Microphone for Youtube Recording


Hello,
I have been trying to research this a little but not finding what I need so far.
What kind of microphone should be used if I am say reviewing my system for YouTube and I play a few tracks and want the best possible sound to come through to the end user, so that they can get a feel for the quality of the system?
I realize you cannot fully realize the quality of a system through Youtube but i am referring to something better then the Mic on a cell phone or my DSLR.
I have seen some Mic's that are referred to as Shotgun Mic's, would those pick up in Stereo?
Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Jay


128x128jay73

Showing 1 response by almarg

Depends on how much you want to spend. You might want to consider a digital recorder having built-in mics like this one, which costs $150:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1453030-REG/tascam_dr_07x_stereo_handheld_digital_audio.html

I would suggest a mic or mics providing a "cardioid" pattern, which is the pattern provided by the two mics on that recorder, rather than a shotgun pattern which is more directional and may be too directional to capture the sound from two speakers in an optimal manner.

Also, if you go with a recorder such as that one it would be best to mount it on an inexpensive tripod, to minimize the extent to which it picks up reflections from adjacent surfaces. (And you would certainly want to avoid holding it in your hands while recording, as it would pick up handling noises). As you’ll see in the description it can be mounted on any of the many tripods which provide 1/4"-20 threads.

But if by any chance you might want to splurge on something really good, that would typically be used by pro audio people, I would suggest the following mic and mic amplifier/recorder, totaling $1250:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/644381-REG/Audio_Technica_AT4051B_AT4051b_Cardioid_Condenser_Microphone.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1333778-REG/sound_devices_mixpre_3_mixpre_3_mic_preamps.html

Generally speaking condenser microphones (as provided by both of the alternatives described above) are superior to dynamic microphones, although they usually cost more. And they must be used with mic amplifiers which provide "phantom power" (or with some separate source of phantom power), and which also tend to be relatively expensive compared to mic amps that would typically be used with dynamic mics.

Regards,
-- Al