XHA1s microphone advice at DVinfo.net

James Fryer · April 5th, 2011, 08:58 AM

Hi again all,

I'm looking into an external mic for my XHA1s, and wondered if anyone could suggest any models, please?

Budget = £200
Situation = 100% for interviews, including 50% indoor and 50% outdoor

I think it'll be a cardioid/directional that suits the job, including wind cover?

Thanks guys :)

EDIT: Would be in budget if via eBay.. how about the Sennheiser ME66-K6COMBO?

Battle Vaughan · April 5th, 2011, 10:03 AM

I used the ME66K6 on an XHA1 during my stint as a news videographer, loved the mike, as it is fairly "hot" --- sensitive with high output---and worked very well for me.

It is somewhat long, particularly with a "dead cat" windscreen, so I used a homemade shock mount holder that set the shock mount back on the camera somewhat. A clone of that idea is commercially available from Rode...basically a shock mount on a piece of plastic pipe that offsets the holder to the rear.

I also used a hypercardioid (ME64) for inside work as shotguns tend to pick up reverb indoors...
Two less-sensitive but useful mikes in that price range are the Rode ntg2 and the Audio-Technica 897...
Purists will argue endlessly over the subjective subtleties of "audio quality" and your ears should be the judge in the end. Personally, I found the ME66 to do everything I needed it to do.

David Stembridge · April 5th, 2011, 10:24 AM

I use the Sony ECM-674 Microphone. Solid construction, great crisp sound. Used by many ENG professionals for spot news interviews. Here's the BHPhoto link, not sure what the availability is in the UK.... would fit your budget here in US though!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/667706-REG/Sony_ECM674_9X_ECM_674_9X_Electret_Condenser.html

James Fryer · April 6th, 2011, 11:24 AM

Thanks all for the advice. I've had a listen tests on YouTube and Vimeo and the 66 is looking feasible, and within budget via eBay. Will let you know how I get on.

April 5th, 2011, 08:58 AM	#1
James Fryer New Boot Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: London Posts: 24	XHA1s microphone advice Hi again all, I'm looking into an external mic for my XHA1s, and wondered if anyone could suggest any models, please? Budget = £200 Situation = 100% for interviews, including 50% indoor and 50% outdoor I think it'll be a cardioid/directional that suits the job, including wind cover? Thanks guys :) EDIT: Would be in budget if via eBay.. how about the Sennheiser ME66-K6COMBO?

April 5th, 2011, 10:03 AM	#2
Battle Vaughan Trustee Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Miami, FL USA Posts: 1,505	Re: XHA1s microphone advice I used the ME66K6 on an XHA1 during my stint as a news videographer, loved the mike, as it is fairly "hot" --- sensitive with high output---and worked very well for me. It is somewhat long, particularly with a "dead cat" windscreen, so I used a homemade shock mount holder that set the shock mount back on the camera somewhat. A clone of that idea is commercially available from Rode...basically a shock mount on a piece of plastic pipe that offsets the holder to the rear. I also used a hypercardioid (ME64) for inside work as shotguns tend to pick up reverb indoors... Two less-sensitive but useful mikes in that price range are the Rode ntg2 and the Audio-Technica 897... Purists will argue endlessly over the subjective subtleties of "audio quality" and your ears should be the judge in the end. Personally, I found the ME66 to do everything I needed it to do.

April 5th, 2011, 10:24 AM	#3
David Stembridge Regular Crew Join Date: May 2010 Location: Waynesboro, GA Posts: 139	Re: XHA1s microphone advice I use the Sony ECM-674 Microphone. Solid construction, great crisp sound. Used by many ENG professionals for spot news interviews. Here's the BHPhoto link, not sure what the availability is in the UK.... would fit your budget here in US though! http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/667706-REG/Sony_ECM674_9X_ECM_674_9X_Electret_Condenser.html

April 6th, 2011, 11:24 AM	#4
James Fryer New Boot Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: London Posts: 24	Re: XHA1s microphone advice Thanks all for the advice. I've had a listen tests on YouTube and Vimeo and the 66 is looking feasible, and within budget via eBay. Will let you know how I get on.