Selecting a high-quality microphone is essential, as it will determine how long your viewers watch your content. Video quality is often underestimated as an important factor in drawing viewers in, and content with poor audio leads to rapid drops in views. High-quality mics record sound clearly and ignore unwanted noises or interfering sounds for superior audio output. This article includes lists of top ZV1 external mics along with detailed buying instructions so you don’t buy the wrong one.
First, take a look at my top-recommended products:
It is lightweight and highly reliable. As a unidirectional microphone, it has exceptional vibration resistance as well as wind resistance – making it both lightweight and long-lasting.
2. Rode Microphones Wireless GO II
This professional-grade wireless microphone with two microphones can record high-quality audio. Its small size belies its power; two transmitters and a receiver enable simultaneous recording of two subjects.
The Sony microphone ZV-1 features a straightforward control system. You have two modes to choose from: “Gun” or “Zoom,” depending on your usage.
4. Rode VideoMic GO Microphone
This mic is larger than Rode VideoMicro and offers a narrower pickup pattern. It also has improved directionality as well as enhanced off-axis rejection. Running on plug-in power, there are no control switches present.
5. Saramonic SRXM1 Omnidirectional Microphone
This microphone is our most affordable option. It’s compact and lightweight, yet incredibly user-friendly. Plus, there’s no need for batteries since its built-in swivel head makes operation a breeze.
Top 5 Best External Mic for ZV1 And ZV-E10 in 2023
1. Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone
Key Features
- Frequency Range: 100Hz – 20kHz
- SPL: 140dB
- Sensitivity -33 dBV/Pa @ 1 kHz
- Dynamic range – 120 dB
- Pattern: super-cardioid
- Weight 42 g
- Warranty: One Year
- Cable Length: 3.5mm
Rode VideoMicro ultra-compact microphone camera microphone is an excellent option to replace your built-in mic on your camera. It boasts superior sound quality and noise reduction capabilities.
Compact Yet Durable
This microphone measures just 3 inches long and weighs 1.5 ounces, making it lightweight and easy to transport. Its durable aluminum body reduces RF interference while the ceramic coating minimizes glare potential.
Directional sound pickup
Rode VideoMicro offers a cardioid pattern that picks up sound from just in front and attenuates it from behind. Its active and directional condenser components offer crystal-clear audio.
Attachable Shock-mount
Rode uses a Rycote Lyre suspension-style shock mount that isolates your camera’s vibrations while recording. Plus, it includes an easy camera shoe mount for quick attachment to any DSLR or mirrorless camera.
Pros
The ideal microphone for recording is reliable and can be powered by plug-in power, while its furry windshield reduces wind noise and vibrations. It is easy to mount onto a camera with unidirectional sound pickup capabilities.
Cons
It is not far away from the office; recording distance is only 4-5 feet.
Summary My Rode VideoMicro Review revealed it to be lightweight, durable and powered without external power – ideal for journalists and vloggers who shoot with Sony ZV1.
2. Rode Microphones Wireless GO II
Key Features
- Frequency Range: 50Hz – 20kHz
- Pattern: Omnidirectional
- Maximum SPL: 100 dB
- Sample Rate 44.1/48kHz
- Bitrate: 24
- Operating Time Up to 7 Hours
- Weight: Transmitters: 30g, Receiver: 32g
Rode Wireless GO II, the ideal wireless microphone for Sony ZV-1 content creators, is the right choice. It is a dual-microphone system that includes one receiver.
Dual-Channel Wireless System
Furthermore, the wireless microphone features onboard recording with RODE central for peace of mind that there will be no audio dropouts. You can adjust output with its adjustable gain control; each channel can be recorded separately or combined for greater postproduction flexibility.
Compact and powerful
The new GO II maintains the same small form factor as its predecessor, featuring both a lightweight receiver and transmitter that take up minimal space in your bag. Furthermore, this best external microphone for ZV1 or ZV-E10 wireless mics comes in its own convenient pouch which keeps everything safe and secure while making mounting on your smartphone or camera cold shoe a breeze.
High-Quality Audio Recording
Wireless GO II offers superior audio quality and automatic pairing of transmitters and receivers for seamless connectivity. Furthermore, its twist-and-lock furry windshields allow you to record clearly in all weather conditions.
Pros
Wireless camera microphones can be used to create a 2-channel wireless system. It is compact and intuitive to use. It also has onboard storage capabilities.
Cons
The Rode Wireless GO II costs more than other options on this list and is also more expensive than its predecessor.
Summary The Wireless Go II offers the unique capability of recording two people simultaneously – perfect for podcasting and live events.
3. Sony ECMGZ1M Gun / Microphone Zoom
Key Features
- Frequency Range: 150Hz – 15kHz
- SPL: 120dB
- Type: Shotgun
- Weight: 45 g
- Warranty: One Year
- Cable Length: N/A
VideoMicro may not be as advanced as Sony ECMGZ1M, but many still appreciate this budget-friendly shotgun microphone for its price point.
Simple Control System
The interface of ECMGZ1M is simple and intuitive. It can be used straight out of the box. Only mount the Sony microphone on the hot shoe mount of your camera and then connect the jack.
Dual Modes
Sony’s microphone features two modes: “Gun” and “Zoom.” Gum mode locks the pickup pattern of the mic, while Zoom dynamically adjusts pickup based on how far you zoom in or away; zooming in slowly will narrow the pattern.
Pros
The Sony ECMGZ1M microphone is an ideal addition to your camera gear, offering crystal-clear sound without distortion. Plus, its dual mode sound pickup provides even greater versatility.
Cons
While reducing wind noise, the microphone can struggle a little. Sony Stereo Microphone is a better option if you are serious about reducing wind noise.
Summary ECMGZ1M delivers faithful sound reproduction and eliminates background noise.
4. Rode VideoMic Go Lightweight On-Camera Micphone
Key Features
- Frequency Range: 100Hz – 16kHz
- SPL – 120 dB
- Sensitivity -35dBV/Pa at 1.kHz
- Dynamic Range 96 dB
- Weight : 0.43 lb
- Warranty: One Year
- Cable Length – 20 to 35 cm
Rode VideoMic Go is an exceptional external microphone for Sony ZV1. This shoe-mounted shotgun microphone has become increasingly popular with shooters and enthusiasts who demand superior sound quality.
Frequency range
The microphone’s frequency response ranges from 100Hz to 16KHz. Frequencies below 100Hz may be caused by electrical components and other appliances you don’t want in the final audio mix.
Shock-mount Integrated
Rubber bands can be used in shock mounts of all types, but Rode VideoMic GO utilizes a Rycote Lyre suspension style shock mount that won’t snap or stretch. Plus, its integrated Sony zv-1 microphone setup also eliminates vibration transfer from the camera itself.
No external power
The Rode VideoMic Pro microphone does not require batteries, unlike other models in its series. There are no controls on board that can be adjusted externally; you simply plug in the cable and start recording!
Pros
Rode VideoMic GO is powered by plug-in power, meaning there are no batteries necessary. The supercardioid polar pattern helps focus sound in front while an integrated shockmount prevents vibrations from entering the unit.
Cons
When working so close to Wi-Fi routers or other electronic components, interference noise can be generated.
Summary Rode VideoMic Go can drastically enhance the quality of your recordings. Not only is it user-friendly, but its price point is very attractive too; for such high-grade output you won’t find a cheaper option anywhere.
5. Saramonic SRXM1 3.5mm TRS
Key Features
- Frequency Range: 35 Hz to 5 kHz
- Pattern: Omnidirectional
- Maximum SPL: 74 dB
- Weight 21 g
You’re right if you want an affordable microphone to record your content. The saramonic SR-XM1 microphone is lightweight and provides high-quality audio.
It’s easy to use
Utilizing an affordable microphone is simple. All you have to do is plug it into your device, focus it in the direction desired and capture audio with its omnidirectional pickup pattern. Plus, this microphone also includes a shock mount which absorbs vibrations and noise for smooth recordings.
Wide Compatibility
The SR-XM1 can be connected to much different equipment than the Sony ZV-1/ZV-10. High-quality audio can be recorded with GoPro Hero action cameras.
Lightweight
The SR-XM1 is an electret condenser microphone that doesn’t need charging or batteries, plus it’s lightweight at less than one ounce – perfect for transporting on-the-go!
Pros
Saramonic SR-XM1 boasts a lightweight and compact design that doesn’t need charging or batteries. Plus, its integrated swivel head helps improve focus.
Cons
With the most recent Hero GoPro models, the microphone produces static buzzing noises. While this problem can be fixed by disabling Wi-Fi, using it becomes more challenging.
Summary The Saramonic SR-XM1 offers a portable audio solution that can be taken anywhere. It is an upgrade over your built-in microphones and lightweight and portable, making it perfect for journalists or on-the-spot recording.
How do you choose the right microphones to fit your Sony ZV-01?
When shopping for an external microphone, there are a multitude of choices available. Our comprehensive buying guide can assist in making an informed decision.
Different types of microphones
A microphone captures sound energy as waves and then converts it to electrical energy. This can be done in two ways.
Condenser mic: This mic is more sensitive than dynamic and can pick up higher frequencies. To work, they require power from an external source. Static purposes, such as recording music or subtitles, may use these mics instead of dynamic ones.
Dynamic: Dynamic microphones are ideal for noise-free recording in noisy environments. They’re often used by performers on stage due to their durability and long lifespan.
Polar Patterns
Once you’ve chosen your microphone, it’s time to decide what should be recorded. You have two choices: in front of you or all around. These patterns are known as polar patterns – here are some examples:
The Heart-shaped pattern: This microphone pattern, commonly referred to as the “heart-shaped”, allows for vocal pickup only in front of the microphone and records some sounds from its environment. Generally, this mic is employed for recording music.
The super-cardioid: These mics offer a narrower pickup range than their predecessor, providing better rejection of ambient sounds. Furthermore, these microphones can pick up noise from one source in loud environments.
Bidirectional: This microphone can pick up sound both front and backward, making it a popular choice for podcasters. However, these mics tend to be more expensive than other models available.
Omnidirectional: Omnidirectional microphones can detect sound sources from all directions. These microphones can be employed for recording large groups of people.
Frequency Response
Frequency response refers to the range of frequencies a microphone can pick up, such as 20Hz to 10KHz. A microphone with an expansive frequency response does not necessarily indicate it has good quality; rather, its ability to respond specifically to certain frequencies will determine its capabilities.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity is an essential consideration when selecting microphones. This measurement tells you the quietest sound the mic can pick up; lower sensitivity means greater sensitivity so it can detect even faint sounds in final recordings.
Impedance
Impedance refers to a microphone’s capacity for receiving audio or AC signals. When using long cables, mics with lower impedances can maintain audio quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Sony ZV-1 have an external mic?
No, the Sony ZV1 does not come with an external microphone. While its built-in microphone and windsock are both excellent options, using a Sony zv-1 external mic for optimal audio performance is highly recommended.
How to Attach A Microphone to Your Gimbal?
Many YouTubers utilize a gimbal to record their videos. When attaching a microphone, many prefer the Hoodie setup: place the screw at the bottom, attaching both microphone and hoodie together before screwing them to your handle of gimbal. Finally, connect the cable for completion of this process.
Does Sony ZV-1 shoot 4K?
The camera is set to record videos as well as output HDMI when connected to external devices that support 4K. Choose either “Movie” or “Intelligent Auto”. Make use of the HDMI cable for connecting the camera with the device you want.
Does a rode mic work on Sony zv1?
Yes
Conclusion
That’s it for external microphones for Sony ZV1s. Poor audio can really ruin your videos, so it’s essential to learn how to use one correctly and when to adjust its controls. I hope this article was helpful in finding the ideal external mic for your zv1 or zv-e10.
