top of page

SILVERLIGHT

PHOTO & VIDEO

CO.

SilverLightPhoto_LOGO_v5.png

32-Bit Float

REC. SETTINGS

OFF

REC. LOWCUT

N/A

REC. LIMITER

6.3

REC. LEVEL

AUX. SETTINGS

N/A

AUX. BASS

N/A

AUX. HIGH-LOW

N/A

AUX. OUTPUT

MIC. SETTINGS

N/A

MIC. LOWCUT

N/A

MIC. HIGH PASS

N/A

MIC. BOOST

(RFI) RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE

GOOD

LESS THAN

1.1ft / 0.34m

JUST OKAY

BETWEEN
1.1ft / 0.34m -2.2ft / 0.67m 

BETWEEN
2.2ft / 0.67m -3.3ft / 1m

BETWEEN
3.3ft / 1m -4.4ft / 1.34m

Published: 

January 5, 2023 at 1:21:25 AM

 REAL  RATINGS

After testing each microphone, I like to know if it sounds realistic (accurate lows/bass, mids, highs/treble) in combination with the recorder and/or AUX. amplifier, to see if it needs EQ.

Catching a Wave

LOWS/BASS

B

 DO THE "LOWS" SOUND REAL? 

Song Notes

MIDS

B

 DO THE "MIDS" SOUND REAL? 

A woman singing in a record studio

HIGHS/TREBLE

C

 DO THE "HIGHS" SOUND REAL? 

NOTES:

AUDIO RECORDER SPECIFIC:
I can't really recommend this microphone/audio recorder combination as a good solution for a lavalier mic like this, because the recorder DOES NOT HAVE A LOCK/HOLD function (and the REC. LEVEL dial can get bumped if you put it in somebody's pocket). This microphone only records a MONO signal and not a stereo one like when used with the Zoom H1. Like the Zoom H1 too, this mic doesn't sound as good as the Zoom F1 (it's not as full). I don't know if this has to do with the differences between how much gain was applied to each test in post-production or what, but I've learned I can't push the Zoom H1 or H1n beyond 63 or 6.3 on the dial respectively, because the pre-amps become too noisy above that. So, maybe it's just because this microphone comes in as MONO and not in stereo as it does on the Zoom F1, or perhaps the Zoom F1 has a better pre-amp?

GENERAL (MIC-SPECIFIC):
I've got quite a few notes about this mic (and most of them apply to any audio recorder). The first thing I'm noting, is that this mic does NOT sound good with the FURRY windscreen I've been testing recently (the Comica CVM-MF1). It does sound good (natural and "REAL") with the included stock FOAM windscreen. So, until I find a furry windscreen that matches this mic well, I cannot recommend this for OUTDOOR use (I'm looking into the white versions of the Ursa and Movo furry windscreens because the copy I have of this mic is white). Next, this microphone does NOT do a good job of reducing background noise. I know, it's an omnidirectional mic, but in comparison to a lot of the other lavaliers I've tested, it doesn't do well here. This can be used to your advantage in certain situations, however. One example might be if you're recording somebody like a comedian (or anyone speaking in front of a large crowd) as it may do a good job capturing a bit of the audience's reaction, etc. This can be helpful if you want to avoid combining multiple audio sources in post (i.e. one for the crowd noise, one for presenter).

 

Keep in mind, these settings will not establish the exact level you'll need for every scene (where the audio level "bounces" around -12) but my goal is to provide a good starting point (that comes out clean, after boosting in post). It's also important to use these "recommended settings" for my microphone-specific EQ files to work properly (they won't work as intended if any of the "audio variables" are different). The EQ file was created to correct any sonic imperfections of the microphone or wind protection (foam, furry) and have been created with Audacity (the free audio editor) to make them as affordable as possible. Also, it's important to always monitor (accurate headphones) your audio while recording so you can hear any problems and make any changes needed to your audio.

GAFFER TAPE SUPPLIED BY
ADS_Logos_Gaffer-Power_edited.jpg
SilverLightPhoto_LOGO_v5.png
  • YouTube
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Spotify

All content created on a budget in Seattle

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

©2020-2025 SilverLight Photo Company

bottom of page