The first thing people usually do with they want to make video is ask, what kind of camera should I use. A Canon, Sony, Alexa? While that is a great question, once they get a camera they like, they find out that their videos are still less than spectacular.

The NEXT question they ask, and the question we get asked a bunch here at Pixel Valley Studio is what microphone should I buy? And the question I ask is, "What are you using it for". Your choice in microphone really comes down to what your situation demands. For the purpose of this video we will talk about two major categories; dynamic microphones and condenser microphones.

Dynamic Microphones

My trusty Sure SM58 I would consider a pretty good live sound mic. It’s a mic that’s been around for over 40 years and is a total work horse. I also have a Senheiser e85 that I use for live. These are both what are called dynamic mics, which basically means they are very rugged, they don’t require external power like some of the other microphones we will discuss, but they have a limited frequency response, meaning they aren’t as sensitive as other mics.

A typical scenario for using a dynamic mic is in live band situations for the singers and some instruments. I also use them when recording podcasts, where the limited frequency response is not missed since it’s mostly just talking. But, I wouldn’t use this or any other dynamic mic for my video production. Although you can, I wouldn’t and I don’t. These are great if you are doing a on the spot interview or hosting a game show.

Condenser Microphones

If you are creating content from a controlled location in a studio or in your bedroom or whatever, then you will get a better sound by using a condenser mic. Condenser mics have a much higher frequency response and output a louder signal. They require external power either from a mixing board or an internal battery. Keep in mind that condenser mics are usually more expensive than dynamic mics. Cheap condenser mics exist, but beware, they sound harsh and brittle and have very low end. You generally get what you pay for here.

Since I want to make this a simple as possible without getting into the weeds of microphone pickup patterns and stuff, let’s assume the two types of videos we are interested in making are either an interview, talk to the camera style vlog, sorta like what I am doing right now, or dialogue on an actual set with actors and such. In these two cases, I will use one or both of these types of condenser mics: a shotgun mic or a lavalier (also known as a lapel mic).

You’re in your bedroom or studio, you are facing the camera and doing the whole “talking head” thing. One important thing is to resist the urge to use the built in microphone on your camera. First, it’s not a good mic since it’s really made for reference audio, not production audio. Second, you just can’t get close enough to it to keep the audio from sounding like you’re in the Sistine Chapel. Even if you add a camera mounted shotgun mic, you still have the issue of getting close enough unless you’re in a medium-tight or close-up shot. This is where a good lavalier mic works great. It brings the microphone close to the sound source, you. Thus reducing any extra sounds from being picked up. I can use it in a tight shot, a medium shot or I can be across the street if I go wireless.

On set using a shotgun condenser microphone on a boom pole

I would use a shotgun mic on set where I maybe have multiple actors in a scene and I want to not only pick up the dialogue but I also need some room acoustics. Even still, if I can sneak a lavalier on to the actors, I will so that I will have multiple sources of sound. We recently did this in a sketch we did that involved two actors in a medium shot. I snuck the lavalier right between two actors on one of the actors right shoulder.

What if you don’t have or can’t afford a shotgun or a lav? Well, then my suggestion is to bring your recording device as close to the talent as possible without ruining the shot. Actually, this is how Frank does many of his videos. He uses a Zoom H4 recorder and gets it super close but not in the frame.

Conclusion

So what microphone should you buy? My vote is if you are doing live on-the-spot interviews where dynamic range and frequency response isn’t an issue, or podcasting then a dynamic mic should work just fine. Otherwise if you are doing a typical talking head video, a vlog or documentary style interview, a lav will get you where you want. On set a shotgun mic and possibly a lav if it’s possible. And if you are stuck with just your digital recorder then get that puppy as close as possible.

Since I didn’t talk about price, let me just say once again say that with microphones you get what you pay for. Personally, I wouldn’t bother with a microphone that is in the sub $100 range. I want to buy once and use the crap out of it, so I suggest you start there. Also, if you simply want to record audio only, maybe for a certain singing karaoke app… then check out the USB condenser mics available on Amazon in the $99 and up range.

That’s all for now, let me know in the comments if you’d like more info on microphones as this was sort of a 101 session. Also let me know what you are using and what for. Share the knowledge, peeps.