Best Microphones for YouTube by Type
Many microphones on the market are great for YouTube videos, but it is essential to find the right one for you and the footage you are taking. When considering microphones, it is important to know what type of microphone you need, where the mic will be placed, and what sound quality you are looking for. Each type of microphone has advantages and disadvantages, so it is critical to do your research and determine which microphone is best for you.
Condenser Microphone
Condenser microphones are the most popular type of microphone for YouTube videos because they offer excellent audio quality. Condenser microphones are often used in professional settings because they capture a wide range of frequencies, resulting in clear and accurate sound. They also have a low noise level, perfect for capturing audio without any unwanted background noise.
One downside to using a condenser microphone is that it can be more expensive than other types of microphones. Additionally, they require phantom power, which means you need to use a device to provide power to the microphone. This can be a problem depending on your shooting situation and where you are recording your video.
Condenser microphones are best used in situations where there are minimal background noises or when you are recording in a controlled environment. If this is not the case, then it may be best to choose another type of microphone.
Lavalier Mics
A lavalier mic is a small, external microphone that clips onto your subject. They are perfect for capturing audio when you are on the go. They are often used by reporters and vloggers because they are easy to use, offer excellent audio quality, and are versatile mic. These mics can be attached to your clothing or set up near the source of the sound that you want to capture.
One downside to using a lavalier mic is that they can be expensive depending on the quality. They also have a short cord, which means you need to find a way to attach them to the person or device you are recording.
Lavalier mics are best used in situations where you need to capture clear audio, and you are not able to use a traditional wired microphone. Since they are attached to a person, they can pick up noises when there is a lot of movement. That needs to be taken into consideration when deciding if a lavalier mic is a right choice.
Boom Mics
Boom mics are often used in professional settings because they offer fantastic sound quality and can be easily adjusted to capture the audio you want. Boom mics are placed on a boom pole and extend over the person or object that you are recording. This allows you to get clear audio without any background noise.
One downside to using a boom mic is that it can be bulky, which makes it challenging to shoot in public settings. They also need to be plugged into a power source or device, so you need to make sure that is available when planning your shot.
Boom mics are best used in situations where there are minimal background noises, and you have easy access to the person being recorded. If these are not characteristics of your situation, then it may be best to choose another type of microphone.
Shotgun Mics
Shotgun mics are great for recording sound from a distance because they are directional mics. This means that you point them directly to the source of the sound, which results in clear audio without any unwanted noises or background sounds. As a result, they are commonly used by news reporters and YouTubers who record outdoors or in public settings.
One downside to using a shotgun mic is that they require an accessory to connect them to a camera. They also need to be plugged into a power source or device, so you need to make sure that are available when figuring out where you are shooting.
Shotgun mics are best used in situations where the person is in a public setting with lots of background noise, or when they are far away from the source of the sound.
Types of Tracking Shots and the Right Audio Equipment
Long Tracking Shot
Long tracking shots are shots of moving objects that move through the scene at a steady pace. This shot is achieved by using an object on wheels that you follow alongside. The camera can either be mounted to the object or handheld as it moves.
You are likely to pick up any sound from the object being used for tracking. Therefore, when using these shots, the best choice of microphone would be a lavalier mic attached to the object being tracked. This will ensure that you don’t capture any sound that is being emitted from the device moving the camera.
Dolly Shot
Dolly shots are tracking shots where the camera moves along a straight path, usually towards or away from an object or person. This shot is achieved by using a track that allows you to pull the camera along it.
When using a dolly shot, the best choice of microphone would be a shotgun mic attached to the dolly being used. This will ensure that you are only recording sound from the object or person being moved towards.
Your microphone will move if it is attached to your camera in a dolly shot, which means that the sound will likely become louder as it moves closer to them. If you want to emanate that, then you should use a lavalier mic attached to the person being filmed. This will give you great audio without any variation in volume.
Handheld Tracking Shot
Handheld shots are when the camera is held by a person and moved through a scene. You can achieve this shot by using a handheld rig or a gimbal to stabilize the camera while it moves.
When using handheld tracking shots, not only will you need to worry about moving from your subject but also yourself as you move around them. The best type of microphone to use in this situation would be a shotgun mic attached to the camera. This will ensure that you are only recording sound from the subject being tracked.
A handheld tracking shot can be challenging to maintain, so you must have a high-quality, lightweight microphone to make holding the camera as easy as possible. If the audio or shot is not good, then it will require more takes.
In Conclusion
Microphones are essential tools for anyone who wants to create high-quality audio content. There are a variety of different types of microphones available on the market. Therefore, it is vital to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each to be able to choose the best microphone for YouTube and have one for each situation you are shooting.
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