Three Camera Shotgun Microphones: Azden, RODE, & Saramonic
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- čas přidán 17. 02. 2016
- Camera-top shotgun microphones which mount in your camera's accessory shoe have become incredibly popular and the number of options in the market is staggering. Here we give you sample audio from three: The new Azden SMX-30, the RODE VideoMic Pro (redesigned in 2015), and the Saramonic Vmic so that you can get a sense for how these three differ.
We also talk a bit about high-pass filters, what they do and when you might like to use them as well as the number one way to improve the quality of your sound (by getting the microphone within 60cm of your mouth.
Review of the Sarmonic Vmic: • Saramonic Vmic Shotgun...
If you’d like to improve your sound recording skills for film, please have a look at our Sound Recording for Video course over at school.learnlightandsound.com
Visit us at learnlightandsound.com for more updates on how to improve your lighting and sound for video. Also be sure to subscribe to get new weekly episodes!
Gear used to create this episode:
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Azden SMX-30 Camera Shotgun Microphone (Mono and Stereo)
Amazon: geni.us/CEdz
B&H Photo: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product...
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RODE VideoMic Pro Camera Shotgun Microphone
Amazon: geni.us/TsKIX
B&H Photo: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product...
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Saramonic Vmic Camera Shotgun Microphone
Amazon: geni.us/kjx9bwr
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RODE VC1 Extension Cable (3 meters, 10 feet)
Amazon: geni.us/GRMC
B&H Photo: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product...
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Umbrella Adapter (to mount a camera mic on a light stand)
Amazon: geni.us/thyh3y5
B&H Photo: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product...
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Copyright 2016 by Curtis Judd
Ethics statement: Some of the links above are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, or other affiliate links.
Great job, looking forward to a full review of the Azden SMX-30. Really interested in live music recording and stereo recording.
+BlueDrumStudio Thanks and that review should be up in the next week or so.
Thanks so much for all your great videos regarding sound. I'm working on increasing my general sound knowledge, and specifically how I can get the best sound for my diminishing dollar. Your videos always have fantastic production value, and you deliver the info in a straightforward and easily understandable way.
Thanks Keir!
Well done Curtis! Concise, upfront, clean, and as always beautifully captured.
Thanks!
I love my Rode VideoMic. Thanks very much for the review, excellent job as usual Curtis, thumbs up!
Cheers!
Thanks!
One more time a great episode Curtis !
Thanks a lot,
Phil (France)
+Philippe Schultz Thanks Phil!
Great video Curtis.
+Geekanoids thanks!
Wow awesome/well thought out review Curtis. Thanks for this! I was going for the RODE but found the Azden when Googling today.. and it looked promising. However the Rode sounds much "fuller". The Azden is more "flat and high pitched". It doesn't seem natural in many circumstances. The RODE really shines on the high-pass and the 20db setting, while the 0 setting were IMHO pretty equal.
Thanks! Glad it was helpful!
Great review! Just picked up the Azden!
+nplateau Thanks, let us know how it works out for you!
Thanks for the comparison, very helpful... I'm trying to decide between the Azden and the Rode... I think I would go with the Azden and add a little base in post...
👍🏻
Thank you, good video as usual
Thanks!
Once the high pass filter is on I liked the RODE but before that I liked the sound from Saramonic. Great video as usual. I am looking forward to a full review on the AZDEN.
Thanks Michael.
Thank you very much for this video. I have a RODE VideoMic Pro and I was in doubt on how to use it as a boom mic. You help me out. I do have a Audio-Thechnica ATH-M40x headphones and the diference listen the mics are huge.
+Daniel Borges You're welcome!
Thank you for the comparison. Hate to say the Rode VMP slays the other two mics here pretty cleanly. Not often that I've heard such a difference from the same kind of mics placed at more or less an optimal distance from the sound source. Even with some mics costing $2,000 vs something much cheaper the gaps were far from this big!
I prefer the RODE as well. And I agree, once you get into the $2000 price range, the differences can be pretty small in terms of sound.
Thanks for an excellent comparison.I appreciate having the captioned details (as in the upper right) but when white they are very low contrast and hard to read. Black would be more readable on your iconic white screen.
Thanks Will, appreciate the feedback.
Awesome review!!! great job
+Firkins Films Thanks!
Really helpful review Curtis. My aging (original version) Rode VideoMic Pro has just starting giving me some cable noise issues, so this video was super timely for me. I was really hoping the Azden would sound as good as the Rode because I love the idea of having a stereo on mono mic in one compact unit, but the high pass filter on the Azden seems to knock out way too much for my taste. Rode sure does make some rad gear! Mahalo for doing this test.
+beradstudio thanks, I really like the new RODE as well.
I think that's the one I'll be purchasing as soon as B & H reopens :) Mahalo
Come to think of it, your audio has to be the best i've heard on youtube
+ItsKapow Wow, thanks!
Thanks for the comparison Curtis. Rode wins with my headphone test. But the Azden was close, losing out when the high pass filter was turned on. I had gone with the Azden cause of the stereo option and I have a couple of live events I want to shoot. Also, I am glad I went with the Azden when I did, as the price has jumped by $50 since I ordered! Wonder if Amazon had the wrong price?
+Royston Kane Good question, I'll check it out. Thanks and best wishes!
Another issue other than sound quality is how robust / breakable each of these may be as well as battery life. I use the Rode Videomic Pro, I've only put a couple of batteries through it and I've recorded at least 200 hundreds of hours with the newest one. Its not the best, but it is ultra reliable and user friendly and they travel exceptionally well, although the Azden appears to be more compact.
If I was going on sound quality alone, I'd ditch all these mics and go straight to a studio condenser and a great preamp - but that is out on a limb impractical for fast setups or travel rigs.
I absolutely agree, sound quality is one aspect, but there are other important considerations. Battery choice is another trade off with 9V batteries lasting quite a lot longer but possibly being a little less likely to be on hand (complaint from others but I think 9V was a good choice). I'm impressed with the Azden so far, the build seems as good as the RODE with the possible exception of the switches which do not seem quite as robust. The stereo cardioid mics are an interesting addition.
We have the Rode pro and it is a great mic for the out doors but maybe not the best for indoors and the battery is a little tricky to change other than that it's great, thanks for the video.
+John Erwin Thank you, John.
wow! great comparison. I have the budget Takstar... and am hoping to get a Rode as soon as I can afford it. To my ears the Rode had the best and cleanest sound. thanks for the comparisons!
+Robert Martinez Thanks Robert!
Wow. Very distinct difference between RØDE and the others. Especially with the HP on.
+Al Foote III Yes, the HP filter on the RODE is really subtle which is good and bad. Good in that it sounds better, bad in that it isn't as effective at eliminating low frequency noise. But many really like that rich RODE sound.
With the HPF 'on' I definitely like the Rode the best of the three!
And without the filter, I would say the Azden has a more high frequency presence compared to the Rode which handles the low mids pretty well.
Didn't like the Saramonic much though.
Personally, I'd prefer the Rode.
Thanks again for the video Curtis! :D cheers!!
Love your work!
Cheers!
So Curtis, I adore close mic stereo vocal. I have a friendly space for that and would use it more than the shotgun. Having a very hard time finding a similar sample with the SMX-30. Everybody is thinking 6' in a cold room, but I'm thinking several inches in a warm one.
That's totally legit!
So I had to talk myself out of this marvelous combination and stick to my budget, that includes a DR-07 to cover the stereo miking and pre-amp from line-in, and will add to that a competent but cheap Rode Micro - so I will be overflowing my gadget bag. In-studio I have my super-value set of 'pure sound' condensers (XML 990/991), and a classic SM58/SM57 for total sound isolation from the brass band next door when necessary. I also plan a DIY eyeball filter (8" ball or cube of foam) to get the last 5% of vocal quality - I think you should try that one.
Thanks. Where have you seen these eyeball filters? I'd like to have a look.
I was really impressed with the Rode on camera test. Pretty clean sound considering the distance. The others, not so much.
+Gene Waddle Thanks Gene, good to hear from you.
awesome and very informative video.
+Ydkoll thanks!
thanks great review, by order of preference : #1 rode (very pleasant round and warm sound for voice), #2 azden (very ugly shape), #3 saramonic ( last 2 mic pick up a lot of reverberations do they really have a shotgun pickup pattern ?)
+amanieux Thanks.
Thanks Curtis. And WOW - the difference between the Rode and the others is substantial. I agree with you and the "deeper, richer" sound. So ... do you think there's a substantial difference between this and the Rode Videomic Shotgun mic? (Maybe you've already done a review of these two side by side? Anyway, I"ll see if I can find a review of the two ... but I DO like and appreciate your reviews.)
Hi Doug, I haven't specifically reviewed the non-pro version but from the tests I've heard, I would definitely go for the pro version which produces a cleaner signal with its cleaner gain. Also note that this is how it sounds when the mic is placed within 40-50cm. It won't sound nearly as rich when placed 3 or more feet away and it will pick up much more room ambiance. I hope that helps!
Curtis Judd ... Thanks.
I like the fuller tone of Rode and the Saramonic is very "RODE" sounding so I think it sounds better than the character of Azden, in a sense to what I can perceived while wearing my Plantronic Audio 345 headset through Asus Xonar DSX audiophile soundcard there are differences between them as mentioned and I wonder how would Aputure Vmic D2 fare amongst the three.
+pantaitube Interesting! Thanks for that! I probably will wait for the newly announced Aputure D3 rather than compare the D2.
+Curtis Judd , Lucky me, I didn't know there will be a D3 and is so close to ordering D2 already, I will wait ! thanks.
Hello Curtis, I've been using the original Rode videomic, with the Rycote mount, for a while now, and very happy with it.
Recently, I've been using a SE Electronics Pro Mic Laser, and I'm finding it very good for the price, it's much lighter than the videomic, have you ever tried this one Curtis ?
+jaymachik Hi, I haven't heard of the sE Electronics Pro Mic Laser. Thanks for alerting me to that, I'll need to check it out!
Rode definitely sounds the best. I got an Azden SMX-15 with my g80 but haven't even opened the box yet cause I consider selling it getting the Videomic pro. I also have the sennheiser mke 400. For some reason I chosed it over the rode a few years ago but the hiss of the sennheiser is just...driving me nuts.
I like the RODE as well, at least in cases where I want a richer low-end response.
Was wanting to know what your think of the sound of the stereo mics on the Azden SMX-30. Do they exhibit the same characteristics on the low end as the shotgun? Any idea how they sound compared to the Rode Stereo Video Mic Pro? I have a need to video and record music of live performances without tapping into an audio feed from a mixer. I am new to the channel, but have enjoyed your videos. Very informative.
+Stephen Cowdrey Hi Stephen, I have a review of the SMX-15 and 30 over here: czcams.com/video/RFZfzDTSjfI/video.html
I must confess that I don't do a lot of stereo recordings but they seemed quite good to me. I haven't used the RODE Stereo VMP either so I don't really have a basis for comparison there.
+Curtis Judd I did listen to your review and it was very helpful. I just can't find any good review on the stereo portion. Thanks so much for your help! Much appreciated. Keep up the great work!
+Stephen Cowdrey thanks and best wishes on your recordings!
Happy to have come across your channel. Very useful and well produced content. You've gained a sub out of me and I'll be back to see what else you have to offer. Keep up the great work.
+Podcastage Thanks for the feedback!
Love it!
Curtis, thank you for this video. I'm going to get the Rode VideoMic Pro. I'm trying to figure out how to mount it and am having difficulty finding the right sort of boom stand on Amazon. Do you have any recommendations?
+Dale Richards I have a hack type of setup with a boom light stand and the umbrella adapter linked in the description of this video. Here's the particular light stand I'm using, but that's just because I already had it on hand: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/272945-REG/Impact_3218_Multiboom_Light_Stand_Reflector_Holder.html/BI/19904/KBID/12941/kw/IMLSRH/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xIMLSRH
+Curtis Judd thank you!
Gotta say the Rode sounds the best to me. It just has a more "full" sound. Thanks for doing this.
Thanks for the feedback!
Hi Curtis, I'm having problems hearing the fan from my ninja assassin atomos when i use my ntg3 and i noticed that you seem to be using one. Why am I not hearing it in your video? Thanks again!
Mic and camera placement. I generally find I need to keep the Atomos recorder more than just a couple of feet from the mic. Also, angling the mic so that it points down at the talent helps a bit. Best wishes.
thanks for your informative review. 1. the saramonic has a head phone output jack. given its coming out of the mic and not the camera...is it of any value? 2. which of these mics has the best ambient noise reduction and/or which seems to pinpoint the subject best at 2 meters?
Yes, the value of the headphone out is for cases where your camera does not have one. Not the perfect solution, but better than nothing. 2) They're all about the same. They manage noise by using a narrow pickup pattern. My favorite of these three is the RODE.
I believe rode does not have a head phone jack...is that correct? I use a Osmo + and there's no way to monitor the audio. Again...query #2...so you feel the rode manages the peripheral/side sound noise and therefore targets the intended interviewee in a more efficient way?
Correct, the RODE does NOT have a headphone jack. They each do about the same in terms of how narrow their pickup pattern is, but to my ears, the RODE sounds best.
I'm using a setup similar to what you're doing in this video in front of a white screen. I bought a relatively expensive lapel mic, the sennheiser ME-2 and results are ok. It sounds a little too quiet. I wonder if it is the handheld recorder that I'm using to power it. I use the Zoom H1, that's probably a weak amplifier right, being handheld and all?
The H1 can produce some good results but you'll generally need to do some post processing. You may find some of the tutorials we've done helpful for that: czcams.com/video/RrRn8stkEBs/video.html
Curtis Judd Thanks!
I'll voice in and say I'd love to see a review of the Azden!
+TheTechnoPilot Good, thanks for that! Will do!
+Curtis Judd Have to say that the Azden was already one I just looked at the other day as a replacement for the Shure Lenshopper that I had stolen last year and I'm very impressed with the functionality (especially the stereo function for some of the events I shoot), price and sound quality. My only fault with the Azden is that the high pass filter I felt was much to high in frequency when compared to the VideoMic Pro, through I think I would keep to applying the cut in post as I already normally do.
+TheTechnoPilot I agree, the high pass filter is definitely more aggressive on the Azden. This would ensure less noise, but I think it will sacrifice too much of the bass response in most situations. And as you say, applying a less aggressive high-pass filter in post is a good option. I am really impressed with the Azden so far - I think they put a lot into the mic and the stereo mic as an addition at almost the same price as the VideoMic Pro is impressive. It isn't perfect and I'll cover a few of the "downsides" in the review, but I think it is a very good showing by Azden.
The azden is two microphone in one. The stereo mode is fantastic. And the shotgun mono is very good and reject very well the side sound. The smx30 is the best for me.
Tnx Curtis for this video..i have now a new Ultra HD Panasonic FZ-1000 with the TAKSTAR SGC-598...can you tell me ..is your GH4 for Studio recording on Manual or maybe Auto Face Tracking ? greetings from Holland..
+gewema hi! In settings like this, I manually focus because the talent doesn't move too much and the smallish sensor of the GH4 allows me to set my aperture to f/4 which provides plenty of depth of field.
ok tnx..
Ok I think the Røde sounds a little better than the Azden. But WHY was there no sample of the stereo mic in this video? Now I need to find another video comparison between the two that tests the stereo mic too!!
Because the RODE doesn't capture stereo audio so that would not be a meaningful comparison. However, in the review of the Azden, we have some stereo samples: czcams.com/video/RFZfzDTSjfI/video.html
The Rode is the smoothest with it's low freq curve and def the quietest, the Azden has a little more hiss and noise but did not sound to bad, and the Saramonic well to me that sounded like a tin can with similar noise floor to the Azden, so in comparison to the other 2 I felt the Saramonic to have the worst sound of the pack. That's my take on the test while listening to the vid via a Mackie 1202vlz on my 7506's. Thanks for posting.
Thanks for you insights!
No problem, love your vids keep them coming.
Hi Curtis! Thanks for the comparison, in my opinion RODE is the best. Kiss 😘
+Patricia Leman Thanks Patricia.
I am listening to this on some nice reference monitors, so the difference is dramatic. I am not a sound designer, so I am not sure what my sound designer would prefer, but it really does sound richer with the added low end.
The Rode seems to be the best option for one of these low profile mics.
Your video is very helpful, but It would be good to have some highly opinionated commentary from you about these products, as I am not an audio expert and you seem to be one.
Is there any reason to not use the mic that provides a richer sound? And if one uses this mic in an edit that also has the same voices being recorded on laveliers; is this something to worry about later in post where audio matching is as critical as color matching?
Thanks, now I am off to watch more of your videos. :)
+traingeekboy I don't have a super strong opinion but I can say that the Saramonic is my least favorite of these three. Between the RODE and Azden, I think they each have their place. While the RODE sounds richer, I think the Azden sounds less low frequency hyped. So for pieces where I want a really warm, rich low end, I'd go for the RODE. If I want something that sounds a little more natural, I'd pull out the Azden.
Thanks.
Is that Hissssss from the azden typical? That is the first review of an azden mic where It has been that disturbing. thanks for the video.
Two things to consider: 1) I have a particularly sibilant voice so part of that is my voice. 2) I did not process the audio for this review at all. So this is straight out of the camera and indicative of what you might expect. I think the upshot is that this mic may not be the best choice for people with lots of sibilance in their voices.
Okay. Great... I feel better now. I ordered the smx-30 and i'm waiting for it to arrive. :-) Thanks...!!!
One more question, What camera are you using and what do you have the mic levels set at when recording with the RodeVideoMic Pro? Really appreciate and thanks for all of your videos!
Panasonic GH4, 0dB when boomed, +20dB when farther away on camera.
+Curtis Judd I should have been more clear, I meant what do you have the mic levels set at on the gh4 when using the RodeVideoMic Pro?
+Primary Technologies Oh, yes, -6dB on the GH4.
+Curtis Judd THANKS!!
+Curtis Judd What picture profile are you using?
seems that de Rode Videomic PRO is the best choice! Great video Curtis!
+Francesco Garabello Thanks!
Curtis Judd I wonder if you made also some additional audio editing (the audio is pritty clear and "noiceless") or it's all about setting propperlly the mic at the right distance? Also I would like to aks yu where were you recording the audio? Was it at the camera or at some kind of a recorder such as the Zoom H4?
+Francesco Garabello Hi again, I did not do any post processing or editing so this is what you can expect. The major factors are getting the mic close and choosing the right room or space to shoot. This is in my basement with concrete floors. To reduce reverberation in the room, I throw old blankets on the floor and have a sound blanket off to one side hanging from the ceiling. The entire episode was recorded with my Panasonic GH4, no audio recorder. Thanks for the questions!
Great work again!
Gotta go with the rode. Totally agree, it's not the most accurate sound but I like that richness to it.
The bass appeals for sure!
+Curtis Judd
Yep, listening on reasonable quality ear canal phones, the Rode sounds better to my ears. I personally would rather have that lower end response, as i can always EQ it out, should i so desire.
However.... as always...YMMV!
Thanks for another useful and informative video.
Yes, that bass is nice.
Over my headphones, the Rode had a little too strong a base sound, it wasn't bad and I can see some people may like the extra bass. The Azden seemed flat across the range and more natural. Oddly enough, the Rode with the high pass filter set to on seemed more natural. Sadly, the Saramonic seemed a bit weak in the base range. All 3 mikes were good, so I think anyone could adjust them in post to get the sound they like.
Thanks Bob.
have you done a review of the video mic go?
No, unfortunately. So many mics, so little time. I believe Caleb Pike over at DSLR Video Shooter did a comparison of the Go versus the Pro.
Thanks man! :)
i like the Azden the most
Thanks for the input!
Same for me. It is done, i will buy the smx30, stereo/mono. I heard it in the forest. Fantastic.
What would be best for singing and guitar? Azden SMX-30 or Røde VideoMic Pro+? And another very importaint question. Should i use stero or mono to record singing on the Azden SMX-30? Friendly regards :)
Shotgun mics aren’t usually the first choice for recording music, but if it comes down to these two, I’d go with the Azden and set it to stereo mode.
Thanks for your reply :) Is it any other microphone i can plug directly into to my cam that is better at recording singing/music than these two? Around the same price, or a bit more.
Which camera are you using? Does it have a 3.5mm stereo input or an XLR input?
I got a cam today actually. I decided to go for the
Røde Stereo Videomic Pro Rycote. I will upload a mini test now.
Congrats and happy recording!
I'm listening on the built-in speakers on my Macbook Pro, and the difference even on this is obvious - the Rode kills the others dead. The Azden boomed was very similar to the Rode until the high-pass filter was turned on, and then it was terrible (in comparison). They've priced that mic at $20 more than the Rode? Wow. They must really think the stereo ability is worth a lot.
Yes, with the high pass filter off, the Azden and RODE both sound pretty good to me. The high pass filter is definitely more aggressive on the Azden so it will probably be better at cutting out low frequency noise, but yes, you trade off bass response. As for pricing, the stereo mic is actually an additional set of hardware so their costs are probably higher and the SMX-30 is still early in the product cycle so it's price is a little higher, at least for now. Good to have RODE and Azden competing.
I just brought zoom h1 and may I ask you to suggest which Lavalier is the best choice? (Around 100-120 US dollars). Thanks
The JK MicJ 044 is a good option: czcams.com/video/RBxOLnVxg3A/video.html
Curtis Judd thanks. The sound quality of Jk micj 44 or Giant Squid Audio Lab Omnidirectional Microphone is better? If I have more budget to buy it.
I actually like the MicJ a little better.
Curtis Judd what is the input level I need to setup in zoom h1? Also LD cut and audio level etc. Thanks
Ah, there is no magic setting on the input level. You'll need to adjust it until the loudest peaks sit at -12dB on the meter. I leave the lo-cut off, turn off Auto Level, and set record format to WAV. Good luck!
I'm using the Azden and love it. The only downside is that the mic cable isn't removable like the Rode.
👍
I had the smx 30 once and the shockmount was producing noises while moving the camera around. Did you have the same problem?
Hi Antonio, I didn't run into this issue. Was something physically hitting something else or just milder movement vibration transfer noises?
Curtis Judd the second you said. I had the same issue with both the smx-30 and smx-15. The mic is good but the shock mount is very poor quality. It looks like the guilty part is the little plate underneath the mic which connects the shot mount to the mic itself.
Thanks for the feedback. I wonder if they changed something from the design I have since I still haven't experienced this issue...I'll check next time I am at NAB or somewhere I can talk to one of their representatives.
Great comparison Curtis! That RODE still sounds best! Keep up the good work!
Thanks +Charlie Sill
I have the vid mic pro, I love it, I didnt really know about the other mica, but listening, I still think the rode mic is the best!
Thanks Twealve!
+Curtis Judd well thank you for being an awesome CZcamsr that puts out AMAZING content, and is active in the comments! Love your videos, thank you!😄
I don't think the Azden sound all too bad. Unfortunately, I don't think their QA is all that great. I'd still pick the Rode I think. Still waiting for you to compare the Pro to the VideoMicro ;)
Oh yes, need to bump that up the list!
The Azden and the Rode sound similar with no low cut engaged. The VMic sounds thin. With the low-cut engaged the Aszden gets thin, where the Rode still keeps the voice sounding full, and the VMic is terrible. I would say the Rode VideoMic Pro is the all-around winner.
+Chad Johnson thanks Chad, very much appreciate your thoughts. Next time I'd like to record you and your guitar on these little comparisons!
+Curtis Judd Sure! I've been know to do that. I've done a lot of stuff on these camera mounted shotguns. I even recorded a whole song using only lavs. Search "RØDE PinMic Song" for a laugh. It's also in my "Gear Reviews" playlist. Cheers.
+Chad Johnson I know, that's why I mentioned it! I remember the pin mic video from a few years back. Glad you're back and sorry for the loss of your Mom.
+Curtis Judd Thanks Curtis. I've been laying low, but now I'm upgrading a lot of gear. I got the awesome Sony FS5 recently, which i'm really loving. Dave told me about those iLED lights back in December so I got a pair of the Bi-Colors. They are pretty nice. I may try those grids in his latest video. And the Rhino Ultimate Slider bundle is finally shipping, so I'll be playing with that. Now I have to start shooting the hell out of stuff! Take care man.
Azden smx30 is the best. Freq 40-20000, mono/ stereo. It beats the rode in quality and sound (auto on/off) better natural sound. For me it is definitely the azden smx30, and it is at great price. The fur sms30 is optional. The recording in stereo in the forest is very good.
👍
Was the Azden mic in Mono or Stereo for these tests?
Hi Simon, for the dialogue clips it was mono, for the outdoor clips, stereo.
Great thanks... Comparing this to the Audio Technia AT-8024.. What do you think ?
Great question but unfortunately I haven't used the Audio Technica yet. But I am a fan of most of AT's microphones. They generally do a nice job designing and manufacturing.
thanks One more question as I did demo the SMX-30. Do you recall any "play" in the buttons on the back of the mic. Just felt loose to me? Is that normal any need for concern now or over time could that click stop fail and the buttons just slide?
Hmm, don't remember any play in the buttons but it has been a while...
I have the rode video mic pro, it sounds good for the price . The saramonic sounds too dry to my ears, and the azden has too much noise.
+Steven Rix Thanks Steven. I like the RODE as well.
I like the neutral sound of azden
👍
You have wrongly turn on Low Cut Filter on the Azden, it makes the sound thin!
No, I double checked. The low cut filter was NOT on.
I do 2 things when I watch your videos: learning about audio and learning english! Thanks Curtis!
+anzonic You're welcome! I had no idea I was teaching english!
Rode is best what I feel. Natural and pleasing sound. Azden is just behind rode.
+Paul Geogre thanks Paul.
The rode has too much low freq and bad high freq. the azden is more natural and cover the full frequency 40hz-20000hz for concert recording and its -10db mode. You can listen it in other review, the azden smx30 blows the rode out of space with its stereo mode in the forest or at the river, or by recording outside/inside concert. Two in one mic at a very good price with an auto on/off selector, and two battery that hold the all day, and indicator 1h before the battery runs off. The azden is a more complete microphone. You have to buy two mic to replace it.
Does the room your in have carpet?
There is a small rug under my chair and the rest is concrete floor.
+Curtis Judd Thanks. I'm fighting a concrete floor. I was just curious. Thanks again for the great information.
+DoubleODude Thanks! Concrete floors are always a challenge for audio. If the floor isn't in frame, throwing old blankets on the floor can help quite a lot.
i think rode sounds the best more pro sound its bassie but that is what alot of people like
+Trevers phone reviews Thanks Trevers.
RODE
Thanks
The Rode sounded the best.
+Jacqueline Pavan Thanks Jacqueline.
For my ears one more vote for Rode.
+Alexandre Almeida Thanks Alexandre.
Realizing it's been 4 years ago this review. Azden appears to be the better build. Rode provides the most Natural Sound in accommodating lower frequency 20Hz to 50Hz which is missing with Azden and Saramonic. Okay! Saramonic is the newcomer to the trio you reviewed and contains some interesting features here in early 2020. The problem being Rode has become careless and more cheap in Quality Control meaning more people have become dissatisfied and receiving very poor performance and dependability from Rode. Therefore, RODE is no more cause they're producing non-functional poor craftmanship products. Simply Rode can't guarantee your new item will work out of the box or more than a week or two. Back to Azden, really good but pricy. Saramonic seems more innovative and their products are affordable. Yes! Rode still sells like mad but I'm mad that their Quality Control / Assurance, Engineering, and R&D Dept. has failed the company. Going to give Saramonic a try cause the recordable unit can be used hand-held (cordless) with its micro-SDHC card plus features a digital display for $135. Well, going to buy the Rode, only cause of the low end freq pickup makes it natural sounding, but if it breaks ..I will never ever go back to Rode trash.
Best of luck!