This week we have some sound advice for you - if you want to communicate your message with clarity, you need to get serious about audio.
There’s no point capturing great video if nobody can hear what’s going on. While you’re on a zoom call, you want to make your voice heard in that meeting. And if you’re capturing audio for a podcast, it's an absolute essential to maximise the quality for a pro feel.
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The audio capture in our computers, phones and cameras is functional, of course, but if you want to take things a bit more seriously, consider adding a dedicated microphone to your kit bag.
Rode Wireless GO II
They say: The world’s smallest and first truly wireless microphone has been reborn. The Wireless GO II is an ultra-compact and extremely versatile wireless microphone system consisting of a dual channel receiver and two transmitters.
We say: Wireless mics are essential if you’re going to be moving around shot in your video - you don’t want the levels rising and dipping according to how far away you are from your camera. Rode’s Wireless Go II offers that, but at the double - so two people at once can be heard as clear as a bell. And there’s hardly a camera or phone that does video that you can’t hook this system up to.
Cost: £235
Joby Wavo Mobile
They say: This mic is super compact, portable and lightweight but powerful enough to deliver quality audio anywhere you’re vlogging, wherever you are.
We say: Cheap and cheerful, the Wavo Mobile is built specifically for smartphones, and provides a variety of cables in the box to allow it to connect to all the most popular models. It’s directional, so helps to zero in on the audio coming from the subject of your video, and also features great shock absorption, reducing noise from the camera and handler. There’s also a ‘deadcat’ cover for the mic, to reduce wind noise if you’re filming outside.
Cost: £34.95
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Stennheiser NKE 400
They say: The MKE 400 is a compact, highly directional on-camera shotgun microphone designed to isolate and enhance the audio for your video.
We say: Similar to the Joby Wavo, the MKE 40 is designed to be mounted on-device, but this is a step up in sound quality, and more suitable for cameras… although it will work with smartphones. It’s very light and compact, but also features a headphone jack so you can monitor audio directly from the source.
Cost: £169
Blue Yeti
They say: Create unparalleled recordings with your computer using Blue's best-selling family of Yeti USB microphones. Whether you're recording at home, on the road, or in the Himalayas, Yeti helps you produce studio-quality recordings every time.
We say: The Blue Yeti is a legend of podcasting, and should be on the list of possibles if you’re looking for a device for desktop recording. It’s a USB mic that features a variety of modes for optimal versatility - whether you’re on your own, interviewing, or with a group, there’s a mode to capture everything clearly and crisply. Good for musical instrument recording, too.
Cost: £119.99
Shure MV5C
They say: Make sure you are heard clearly during important presentations and meetings with professional sound from the MV5C Home Office Microphone. The MV5C will help you sound great from the comfort of your desk, and it can be used with or without headphones.
We say: It’s worth investing in a dedicated mic if you’re doing most of your meetings over the internet at your home desk. There are few more prestigious names in mic-making than Sure, so you can be, erm, sure it’ll do the job. Just don’t forget to turn it on.
Cost: £115
