Microphone Comparison

Microphone Comparison Test from Ted Fisher on Vimeo.

Above: a comparison of three microphones:

• an Audio-Technica ATR-3350 Lavalier
• a Rode Lavalier Microphone
• and an Azden Barrell Shotgun Mic With XLR Outputs

All three are presented as recorded with no changes in level or equalization. The ATR-3350 does very well (and sells for a very reasonable sub-$25 price) but the Rode delivers what I think is a much more pleasant tone for a documentary interview. The shotgun mic does well, and with careful microphone placement and adjustment of recording levels can do even better.

Zoom H1 Lavalier Test with Audio Technica ATR-3350

I had to record a voiceover, so I dragged out three lavalier microphones for a quick test, plugging each into a Zoom H1 and recording a snippet of normal speaking. The results? While the audio quality won't match a high-end microphone, the recording is fine for use in documentary interviews on location.

(By the way, for those times when your wireless mic is likely to run into interference, this could be interesting: clip the lav on your subject, stick the Zoom H1 in their pocket. Hit record, then lock the buttons on the H1.)

Comparing the three microphones, I believe the Audio Technica ATR-3350 Lavalier Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone has a more pleasant, natural sound than the Audio Technica ATR-35s and is significantly higher in quality than a cheap Radio Shack 33-3013. (I'd post a sample, but Blogger is not exactly cooperative with my attempt to do that....)

That's not a surprise -- the 3350 is basically the updated replacement for the 35s. It's also essentially the same as the mic included in Audio Technica PRO88W-R35 Wireless Lavalier System with ATR3350mW Omnidirectional Mic, 170 MHz. 

So, the ATR-3350 works fine. And it's ultracheap now: