Azden SGM-1X vs. SGM-2X vs. SGM-250

Zachadoodle

Zachadoodle

Well-known member
My SGM-1x I started using and I noticed that its audio is extremely muffled and distorted to where it isn't usable and possibly broken. I'm looking for a replacement for an Azden mic. The issue is though I'm looking for a mic that is very durable but one I can pick up for cheap. I'm reading these reviews on Amazon and they say that the SGM-1X and SGM-2X are horrible at being durable. However, I watched a review of someone saying he took it through the jungle and desert with it for many years and it survived, it being the SGM-2X.

So which microphones selected do you suggest?
 
You need a preamp for the camera you are using. [I am selling one but that's irrelevant, it can be any decent preamp.]

I chased mics for years before getting a preamp that made even a $20 mic from Amazon sound good.

It will make the audio better by allowing you to lower the gain in your camera to only 1 click and raise the clean levels with the external hardware. [Mic placement is even more important but that's another thread.]

___

Not sure about the mics you selected but here are three tried-and-true icons people have started with:

Rode NTG2 - https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...r_Phantom.html

Audio-Technica AT875R - https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...r_Shotgun.html (phantom-only)

Sennheiser MKE 600 - https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...0_Shotgun.html
 
I have had the at875t for easily 13 years now. It works well, has a good sound (subjective, but without EQ I like it better than my ntg5) , a low end cut that helps with Handling and is relatively sensitive, possibly saving you the need to get a preamp. For the money, you can't go wrong.

​​​​ what's your budget?
 
Which is the 't' model?

If it's the R, ironically he'd need a preamp for only that mic out of all the models in the bunch here because he won't be able to power it with the T2i alone (maybe could use an adapter but they are the same price as a cheap/used preamp).
 
After since some deep research, I found a rechargable phantom power adapter that goes up to 48+ Volts and I'll be buying the Audio Technica 875R

Thank you NorBro. I hope your advice works out in the end.

The Azden I'm keeping for now in storage until I figure out what is wrong with it.
 
Always listen to sound quality comparisons on YT as well.

It's not as glamorous as watching camera tests, but a few dedicated soldiers compare mics and over time as your ears gain experience you do start to hear some differences (although post pretty much eliminates most of them in terms of almost no one watching final product would notice or care).
 
I have a pair of Audio Technica shotguns that can take a AA battery so they can be used without phantom power. Can’t remember the model but I’ll be putting one of them up for sale. Mid $200s new they’re middle of the road nothing special but good enough for most applications.
 
A long long time ago, I had an AT 835 and a 815 (short and long line+gradient). They ran on a AA battery or 9-52v Phantom Power. They where good low cost mics. Many folks like the budget priced 875R.
 
Got the AT875r and it works like a charm with the phantom power adapter. Though it echoes a little bit, but it's all good.
 
Ruling out that the room isn't padded and is producing the echo, make sure you're handling the audio in post correctly.

I say that because for the last 25 years it's been common for camera ops to complain about how their scratch audio wasn't removed from the footage or the wrong channel was used, simple tasks that are expected to be handled properly by post professionals.
 
Apart from maybe having a new stand for a reflector, having a microphone stand, having a setup for my light stand, or getting weather protection for my equipment, I'm good on what I need as a filmmaker. I have like $2,500 worth of equipment already with another $500 worth from what I mentioned.

Buy batteries and SD cards.

With the price of that location sound kit I'd much rather buy this:
 

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By having a zoom h4 still needing a microphone? (for documentry or short)
I think the H4 is enough for that
 
Could be enough but it's a recorder...it would be last on the list after shotgun mics and lavs for documentary or shorts for most people.

Like unless you're going to hold it and speak into it on camera (or VO which is different) then how else will you use it as a mic? (maybe good for a foley documentary or some man/woman-on-the-street interviews)
 
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