In much the same way good equipment and good light is essential for a good photo or video image, sound and good sound equipment is equally important. Not many people, including some videographers, seem to appreciate that. The microphones that come with most cameras are pretty adequate for most jobs, but they can be improved upon.
Microphones
I have a mix of microphones, in order to be flexible and respond to multiple conditions. The primary microphone I use is the Sennheiser ME66K6 shotgun microphone, mounted on one camera with a shockmount. For sit-down interviews, I can choose from a pair of Audio-Technica clip-on microphones, a lone Shure Lavalier Microphone, or a pair or Audio-Technica Boundry microphones, and for standup work I use a Samson Q7 cartoid microphone.
Mixer
The Behringer 1204X Mixer is my answer to situations involving more than one or two microphones (as the PD-170 has two XLR inputs, it can handle two separate microphones without problems.) I got used to slider “pots” for sound levels when working audio boards at the Allen County Public Access studios and would not go with a mixer that used knobs instead.
Recorder
When I’m not recording video, I use a very handy Zoom H4 audio recorder, which I purchased through Sweetwater Sound.
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