Best Budget Audio Recorder for SLR interview work?

Adam Senior · 5 May 2015 at 16:08

Hi All.

I have a few projects lined up that will involve me shooting interviews in a controlled / room environment.

I was looking for advice on what you feel is the best audio recording option for a 70D slr.

I have been looking at both the Rode VideoMic Pro or potentially a stand alone recorder such as a TASCAM.

Thanks In Advance.

Kreeeee · 5 May 2015 at 16:10

For interviews the Audio-Technica ATR-3350 lapel mic is excellent.

I also use a Zoom H2N which I can highly recommend.

Adam Senior · 5 May 2015 at 16:39

Update on this - would you recommend a LAV mic setup? Considering most if not all of my audio will be interview bases.

Adam Senior · 5 May 2015 at 16:46

Kreeeee said:
For interviews the Audio-Technica ATR-3350 lapel mic is excellent.

I also use a Zoom H2N which I can highly recommend.

Hey Kree -

Do you connect the Mic directly into your SLR when recording? Or do you plug into a stand alone recording device?

Kei · 5 May 2015 at 20:22

If you are using a separate recorder, you would connect the mic to the recorder. Just remember that you need to be able to sync the audio and video in post you need to clap on camera before starting. (or use a clapper slate like you see in the movies)

Also remember that lavalier mics are omni directional and pick up external noises rather well. For reference, I use a sony ECM-77B lav and a sennheiser ME-66 shotgun, but they are serious overkill for your usage as they aren't cheap.

Adam Senior · 5 May 2015 at 21:59

Kei said:
If you are using a separate recorder, you would connect the mic to the recorder. Just remember that you need to be able to sync the audio and video in post you need to clap on camera before starting. (or use a clapper slate like you see in the movies)

Also remember that lavalier mics are omni directional and pick up external noises rather well. For reference, I use a sony ECM-77B lav and a sennheiser ME-66 shotgun, but they are serious overkill for your usage as they aren't cheap.

Thanks Kei - I am thinking of going with the Zoom H1 - can you recommend a good lav mic to combo this with and won't break the bank. I have read good things about the Audio-Technica ATR-3350, but the fact it needs a battery that does not show you it's actual life worries me a little...is there something similar that does not require a power source?

Thanks in advance.

CerberusReborn · 21 May 2015 at 00:20

Sound is 50% of your story, don't cheap out on it.

Unless you are going to stick the SLR right in their face then i wouldn't worry about a top mic, your camera will be too far away for it to sound decent. Lav will most likely be your best option and there are cheap options around if you really want to keep it low budget.

Personally I would recommend DPA 4061 and a good hyper cardioid mic, or hire a professional sound mixer :-P