Sep 26

Sep 26 Good and cheap microphones

For the creation of videos the audio is just as fundamental as the image. The offer of sound recording devices is wide and diverse, which at times can be overwhelming. Below is a list of the microphones and recorders that have worked perfectly for me under two criteria: quality and price.

Microphones I always use

Purple Panda Lavalier Lapel Microphone Kit.

From all the microphones that I have this the one that works best and cost me least, only $ 30 at Amazon. I bought it 2 years ago and after submitting it to trips, outdoor and indoor recordings, connect it to my cell phone, computer and with the help of the SC3 TRRS A TRS adapter also to the Osmo Pocket, it is my favorite.

Perfect for content creators, this lavalier allows your voice to stand out from the environment. I use it in storytelling, interviews, voiceover and travel recordings. It includes a bag to carry it, two clips to attach the microphone to the clothes, a protective case, a case to cancel wind, a USB adapter (useful for Go Pro ) and an extension cord.Rode

Video Micro

This model became one of my favorites for its portability. It is unifocal and incorporates noise reduction technology. Its cable is two lines which allows you to connect to the vast majority of cameras even the DJI Osmo Pocket which is a camera not very friendly with microphones.

This model includes a protective case that cancels wind noise and a support that connects to the camera and cell phone, keeping the microphone isolated. It works very well in all types of recordings especially outdoors, although it does not specialize in voice recording or musical instruments.

In other words, this is a good microphone to record environment.

In quality it is very similar to Video Mic Go (the first Rode microphone I bought) but Video Micro is much lighter, weighs only 42 grams and is designed for smaller cameras. Its commercial value in the United States is 60 dollars and it is an excellent investment for content creators, bloggers, youtubers etc.

Others microphones options

Video Micro GO

It is a very light, directional microphone and is designed for larger cameras. I use it when i record with my Canon 7D, the sound quality is very good, nor does it use battery.

My only complaint against this model is its the support, it is made by a very light material so it didn't take long time to break. When I searched on Internet for ways to fix it, I realized that it is a very common problem among its users.

Electret Condenser Microphone

This model is very similar to Video Micro, the only difference is that it connects directly to the iPhone. It is directional, perfect for recording environment, very small and light and its commercial value in California is 70 dollars.

I have nothing bad to say about this microphone, I didn't include it among my essentials because I only managed to use it for a week and then I lost it in a field recording. As it is so small and light I left it forgotten in the grass, which was absolutely my fault, if you are careful you will have no problem.

Handy Recorder Zoom H1N

It is a high quality handy recorder, it's also battery operated (2 AAA) and you need a micro SD memory to store the material.

Its value is 100 dollars but I recommend it for more advanced users, since you need to make many modifications , specially when you don't understand much about audio it . I bought it 2 years ago and used it only once, because I didn't know how to configure it.