Ultra Budget Shotgun Mic Shootout
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- čas přidán 25. 07. 2024
- I'm testing 3, ultra-budget shotgun mics in this video to find out if ANY of them are worth the money, or whether you're wasting your time.
I test the following mics:
LyxPro CMG-50 - $69 - amzn.to/3CTITb9
Neewer NW-81 - $35 - amzn.to/37t4rQe
VidPro XM-55 - $78 - amzn.to/3u2FZgs
Link to my video on the LyxPro CMG-50: • Budget Shotgun mic for...
Below are some affiliate links that help me grow and support this channel. Cheers!
Audio Gear I use:
Awesome shotgun mic that's also a USB Mic: amzn.to/3pIl0hR
Industry Standard Headphones, Sony MDR-7506: amzn.to/3FOfoIG
Rode Wireless Go: amzn.to/3JrbKql
Cameras used to film this video:
Panasonic GH5 (with 12-35 lens): amzn.to/31iwKOO
Secondary Lens: amzn.to/3fXFT2N
Panasonic 12mm f1.4 for Micro Four Thirds: amzn.to/3IvGN2I
B-Roll Camera for overhead and cut-away/side shots: amzn.to/3BqsgTP
Lens: amzn.to/3HWbGxJ
Secondary Lens: amzn.to/3uWvJs8
Other cool camera gear I use:
Manfrotto Pixie Tripod: amzn.to/3F8aepK
Smallrig Mini Tripod: amzn.to/3JQd0Ud
Articulating arm for my microphone: amzn.to/3f8Km2p
Backup and Cheap Microphone - Movo VXR10: amzn.to/3G9EUbi
K&F Concept Camera Tripod (Goes up to almost 7 feet!!): amzn.to/3f7x3zi
External Monitor, Atomos Shinobi: amzn.to/3tfxTSH
For Recording Externally with my Sony A7iii: amzn.to/3JUwZB2
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#lyxpro #neewer #shotgunmic - Jak na to + styl
The first shotgun mic I got (2009) was a budget one, but I spent weeks researching and comparing mics by watching countless reviews and demonstrations here on CZcams. I bought an Azden SGM-1X at a flea market for $50. At the time they sold new for $180. It worked perfectly. In a meeting (Cleveland Indie Club) I attended where we compared 6 of our shotgun mics, ranging in price from $100 to $350, my Azden mic was deemed the best because it had bass that most of the others were missing, while still having a flat, full sound, and no excessive noise. I used this mic for all my projects, including a feature film adapted from a best selling Author, until now. I just replaced it with the Azden 3500L. It's amazing. I got it used as well, for only $280. It sells for $550 - $600 new. Maybe some day I will have a Sennheiser MKH-416.....but after some projects with this new mic I may find I don't need to replace it.
Thanks for that meticulous work of reviewing! Starting a CZcams channel on a budget and without a deep knowledge of all the technics is tough but thank to videos like yours, it seems a bit more feasible!
Hi there, you are welcome, and thank you!. I'm so glad my video was helpful to you. Good luck with your recording and channel growth!
@@MarcusHutsell Thanks man!
Thank you for this video as it does help to know that there are decent shotgun mics out there below £100 / $100. The LyxPro CMG-50 would be the go to out of the 3.
Yep, the CMG-50 is my choice as well. It really does have a LOT of noise though. But I use the CMG-50 at my work office daily, and just use either OBS audio noise reduction or the auto-noise reduction in Zoom/Teams, etc. to remove the noise and for meetings, it's just fine.
Great review!! It was really well done, and I liked your points!
I’m trying to find a shotgun mic that I could use for record videos and use in my desktop to online calls. I don’t if it’s the right choice considering I’ve small room. But shotgun seems to work well to avoid noises from indoors and outdoors. Thinking about most versatile, and not more than 1 hundred dollars
Hi there Murillo. To be honest, since I recorded that video, Rode now has the Rode VideoMic Go ii, a very short, compact shotgun mic, and I just bought it myself and it sounds really great, it connects via USB directly, and honestly, it's probably the best and most versatile mic for meetings AND you can also use it on top of your camera and take it out in the world and record. And it's only $100!! I should probably make a video on it soon, but I've just been too busy.
Here's a link to the Rode VideoMicGo ii, it is an affiliate link, but this little thing sounds better than any of the budget shotgun mics in this video.
Rode VideoMic Go ii: amzn.to/3KAV9lc
Cheers!
Great review
Thank you!
I'm impressed with the LyxPro. It makes it harder to focus on saving money for the Rode NTG. I'm also considering the Video Mic Go II. Perhaps you can get your hands on that one and compare it to the NTG.
He there Joe. Yeah......that Rode Go II came out and I figured, dang, THAT's what I needed, but it wasn't available when I bought the LyxPro. And, I also use an XLR mute switch (Rolls MS111) between my LxPro and my Behringer UM2 so I can have a PHYSICAL mute button at my fingertips for those long virtual meetings. Can't do that with a USB mic!
Hey Marcus, really like your vids, keep them coming!. I'm looking for a basic mic for my home office video conferencing setup, I hate things on my head! I was wondering about the Rode VideoMic GO II. Do you think this could sit next to my webcam and give decent audio from me sitting in my chair (as in maybe 2-3 feet away)? I'd like it to be able to filter out my keyboard sounds while I'm taking notes too, my keyboard is a quiet mx keys, but I'm a bit paranoid about that coming through.
Hi Michaal, thank you very much, I appreciate it, and I'm trying (been so busy this summer with work). Long story short, you'll never get superb audio with a mic 3' away. In those cases, a shotgun mic is BETTER because it's more directional, but, being far away, you'll have to turn up the gain to get your voice louder, and would then be turning up everything (so you'd be turning up the room sound with it). That's a general rule, and it depends on the actual distance, the mic itself and it's pick up and rejection patterns, and how much (if any) your room is treated. So, if you have a reverberant room (lots of windows, hard floors, hard walls), then the mic would pick up MORE of that reverberant room the further away the mic is from your voice. Adding soft goods or studio foam to your room will help absorb the reverberations and echoes.
I've been wanting to try the VideoMic Go II, but just haven't had a chance or a need. However, being a shorter mic, it won't have *as much side-rejection as the VideoMic NTG.
I would do whatever you can to get the mic as close as possible, even a cheap articulating arm can help because it means you can move and boom the mic in closer when you're having a meeting and then move it back out of the way when you're not in a meeting.
As far as keyboard sounds, that's a tough one, because, sound is sounds, it's just physics. The best bet would be to position the microphone LOW and pointed UP at your mouth, that way the keyboard *could be more to the side of the mic, and therefore in the mic's rejection or cancellation zone a bit more. But, definitely do some test recordings, because in my office at my particular desk, I just don't like the way the mic sounds down there, it picks up some weird reflections from my desk and alters the frequency response a bit. Which is expected since it's next to a hard, reflective surface (my desk.). If the mic is above you and boomed, pointed down at your mouth.......well, your keyboard would then be almost directly in the pickup pattern of the mic.
Some of the meeting platforms offer noise cancellation and I think even Zoom states "keyboard clicks," so, they can try to recognize keyboard clicks and not allow those sounds through, but, I just don't like the meeting platform noise reduction most of the time, but, it can help, just remember it will also affect true sound.
But you can always record with Zoom directly, using the noise reduction and see how it sounds.
Whew, that was a long reply, I hope something in there was helpful.
I think the main point is: The further the mic away is from your voice, the MORE of the ambient/room space it will hear......including your keyboard. So, you don't have to have the mic right up in front of your face, but get it as close as you can, just out of video-frame, and maybe try to angle it up.
Give those things a try, and good luck!
What a great detailed response thank you so much!
What software you using to edit the audio?
Hi Marcus, great review. I've been thinking about replacing my Elgato Wave DX to a LyxPro CMG 50 out of the other two cheap shotgun mics.
The reason for that is because, I'm actually getting tired of having to move my mic arm back and forth. In fact, I've been thinking about renovating my computer desk setup, but of course the money and expenses. Changing my Mic, my monitors, and replacing my laptop to a desktop PC, yeah, expensive. Overall, thanks for letting me know what shotgun mic to purchase rather than buying $300 - $1000.
No problem. I’m glad the video helped. :)
Honestly, if you’re still looking, the Rode video mic go 2 is only $100. It would completely take the place of an XLR mic + interface, And it sounds great too.
I always run my LyxPro CMG 50 through a noise filter in OBS before I send it out for virtual meetings, but I and I still use it weekly at work for virtual meetings, so I have no reason to really change it.
Looks like Movo also recently came out with a shotgun Mike there’s about $130,
Curtis Judd has a review on the Movo X3, check it out.
Happy hunting :)
@@MarcusHutsell Thanks for the advice. However, I'm still thinking about gunning for a shotgun mic for voice overs, streaming, and in office recording. The Rode seems like a good purchase for outdoor vlog though, so I'll definitely look into it.
@doccloudacnh yeah. No worries.
I am starting to have a microphone acquisition addiction problem, I’ve got 3 rode mics and the video mic go 2 sounds really good next to my videomic NTG and NTG-5. I have the video mic go 2 boomed up over my computer monitor…. although I haven’t used it a lot and I need to start using more. Aaaaaaanyway, happy recording.
Hi, What XLR shotgun mic would u reccomend a beginner filmmaker? I have a budget of around 150 dollars for it and cannot use phantom power. Thanks 😀
Hi there Matthew. That’s a tough one for $150. I’m assuming that if you CANNOT use phantom power then you may also NOT be using XLR connections?
If that’s the case and you need to stick to microphones that have a 3.5mm output, then I would recommend one of 2 mics.
I know you said your budget is only $150, but if you could possibly save up an additional $100, Then the Rode VideoMic NTG is a REALLY great sounding and very versatile mic. It does cost $250, but we’ll worth it in terms of sound quality and options. I use my rode videomic NTG for all of my videos and for virtual meetings.
amzn.to/3Y7hlJ5
If you still need to stay under $100, than I’d pick up the Rode VideoMic Go ii. This is like a smaller version of the videoMic NTG and has similar connectivity but is smaller and just has fewer option built into the mic.
amzn.to/3HAD1q3
Both of those mics have 3.5mm outputs and can run either directly into your camera’s 3.5mm input, or you can use one of Rose’s 3.5mm to XLR adapters and still plug it into an XLR input.
You can use the Rode VXLR with the larger VideoMicNTG, just make sure you never use phantom power with that model coming from an XLR input. And you won’t need phantom power with the video Mic NTG anyway because it has a built in battery.
Unfortunately the VXLR won’t work with the VideoMic GO ii because that mic needs the 3-5volts of plug in power it usually receives from the camera.
If you wanted to stick with XLR mics, that’s a tough call with the $150 budget. But also, if you can’t use Phantom power, then you’re a bit limited with shotgun Mics in general, unless you got one that could be powered from AA battery.
Honestly, in your situation, I would go for either one of the Rode models that I mentioned above as they will be good Mics, and you can adapt them into other audio inputs if needed, they will sound good immediately, and they will give you lots of options to use them on cameras or recorded to your computer or put them on a boom pole.
Okay, so I'm looking to spend a little more money on a microphone that sounds similar to LyxPro CMG-50 but has a quieter self-noise and low self-noise is what I'm after. I'll be using this for video calls and video recording using my Presonus Studio 26c. I have been doing a lot of research and it's hard to know what I am getting without ever listening to audio samples with low to no background noise whenever possible. Would a VidPro XM-88 be a better buy? I don't need a whole lot of kit and I really do not care much about build quality since it will be attached to a microphone boom arm which gets attached to my desk. I can extend my budget to $150 but no more than that when buying a shotgun microphone for the first time.
Thank you for making this video.
Hi there Grayson. That's a tough spot to be in when you're looking for a shotgun microphone. As I'm sure you know, most of them are much more expensive than $150. I have not used the VidPro XM88, however, I will say that Amazon has a great return policy and if you don't like the XM88, you could send it back. The XM55 that i test in this video had very little self noise, it was just too thin-sounding for my liking.
Honestly, if you could extend your budget to $250 you could get the Rode VideoMic NTG and man, that is a great mic that i use daily. It sounds great, it's USB mic.....alhtough that would mean you wouldn't need your Presonus Studio 6C. But I find the VideoMic NTG so versatile. I actually DON"T like the audio from the VideoMic NTG in this particular video, but that's because I actually had it mounted low, near the desk, and pointed UP at me, and it was picking up too many reflections from my desk and I thought my voice sounded weird. But almost all of my other videos I'm using the VideoMic NTG and I think it sounds great.
I know that's not the answer you want, but, Rode now makes the VideoMic Go ii, which is like a baby brother/sister to the Rode VideoMic NTG. And although I don't own the VideoMic Go ii, it's only $100, has many similar features to the VideoMic NTG, and it's also a USB mic.
Honestly, I still use the CMG-50 daily at work (while my VideoMic NTG stays at home). And I listen back to my work meetings that I record and for meetings, the CMG-50 still sounds great, I run it through a noise-filter in OBS to then feed into my meetings. I find the noise filter in OBS to be pretty good, and I use a compressor in OBS as well.
And, maybe give that VidPro XM88 a try and let me know how it sounds, maybe it has a more full sound than the XM55.
Good luck!
@@MarcusHutsell Thanks. Shotgun microphones are more for treated rooms and outdoor use while the pencil microphone that I have (AT2021) did not pick up much of the reflections from an untreated room, so I went with AT2021 and everything worked great for me.
After I bought a Synco D2 shotgun microphone, I saw a video recommended to me by CZcams that said something like "why you shouldn't buy any shotgun mic" and I saw a video about pencil microphones, so I returned the Synco D2 for an Audio Technica AT2021. I do not want to treat my room because I live in a temporary place with my family.
Thanks for your help.
@@graysonpeddie Yes, that is true. I also made a (not terribly great video) about "why you don't need a shotgun mic." It was early on and I was ranting-and-raving, but also didn't have the amount of knowledge on shotgun mics that I have now. And you're right, they really are designed for outdoor use and treated spaces. Luckily my space is treated so they work well for me, but yes, the pencil condenser (cardioid) mic is most likely a better option for a lot of people. Cheers!
And, I had actually been looking at and wanting to try the AT2022 myself for JUST that reason, but just hadn’t gotten around to it…plus I don’t exactly need MORE audio toys. And since it’s only $90! I’m glad it’s working out for you.
Hi, What would you recommend for a cooking channel?
Hi there. That's a great question, but it also comes down to a few things.
#1 Do you move around a lot? or do you mostly stay in one place?
#2 How loud and dynamic is your cooking environment? (AKA, are you banging spoons, knives, lots of short, loud-ish sounds?)
If you move around a lot, you might actually consider a lavelier mic that clips on to your shirt. But of course I'd go wireless so that you can freely move around. I use the Rode Wireless Go II with a 3.5mm lavalier. Granted, the actual transmitter pack for the Wireless go II is a microphone, you could just clip the square transmitter on your shirt, but that's not very nice-looking, and could fall off into your bundt cake or mascarpone! So, I'd probably get a lavalier to go with it, wear the transmitter on your belt, run the mic up through your shirt and pop it out near your mid-chest.
Rode Wireless Go II Transmitter/Receiver: amzn.to/3Hj2zJs
Lavalier 1 (Rodelink Lav): amzn.to/3Hnr488
Lavalier 2 (Rode Lav Go): amzn.to/3QXcEyL
If you don't want to mess with a Lav mic and setting up the wireless every time and making sure the packs are charged, AND can MOSTLY stay in one place, I'd probably go with something like the Rode VideoMic Go ii. It can plug directly into your camera with a 3.5mm cable, it gets power FROM the camera, so no need to charge it or remember to turn it on. The main thing to remember about these "on camera" mics is to NOT keep them on top of your camera. Get a tall mic stand or a cheap C-stand and boom them up and over you if at all possible, that way the mic can get closer to you if your camera needs to be further away. This is, of course, if your camera and cooking station is mostly fixed and you're not carrying the camera around.
Rode VideoMic Go II: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1679915-REG/rode_vmgoii_videomic_go_ii_ultracompact.html
3.5mm Extension Cable (to be able to get the microphone closer to you/further away from camera - Just don't go TOO far, keep it to a maximum of 10' with extension cable): amzn.to/3whZKSA
The proper stands that can REALLY get something tall and far reach *Are kind of expensive, "C-Stands," but, are really worth if you're serious about your setup:
Inexpensive C-stand, but fine for microphones: amzn.to/3WtnsWz
Better model (the "better models" have knurled ridges inside the grip-heads and will keep the boom arm from rotating, the cheap models' grip heads are smooth inside and don't grip quite as strongly: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1603034-REG/impact_ls_cl40mk_c_stand_40_sld.html
And, the reason I ask about "how loud is your cooking area, banging spoons, etc" is because those types of sounds, transient sounds that are short spikes in sound level comparative to your voice, could clip out your audio recording, but, they would be short of course but you might still get some clipped audio when, say "dropping a spoon," etc so just keep that in mind. But those short transients, even if you clip your audio, can still be reduced in editing later, as long as your voice is at a good level, then some editing will help and be fine.
If you REALLY wanted to avoid the transient noises and clipping, you could go full analog and get an XLR shotgun mic, a DBX 286s Compressor/Limiter, then record that externally or adapt it down to the 3.5mm input on your camera and the compressor would help your audio signal from clipping. That's a great method, but of course would require a mic, stand, DBX 286s mic pre/compressor/limiter, and only *slightly more advanced audio skills. But I'm an audio nerd :)
Often I will record with my Rode VideoMic NTG boomed above me AND with a Lavalier mic at the same time, this way if one of them clips or cuts out or dies, I have backup audio.
I hope some of that helped, happy cooking!
The neweer mic battery was probably dead lol >.>;
Well, it doesn’t need a battery of phantom power is being supplied from the preamp, which it was. So, yeah, cheap mic.
@@MarcusHutsell Well, from the manufacturer, the mic isnt compatible with 48v phantom, and so they recommend just using AAs, just got mine and they say it goes 26 hours on a AA, so I'm already insanely pleased with it. I won't deny the build is a little cheap, especially around the connector, but if you still have it, slap a AA in it and test again.
Hmmm, very interesting. Thank you for the info, To be honest, I definitely did not have a battery in when I was testing it, but that’s generally not the way most condenser mics work so I didn’t even think that I would have a battery. In my opinion, it shouldn’t necessarily need a battery… But maybe that’s how they get away with it being so cheap. Unfortunately, I already sent it back so I can’t test, but I’m very glad that yours is working out well for you. I wish mine had. Happy recording!
@@MarcusHutsell it need a battery. Don’t work with phantom power.
I've try this Mic with phantom power and it works too, the problem (in my chase) is that it needs a lot of gain to begin hearing something, and if you don't have a pretty nice preamp is a very bad problem. (That's why I came here, to know if it has a Pad or something)