Do you want to make a documentary or a corporate video? Some of the best mics for capturing sit-down interviews include shotguns and lavs. Interviewing isn’t the most straightforward of tasks. It’s considerably more difficult if you don’t have the necessary gear. A microphone is one of the most important pieces of equipment to which you should pay close attention. It has the potential to make or break the success of your interviews. The finest interview microphone has a wider polar pattern and is surprisingly simple to operate. You are mistaken if you believe you know which interview microphone to purchase. The seemingly unlimited alternatives on the market can be perplexing, and there’s a lot more to think about before purchasing one.
Shotgun mics and lavalier mics are the best options for sit-down interviews. The optimal setup is to have one of each; this way, you’ll have high-quality backup audio. Here are some of the most popular shotgun microphones and lavalier microphones for video.
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Sennheiser MKE 600 Camcorder Shotgun Microphone
- Ideal video camera/camcorder microphone: Able to handle the most demanding filmic challenges
- High directivity: Picks up sounds coming from the direction in which the camera is pointing and effectively attenuates noise coming from the sides and...
- Switchable "Low Cut" filter: Minimizes wind noise
Sennheiser’s short shotguns have been a fixture on site on soundstages all over the world for decades, so they know their stuff when it comes to production audio. The Sennheiser MKE 600 is a versatile supercardioid short shotgun mic that may be boomed or mounted on a camera, depending on the shot. Get into tight quarters on set, and if a shot (or an entire production) requires a camera-mounted mic, the Sennheiser MKE 600 can still capture world-class audio.
The MKE 600 is production ready, with a frequency response optimized for speech, and no need for external EQ or cleanup. To ensure vocal intelligibility, Sennheiser included a base 40Hz low-cut filter that may be toggled to 100Hz. Your takes will no longer be ruined by invasive low rumbles thanks to the MKE 600’s windshield, which reduces unwanted noise by up to 25dB. The Sennheiser MKE 600 has the mobility to go into tight production settings and capture first-class pro audio thanks to its small size. The MKE 600 will become your adaptable go-to production mic, whether boomed or camera mounted.
The KE 600 significantly reduces off-axis noise while leaving your audio uncolored. Production sets are raucous affairs even after the director yells “Action” – especially on location. Unless you’re Steven Spielberg and can pause air traffic for a shot, you’ll have a lot of ambient environmental noise to deal with as a production mixer.
Sennheiser’s MKE 600 features a supercardioid/lobar polar pattern that captures a concentrated signal from even the most unexpected settings. This shotgun mic is well-deserving of its adoration. You’ll have a new best buddy on set once you start recording with the MKE 600. The MKE 600’s standardized 3-pin XLR output compatibility is one of the microphone’s most enticing features, since it makes it ultra-portable for any situation. You can easily connect to almost any portable recorder, camcorder, field recorder, or cinematic camera. Even if your device doesn’t support phantom power, Sennheiser’s MKE 600 can run for up to 150 hours on a single AA battery and includes a separate on/off switch to prevent drain. This is the Best Interview Microphone in 2023.
Rode NTG4+ Supercardioid Condenser Shotgun Microphone with Inbuilt Battery
- Line-gradient Shotgun Condenser Microphone with Persistent-state Digital Switching f Highpass Filter
- Internal Rechargeable Lithium Battery
- High-frequency Boost
The better Road NTG4+ shotgun mic outperforms all others. In terms of sound quality, Rode outdid themselves with this high-performing entry-level shotgun mic, as other models and brands pale in comparison.
Shotgun microphones are notorious for being noisy, with distracting low-hissing noises in the background. The Rode NTG4+ distinguishes out because it excels at reducing undesirable background noise. Its extraordinary noise canceling capabilities is due to its extremely high sensitivity of over 25mV/Pa and a noise-filtering 10dB pad. As a result, you can conduct your interview in both favorable and unfavorable situations and still transmit high-quality audio. You don’t have to limit yourself to interviews with this mic; you can also record band and choir performances and then perform them live without any post-EQ.
Essentially, the Rode NTG4+ is equipped with a high-capacity lithium battery that can last up to 150 hours. Given that most regular microphones can’t even survive half as long, this is quite astounding. This microphone is an incredible bargain, especially for beginners. It provides premium quality at a less-than-premium price. It offers a number of little but significant features, such as a USB port and a windscreen, that allow you to record high-quality sounds in addition to its excellent performance. This is the Best Interview Mic in 2023.
Sennheiser MD 46 cardioid interview microphone
- Double layer grille basket
- Cardioid dynamic capsule
- Low handling noise
What makes the MD 46 one of the greatest interview microphones? Yes, it’s just another reporter’s microphone. Its relatively consistent sound capabilities, which include omni-directional use and low handling noise, are largely responsible for this. Despite picking up all kinds of audio from the background indiscriminately, this microphone is designed to focus entirely on the interview topic.
It has an all-metal body and a grille with a second layer of wire mesh. As a result, the mic is suitable for usage in inclement weather and can withstand a few impacts. Sennheiser designed it for NBC and specifically for exterior broadcasts at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. It is undoubtedly considered one of the Best Sports Coverage Interview Microphones available, with such a pedigree.
This way, clarity is maintained while a realistic backdrop setting is created that does not detract from the sound quality. Furthermore, the dynamic capsule eliminates wind noise and vocal popping, as well as allowing for low noise handling. Finally, the Sennheiser MD 46 is equipped with a double-layer grille basket for increased convenience. This is the Best Microphone for Interviews in 2023.
Shure VP64A Omnidirectional Handheld Microphone
- Neodymium magnet for increased output and maximized signal-to-noise ratio
- Tailored frequency response with mid-range presence rise for optimum speech clarity
- Omnidirectional polar pattern eliminates need for critical microphone positioning
Shure microphones are always a safe pick, and the V64A is one of the best portable microphones ever created. It’s an omnidirectional mic with a high output for professional audio and video production. It properly balances top-tier performance with a pleasant feel, and it provides outstanding value for money.
The mic has a nice look to it, with a small but sturdy design that is easy to use. It’s ideal for close-up shots and may be used both indoors and out. It contains a practically watertight mesh grill and a windscreen, making it one of the best interview microphones for high-wind environments. Its omnidirectional polar pattern ensures consistent pickup on and off the axis, so you don’t have to worry about mic placement.
The VP64’s tuned frequency response with an upper midrange presence rise is another wonderful feature. It improves the clarity and sharpness of voice. As if that weren’t enough, there’s an inside rubber isolation mount that does an excellent job of decreasing handling noise. You can pass the microphone around without fear of making distracting noises.
There are no reservations regarding the microphone’s dependability. Its design stresses high sound quality and comfort. It’s also a wonderful weatherproof alternative because it works well in a variety of weather conditions. Plus, you won’t have to spend all of your money to buy this best interview microphones.
Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for Smartphones and Tablets
- Lavalier Microphone f Smartphones Tablets with Foam Pop Shield Mounting Clip
- English (Publication Language)
This is the pinnacle of all the lavalier mics available. In terms of sound quality and usability, the condenser capsule is second to none. Smartphones and a variety of other devices can be used with the unique microphone. While the mic is clipped to the upper section of a shirt or top, the Rode Smart Lav is small and slim enough to go into any pocket. When using the mic, you won’t have to bother with any exposed cables because it doesn’t require any additional equipment to work.
You also have the option of recording files that you may subsequently transfer to other devices via FTP. This is due to the Smartlav+ program, which allows you to conveniently access files from your browser. Of course, the sound quality of this omnidirectional microphone is also commendable. It has the ability to record clean, clear sounds that can be transmitted. It also contains noise-cancelling technology to reduce background noise.
If high-quality audio, ease of use, and portability are important to you, this is a good choice. The Rode Smart Lav provides much than simply great sound. It includes noise-canceling technologies as well as a dedicated app at this price range. You also get a handful of extras, such as a clip to attach the mic and a pouch to keep it secure during storage or travel. Without upgrading to the premium edition, you won’t be able to use the Smartlav+ app. It is also known to be freeze-resistant.
Movo HM-M2 Dynamic Omnidirectional Handheld XLR Reporter
- REPORTER MICROPHONE - Specialized for voice reproduction to maximize clarity, reduce plosives, wind noise, and limit low-frequency noise
- INTERVIEW MIC -The perfect microphone for interviews, this dynamic news microphone does not require external phantom power and set comes with...
- 1-YEAR WARRANTY: We’ve got your back. Our products are designed to ease your technical woes, not add to them. Our friendly US-Based support is here...
One more trustworthy handheld microphone. One of Movo’s most dynamic broadcast-quality microphones, the Movo-HM-M2, ensures seamless reporting and interviewing. It has undergone careful development to reproduce voices clearly. You will be able to record crystal-clear audio for your YouTube videos, podcasts, reports, and other projects.
The microphone is constructed to withstand time nicely. It is built of a high-quality aluminum alloy, which guarantees its long lifespan price point. It seems discrete when viewed through a camera due to its matte black finish. Unwanted noise is segregated by the mic’s integrated pop filter and isolated omnidirectional filter, which is especially useful when handling it. This makes sure you only ever record what you require high pass filter.
The microphone’s frequency response, which ranges from 70Hz to 15kHz, makes it obvious that it is designed for speech. The sound and purity of vocalization are optimized while ambient disturbance is completely rejected. As a result, it can succeed in a variety of settings with a microphone stand. You would never require phantom power or additional batteries if you used the xlr connector.
Affordable omnidirectional microphones are difficult to find, but this Movo model is a great choice for both amateurs and experts. It provides the best sound quality with the least amount of environmental interference, is well-built, and is simple to operate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of microphone would you use for an interview with background noise?
As it can isolate a single sound source from a loud backdrop, a super-cardioid microphone is the best type of microphone to utilize in a noisy situation. Additionally, it has a limited pick up and is effective in resisting feedback.
How much does a lavalier microphone cost?
Prices for various brands typically varies. A typical lavalier mic can cost more than $200.