Types of Microphones for Vlogging
Photo by Tyler Casey on Unsplash
Vlogging is an excellent way to spread ideas, teach things, or promote a cause or product.
As with any audio/visual production, sound is a big part of what makes the video work.
While many videographers and vloggers understand completely how important the visual aspect of their videos are, a huge number don’t give a second thought to the audio quality. Sure, we have an amazing camera, capable of producing superb images and videos, but we should also be concerned with recording very high quality sound, too.
Why You Need a Microphone
photo by filadendron via iStock
The same camera providing us high resolution imaging also needs to record sound. The only problem is that the built-in mics in our awesome cameras are a compromise for the most part.
In order to fit in our camera, the mics are rather small by necessity. So an external microphone is a great idea for anyone making high quality videos for vlogging and YouTube.
Types of Microphones
The four basic types of microphones for vlogging are lavalier, handheld, desktop, and shotgun. Which of these are the best microphones for vlogging? Each of these types has distinct characteristics which give them an advantage for certain video production needs.
Shotgun Microphones
We’ll start with shotgun microphones, since these are simple to add to most cameras. On-camera shotgun mics are top microphones for YouTube because the set up is as easy as attaching it to the camera.
A mic such as the CVM-V30-LITE-R from Ikan is compact, inexpensive, and offers an upgrade in audio performance that is noticeable the first time you use it. A shotgun mic points in the direction you’re filming, capturing a wider range of audio that the camera built in mic.
It also helps eliminate one of the biggest problems in video recording with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, focus and zoom noise. It is still attached to the camera, but it’s far enough from the motors and cams to greatly reduce noise.
Think of it as similar to how an on camera flash reduces the chance of red eye over the built in flash. In addition, these types of microphones are generally able to capture a wide-range of frequencies. All of that adds up to better sound quality for your videos.
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Hand-Held Microphones
Another type of microphone that is simple to use for vlogging is a hand-held mic. These can be corded or cordless. A wireless mic like the CVM-WM100-HTX shown above is lightweight and has excellent audio performance, making it one of the best microphones for vlogging.
Wireless microphones require a receiver, too, so these are generally not an inexpensive choice. When combined with a mixing board, these types of microphones are great for YouTubing live musical performances.
Desktop Microphones
Among the top microphones for YouTube interviews or a monologue style of vlog is the desktop microphone. Many of these have studio-level audio performance that is truly outstanding and yet still are relatively budget friendly.
If you’ve ever watched a late night talk show on TV, this is the type of microphone you see sitting on the desk of the host. Our friends at Ikan have the STM01 desktop mic.
What makes this one of the best microphones for vlogging is its superior audio performance. You need to plug this into some sort of mixing board, but the performance is outstanding.
The dynamic range, low electronic noise, and recording patterns are superb. What it means to you as a YouTube vlogger is being to deliver the best audio to complement your high-quality video.
Lavalier Microphones
A lavalier mic is small enough to attach to a lapel or a shirt or blouse. Wireless transmission allows your subject to be heard even if they are not yet in the field of view of your framed shot. Prices can add up quickly, but lavalier mics are possibly the best microphones for vlogging with multiple subjects.
A combination kit like the CVM-WS60-COMBO has two mics with transmitters and one receiver that can be mounted to the camera. Any vlogger recording multiple people will find a kit like this a top choice for vlogging.
Great Audio Makes Awesome Videos
Photo by lucas Favre on Unsplash
The best microphones for vlogging not only increase the audio quality of your recordings but will also free up your creativity when vlogging or filming for YouTube.
You’ve already invested in sharp lenses, color correct lights, and a great tripod, try out one of these top microphones for vlogging and YouTube. You will be amazed by the results, as will your viewers and subscribers.
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