What Microphone Is Best for Mobile Live Video Productions?

Audio can be the most confusing part of a video production.  If your audio isn’t perfect, people will tune out.  Here is a rundown of different types of mics you can use for your mobile video productions.

Built in Mic:

This one is pretty straight forward.  No setup, no cost, but the quality will start to suffer unless you have perfect conditions

Best Uses:

• Inside  
• Needs to be relatively quiet
• 1 - 2 people facing the camera

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• No setup required
• Decent quality

Cons:

• Will pick up lots of background noise
• Not good outside in wind
• No volume control

Handheld:

For use with Switcher Studio and an iOS device productions, I recommend the iRig Mic HD.  However any XLR handheld mic and an iRig Pre or Pro will work as well.

Best Uses:

• Interviews
• 1 - 2 people on screen

Pros:

• Easy setup
• Volume control
• Great quality sound
• Can pass around the mic to accommodate more people

Cons:

• Needs to be near speakers
• Have to hold in hand or have on table stand
• Depending on setup can add gear and cost

LAV:

I have had the best luck with XLR LAV mics with an iRig Pre.  If you want to try two mics, you can use a TRRS 2 line breakout box and two TRRS LAVs.

Best Uses:

• One person on screen
• Relatively quiet areas

Pros:

• Hands free
• Great quality for one person
• Easy setup
• Small and hidden

Cons:

• Limited number of people
• Will pick up some background noise.
• Depending on setup, cost and additional gear
• Do not always have volume control

Shotgun Mic:

There are many options for XLR shotgun mics and all will work if you pair with an iRig.  This will give you audio gain controls for better sound quality.  For a direct connection, I recommend the RODE VideoMic with a RODE TRS to TRRS adapter.

At any event I am doing video, I will have a shotgun mic at least as backup.  These are multifunctional, will accommodate lots of people, and if the background noise is too much it can be used as a handheld mic to pick up your subjects volume better.Best Uses:

Best Uses:

• Indoor or outdoors
• Multiple people

Pros:

• Works in almost any situation
• Hands free
• Most versatile option
• No audio gear visible in your production

Cons:

• Expensive

As you can see, different mics fit different productions.  Before going live, always make sure you have checked and setup your audio.