone system is breaking new ground for the brand.

3 Legged Thing Str3amcase

Str3amcase is comprised of three 2.4GHz, lightweight lavalier microphones contained in a charging case. Two of the mics are transmitters, and the third is a receiver. With the receiver connected to a compatible recording device, the system can record up to three individuals simultaneously.

The charging case can be stored in the included black zippered nylon hardshell case, which has a netted pouch on one side to hold the various cables that allow the system to be used with virtually any recording device. Cables for connecting to Apple and Android devices and still and video cameras are included.

What’s in the box:

• USB-C Compatible Charging Case
• 1 X Clip-On Lavalier Receiver Microphone
• 2 X Clip-On Lavalier Transmitter Microphones
• 3 X “Dead Hamster” Shields for Outdoor Noise Reduction
• Magnetic Connectors for Use with Non-Clippable Clothes
• 1 X USB-A To USB-C Charging Cable for Case
• 1 X Receiver (USB-C) to Camera 3.5mm Cable
• 1 X Receiver (USB-C) to 3.5mm Smartphone Jack Cable
• 1 X Type-C Android to USB-C Receiver and Type-C Charger Socket
• 1 X iPhone Lightning to USB-C Receiver and Type-C Charger Socket
• Zippered Carrying Case
• User Manual

Triple Mic System

The three microphones are housed inside the charging case, which is a rectangular block of matte black rubberized plastic. The entire system is finished in a subdued matte black plastic with a similar rubberized finish except for the interior of the charging case, which is finished in an orange metallic plastic that recalls the orange anodized aluminum (or should I say aluminum in this case) of 3 Legged Things tripods and accessories. It is a refreshing splash of bright color in a sea of matte black equipment, again typical of 3 Legged Thing’s products.

On the front of the charging case are the Str3amcase name and three LEDs indicating the charge level. On the back is the 3 Legged Thing name, and on the right side is a USB Type-C port for the charging cable and a single button that, when depressed, indicates the level of charge remaining in the case.

The 3 Legged Thing Str3amcase’s three microphone units inside the charging case are nearly identical, with two labeled TX and one labeled RX. All three microphone units have the top of the rectangular body dedicated to the microphone screen.

The front of each unit has a second screen for front-facing reception as well as a multifunction LED that displays power (on), connected state (blue blinking/solid), and charging state (red), depending on whether the units are in the charging case or in use.

On the back of each mic unit is a clip for use with all types of clothing as well as hot and cold shoes on still and video cameras. The bottoms of each unit have contacts for charging in the case.

The left sides of the TX or transmitter units have power/mute buttons and a USB-Type C port for charging. The RX or receiver unit has the same configuration, except that the USB-Type C port is used for both charging and audio output. It is this port that connects to the recording device.

The right sides of all of the 3 Legged Thing Str3amcase units have a 3.5mm jack with two buttons below. On the TX units, the jack is used for optional external microphones, and the buttons are used for pairing and to toggle the noise reduction. On the RX unit, the jack is used for headphones for monitoring, and the buttons are used to control volume and for pairing.

Compatibility

On the box in which the 3 Legged Thing Str3amcase ships is written the following copy that perfectly illustrates the funkiness that permeates everything that comes from the brand, “For streamers, dreamers, content creators, TikTokers, YouTubers, Instagrammers, podcasters, interviewers, broadcasters, presenters and extrovert alien robot penguins.”

As the 3 Legged Thing Str3amcase is targeted to working with essentially anyone that needs a portable, high-quality wireless audio recording system, it is designed to be as flexible and compatible as possible.

The included USB-C, Lightning, and 3.5mm cables connect to iPhones, iPads, Android phones, DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and professional video cameras, even if they primarily feature XLR microphone inputs if they have a 3.5mm auxiliary jack.

The mounting of the lavalier mics is just as flexible. Each mic unit has a standard lapel clip that can be used in most applications, but the system also comes with two strong magnets that can be used with the clips to mount essentially anywhere. The same lapel clips work with hot/cold shoes when mounting on cameras.

Performance

The transmitters and receiver auto-pair instantly, so the only setup is deciding on the recording device and selecting the appropriate cable. If external sources and microphones are used with the system, they are connected using the appropriate cables. Everything is easy and quick.

The sound is excellent and robust. 3 Legged Thing states an operating range of 164 feet (50 m), and frankly, I’ll take their word for it, as I have never needed to be that far from my subjects. If you are shooting outside and need to tame the wind noise a bit, a “dead kitten” or “dead hamster” (both terms are used in the packaging) is included for each microphone. The transmitter units also have one-key noise reduction.

The Li-Ion rechargeable batteries provided five hours of usage on a single charge. This can be extended indefinitely if an external USB Type-C power supply is used.

It would be the carrying case if I had to find fault with any part of this product. Although quite sharp-looking, the case’s woven external shell is unpleasant to touch. Also, the carrying case is on the smaller side, making for a tight fit when you pack all the cables, the charging case, and the “dead kittens.”

In no way does this impact the functioning of this excellent system, but as every time that you reach for the Str3amcase the first impression is unpleasant, maybe a different finish would be better suited.

Specifications

The 3 Legged Thing Str3amcase Triple Mic System is compact and complete. It is versatile and nearly universally compatible, making it ideal for a wide variety of applications, including podcasting, vlogging, broadcasting, interviewing, and content creation. It is very easy to set up and use, and the results are very good. This market segment is full of companies offering similar products, but the fact that this is a high-quality three-mic system at this price makes the 3 Legged Thing Str3amcase a solid choice.

The 3 Legged Thing Str3amcase Triple Mic System sells for $129.99 and is available directly from the manufacturer and other retailers, including Amazon.

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

What I Like: Design; Ease of use; Sound Quality; Compatibility

What Needs Improvement: The external carrying case shell material is unpleasant to touch