Many action cameras have built-in microphones that record audio. A lot of them are decent and do not require the aid of microphone attachments. Unfortunately, a lot of mics onboard don't work at the level that is expected. If you're in such circumstances, it may be time to find the top action camera microphones. In this way, you will be able to increase your performance and create footage that is engaging.
Content creation has increased the need for and usage of cameras that can be used for actions. Action cameras are excellent to capture video from a first-person view. The built-in microphones don't always offer the audio quality you'd like. They can record footstep and hand noise. Some users have complained about poor audio quality when using these cameras in noisy locations. Therefore, purchasing an external microphone for the motion camera would be the most effective option.
What are the top Action Camera Accessories for Microphones?
The RODE Wireless Go II is the top Action camera camera accessory. The Rode range of microphones has earned some acclaim from creators of content. Wireless GO II Wireless GO II is easy to use and is a great choice for videographers of all levels of experience.
Wireless, you don't have to be concerned whether wires get in your way when recording. At 0.016 grams (0.45 grams) Its flexibility and compactness make it an excellent option. Its noise cancelling capabilities make it ideal for travel videos. Let's take a look at the top action camera microphones that you could consider:
1. Rode Wireless GO II
Rode Wireless GO II is an essential choice for many creators of content because it is able to be used with virtually any camera available. Its versatility aside, it ranks on top of this list due to its exceptional performance.
It records professional quality audio and comes with an internal storage device that allows it to operate on its own, without having to depend on cameras. In terms of storage, it can store an unlimited amount of audio compression for 24 hours, and around 7 hours uncompressed audio. Rode Wireless GO II is popular with many due to its ability to capture sounds from various sources.
This makes it an ideal backup recording device and for two-person interviews. If you find yourself in an area where movement is not allowed, you just have to activate its wireless connectivity. It can be used to a maximum distance of 200 meters. Additionally, its small size makes it easy to transport around. You should prioritize Rode wireless GO II if you shoot outdoors. Its construction is comprised of solid rock.
If you're wondering the question, yes, it's able to endure the harshest use and elements of weather. When ambient noise comes into the room, the high-pass filter will be able to jump in and cut it down. For the price, considering its amazing performance and endurance this dongle is a bargain.
Pros
- Produces professional-grade audio signal
- Universal compatibility
- Miniature size
- Can operate wirelessly
- Long-lasting battery that lasts for a long time.
Cons
- It's quite expensive when compared to other brands.
2. Rode VideoMicPro
Yes this is a different opportunity from Rode however, please make sure to say hello to the big bad Wolf. There's a reason for him to be in these places. Rode VideoMicPro is a beast that is ideal for those who use cameras, mirrorless rigs and DSLRs. People using DJI Osmo are a fan too. Here's the reason why Rode VideoMicPro stands as one of the top action camera microphones.
The super-cardioid polar pattern of the attachment allows the sound to be heard from the front while also ensuring that the an ambient sound to both sides as well as behind are blocked. The foam-covered Rode VideoMicPro is not pointless. It reduces wind noise, giving clear, clear audio recordings. Although it appears bulky the device weighs only 85 grams. It's actually not an enormous weight.
Pros
- It has amazing sound quality.
- Easy to setup
- It can be stacked up to the height of a boom pole
- Excellent for keeping chatter from outside at the back of your mind.
Cons
- Not great for shooting distant subjects
3. RODE VideoMicPro
It is the RODE VideoMicPro is light and can be mounted directly to the camera. It's a smaller and lighter option to the VideoMicPro and weighs 42 grams. It features the shock mount to lessen vibrations. Audio quality on this model is top-notch and is able to hear sound even from an extended distance.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Small and compact
- Affordable
- Built-in shield to cut down the sound of wind.
- Cables are removable
Cons
- Cameras that are not compatible with certain models
- Extremely loud
- An incorrect mounting could cause the windshield to block the view
4. Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Microphone
People who enjoy adrenaline-pumping thrills such as riding would prefer Lavalier or clip-on microphones due to their portability and range. A selection that's been being used for some time is the PowerDeWise Lavalier Clip-On.
However, its noise cancellation feature that is always in use will easily block out the audio that you are looking for since it can detect any unwanted background noise. The best part is that the cable is quite long. Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier appears to be an ideal substitute for the PowerDeWise Lavalier Clip-On.
The accessory works with any camera that has an 3.5mm Jack. However, you'll need to buy a suitable adapter. It also works with smartphones, laptops as well as tablets. Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier is an omnidirectional microphone that is aimed to deliver crystal clear sound. It has impressive results as compared to the that cost $20 Lavalier microphones. The only drawback is the small cable. It's best to get an extension cable in case you require longer length.
Pros
- Cheap Lavalier mic
- The Kevlar fabric is engineered to last
- Great at cancelling background noise
Cons
- Uses a Rode paid Rec app
- The cable is not long enough
5. TAKSTAR SGC-598
TAKSTAR SGC-598 is among the most inexpensive yet flexible motion camera microphones that you will find. If your action camera is one of the DSLR or a GoPro or a frameless rig they'll connect seamlessly.
The unit is equipped with an condenser transducer, and its sensitivity range is between 32dB+/-3dB. This means that the sound quality is good, but not up to Hollywood standard, but it is decent. The attachment features an interface that allows it to sit on top of the camera while communicating with it.
TAKSTAR SGC-598 is powered by batteries and can record up 100 hours worth of recording. This is a huge amount of time. Additionally, it comes with an indicator of low power which will flash a signal when the battery's charge is extremely low. In the attachment's box, there's a bag for carrying along with an inflatable windscreen that helps to minimize the sound.
Pros
- Includes a comfortable foam windscreen
- Universal construction
- Produces decent audio quality
- Long-lasting battery
Cons
- It's a hefty style.
Compatibility with the Camera
It is important to know that certain microphone accessories are specifically designed for different camera brands. There are also those which are only available to mirrorless cameras, DSLRs and GoPro cameras.
It is therefore essential to make sure that the product you're about to invest your hard-earned money on is compatible in conjunction with your device. If it is difficult to locate an accessory which is compatible with your camera, then you may choose a universal camera. This design is able to fit almost any camera.
The availability of an Adapter
- Make sure you have an external microphone that has an adapter.
- These adapters are useful for cameras that do not have an 3.5mm connector.
- This is the Movo GMA100 Adapter (best used to connect GoPro Hero3+, Hero3, and Hero4). Hero3Plus, GoPro Hero3, and Hero4)
- The GoPro 3.5mm Adapter (recommended for use with GoPro Hero6, Hero5, Hero8, and Hero7). Hero6, GoPro Hero5, Hero8 and Hero7)
- Osmo pocket adapter (connect via DJI Osmo)
- The USB port connects through the 3.5mm Jack
Polar Pattern of the Mic Polar Pattern of the Mic
This is why the microphone attachment was made to detect audio signals at the highest quality. Some gears come with only one setting, while others let users to switch between two of them. Three types of Polar patterns: unidirectional bidirectional, as well as omnidirectional.
Unidirectional (Cardioid)
This is the most well-known pattern of polarity in the market. Unidirectional attachments concentrate on the sound directly in front of them and ignore the other sounds. So , if you intend to hold a number of one-person interviews, with no chances of having another guest join in, cardioid microphones will suffice.
They are also great for personal Vloggers. If you notice an attachment that is marked by the term "super-cardioid," it just signifies that it's focused on in front. Unidirectional microphones can detect sound when placed right in the direction of the person who is speaking. Therefore, you should consider these mics for when you only want to capture only one person.
Shotgun - These microphone accessories are bidirectional. They will not pick up any sound within 30 degrees from the sides, but are in a position to pick the low-signal signals straight ahead. Shotgun microphones cut down on background noise and are most efficient in direction-focused. They are also great for direction focus. Sennheiser Professional MKE 200 is the perfect illustration of this.
Bidirectional
Bidirectional microphones provide the same quality of sound as shotguns. The only differentiator is that bi-directional microphones concentrate on sound in both the both the front and back of the microphone. Imagine the pattern as like an eight-digit fat number.
Omnidirectional
Omnidirectional attachments can concentrate on sounds emanating from all directions. They're a fantastic asset to those who conduct discussions and round table meetings. It's commonplace to find lapel microphones that have this pattern of polarity because they're not positioned directly in front of the person.
Lapel microphones are omnidirectional, they can detect sound from all directions. If you're looking for a microphone from the list above you can choose this Wireless GO II omnidirectional microphone to conduct group interviews as well as recordings of debates.
Kind of Shock Mount
Action cameras capture high-octane footage with a lot of noise. The noise will reduce or alter the audio quality overall of your video. It is an excellent idea to purchase attachments with shock mounting to minimize background noise. In particular, find a microphone which blocks the sound of footsteps if you record while walking.
The Sort of Windscreen
The microphone attachments feature two main kinds of windscreens: deadcat or foam. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but they are better than having none. Deadcat microphones feature a furry look and block out noise from wind when recording outdoors. The thick fur is highly efficient to block wind sounds, as well as other sounds with higher frequencies.
Foam displays are popular to cut down noise interference because they're also relatively less expensive. They do have a few disadvantages. They're less reliable to deadcats in regards in blocking the wind. However, they're an option if you're looking for a microphone with a limited budget.
What kind of shoes do you wear? Mount
The shoe mount is a slot in the microphone attachment that is secured with the camera to ensure communications. There are two kinds of mounting, namely a hot mount as well as cold mount. Hot mounts permit electrical contact, which creates an instant connexion to the camera. It isn't possible to have an instant connection to this cold mount. There is no electrical connection with your camera, as well as mic accessories.
Audio sensitivity
The microphone's audio sensitivity tells the extent to which it can hear the sounds. The most reliable metrics are between 42 to -30 dBV/Pa, or 8 to 32 mV/Pa. Choose a device which can hear audio from the vast distance.
The Transducer's Form
If you don't pay focus on the kind of transducer used in a microphone can be left complaining about low audio quality.
Let's look at some fundamental science for a moment.
Transducers are used to convert sound waves into electrical signals. They transform the sound wave into electric signals which need to travel through wires. So it is the microphones whose internal mechanisms are top-quality will provide the most clear audio. Dynamic microphones Dynamic microphones is a great choice in situations where you don't need to capture every moment with crystal clarity.
Utilize these microphones for recording podcasts or recordings outdoors. Ribbon Mics Ribbon microphones are expensive and delicate, therefore they're not a good fit with an action camera. Condenser Mics Utilize these to record vocal-over files. The quality of voice is high-quality. If quality of audio is important to you, these are the most reliable options.
Different types of microphone attachments for Action Cameras
These are the various kinds of action camera microphones that you can see in the market:
Lapel microphones
Sometimes referred to as clip-on, or lapel microphones, these are mics that are small and fixed to the person who is speaking. They're fairly commonplace within broadcasting facilities and also among film directors. Travel bloggers will appreciate the compact size as well as portability offered by these microphones.
Shotgun microphones
Shotgun mics are fitted with long slots on the front that make them appear like guns thus the name. The function of the tube is to block sound that is outside of 30 degrees of the front.
Handheld microphones
Instead of being attached onto the camera they are held with the fingers. You can also place the microphone near your camera when recording. The fast-paced action doesn't require microphones that are handheld. But, you will find several. Even shotgun and lavalier mics can be used handheld if they opt to.
Final Thoughts
If you're a YouTuber, aspiring filmmaker, or an undergraduate student who is working on school projects the microphones you choose will make a difference to your video production. The high-quality sound is directional, user-friendly, and the features will enable you to elevate the quality of your video to greater levels in terms of audio. I believe it's worth the cost.
There are a variety of microphones for attachment on the market, but this article is to assist you in making an informed and judicious choice. A good microphone can make to make your videos look stunning. I hope this article can help you choose a design of the features discussed according to your budget and requirements. These products can all be ordered directly via Amazon for a reasonable price.
