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I've done quite a bit of podcasting with an SM58.. Now, I'm doing videocasting, what's the best microphone to record sound? I want it to be more aesthetic: I don't want the microphone to be seen in the video -- I think that rules out dynamic microphones. It seems like a unidirectional condenser would be best? Any ideas of the best type of microphone to handle sound coming from a fixed direction, but preferably doesn't require obstructing the path of sight.

I've done some reviews, it seems like condenser microphones are really not made to be used more than 2 feet away from the sound source. They sound really over-gained and not isolated. I'm still undecided.

I found these videos to be useful:

In this video you can see the USB AT202 (which I imagine is not as good as my current sound set up)

shows the AT2020 in a similar application

In this video you can see the Sure SM93 in a similar setting. It's pretty unobtrusive and delivers an impressive result.

shows the Shure SM93 in a similar application.

Someone help me decide!

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  • Are you ruling out lapel mics for any reason?
    – NReilingh
    Sep 9, 2012 at 3:56
  • Not ruling them out, they're not opportune because they still show up and it can suck having a lapel mike on a t-shirt, but I'm open to the suggestion. what kind of lapel mike?
    – Evan Carroll
    Sep 9, 2012 at 4:20
  • 'YouTube' is irrelevant to the question so have removed it.
    – Rory Alsop ♦
    Sep 9, 2012 at 5:48
  • Are you trying to find out the best model, or just the proper type? I'm not sure if this is a shopping recommendation question or not. Such questions are off topic, but "explain this kind of thing to me" questions are definitely welcome.
    – Warrior Bob
    Sep 9, 2012 at 22:04
  • explain what kind of microphone gives me ideal sound from a fixed point 3-5 feet away from a camera, without being overly obtrusive (preferably not at all obtrusive) in the camera's line of sight?
    – Evan Carroll
    Sep 10, 2012 at 1:01

2 Answers 2

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I really like the Blue Yeti, it's pretty darn cheap and it has a dial to change what type of mic it is so you should be able to use it for different projects (like voice-overs, and podcasts). It's less then $150 and here's a link (holy cow now it's only $100 on amazon)

http://www.bluemic.com/yeti/ I own 2 and my girlfriend uses hers for professional voice over gigs and is super happy with it .

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Personally I use an sE X1. It's a large diaphragm cardioid condenser mic with a surprisingly flat frequency response for the price (the only peak is a slight jump of +3dB at 10kHz). I've left a link for a specs below:

sE X1 technical specs

sE X1 on GAK (£119) (it also prices the same on dv247)

sE X1 bundle Plus for an extra £70 you can get a pop-shield and reflection filter.

Of course this is not the only option. A Rode NT2A (£219) or NT1A (£145) is always a solid bet for vocal recording as is the Audio Technical AT2020 (only around £80 if you're on a strict budget!). Plus I bet you could find better prices for each of these mics if you looked around a bit.

That's all I can really think of off the top of my head. Ask if you have any further questions :D

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  • do you have any example of the sE X1 in use and how far away from the speaker do you position it? And, do you position it right behind the camera?
    – Evan Carroll
    Sep 9, 2012 at 17:05
  • Unfortunately I'm currently working away from home so I don't have access to examples for you, however, it is a very internally quiet microphone, very good SNR. I only really record voice without video so position it quite close to the speaker - but I've also used it for ambient instrument recording (meters away from the sound source) which always gives a very detailed and clear recording :)
    – Jazibobs
    Sep 10, 2012 at 8:55
  • @Jazibobs: how do these mikes compare, let's say, to a SONY PCM-D50 ? ( pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/cat-audio/… )
    – Skippy Fastol
    Sep 14, 2012 at 12:38
  • @SkippyFastol - I've never used the Sony PCM-D50 so I couldn't tell you anything about it. Sorry :(
    – Jazibobs
    Sep 20, 2012 at 9:59
  • @Jazibobs: No problem. It's just the best mike I know !
    – Skippy Fastol
    Sep 20, 2012 at 10:00

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