Owners of expensive DSLRs and messmakers usually remain satisfied with the quality of photos and videos, but the recorded sound of positive emotions does not cause. Built-in microphones are too quiet, hiss, and their parameters are almost not regulated.
However, a good microphone is a mandatory attribute for any activity that involves recording sound. Buy an external microphone in our time is not a problem. But the real problem is to decide on the model.
To record pure high-quality audio from one direction, a narrow microphone is required. These include the so-called microphones-guns.
How are microphones arranged?
On the principle of operation, the microphones are divided into two categories: condenser and dynamic. They differ not so much externally as internal audio capture technologies.
In condenser microphones, a condenser element with a moving panel is used as a converter, which vibrates under the action of a sound wave. They require phantom nutrition. Inside the dynamic microphone is suspended the coil. Her oscillations serve as the basis for recording sound.
Each view has its own strengths and weaknesses. Dynamic microphones are usually the sensitivity above, so they are used to record musical instruments, and the capacitor is more suitable for vocal records.
Are all microphones-guns relate to condenser?
as a rule, yes. This type is well suited for catching the sound in a wide frequency range, so that the recording is obtained saturated and diverse.
Why can I use a gun microphone?
Microphone-gun (shotgun) is designed to connect to a photo / camcorder. Its characteristics are much better than any built-in microphone.
Native camera microphone is configured to record a wide scene, while it captures all unnecessary noise, which does not save even the post-processing of the track. The microphones are narrow-plated, they serve to record sound from the source, which is directly in front of them. This is usually recorded interviews and voice recorder notes. Audio in this case is clear and without unnecessary pride.
RØDE VideoMic Pro
- Type: condenser
- Pattern: Supercardioid
- Power supply: 9V battery
- Sensitivity: -32 dB
- Connector: 3.5 mm plug
The RØDE VideoMic Pro's frequency range is 40Hz-20kHz. The microphone is equipped with a two-stage high-pass filter and a three-stage gain control from -10 dB to +20 dB. It is powered by a 9 V battery. When using a disposable alkaline battery, you can count on 70 hours of recording. A rechargeable battery will not provide such autonomy, but will be an economical solution in the long run.
VideoMic Pro meets broadcast quality requirements. It mounts on a hot shoe and also has a 3/8” threaded connection for holder. The package includes an external shock absorber against noise caused by sudden movements.
Benefits:
- 10 year warranty upon product registration.
- Large frequency range.
- Three-step gain control.
Weaknesses:
- There is no built-in battery.
RØDE VideoMic NTG
- Type: capacitor
- Pattern: supercardioid
- Power supply: built-in Li-ion battery, 350 mAh
- Sensitivity: -26 dB
- Connector: USB-C, 3.5 mm plug
The RØDE VideoMic NTG is an on-camera gun that combines the convenience of the VideoMic line and broadcast-quality NTG sound. Its main advantage is that it uses the same annular line tube technology as the professional NTG5 microphone. The product is portable and lightweight - 94 g.
The manufacturer paid special attention to durability: the body of this highly directional microphone is made of aircraft-grade aluminum. Universal 3.5 mm plug allows you to use the model with cameras and mobile devices. Approximate autonomy is about 30 hours, full charging is carried out through the port USB-C in 2 hours.
Benefits:
- Can be used as a portable USB microphone for mobile devices.
- Rechargeable battery with good autonomy.
- Professional audio capture technologies.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
RØDE VIDEOMICRO
- Type: Condenser
- Chart: Cardioid
- Power: From the camera
- Sensitivity: -33 dB
- Connector: 3.5 mm plug
This model is a compact microphone-gun with a focus on mobility and accessibility. These qualities are achieved due to the absence of a battery inside the case: the microphone takes power from the connected device. For this reason, it is more suitable for short records than for long sessions (but if necessary, the lengthy operation of the microphone and the chamber will provide an external battery ).
It weighs only 42 g and comes with windproof to work outdoors. Internal depreciation minimizes unwanted vibrations and rustling from cables. Since the manufacturer decided to focus on the external component, it is not worthwhile from the Røde videomicro of studio quality. Sound he writes significantly better than any built-in microphone in the camera or mobile phone, but no more.
Advantages:
- Windscreen included.
- Small dimensions and weight.
Disadvantages:
- Low sound quality compared to other external microphones.
- No built-in battery.
Canon DM-E1
- Type: Condenatery
- Chart: Directional
- Power: CR2032 type battery
- Sensitivity: -42 dB
- Connector: 3.5 mm plug
For most buyers, the Canon DM-E1 microphone - the product is not available, but it would not be unforgivable to mention it in this selection, because it is not Just a private microphone-gun with an exorbitant price tag. It works in three modes: a shotgun with a focus exclusively to the sound source (mono), an angle of coating 90 and 120 degrees (stereo). The transition from a narrow mode to a broader is carried out with one press of the button.
The frequency characteristic of 50 Hz - 16 kHz does not quite correspond to a wide range of premium products like Videoomic Pro Plus, although the difference as an audio insignificant. Included with DM-E1, the buyer gets a windproof screen and shock absorbing mount. To power, a key lithium battery is needed.
Benefits:
- Three sound recording modes.
- Windproof included.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
Takstar SGC-598
- Type: Condenser
- Diagram: Cardioid
- Power: AA type battery 151]
- Sensitivity: -32 dB
- Connector: 3.5 mm plug
This model refers to inexpensive and very popular narrow-controlled microphones. It is also nice that windproof and depreciation is included.
Takstar SGC-598 offers frequency response from 50 Hz to 16 kHz with an amplifier by 10 dB. It takes food from AA battery. The sound quality, of course, is not top, but considering its cost, it will be difficult to find something better.
Advantages:
- An acceptable price / sound ratio.
- Included there are useful accessories.
Disadvantages:
- Cheap plastic housing.
- loose contact in the hot shoe.
Zoom F1-SP
- Type: Condenser
- Diagram: Supercardoid
- Food: 2 AAA batteries
- Sensitivity: -39 dB
- Connector: 3.5 mm plug
The external recorder is almost impossible to surpass as a sound. Japanese Zoom F1-SP is a whole set of audio technologies. This includes a field recorder, a shotgun microphone, windscreen, depreciation and support memory cards microSDHC to 32 GB.
The microphone itself provides a narrow-controlled audio capture with a resolution of up to 24 bits / 96 kHz in WAV format. The nozzle is changing, changeable options can be selected from the zoom assortment.
Advantages:
- Wide functionality.
- Memory card support.
- High-definition audio recording.
Weaknesses:
- Autonomy no more than 10 hours.
RØDE VideoMic GO
- ) Type: Condenser
- Pattern: Supercardioid
- Power supply: External from camera
- Sensitivity: -35 dB
- Connector: 3.5 mm jack
VideoMic GO is the lightest on-camera microphone in its line. It weighs 73 g and does not require changing batteries, as it is powered by the device to which it is connected. Due to this feature, it may not work with some camera models.
Its price is quite affordable for a product with an emphasis on durability and ease of use. Like the other RODE mics in this collection, the GO comes with a Rycote Lyre windscreen and shock absorber.
Benefits:
- Light weight.
- Accessories included.
- A 2-year warranty is available with product registration.
Weaknesses:
- Due to the nature of the power supply, it is not compatible with all cameras.
