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It doesnāt matter if youāre filming in high definition 4K if your sound quality is poor. Your content will come across as unprofessional and nobody wants that. Thatās why investing in a decent mic system is essential for vloggers. To help you bridge the gap between audio and high-quality video from your smartphone or camera, weāll look at some of the best microphones for vlogging, from lavaliers to shotguns.
Included in this guide:
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | Rode Wireless GO II Single Channel Wireless Microphone System
| 4.4 | Check Price |
Runner-up  | Shure MV88+ Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone
| 4.4 | Check Price |
Top Pick  | Hollyland Lark M1 Wireless Lavalier Microphone With Noise Cancellation
| 4.2 | Check Price |
Top Pick  | Movo VXR10 Universal Shotgun Mic for Camera
| 4.3 | Check Price |
Lowest Price  | MayBesta Professional Wireless Lavalier/Lapel Microphone
| 4.4 | Check Price |
Related Article: The Top 5 Best Mics For YouTube (2024)
Rodeās second-generation GO single-mic system is a two-unit set: a transmitter and a receiver. The updated units run on a 2.4GHz signal that covers a 656ā line of sight. But itās optimized for crowded, RF-dense spots. Thatās because the transmitterās built-in mic features 128-bit encryption, low self-noise (22 dB), and a max SPL of 100dB.
You could use the transmitterās built-in mic as a clip-on lavalier (lav). That said, the transmitterās surface is shiny and has two fairly bright LEDs, which can make it less subtle on video. If this is a major concern for you, you could use the ā ā input to integrate an external lav or headset into your system and just use the transmitter as a bodypack.
The MV88+ kit is a bit expensive, but it includes more than just a mic. The pack contains all you need to set up your camera (or phone) and connect it to the micāa Manfrotto tripod (doubles as a hand-held stand), USB-C cable, Lightning cable, a phone clamp, and a shoe-mount clip.
At the heart of the kit is the Motiv MV88+ mic with its 120dB max SPL, 24-bit support, and two-capsule barrel. The first capsule has a cardioid pattern for picking sounds directly in front of the mic. Meanwhile, the second capsule is best for capturing audio on both sides using a mono-bidirectional (figure-8) pickup pattern. You can also turn on both the front and sides for stereo or mid-side capture.
The matte-black M1 set is optimized for long-distance wireless recording on a 2.4GHz adaptive frequency hopping transmission, with a range of 650ā. In terms of audio quality, the system supports a 16-bit sampling rate and runs on two modes (Natural and HearClear) to suit different environments and noise levels. However, the standout feature in this set is actually the two-in-one charging and storage case.
The case itself doesnāt take long to chargeā90 minutes will do the trick. Once the case is fully charged, it can juice up the three units (receiver and two transmitters) twice. Each unit can run for 8 hours or so. All in all, youāll get around 20 hours of non-continuous usage time out of each charging cycle.
Movoās VXR10 set includes one cardioid microphone and a camera mounting setup (a shock mount on a cold shoe-mount adapter). There are no transmitters or changing cases here, though. You just plug in the mic with a TRS cable to your camera and start recording. While the setup is already easy, Movo includes a six-video course to walk you through the different use cases.
The receiver on this dual, plug-and-play set by MayBesta connects to smartphones and tablets via a Lightning port. Then, it connects to the two lav mics via a Bluetooth 4.0 signal, covering a 50ā range. Each mic unit has a rechargeable 65MAH battery that takes around 2 hours to fully charge, but itās possible to use and charge the mics simultaneously.
Related Article: The Top 5 Best Mics For Podcasting | Professional Options For All Budgets
Shotgun and lav mics are popular among YouTubers and vloggers. You can find models of both types that fit on your camera or hand-held stand. However, lavs might be more convenient for vloggers who film on the go.
Cardioid and super-cardioid are popular choices because theyāre good at picking up sound at the front and rejecting it from the rear. However, a bidirectional polar pattern can work well for capturing voices from both the on-camera subject and the off-camera interviewer. Meanwhile, an omnidirectional pattern usually does the job on lavs.
Most of the microphones listed are compatible with a wide range of devices, including DSLR cameras, camcorders, and smartphones. However, compatibility can vary, so it's essential to check the specifications of both the microphone and your recording device. Adapters may be required in some cases.
Unlike a āhotā mount, cold mounts donāt allow the hooked-up accessory to communicate with your camera. This isnāt a deal breaker with mics, though. After all, youāll likely have a cable to connect the mic/receiver to your camera.
Yes, walls, metallic objects, and so on can obscure the audio signal. Even having someone standing between you and the receiver can block the signal. If youāre using a wireless system, try to maintain a clear line of sight between the transmitter and the receiver.
Even as a single-channel set, the Rode Wireless GO II is an all-around winner. Itās got strong RF performance, battery life, operating range, and support for external mics going for it. But if you want more flexibility in your video interview set-up and donāt mind paying extra, the MV88+ kit from Shure would be your best bet. Finally, vloggers who just want a simple lav to use with their smartphones will appreciate the no-frills approach of the MayBesta dual set.
Lastly, donāt forget to use a windscreen if youāre filming outdoors!
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