It’s no secret that good sound quality is important in videos. After all, if the viewer can’t hear what you’re saying, why bother watching? So, what’s the best lavalier microphone for vlogging and YouTube videos?
I’ve compiled a list that includes three quality options to solve your problem in this post. Plus, some FAQs at the end of the article to answer your most awaiting queries. So, without further ado, let’s get into it.
#1 Best Wireless Lavalier Microphone: Rode Wireless Go II
Overview:
Rode G II is a mic for a vlogger who prefers quality over money. I used the Rode wireless Go II multiple times with my Nikon Z7 and Sony ZV-1, and I found the audio quality is pretty crisp and clear. The plus factor of the mic is that it can record both internally (with an sd card) and externally.
Special Buttons:
There are two buttons underneath the mic. One button got Mic Mute and a DB symbol. You can cycle through various gains using this button, although a dialer would be more sophisticated for this purpose. Use 3db increment to control the gain finely. The other button has a 1/2 icon with a link symbol that allows you to pair/mute between channels 1 and 2.
And if you are experiencing drop-outs, GO II got a companion app where you can configure the transmitter.
Windscreen:
Another perk of the mic is that it comes with a furry windscreen that reduces the background noises and the tame wind sounds.
However, there is a small problem that you can’t keep track of live audio. Yet, the cameras like Canon EOS RP allow you to monitor the audio levels via the screen.
Best Mic For Solo Vlogging:
Aside from all, Rode wireless Go II is a simple and go-to solution for a vlogger. With a little bit of creativity, you can also get impressive stereo recordings. That being said, I can vouch for Go II for solo vlogging.
Specifications:
Reason To Buy?
- Can record in two sections
- Up to 7 hours of battery life
- Wirelessly record to the camera or smartphone
Reason To Avoid?
- It can be expensive for some people
- Some settings need a computer app for adjustment
#2 Best Smartphone Lavalier Microphone: Shure Mvl
Overview:
Shure MVL is a wired microphone that comes under the price bracket of $70. I like its build and audio quality, despite being a budget mic. I’m including this microphone in my list because if you’re using a smartphone for vlogging, you can consider Shure MVL.
Sound Quality:
It is an omnidirectional mic that sounds a bit brighter and louder. The frequency response of Shure MVL is natural, and the resulting audio seems balanced. Sometimes, the voice may sound artificial and appear harsh. Despite all this, the mic is pretty accurate and doesn’t feel tiny.
Compatibility:
With Shure MVL, you don’t need to worry about drop-outs because there aren’t any. Just plug the mic and start recording the audio. One more thing to consider is that this mic is only compatible with smartphones as it has a TRRS cable, not a TRS one.
Noisiness:
You can hear constant static noise unrelated to the input. But don’t worry, it isn’t that louder that may affect your recording.
Another disadvantage is that it gets the background noises while recording. Yes, it comes with a wind muff, but you have to invest in an extra windshield if you plan to vlog outdoors.
Specifications:
Reason To Buy?
- Crispy and loud sound
- Build quality is robust
- A budget mic for smartphone vlogging
Reason To Avoid?
- Too much air noises while walking
- Sometimes, the harsh and static sound is overhead
#3 Best Professional Lavalier Microphone: Movo Wmic50 Wireless Mic
Overview:
Last but not least is a lavalier mic by Movo. It is a WMIC50 wireless microphone system that includes a transmitter with a belt clip, a receiver with a camera shoe, one lavalier mic, two earphones, and an audio signal cable.
Compared to Rode Go II, it is a much cheaper wireless option. You can place the mic near the speaker’s mouth while it transmits the signals wirelessly to the recorder or whatever device you’re using.
Sound:
The sound quality was much better than my expectations. I used this mic in combination with my GoPro Hero 10 black, and it was quite impressive. There was no electric hum in the voice, and to my surprise, the sound was pretty clear.
Build Quality:
The build quality seemed suspicious initially, but it was comparatively strong, and the holding clip was also sturdy. Plus, you can use this mic with any DSLR and smartphone with a headphone jack.
Specifications:
Reason To Buy?
- Universal mic
- Cheap and portable
- Low background noise
Reason To Avoid?
- Low battery backup
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
1- What is a lavalier microphone?
Lavalier microphone or lav or lapel mic is a small mic that a person directly attaches to his clothes, mostly with the neck. Usually, it comes in a single piece and could be wired or wireless.
2- What is the best lavalier mic for vlogging?
While there are many options to choose from, I prefer Rode wireless Go II as my favorite lavalier mic for vlogging. This mic got really good sound quality, and it actively cancels the background noises.
3- Do I need to buy an external mic for vlogging?
Almost every vlogging camera comes with a built-in mic. However, most of the time, these microphones are too good to be used as a primary source of sound recording. Therefore, it seems quite understandable to purchase an additional mic for vlogs.
Summary:
In a nutshell, most vloggers prefer lavalier mics over USB or shotgun mics because these are simple and handy microphones that provide good quality for the price. Plus, these mics give satisfactory battery backup and have a low sound-noise ratio.
Nonetheless, choosing a good lavalier mic for vlogging depends on a person’s budget and preference. If you are looking for a mic with the highest possible quality, go for the Rode Go II.
On the other hand, if you’re a person who shoots a vlog on a smartphone, you can consider Shure MVL as this mic has a low price range with pretty good features. Likewise, Movo WMIC50 can be an alternative if you want to save some bucks.
