You will always be aware of the value of a shotgun mic if you are a YouTuber or involved in video production. The best shotgun mic for vlogging should always be one that can capture your voice rather than background noise since you need to ensure that the audio is clear along with your visuals. In this guide, we will tell you what factors you should consider and the differences between using shotgun and lavalier in vlog shooting.
Five factors to consider for a good shotgun mic for vlogging
A 'barrel'-shaped shotgun microphone has a directional pickup pattern to isolate the sound originating from a particular direction. Shotguns can be attached to telescoping boom poles or placed on cameras to aim at the sound that the camera's lens is focused on. The boom pole allows them to be positioned as close to the source as possible while keeping the mic itself out of frame. When choosing a shotgun mic for vlogging, there are several factors that you need to take into consideration. Below we list some key factors:
Polar pattern: If you want a good vlogger shotgun mic, you should pay attention to the polar pattern. There are three types of polar patterns: cardioid, supercardioid, and hypercardioid. The most frequent directional polar pattern is the cardioid polar pattern. It is often employed when there is a requirement to focus on one sound source while simultaneously minimizing pick-up from the sides and rear. It is so named because the response resembles a heart shape (thus, cardio). Supercardioid and hypercardioid polar patterns are variants on the traditional cardioid form, but with a tighter front directionality. They also capture lower levels of sound from the capsule's back and sides if they are close enough.
Shock protection: Make sure the vlogging phone shotgun mic has the appropriate shock mounts so that it can avoid vibration if you want to achieve the optimum sound quality. This is especially true for those who have to utilize their microphone and camera while always on the go. It can be a wonderful option to utilize with the camera and ensure that the vibration noise will be reduced when moving around if it has a bottom and overall shock protection.
Build quality: The construction quality should be taken into consideration because it has a big impact on the product's weight. Make sure it has a sturdy construction and a light weight that makes it simple to attach on the camera or smartphone you are using. To gain mobility, you might search for aluminum- or other ABS plastic-built products.
Power source: The power source is the next most crucial factor that you need to take into account. Batteries are most frequently included, however sometimes rechargeable batteries have been included in the design. You can select a microphone based on your needs in order to achieve your goals without interfering with your job.
Compatibility: One of the important aspects to consider when selecting a microphone is compatibility. It is usually preferable to check for products with 3.5mm Jack import as you will use the shotgun mic for vlogging with cellphones, cameras, or DSLRs. It will be useful in putting the microphone to a variety of uses. A crucial criterion is compatibility since you don't want to end up regretting your purchase because the microphone is incompatible with the gadget. Check the device you'll be utilizing with the microphone before selecting an on-camera microphone.
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Shotgun mic VS lavalier for vlogging: Which is better?
When used appropriately, lavaliers (lapel mics) and shotgun microphones can both record high-quality audio. They are ideal for dialogue, vlogging, and interviewing. Since lavalier mics clip to the subject, they may have a good signal-to-noise ratio even when they are omnidirectional. The video file may be recorded directly with a wired lavalier mic connected to a 3.5mm port. A transmitter is necessary for wireless lavalier microphones; it may also be connected via 3.5mm or recorded to a different mixer for sync purposes in post-production.
Despite the fact that lavaliers may be used for a variety of applications, shotgun mics are more adaptable due to their configuration. Shotgun microphones can sound more authentic than lavaliers. Additionally, they don't have to be concealed on performers to be kept out of the video frame.
If you are still confused about how to decide on the type of microphone used in vlogging, here are two questions that help you make the choice.
Will you be moving around when recording with your camera? – Using a shotgun mic for vlogging could be the ideal option if you're going to be using your camera while you're out and about and it will virtually always be facing you when you're speaking. Shotgun mics are rather directional, so if you're going to be often turning your camera away from you or to the side as you speak, a wireless lavalier microphone will probably be a better choice. This is because your voice will be picked up better if the camera is focused directly at you.
Will you move about in front of the camera while putting it down? – Shotgun microphones are, once more, often quite directional. They excel in picking up what is in front of them and rejecting everything else. However, the range is limited. Most on-camera shotgun mics work well if you're no more than around 5 feet away from the camera. However, a wireless lavalier microphone linked to your person will provide you with more constant quality and loudness as you move if you're going to be speaking from a distance of 10 to 20 feet or more.