[Ryan Johnson]

Hey Tom,

These guys had me laughing at their responses. They just wouldn’t cut you any slack. So, disclaimer, as they have already suggested, a good audio kit really will cost 400+. I always recommend the go to wireless lav solution for DSLRs: Sennheiser ew 100-ENG series. This takes care of two problems, 1) it’s a wireless solution and 2) it has a built in preamp that allows you to connect straight into your 3.5mm jack in your DSLR.

So noting that you’re just starting out, I would look at one of the following solutions to get you started.

1) Look at buying an external audio recorder. Noting your budget, I would recommend the Tascam DR-40. Try to find one used or on Ebay for $125.00.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/821259-REG/Tascam_DR_40_DR_40_4_Track_Handheld_Digital.html

2) Buy a XLR cable on Amazon. Don’t buy one from Best Buy or any other overpriced electronics store.

3) Purchase the Audio-Technica Pro 70 Lavalier microphone.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/352162-REG/Audio_Technica_PRO_70_Pro_70_Cardioid_Lavalier.html

Together this will hopefully cost you around $225.00. The sound quality will be better much than something cheap (ATR-3350), and when you want to upgrade your lav quality you will already have an external recorder and you can use the Pro70 as a backup mic.

Your other option is the use the ATR-3350(which costs $30) and listen for yourself and determine if this is the quality you need (it will not be professional). You could also use your iPhone as an external recorder and hook up a microphone to this:

https://www.amazon.com/IK-Multimedia-iPhone-Android-Devices/dp/B007534LFK/ref=pd_bxgy_MI_img_z

This little preamp will allow you to use a XLR wired lav mic with your iPhone (instead of purchasing a Tascam or H4N or similar audio recorder).

A parting dislaimer: all of these solutions will require you to sync up audio after shooting (which means you’ll need to clap at the beginning of an interview so you have a strong sync point in your NLE software).

Good luck. I applaud you for experimenting and trying to stay under budget. Eventually, if you stay in the business, you’ll either work for someone that buys this stuff or you’ll have clients that will pay you enough to improve your gear. Then you can come back to boards like this and be snobby. 🙂

Thanks,

Ryan