DSLR Microphone Comparison

Which microphone is right for you? Guy Cochran, of dvestore.com, has created a solid microphone comparison. Shot on a Canon 5D, he uses a professional multitrack field recorder in a noisy environment with everything from a lavalier to hypercardoid to shotgun microphones.

Watch after the link.

The most interesting thing for people who don’t know about microphones is to hear how much of the room is picked up with the shotgun mics. Most people believe that shotgun mics are the best in noisy environments but you’ll hear for yourself that this is not the case.

Even the simple lavalier can be quieter than a shotgun and it’s a lot easier to use – especially when you don’t have a full time sound recordist.

My experience is that you can’t have too many mics on a shoot. Not only do you need to be able to match the mic to the scene (just like a lens choice) it’s wise to record with more than one mic. You can cover a problem with the video but if the sound drops out you’re out of luck.

I find that the best sound is sometimes a mix of two mics and it’s great to have that option in post. Most digital recorders can be used with two microphones, one fed to each track. If you need more than two tracks the Zoom R16 for around $400 is worth looking at.

Let me know what you think. Did the shotguns sound like what you imagined?

Tagged as: advice, audio, comparison, Equipment

  • gerry

    I’ve also noted that many non-audio recordists will use a shotgun on a boom, have it well positioned – but their ears aren’t trained to hear prominent echo in the room or the ever prevalent leaf blower in the distance down the street. For the limited budget, a shotgun will often have to be it as far as mics, but a quick switch to another room or location nearby can make all the difference in sound quality. Cheers -

  • gerry

    I’ve also noted that many non-audio recordists will use a shotgun on a boom, have it well positioned – but their ears aren’t trained to hear prominent echo in the room or the ever prevalent leaf blower in the distance down the street. For the limited budget, a shotgun will often have to be it as far as mics, but a quick switch to another room or location nearby can make all the difference in sound quality. Cheers -

  • http://dslrhd.com Adriel Brunson

    You’re so right – one of the things about recording great sound is training your ears. It’s like training your eye to scan the edges of the frame to catch small objects that need to be removed. Or deliberately scanning the background of the shot for objects that you know will be a problem in post.

    We tend to focus on the main object in the frame and we listen to the main sound being recorded to make sure it’s okay. Great video comes from footage that’s much better than “okay”.

    Actually, you can buy hypercardioid microphones for less than a shotgun mic and they almost always sound better. Like this Audio Technica Hypercardioid Dynamic for $99.

  • http://DSLRHD.com adriel

    You’re so right – one of the things about recording great sound is training your ears. It’s like training your eye to scan the edges of the frame to catch small objects that need to be removed. Or deliberately scanning the background of the shot for objects that you know will be a problem in post.

    We tend to focus on the main object in the frame and we listen to the main sound being recorded to make sure it’s okay. Great video comes from footage that’s much better than “okay”.

    Actually, you can buy hypercardioid microphones for less than a shotgun mic and they almost always sound better. Like this Audio Technica Hypercardioid Dynamic for $99.

  • yi

    what is the lavalier mic used in the video? I am looking for a lavalier mic for lecturer giving talks in a big hall with significant echo. It is expected to be excellent in both sound quality and feedback rejection. I will appreciate any suggestions.

  • yi

    what is the lavalier mic used in the video? I am looking for a lavalier mic for lecturer giving talks in a big hall with significant echo. It is expected to be excellent in both sound quality and feedback rejection. I will appreciate any suggestions.

  • http://dslrhd.com Adriel Brunson

    Its a Sennheiser Wireless, look in Resources on this site for model. I suggest a hypercardioid capsule to eliminate the echo.

  • http://DSLRHD.com adriel

    Its a Sennheiser Wireless, look in Resources on this site for model. I suggest a hypercardioid capsule to eliminate the echo.

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