Over the years I have used a lot of audio gear for my filmmaking and I want to share some of the audio gear that I own and continue to use for my projects. A wise filmmaker once said that “audio is 50% of the video”, which means that audio is pretty darn important!
I’ll start off by stating the obvious – the more money you have the better equipment you will be able to get your hands on. But there are also some cheaper options that still sound pretty good. Here’s what I use:
The Audio Technica AT4073 kits is awesome.
- Element: Capacitor
- Dynamic Range (Typical): 112 dB, 1 kHz at Max
- SPL
- Polar Pattern: Line + Gradient
- Phantom Power Requirements: 11 – 52V, 3
Sennheiser MKH-416
Sennheiser MKH-416, (P48) Super-Cardioid Short Shotgun Condenser Interference Tube Microphone.
- Pressure gradient receiver with short interference tube.
- Hypercardioid at low and medium frequency, above 2kHz approaches lobar pattern.
- Employs RF-technology to control residual microphone noise.
- Matt black all-metal body.
Sennheiser ME67/k6 Deluxe Mic Kit
Sennheiser ME67 Long Shotgun Microphone Capsule
Sennheiser ME66/K6 Combo.
Sennheiser ME66 Short Shotgun Capsule Head for K6 Series
So the more money you have the better your sound quality will be. You should also remember that the longer the shotgun microphone, the better.
However, don’t be sad about not being able to afford a fancy mic, there are still great options for filmmakers on a lower budget.
If you are using a DSLR camera then you should check out the following mics.
Rode Microphone
Azden SGM-1x Shotgun Mic
Azden Barrell Shotgun Mic With XLR Outputs
Azden SMX-10
Azden High-performance (SMX-10) Stereo Condenser Microphone
Audio Technica AT875 for about $175
Audio-Technica AT875R Short Shotgun Microphone
Rode NTG-2 Shotgun mic
Rode VideoMic Directional Video Condenser Microphone w/Mount
The accessories that you use with your microphones also help the quality of your sound. In your audio toolbag you should always have a windsock which blocks out the extra noise from the wind.
Is it from best to least best? (For DSLR)
What would be the best ones to look into which are around $100 (doesn’t have to be exact at all). I want to upgrade from one I got for $30 for my last production. I can’t spend too much so around $100 is what I’m looking for. (I use 1/8 in plug.)
The Rode VideoMic goes for around $100. Some find it a bit bulky but they do sell the Rode VideoMic Pro for a bit more but it is better designed.
Is that the HDTZ 14.37″ mic? I just got that one and, for the price, you can’t beat the sound quality!
Hi, Zach
I am looking for one good mic to record my short films which one do u recommend me to use for all video making.
For an on camera mic go with the Rode Video Mic Pro. For a shotgun go with the NTG1 or 2 also from Rode
epic bro just epic
yeah, I can’t believe how epic this site it. I think he said he built it in a weekend or something like that.
What about the Video Mic Pro ?
I’m so glad you made this site. Now my videos are going to sound sick.
Thanks.
Any ideas on a portable audio recorder (like the H4n) under £100 ($160)?
Everyone had already said this but I am more and more impressed as I continue reading this site. Not only have you provided tons of great content but you also have in depth articles. Major plus!,!,,
These mics are very cheap! NICE
Do you use the rode mic more than shotgun mics?
So what recording devices are you using,Zach?
I knew that sound quality plays a big role in films and recently I decided to get a Zoom H1 Handy recorder. $80 and it was just something to start off with because I don’t really have a lot of money to spend. >.> but do you have any thoughts on the H1?
Thanks for the excellent free sound effects. I have an Audio Technica AT897, a Sennheiser MKH416, and RE20.
The only thing that you could improve on is maybe if you explained or showed us things that we can do on a low budget. Not all of us can afford After Effects or Canon cameras and big fancy microphones and just want to make some good films on our phones or something? I dont know its your show but just a suggestion.
Keep up the good work but you are a true inspiration