What is a good cheap room microphone?

[skullfxr]

I want to get a decent room mic for a few demos. I am not expecting anything overly amazing, just something a notch or two better than an iPhone.

If I could plug it into my DSLR camera (1/8" TRS), that would be a massive plus. I have a Videomic Pro that I like but I want something far less directional.


Doesn't have to be capable of MASSIVE volume, think loud football game in the living room kind of loud.

I am probably asking for a lot but I want to keep it under $150.

 

[Meeotch]

Also interested in this! Anyone?

 

[JMP2203]

maybe a zoom video recorder? you get two camaras angles to edit later and the better mic

 

[Mailman1971]

I have a zoom q3. It has 3 microphones. And like a noise gate that keeps the clip stable and not distort out. Plus video. And you can line it out to a stereo after if you like. They are cheap.

 

[skullfxr]

i am going to bump this again.

i ordered an adapter for the video mic to fit onto a mic stand, so at least now it doesn't have to be on top.

still looking for ideas.

 

[Monkey Man]

IMHO a PZM (pressure-zone microphone) can't be beaten for accurate non-directional room recording at a reasonable price.

They used to be really-popular back in the day (my day, which was a long time ago, so I can't speak for nowadays) and the cheap ones were really-cheap, like $100 cheap. IIRC, at least here in Oz, the Realistic brand was cheapest and definitely sounded the biz. If they're not around anymore 2nd-hand should be fine.

If you can tape it to a wall or window (it's a flat, square piece of metal perhaps 5"x5"), I guarantee that you will be stunned at what it can do. To your ears the results will sound flat / uncoloured and accurate to a ridiculous degree. We used to tape 'em to studio "windows" (the look-through ones separating control rooms from performance spaces) as a matter of course. Drum "overheads" / ambience or any time you needed a bit of the natural room space you'd raise the fader/s on the desk. Done.

 

[Mailman1971]

Zoom

 

[skullfxr]

I like the idea of the zoom, but I have a far superior camera and I want to be able to move the camera while not moving the mic.

 

[Mailman1971]

The zoom has the option of just recording music. With no video.
A great recorder overall.

 

[skullfxr]

Whatever you get, make sure it’s Rezamatix approved ?

Is that the one with 50 free used tampons?

 

[Monkey Man]

Either that or it's the other model with the Foot FleshLight™ and a tube of lube thrown in.