What’s the Best Microphone for YouTube (on a Tight Budget)?
When Austin asked me on Twitter what the best YouTube Microphone is it got me thinking. And that answer as it so often happens is it depends!
Today I cover four microphones, the (1) Rode Video Micro, (2) Rode SmartLav+ w/ extension cable, (3) Rode Video Mic Pro and the (4) Rode NTG-2.
The reason I chose four microphones is because there are so many different videos you could make for YouTube that one size does not fit all.
The Rode Video Micro is a great mic to plug into your DSLR. The mic is powered by your DSLR and come with a shock mount and a deadcat. For $59, this is the least expensive mic I routinely recommend.
Next up is the Rode SmartLav+. Unlike the Micro, this is a wired clip-on lavalier. A great thing about this microphone is that you can use it with your smartphone or run it directly to your camera with the SC3 adapter. Going with a condenser lav mic has its pros and cons. You are wired so mobility is lessened, but the sound will be clear and constant no matter how you move. For $79, this is another mic I recommend and use.
Third on the list is the Rode Videomic Pro. I have been using this mic for five years and normally goes with me on every shoot. This is an on camera shotgun mic and is essentially a more powerful version of the Micro. It has internal power from a 9-volt battery and mic pre-amp switch for -10db, 0db, and +20db. If you are looking to get a mid-range shotgun mic the $199 Videomic Pro is a great option.
Lastly we have the Rode NTG-2. At $269 this is not a budget mic but it's worth mentioning. In my opinion you will get what you pay for when it comes to microphones. The sound heard through an XLR shotgun mic close to the source will always sound better than a smaller mic further away on top of your camera.
Special thanks to Austin for the question! Remember to have your question answered tweet a video with your question using the hashtag #AskLeb.
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🛒 Check today's prices below:
/Amazon/
Rode Video — Micro http://geni.us/RodeMicroOnCam
Rode SmartLav+ — http://geni.us/RodeSmartLavMic
Rode SC3 Adapter — http://geni.us/RodeSC3Adaptor
Rode Video Mic — http://geni.us/rodevmpplus
Rode NTG-2 — http://geni.us/RodeNTG2Mic
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Click here to subscribe: / @calebwojcik
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Click here to listen to my podcast: http://www.calebwojcik.com/podcast
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🔧GEAR I USE
Below is a list of gear I use to film my YouTube videos. For a complete list of all equipment I recommend for photography and filmmaking, go to http://www.DIYVideoGuy.com/gear
(Below are affiliate links & I will earn a commission %.)
🎥 CAMERAS
VIDEO — Canon C70 — https://geni.us/canonC70
PHOTO — Canon R5 — https://geni.us/Canon-EOSR5
EF to RF FULL-FRAME 0.71x ADAPTER — https://geni.us/EF-Adapter
BTS — GoPro Hero 8 Black — https://geni.us/GoproHero8
👓 LENSES
Sigma 18-35mm 1.8 — https://geni.us/Sigma-18-35
35mm L — http://geni.us/35mmcanon
50mm L — http://geni.us/50mmcanon
85mm L — http://geni.us/85mmcanon
100mm L “Macro” — http://geni.us/canon100mm
24-105mm L — http://geni.us/24105mm
40mm "Pancake" — http://geni.us/canon40mm
🎤 AUDIO
RODE Videomic Pro Plus (on camera mic) — http://geni.us/rodevmpplus
Rode NTG-3 (shotgun mic) — http://geni.us/rodentg3
Shure SM7B (podcast mic) — https://geni.us/ShureSM7BMic
Sound Devices MixPre-6 (audio recorder) — http://geni.us/mixpre-6
DBX 286s (mic preamp) — https://geni.us/dbx-286s
sE DM1 Dynamite Premap (+28db for SM7B) — https://geni.us/DM1-Dynamite
💡 LIGHTING
Aputure 120D II (Key Light) — https://geni.us/120dii
Aputure Light Dome II (Soft Box) — https://geni.us/Aputure-LightDomeII
Aputure LS1 (Hair Light) — http://geni.us/ls1s
💻 SOFTWARE & APPS
Edited with Adobe Premiere, After Effects, & Creative Cloud — http://geni.us/adobecreative
My Favorite Licensed Music for YouTube (Get 1 Month FREE) — https://geni.us/musicbedfree
Best Tool for Managing Your YouTube Channel (FREE Chrome Extension) — https://geni.us/youtubebuddy
Get Transcripts made by Rev ($10 FREE Coupon) — http://geni.us/transcripts
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💻 FREE COURSES
Video Gear for Any Budget (7-Day Email Course) — http://www.diyvideoschool.com/courses...
Learn Adobe Premiere Pro 101 (Free Course) — http://www.calebw.com/premiere101
Learn Final Cut Pro X 101 (Free Course) — http://www.calebw.com/fcpx101
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INSTAGRAM: / calebwojcik
TWITTER: / calebwojcik
