Microphone suggestions

**Dxer** · 01-22-2019, 11:44 PM

So I have been asked by a friend of mine to do some video for their fishing business.

So I am looking for some suggestions for a wireless microphone, preferably a headset or a shirt clip-on but not necessary, with good audio quality and good at reducing wind noise since
most of the video will be done outdoors of course.

Price is little issue, but nothing to crazy

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**480sparky** · 01-22-2019, 11:53 PM

Instead of wireless, I just use a simple lav mic plugged into a digital voice recorder. Easy to marry up to the video in post. Lots' cheaper, and no worries about multiple batteries, range issues or interference.

Wind noise is eliminated with a dead cat. Foam covers work well too.

**480sparky** · 01-23-2019, 01:41 AM

If you're on a budget, get a mic that works on your cell phone and download a free voice recorder app.

**Dxer** · 01-23-2019, 01:48 AM

Not really on a budget but I don't want to spend 500 bucks for one either. Something in the 250 range would be fine. Best bang for your buck type deal.

**480sparky** · 01-23-2019, 01:52 AM

I'd be hard-pressed to justify $250 for a couple videos.

**Dxer** · 01-23-2019, 02:30 AM

Well, I want to try and make this as professional as possible coming from a complete amateur. lol

From what I understand, it will be for more than just a couple of videos.

**FredKingston** · 01-23-2019, 04:06 AM

You can buy a really good voice recorder from $30-$120.00... You can buy wired Lavalier microphones that plug into the voice recorder for $15-$50... Use a clapboard (or just slap your hands together) and marry the audio with the video. If you're insistent, there are wireless Lavalier mics. for $35 that can be used with the voice recorders... Sit down in front of an Amazon screen and just plug in voice recorders... look for ones that use an SD card so you can transfer the audio to your computer easily...

Whatever you do, DON'T think that using the camera's audio mic, and/or a mic. in the camera's input is going to produce anything but an amateur result...

**hark** · 01-23-2019, 02:25 PM

Check out Rode microphones. They are available via B&H and Amazon (maybe other dealers, too). And like Sparky mentioned, a dead cat is very helpful for outdoor wind noise. Be sure to read reviews.

This one gets decent reviews but isn't expensive. There is a video sample from an Amazon user which compares the audio between it and a Canon camera. It works with both DSLR's as well as smaller cameras. This particular mic is only $50 to $60.

https://www.amazon.com/Rode-VideoMic...deo+microphone

Here's a promotional video for this microphone.

**spb_stan** · 01-24-2019, 05:54 AM

A camera mounted mic is the worst option since it is too far away to have the direct sound be the dominant source. Getting the mic close solves a lot of problems that a distant microphone creates. The wireless is a good solution worn by the speaker since the ratio of direct sound to ambient noise, reflected sound, and wind noise is a lot better.
All these video mics have the same electret elements that cost about $0.75. Since they are omni by nature, any directionality such as the cardioid pattern, figure eight, hyper-cardioid polar patterns are created by baffling, cancellation or damping all of which lower sensitivity. . Quality mics are not needed for this task at hand, There are much more expensive than the ones videographers are buying and you don't need them either. A lapel style mic that plugs into a smartphone is fine for moderate to short duration recording but the bandwidth is intentionally limited by the phone in the attempt to reduce noise and that might be what works best for this application. They would be no more than $10-15. Full wireless systems can be had for $40, including transmitter, mic and receive.Units designed for more stressful treatment like on stage by Shure or others are several hundred dollars. I designed my own UHF transmitters and receivers and had 3,000 made in China 15 years ago to used as a tour guide audio system and other than a few lost over the years, none have broken or needed extensive repairs. Whenever I needed a video sound recording, I have used those with very good results. When I had them made there was very little on the market that was less than $300 but now there are so many low-cost wireless systems the price has bee driven down on the lower end products. Here is a page on Amazon to give an idea of how cheap the simple systems are and probably the perfect solution for you:
https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-...ments/11974711

If you have any audio or recording questions just ask. I was a recording engineer and producer for 25 years and owned one of the most productive recording studios in the world, recording top artists ranging from Stevie Wonder, Metallica, Whitney Houston, Heart, Fleetwood Mac, Journey, Santana, John Fogerty, Aretha Franklin and many more, totaling near 200 gold and platinum records.