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Run The Numbers

It would be easy to make a list of favorite mics and just tell you to go out and buy them. Unfortunately, that doesn't guarantee they will work for your production style or budget. You'll have to do some research on your own. Read the reviews and ask other producers what they use. Compare price to sound quality and durability. The final decision should be based on your specific needs and your vibe with the microphones you've chosen. Find something you can live with for a long time. A good microphone is a good microphone, regardless of whether you're shooting with a consumer camcorder or one of the new HD cameras.

Contributing Editor Hal Robertson is a digital media producer and technology consultant.

Side Bar: Pick One

This article has focused on a selection of microphones for maximum flexibility. But what if you can only afford one good mike? Everything depends on your shooting and content style, but there is one choice that covers a broad range of projects. Shotgun microphones offer quality sound recording indoors and out. They minimize background noise, cover one or more people and can double as a handheld mic if needed. You can even use them for sound effects and voice recording. If you can only carry one microphone, find a good shotgun.

Hal Robertson | July 2007

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