Accessories

Is the AKG Lyra the USB mic for you?

For those who have pivoted to content creation

Published

May 25, 2021

The Coronavirus pandemic has forced people to be more creative with their income flows. Several industries were hit, leaving plenty jobless. This has led some to reinvent themselves as content creators. For those that are looking to level up the audio on their content, the AKG Lyra USB mic might be the solution.

USB mics are pretty straightforward. They’re all literally plug and play. The same is true for the AKG Lyra. So, what you’ll be looking out for mostly are sound quality along with build and design.

Build and Design

The AKG Lyra unmistakably looks like a mic. Up front you’ll see the AKG logo, and the knobs and ports are pretty straight forward too.

The base is pretty heavy and sturdy so you know it’ll stay in place on your desk or wherever you place it.

The front panel has the volume and mute controls. It also has the LED light indicators to let you know what mode it’s currently on.

Flipping over to the back, you’ll see two knobs: One to control the mode, and the other to control gain. The latter is key to determining how much of the background noise is captured by the mic. More on this later.

On the bottom are its two ports: One USB-C out to that connects to the USB device where you’ll be recording, and the other is a 3.5mm jack that functions as an input so you hear yourself and the sound on the computer.

Here’s how it looks with a USB-C cable and headset plugged in.

You can also do away with the stand and connect it with any standard or boom mic stand. AKG made sure it can have versatile mounting options.

Sound quality

I used the mic for voice calls, video calls, and presenting during zoom events. In all of the activities mentioned, the people on the other line said I came off very crisp and clear.

Of course, you don’t have to just take my word for it. I recorded very quick sample clips to illustrate the differences between no mic, with a lapel mic, and with the AKG Lyra. There were supposed to be more but I had unfortunately lost most of the recordings along with a few other treasured files while migrating from one review device to another. I digress. Here are the samples:

No mic:

With USB-C lapel mic:

With AKG Lyra:

I also tried recording with a guitar and on Tight Stereo mode:

No mic:

With USB-C lapel mic:

With AKG Lyra:

I wanted to do even a snippet of a song but my overall singing and playing isn’t up to snuff right now so these will have to do. Getting the obvious out of the way, the audio quality is very similar to what you can get with what I think is its closest competitor — the Blue Yeti.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rodneil Millora Quiteles (@rodneil)

This track below was recorded (with some post processing) on the Blue Yeti and I’m pretty confident you can get the same quality with the AKG Lyra.

Rodneil Quiteles · Sampip (All) [Cover]

One thing I would say the AKG Lyra has over the Blue Yeti is the USB-C connection. I’m unsure if there’s now a USB-C version of the Blue Yeti but making the port USB-C makes it more useful if you happen to lose the cable packaged with the device. It’s just easier to look for USB-C cables now versus the micro USB Type-B on the Blue Yeti.

I’m also trying to retrieve a recording of the quick presentation I had during a product launch. I’ll include the clip here if retrieval is successful.

I had a grand time using the AKG Lyra as the pleasantly surprised reactions I got clearly showed that the device was doing its job of providing better audio. Of course, you’ll have to adjust a few settings to get things right. These were pretty easy to do thanks to how the AKG Lyra was built and designed.

Different recording options

The AKG Lyra is pretty versatile with its multiple recording modes or patterns. Here’s a quick breakdown of what each one does.

Front — Easily the most commonly used recording pattern. In this mode, the AKG Lyra captures anything from the front of the mic. This mode also reduces the sound captured from the back and the sides. It’s great for voice overs, podcasts, vlogs, gaming livestreamers, vocalists, acoustic instruments, or even just voice and video calls.

Front and Back — This is great for one-on-one interviews where you’re directly facing the person you’re interviewing. The mode captures the front and back of the microphone while reducing sound from the back. It also works for recording music where one person could be singing in front while the guitar player sits on the opposite side.

Tight Stereo — This mode uses the two microphone capsules to capture sound. AKG says it’s ideal for recording instruments with stereo spread. It’s best for when the performers are situated alongside each other.

Wide Stereo — This mode utilizes all of the microphone capsules on the AKG Lyra. This is great for ambient recording. It provides better stereo separation compared to Tight Stereo.

Is the AKG Lyra your GadgetMatch?

As of writing, it’s currently priced at PhP 7,199 on onward.ph and US$ 149 on the official AKG website. That’s quite a price for a very specific tool. But if you find yourself needing to produce better audio, this is a gadget that will surely up the quality of your content.

For solo live streamers, this can certainly be of help but you might be better off with mics that are cheaper and don’t have the other extra recording modes. But if you do require something versatile that you can pull out during quick sit down interviews or perhaps a quick jam session, this most certainly fills that role.

If you happen to be dealing with a lot of recording or live presentations, though, this is a worthy investment. Sound quality is superb and, with the right cables, will work with most computers and smartphones you likely own and currently use.

For more great products and accessories like the AKG Lyra, visit OnWardPH or follow them through their Facebook and Instagram accounts (@OnWardPH) for you to keep posted.

Accessories

Nothing launches the Ear (3a)

It has a lot of new features for such a small device.

Published

July 7, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Today, Nothing launched the Phone (4b). The new smartphone isn’t the only star sharing the spotlight, though. The iconic brand has also launched the Ear (3a).

A follow up to the brand’s earbuds lineup, the Ear (3a) packs in a lot of features in so small a device. For one, the earbuds have a bigger 12mm custom driver. Nothing says that this results in a punchier bass and a unique sound signature. Naturally, it supports Hi-Res audio playback.

For noise cancellation, the Ear (3a) comes with three mics to filter out background noise. It can reach up to 45dB of active noise cancellation. Additionally, it can amplify your voice for much clearer calls.

The Ear (3a) adds the same functionalities as the Essential Button. A pinch on the stem lets the earbuds record up to 32MB of audio natively. Plus, the new Audio Snapshot can rewind and clip up to 30 seconds of media. Finally, you can record up to two hours of a single phone call.

For its battery, the earbuds tout up to 42 hours of playback on a single charge. Plus, a five-minute charge is enough to power the earbuds by up to an hour.

Connectivity is also seamless with Bluetooth 6.0 support. The earbuds can keep themselves connected even in crowded locations.

Finally, the earbuds also boast durability with IP54 water and dust resistance. Nothing also tested the case by opening and closing it 20,000 times.

The Ear (3a) comes in black, white, pink, and yellow. It retails for US$ 99.

Accessories

UGREEN x Honkai: Star Rail is a complete charging kit

More than just a collab

Published

July 6, 2026

GadgetMatch

Most brand collaborations usually lean on one thing: aesthetics.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing. If you’re already a fan of the franchise, seeing your favorite character on something you use every day is reason enough to pick it up.

The UGREEN x Honkai: Star Rail collection certainly delivers on that front. Inspired by Yao Guang, each accessory gets a distinct look without sacrificing the clean, minimalist design UGREEN is known for.

After spending some time with the collection, however, another idea stood out.

Rather than treating each accessory as a standalone product, the lineup makes the most sense as a complete charging kit.

Built around everyday carry

Inside the limited-edition gift box are four of UGREEN’s everyday essentials: the MagFlow Air Magnetic Power Bank, Nexode Air 65W Charger, Nexode Retractable USB-C Cable, and FineTrack Mini 2 tracker. The package also comes with exclusive Yao Guang collectibles, including an acrylic stand, badge, holographic ticket, and a matching pouch.

UGREEN also sent over the Nexode Pro Power Bank Honkai: Star Rail Edition. While it isn’t included in the collector’s gift box, it naturally rounds out the entire collection. Its built-in USB-C cable, compact size, and smart display make it feel like it belongs alongside the rest of the lineup.

Looking at everything together, the collection already covers most everyday charging needs.

There’s a compact GaN wall charger for laptops and tablets. Two power banks for different situations. A retractable USB-C cable that cuts down on cable clutter. And a tracker for bags, keys, or anything else you don’t want to misplace.

It’s a practical combination before the collaboration artwork even enters the conversation.

Familiar products with fresh personalities

That familiarity is also part of what makes this collaboration work.

We’ve already spent time with the standard versions of both the Nexode Air Charger 65W and the MagFlow Air Power Bank. Their biggest strengths weren’t flashy gimmicks. They were reliable accessories that earned a place in an everyday carry setup.

That doesn’t change here.

The Nexode Air remains a compact 65W GaN charger that’s easy to slip into a backpack or travel pouch. Meanwhile, the MagFlow Air continues to offer the flexibility of wired and wireless charging in a compact package.

Instead of reinventing the hardware, UGREEN simply gave the products a little more personality.

For Honkai: Star Rail fans, that’s probably exactly what they’re looking for.

The little things make a difference

Another pleasant surprise is how cohesive everything feels.

The included pouch makes it easy to keep most of the essentials together, whether they’re headed into a backpack, messenger bag, or carry-on luggage.

Even the color ended up being more practical than expected.

Most chargers, cables, and power banks tend to disappear into a sea of black accessories inside a bag. The light blue finish used throughout this collection makes each item surprisingly easy to spot at a glance.

They’re small details.

But they’re the kinds of conveniences that make these accessories feel like they’re meant to be used every day instead of staying inside the collector’s box.

More than a collector’s item

There’s no question that Honkai: Star Rail fans are the primary audience here.

The artwork alone gives the collection plenty of appeal.

What makes it interesting, though, is that the collaboration doesn’t rely on aesthetics alone.

Instead of creating a single themed accessory, UGREEN assembled products that naturally complement one another. Whether it’s charging a laptop, topping up a phone during the day, carrying a single cable, or keeping track of everyday essentials, each product has a clear role within the lineup.

That’s what ultimately makes this collection stand out.

The Honkai: Star Rail collaboration gives the accessories their personality. The complete charging kit gives them lasting value.

Accessories

Sony brings 1000X THE COLLEXION to the Philippines

Premium sound arrives

Published

July 2, 2026

GadgetMatch

Sony Philippines has officially introduced 1000X THE COLLEXION to the local market. This marks the Philippine debut of its newest flagship headphones.

The premium headphones build on a decade of Sony’s 1000X lineup. It’s a combination of refined design and advanced audio technologies. They feature a bespoke driver unit, Edge-AI powered DSEE Ultimate, 360 Reality Audio Upmix, and Sony’s signature noise cancellation technology.

Sony also focused on comfort. The headphones are equipped with premium metal accents, refined faux leather developed over two years, and an ergonomic design for extended listening sessions. They come in Black and White finishes.

Price and availability

The 1000X THE COLLEXION is now available in the Philippines for PhP 36,999. They are in Sony Centres and authorized Sony dealers nationwide.

Philippine debut celebrates a decade of 1000X

Sony introduced the headphones through an immersive showcase that celebrated the 10th anniversary of the 1000X series, which began with the MDR-1000X in 2016.

The event featured a ballet-inspired product reveal before Sony Philippines President and Managing Director Shuhei Sugihara and Marketing Director Kentaro Imamura welcomed guests and shared the vision behind the company’s latest flagship headphones.

A live performance by A-Team and a fashion showcase styled by Gian Romano highlighted the headphones’ premium design.

The program also featured Talk That Talk. It’s a panel discussion moderated by Rammy Bitong with fashion designer Rajo Laurel, entrepreneur Mika Lagdameo, creative director Daryl Chang, and AGC Power Holdings Corp. Chairman and CEO Archie Carrasco. The discussion explored how sound influences creativity, productivity, entrepreneurship, and self-expression.

Guests also experienced interactive installations. This includes the Tech Showcase Lounge, which highlighted the engineering behind the headphones, and the Soundcapes booth, where synchronized music and visuals demonstrated the headphones’ audio capabilities.