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Good Microphone?

by alan.t
22 replies
Hi dear all,

Need some good advice. Did a quick search on finding a suitable microphone. Most relevant thread was dated Jan 2011 so wondering if there are any updates and what you guys and gals recommend now.

Here's my plan:
1. Most probably using iPhone 4 to shoot simple short videos
2. Hook the iPhone to a better external microphone so that voice is clearer
3. May also shoot video using notebook like guiding users through screen shots etc

Here's what I found so far:
1. Audio-Technica ATR-35S Microphone
2. Audio Technica AT2020 USB Condenser Microphone
3. Any other recommendations?

Thanks in advance!
#good #mic #microphone #record #recording #video
  • Profile picture of the author janeiro82
    I recorded a lot of songs and can confirm that Audio Technica is very good!!! Especially the 4050 model. However you should go to a local store and test them out since every voice is different and so the microphone you should use.

    You should have a look at the AKG perception series too.

    Large-diaphragm microphones (like Audio technica/AKG perception) usually have the best recording quality. But consider that you most likely need an audio interface with a preamp to get them to work. Something like mindprint (with usb) should be good for your purpose.
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    • Profile picture of the author M Thompson
      I just got the audio technica ATR lavalier mic. if you go that route remember that you need a converter for the connector for your iphone.

      it works really well.

      My main mic is a Samson CO1u usb condenser and it's very good quality and easy to use.


      If you are doing screencapture get the USB mic if you are doing "live" videos then the lavallier mic will be ok.
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    • Profile picture of the author GreatMarkO
      Originally Posted by janeiro82 View Post

      Large-diaphragm microphones (like Audio technica/AKG perception) usually have the best recording quality. But consider that you most likely need an audio interface with a preamp to get them to work. Something like mindprint (with usb) should be good for your purpose.
      I agree with janeiro82, a large diaphragm condenser mic will certainly provide you with better audio quality and clarity - but be aware that many such microphones require "Phantom Power" from an external source - so unless you want purchase additional equipment (like a mixing desk to provide that Phantom Power to the mic), your best bet is certainly to go for a large diaphragm USD mic. Behringer do the "C-1U Studio Condenser Microphone" which would be ideal for your needs!

      Personally, I've use the Behringer B-2 Pro Studio Condenser in my studio - which isn't USB (but then I have a whole studio setup anyway!) - but I've had great results using Behringer large-diaphragm condenser mics to, amongst other things, add narration to my site's video tutorials - and for the price/quality ratio you really can't go wrong with the B-2 Pro or the C-1U
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      • Profile picture of the author alan.t
        Hi folks, thanks for all the suggestions and recommendations!

        Realised Audio-Technica ATR-35S Microphone is no longer available what a pity.

        And other those USB microphones, I'm looking for one that could be hook up to my iPhone for those video shoot with clearer voice input.

        Any recommendations?

        Thanks and have a nice Easter Sunday!
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    • Profile picture of the author gasman
      Originally Posted by janeiro82 View Post

      I recorded a lot of songs and can confirm that Audio Technica is very good!!! Especially the 4050 model. However you should go to a local store and test them out since every voice is different and so the microphone you should use.

      You should have a look at the AKG perception series too.

      Large-diaphragm microphones (like Audio technica/AKG perception) usually have the best recording quality. But consider that you most likely need an audio interface with a preamp to get them to work. Something like mindprint (with usb) should be good for your purpose.
      I second this. It's a great microphone for many purposes. I also actually have software hooked up to one of my computers for music making and editing. When I want to record a song or something I use a good old shure sm58 through the software.
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  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    Alan,

    I use the Audio Technica AT2020 for all my videos and have never had a problem. The videos are nice and clear and the microphone is very affordable for what it is.
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  • Profile picture of the author micey
    I got one a while back as i was planning on doing youtube commentarys its called behringer c1u its was £50 very good microphone my friend uses it to recored his music "drums" and it works great on vocals. It sounds just as good as the blue yeti they have in the recordin studio. Get the shock mount and pop filter from ebay for another £10 and you have a pro mic for £60
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  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    Just one other tip I will give you. Youtube is your friend. If you find a good microphone you are thinking about buying then go and search that model number on YouTube because quite often you will find a number of video demos where people have recorded their voice to give you an idea of the sound quality of the microphone.
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    • Profile picture of the author M Thompson
      Originally Posted by WillR View Post

      Just one other tip I will give you. Youtube is your friend. If you find a good microphone you are thinking about buying then go and search that model number on YouTube because quite often you will find a number of video demos where people have recorded their voice to give you an idea of the sound quality of the microphone.

      Good tip thats what i did with the Samson, it sounded so much better than the Blue Snowball which was the alternative at the time
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  • Profile picture of the author Rok Solid
    Hey Alan

    If you're connecting directly to your iPhone I'd suggest you go with the iRig Mic from IK Multimedia. I got one on Amazon for a little over $50

    I use this to do remote broadcasts for the radio station I work for and it's great. I've even used it to do recorded segments on the show and no-one has noticed the difference (so let's just keep that between us)

    You'll need to buy an additional windscreen to minimize "popping" but they're really cheap. ($5 at most)

    To get the best balance between sound quality and sensitivity I use the middle setting on the side of the mic.

    It's a solid handheld mic and works really well for podcasts, interviews and live broadcasts (over the phone).

    Hope that helps
    Ricky
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  • Profile picture of the author Tyler Pratt
    I heard good things about "Blue Microphones Snowball USB Microphone"

    Anyone have any experience with this mic?
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    • Profile picture of the author bigballin6161
      Originally Posted by Tyler Pratt View Post

      I heard good things about "Blue Microphones Snowball USB Microphone"

      Anyone have any experience with this mic?

      I got the Blue Yeti which is a step up. Its awesome.
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      • Profile picture of the author salegurus
        Originally Posted by Smallwheels View Post

        Where can a microphone be plugged into an iPhone? Does it go into the thirty pin connector? I went to the Apple site and looked at the phone. I see a headphone jack but no microphone jack.

        With the big improvement in the quality of the iPhone camera it should make excellent videos if there is no zooming or illumination needed.
        i-Microphone is the best bet for iPhones.

        Originally Posted by bigballin6161 View Post

        I got the Blue Yeti which is a step up. Its awesome.
        I have been using the Blue Yeti for a while and the quality and build is fantastic, definitely recommended.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jeff Lenney
      Originally Posted by Tyler Pratt View Post

      I heard good things about "Blue Microphones Snowball USB Microphone"

      Anyone have any experience with this mic?
      I've got a blue yeti microphone and LOVE it - the snowball is NICE, but I love the Blue Yeti and DEFINITELY recommended it to many people
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  • Profile picture of the author Bill_Z
    I was recommended this one by a few people a while ago (no aff link)

    Amazon.com: Audio-Technica ATR-3350 Lavalier...Amazon.com: Audio-Technica ATR-3350 Lavalier...
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  • Profile picture of the author Smallwheels
    Where can a microphone be plugged into an iPhone? Does it go into the thirty pin connector? I went to the Apple site and looked at the phone. I see a headphone jack but no microphone jack.

    With the big improvement in the quality of the iPhone camera it should make excellent videos if there is no zooming or illumination needed.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rok Solid
    If you're gonna go with one of the condenser mics you can get an inexpensive but beautiful sounding Rode NT1-A. I use this for both video recordings and singing and it works great in both instances.

    You'll need a sound interface with phantom power like the M-Audio Mobile Pre to use many of these types of mics (including the others suggested here) so do some research before you buy.

    Also if you don't have a stand yet then I strongly recommend you go with a desk mounted stand with a 12" riser, like the ones they use at radio stations

    Here's the one I have

    Instead of a cumbersome studio stand, this gives you the flexibility to position the mic wherever you need it without taking up floor space or having to set it up and put it away each time you use it. Much neater too. You'll also have no cables running all over the place if you use zip ties to secure the cable to the stand - just be sure to leave enough extra cable at the joints to allow for movement.

    Regards
    Ricky
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  • Profile picture of the author John Romaine
    I too have the Blue Yeti.

    Man, this thing is awesome. Its just so nice, and looks awesome. It was so easy to use as well - just plugged straight in - USB. No messing around. My operating system picked it straight up and I was up and running using Camtasia in no time.

    Oh, and did I mention how heavy this thing is??? Definitely not cheap crap. Worth every cent of the $200.

    Definitely recommended!




    Only thing thats missing is a dust cover.

    I use a sock, works a treat
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  • Profile picture of the author i am brad
    Great thread. I am in the market for a Mic myself. The blue yeti looks like it has a pretty stable stand as opposed to the tripod on the AT2020.
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    • Profile picture of the author Shaun OReilly
      No matter what microphone you use to record your
      audio, pay attention to the environment you record
      in.

      Here's a great demo on how to get a good audio
      recording from just an iPhone:


      Personally, I use an Audio Technica AT3035 plugged
      in to a Roland Cakewalk UA-25 EX external audio
      capture card.

      For more impromptu audio recordings, I use the Audio
      Technica ATR3350 lavalier mic.

      Dedicated to mutual success,

      Shaun
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  • Profile picture of the author mjw
    Here's another vote for the AT2020 USB mic. The stand, although looks flimsey is okay. I will upgrade it soon to a desk microphone stand, but the sound quality is very nice. I've been recording videos with it and really like it.
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  • Profile picture of the author TryBPO
    We use the Blue Yeti for the AdSense Flippers Podcast as well. Totally worth it...a great buy.
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