This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products.
There are many reasons you could be searching for the best microphones for documentaries.
Besides, what you need is a powerful microphone that can guarantee quality filming for your documentaries.
However, there are several microphones for documentaries in the market.
But there lies a problem.
How do you choose the best one for your documentaries?
Indeed this can be such a daunting task.
For one, there are two types of microphones for documentaries.
These are; short guns and lavaliers.
Moreover, finding out what works for you is the first decision you need to make.
At best, a good microphone enhances quality recording and is affordable.
Secondly, your shooting location plays an important role in determining the type of microphone that you need.
Some locations blend well with short gun microphones while for others, lavaliers are more suitable.
Herein, I compiled for you a detailed review of the best microphones for documentaries.
After assessing–testing and verifying– close to ten microphones, I settled on these microphones that you will find helpful.
So, let’s get started!
Our Winner After Careful Research
Best Microphones for Documentaries – Comparison Table
Product |
Specs |
Our Rating |
Price |
---|---|---|---|
Audio – Technica AT 897 |
|||
Sennheiser EW 112P |
|||
Schoeps Microphone |
|||
Sennheiser ME-2 |
5 Best Microphones for Documentaries
1. Audio – Technica AT 897
Audio Technica is specifically designed to serve in the video production and broadcasting fields.
The microphone is carefully made to capture quality audio sound with precision.
Besides, it responds to frequency ranges and specifically filters out low frequencies in the background.
This is attributed to a low-frequency control switch that takes care of these low frequencies.
Also, the microphone powers on batteries.
However, you can use phantom power as another alternative.
The mic is 11 inches short which enables it to stay out of the shot.
Besides, this is still possible when the microphone is used with a simple compact camera.
Also, its thin cylindrical shape provides a narrow acceptance angle and rejects background noise.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- High performance.
- Frequency regulation.
- Durable.
- Portable.
- Has two alternative power sources– battery or phantom power.
Cons
- Not suitable for long-range sound.
2. Sennheiser EW 112P
Sennheiser is an omnidirectional wireless microphone that operates on UHF frequencies.
What this implies is that the microphone can pick sound waves from a 360 degrees circumference.
Besides, it runs on a bandwidth of 42 megahertz which is a major contributor to quality audio sound.
In this range, there are up to 1680 frequencies which help in preventing sound reception interference.
On top of this, the mic has a bank system for compatible frequencies totaling to 12 in number.
Better still, the microphone can automatically scan through for available frequencies within its frequency range.
Regardless of the requirement at hand, the microphone has control accessories that enable you to have easy navigation on its interface.
Pros
- High performance.
- Easy to use.
- High-frequency range.
- Durable.
- Portable.
Cons
- Not suitable for devices with automatic gain control.
3. Schoeps Microphone
Schoeps microphone is best suited for audio recording outside a closed environment.
This implies that this microphone will give you quality audio sound if you do a lot of fieldwork.
Also, the microphone runs on super-cardioid technology that enables it to filter out the unwanted sound in the background.
Besides, it comes with a preamplifier that further facilitates quality audio engineering.
And to add to perfect audio quality, the microphone works on a pop filter and a high-frequency range of 40 Hz and 20 kHz.
Therefore, you are assured that the microphone can pick the right sound waves during filming.
Pros
- High performance guaranteed.
- High-frequency range.
- Durable.
- Easy to use.
- Product warranty.
- Portable.
Cons
- Easily affected by high humidity.
4. Sennheiser ME-2
Sennheiser is an omnidirectional electromagnetic– electret– microphone that comes with a clip and a grille.
Moreover, it can effectively pick sound waves from all direction regardless of where the microphone is facing.
Furthermore, this Lavalier microphone is compatible with quite a number of devices such as; AUX, X SW 1 and 2, evolution wireless D1, speech line DW, and evolution G3 and G4 wireless.
The microphone operates on high audio intelligibility and can determine the wanted and the unwanted sound waves.
Therefore, through its omnidirectional technology, it can filter out the unwanted sound in a 360-degree direction.
Besides, it is easy to clip on your body and once it’s set, it never comes out easily unless when much pressure is exerted on it.
Pros
- High performance.
- Durable.
- Easy to use.
- Portable.
- Product warranty.
- Available customer support.
Cons
- The clip loosens with time.
5. Rode Smart Lav Plus
Rode smart is specifically designed for smartphones and tablets.
Moreover, when used with these gadgets, the microphone produces quality audio for films and documentaries.
Also, the microphone is suitable for outdoor filming which requires easily portable machines.
To use the microphone, you should have an audio app recorder installed in smartphones.
When you insert the microphones pin into your phone’s headphone jack, you should be able to start recording immediately.
For guaranteed audio quality, the microphone can pick sound waves from a 360 degrees area.
Moreover, it operates on a technology that enables it to only pick the intended sound wave by filtering out the unwanted.
Also, the microphone is covered by a foam pop that shields wind that can otherwise affect the quality of your recording.
And for the microphone to remain stuck on your clothing, it has a clipping pin that you can mount it with.
Pros
- High performance.
- High-frequency range.
- Portable.
- Durable.
- Easy to use.
- Guaranteed warranty.
Cons
- Incompatible with non-smartphone devices unless you have an adaptor.
Bottom Line
There you go with the review of the best microphones for documentaries.
If you are looking for a microphone that particularly designed for video production and broadcasting, then Audio Technica has our highest recommendation.
The microphone can capture quality audio sound with precision.
This is because it filters out unwanted sound waves.
Moreover, it operates on a high-frequency range for enhanced sound picking and sampling.
And if you are looking for the best Lavalier microphone with a high-frequency range, you may need to consider Sennheiser EW.
Here is a comprehensive guide on the best microphones
The microphone has a frequency range with up to 1680 frequencies.
This is important as it prevents sound reception and interference.
For the best Lavalier microphone with super-cardioid technology, you may need to try out Schoeps.
The microphone can filter out unwanted sound waves in the background.
Therefore, you are guaranteed high-quality documentaries.
Sennheiser ME-2 is suitable for you if you are looking for the best microphone with a high compatibility rate with multiple devices.
Moreover, the microphone operates on an omnidirectional technology that enables it to pick sound from all around.
And the top pick for the best documentary microphone for smartphones and tablets goes to Rode smart lav.
Therefore, if you are looking for the best microphone to use on your phones or tablets, then this would be the best alternative.
That’s it with the best reviews.
You can rely on this information to make your top pick for the best microphones with a guaranteed quality recording.
2 Comments
Leave a Reply2 Pings & Trackbacks
Pingback:5 Best Boom Mics For Film in 2020 - Music and Entertainment
Pingback:5 Best Microphones For Foley in 2020 - Music and Entertainment