What do you do if you're having trouble finding the right video production microphone for your project?

1 Know your purpose

The first thing you need to do is to define the purpose of your video production project. What kind of video are you making? Who is your audience? What is your budget? These questions will help you narrow down your microphone options and focus on the ones that suit your goals. For example, if you're making a documentary, you might need a different mic than if you're making a music video. If you're filming outdoors, you might need a different mic than if you're filming indoors. And if you're working with a tight budget, you might need a different mic than if you have more resources.

2 Understand microphone types

The second thing you need to do is to understand the different types of microphones and how they work. There are three main categories of microphones: dynamic, condenser, and ribbon. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the situation. Dynamic microphones are durable, versatile, and good for loud sounds. They don't need a power source and can handle high sound pressure levels. Condenser microphones are sensitive, detailed, and good for quiet sounds. They need a power source and can capture a wide frequency range. Ribbon microphones are warm, smooth, and good for natural sounds. They are fragile and need a preamp to boost their signal.

3 Choose a pickup pattern

The third thing you need to do is to choose a pickup pattern for your microphone. A pickup pattern is the shape of the area that the microphone can capture sound from. There are four main pickup patterns: omnidirectional, bidirectional, cardioid, and shotgun. Omnidirectional microphones can capture sound from all directions equally. They are good for ambient sounds and group recordings. Bidirectional microphones can capture sound from two opposite directions. They are good for interviews and duets. Cardioid microphones can capture sound from the front and reject sound from the back. They are good for vocals and instruments. Shotgun microphones can capture sound from a narrow direction and reject sound from the sides. They are good for dialogue and narration.

5 Adjust and optimize

The fifth thing you need to do is to adjust and optimize your microphone settings and placement once you have it. You can do this by using a mixer, an audio interface, or a software. The main settings you need to adjust are the gain, the level, and the EQ. The gain is the amount of amplification that the microphone receives. You should set it to a level that avoids distortion and clipping. The level is the volume of the microphone signal. You should set it to a level that matches the output device and the audience. The EQ is the balance of the frequency spectrum that the microphone captures. You should set it to a level that enhances the desired sounds and reduces the unwanted sounds. The placement of the microphone is also important. You should position it close enough to the source to capture the details, but far enough to avoid feedback and popping. You should also angle it to avoid wind and breath noises.

6 Experiment and have fun

The sixth thing you need to do is to experiment and have fun with your microphone. You can do this by trying different microphones, different settings, and different placements. You can also use accessories like windscreens, shock mounts, and pop filters to improve your sound quality. You can also combine different microphones to create a stereo or a surround sound effect. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and be creative with your audio.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?