Mic Test For Actor Audition Self Tapes On Phone Camera
DISCLAMER FOR CONVENIENCE: VIDEO IS AT BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.
So first a little about me if you’re finding this post randomly. My name is David Chan and I’m an actor and headshot photographer in Los Angeles. I have over 20 credits on my resume from popular TV shows that you can check out on my IMDB link here: https://imdb.me/davidchan
#streetcred
I’ve been out in LA since 2007. Yes it’s been a long time. So I’ve gone in person to auditions, been through that hustle, driving long distances, fighting to find parking, getting parking tickets, working out my nerves and then going in for a couple minutes just to be done.
After the pandemic started, everything went to self tapes. I had already been in the practice of self taping with some friends so I knew I had a leg up on equipment and how to do it well so the transition was fortunately pretty easy for me. When I moved in 2021 to a new place. I knew I needed to make a convenient setup for my auditions.
I invested in a mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z6 at the time, thank you pandemic money, and I already had the Rode VideoMic Pro microphone. So that combo worked out well. I’ll do another blog post eventually of my actual full set up but if you’re curious you can check it out here on pinterest for my full equipment list: https://pin.it/19ZBsKS
So I decided to make a video to test out some mics that I purchased from Amazon. I currently use the Rode VideoMic Pro, the older version and not the + version, and I’ve enjoyed it’s quality immensely. But I know its over $200 and not everyone would want to spend that. I bought it also to use for film making, etc and did a lot of research before making that purchase. Of the Rode mics, based on other people’s reviews on YouTube, it performed the best. If I could, I’d purchase the newer version the Rode VideoMic Pro + when I get another new mic. But for now the older version works great.
Also I know a lot of folks are probably using their phones to do their self tapes since camera phone are super great nowadays. So all these mics are mobile compatible. All in all, mic’s work best if you can get them closer to your face such as booming them closer to you face. This also lowers the volume of the reader who is behind camera which in my opinion shouldn’t be louder than you. Here are the mics I tested below. Prices may have fluctuated when I wrote this but you can check out the amazon links below.
Video of the test is at the bottom of this page! Thanks.
Rode VideoMic Pro $219
Supercardioid Shotgun Condenser Mic Optimized for Camcorder Use with Integrated Rycote Lyre Shockmount System.
PROS
✅ Sound quality is superb.
✅ Cold shoe mount option.
CONS
❌ Expensive at over $200
❌ Requires a 9V battery.
MOVO VXR10 $39.95
UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: External microphone for iPhone, Androids, Cameras, Camcorders, Audio Recorders, Tablets, and Laptops. Use as iPhone microphone, DSLR microphone or camera mic.
PROS
✅ Sound quality is actually pretty good.
✅ Affordable.
✅ No battery required
✅ Cold shoe mount option to attach on top of camera.
CONS
❌ Can’t really think of any honestly.
2 Pack Wireless Lavalier $35.99
2 Pack Professional Wireless Lavalier Microphone for Android, iPhone iPad with Adapter Included Noise Reduction Plug-Play Clip on Lapel Mic for YouTube, Recording, Vlog, Facebook Live Streaming
PROS
✅ Price is great
✅ Rechareable so no battery required.
✅ Wireless connectivity with 2 mics.
CONS
❌ Sound isn’t great, theres some hiss
❌ Hooking it to your shirt may be distracting, it’s a bit bulky.
Uniwit Portable Microphone $10.99
Desktop mic stand, easy to install.Mini handheld condenser microphone for voice recording & internet chatting.
PROS
✅ Sound quality is actually great.
✅ Super cheap and affordable.
✅ No battery required
CONS
❌ Wired and the cord is shorter than I’d like.
❌ No real easy way to hook the mic close to you to use it efficiently.
