When it comes to recording interviews, the importance of a good microphone cannot be overstated. Whether it's for podcasts, YouTube videos, news blogs, or any other medium, the quality of the audio can make or break the entire production. Unfortunately, many interviews have been marred by poor quality, with issues like microphone pops, low handling noise throughout, and background rumble detracting from the overall experience.

This guide delves into the significance of quality microphones for interviews and offers insights into selecting the best microphone and the best microphones and the right model best microphones for your needs. Professionals in fields such as videography, documentary filmmaking, broadcasting, and journalism understand the crucial role that the best microphones can play in capturing clear and crisp audio for video cameras.

Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to enhance your equipment or a newcomer working within budget constraints, our curated list highlights some of the top interview microphones available today. By investing in the right interview microphone now, you can ensure that your interviews are captured with the clarity and professionalism they deserve.

Best Microphones for Interview

Sennheiser MKH 416

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The Sennheiser MKH 416 stands tall as the epitome of industry standard when it comes to microphones, particularly in the realms of film and television production. Renowned for its exceptional directionality, this microphone boasts a super-cardioid pattern and a foam windscreen that effectively suppresses background noise, even in bustling urban environments.

What sets the Sennheiser MKH 416 apart and places it at the forefront of the industry is its unwavering reliability. Its robust design makes it less susceptible to issues like plosives, offering a seamless recording experience, especially with interviewees who may lack experience with microphone etiquette. Moreover, this shotgun microphone captures human voices with remarkable depth and clarity, rendering it a coveted choice not only for film and television but also for safety channel podcasting and voice-over applications, despite its relatively higher price point.

Widely regarded as the go-to option for professionals in the field, the Sennheiser MKH 416 excels in rejecting unwanted noise while delivering unparalleled quality. Its ability to capture subjects with precision and richness, devoid of disruptive pops or distortions, makes it an indispensable tool for filmmakers, interviewers, and content creators alike.

For those seeking a microphone that seamlessly integrates into their production workflow and delivers exceptional audio fidelity, the Sennheiser MKH 416 stands as a testament to excellence, albeit at a premium cost. However, its impeccable performance and undeniable quality justify every penny spent, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about achieving professional-grade results.

Pros

• Offers superior sound quality
• Low self-noise
• Best for indoor/outdoor shootings
• Has a maximum SPL of 130 dB without distortion

Cons

• Expensive
• Needs phantom power via XLR cable to run

Røde Reporter

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The top handheld interview microphone or professional interview microphone holds a prominent status in the realm of newscasting and interviews, serving as a vital tool both on and off-camera. The RØDE Reporter stands out as a prime example of a top handheld interview microphone, device meticulously crafted to offer impeccable aesthetics and superior audio performance suitable for on-camera use. Engineered with a sleek and professional design, this microphone is ergonomically designed to provide optimal handling, making it the quintessential choice for reporters and journalists in the field.

Featuring an omnidirectional polar pattern, the RØDE Reporter excels in capturing audio from multiple sources during interviews and live broadcasts, ensuring crystal-clear sound reproduction. Renowned as one of the finest omnidirectional condenser microphones available, it boasts a multi-layer mesh basket that effectively mitigates wind noise without the need for bulky external windscreens, while its internal shock mount minimizes handling noise for pristine audio recordings. Its sound profile is meticulously tailored to accentuate human voices, resulting in natural and detailed audio reproduction.

With a frequency response lower limit of 70 Hz, the RØDE Reporter is specifically engineered for optimal human voice reproduction. Despite its omnidirectional nature, this microphone reliably captures subjects with remarkable clarity, even in noisy environments, without sacrificing audio quality or clarity. As a trusted companion for journalists and interviewers, the RØDE Reporter exemplifies excellence in handheld microphone design, offering unmatched performance and versatility for a wide range of broadcasting and recording applications.

Pros

• Excellent for handheld interviews
• Comes with a zip case and an attachable mic flag
• Has an internal shock mount
• Omnidirectional condenser mic

Cons

• Not loud enough

Sennheiser MD 46

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Renowned for its reputation of delivering durable and high-quality products, Sennheiser introduces yet another stellar addition to its lineup with the Sennheiser MD 46. Crafted with Sennheiser's signature durability in mind, this microphone boasts an all-metal body that withstands the rigors of daily use, ensuring longevity and reliability. Initially developed for the 2000 Summer Olympics, the Sennheiser MD 46 has since become available to the broader market, further solidifying its status as a trusted choice among professionals.

Featuring a classic cardioid polar pattern, the MD 46 excels in both studio and outdoor environments, delivering rich, clear, and consistent sound reproduction across various applications. Its omnidirectional pickup pattern makes it an ideal choice for live reporting, broadcasting, and interviews, offering seamless performance in diverse settings. Additionally, its dynamic capsule design minimizes vocal popping and handling noise, resulting in pristine quality.

For those seeking a high quality sound, and time-tested microphone option, the Sennheiser MD 46 emerges as a top contender. With its robust construction, versatile performance, and unwavering reliability, it proves to be an invaluable asset for professionals across various industries.

Pros

• Diminishes background noises
• Great quality
• Also works great at a distance

Cons

• Has a bottleneck design that makes it difficult to attach a mic flag

Shure MV

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The Shure MVL stands out as a lavalier microphone renowned for its remarkable affordability and value proposition. Despite its lightweight and compact form factor, this lavalier microphone also is engineered with the legendary durability that defines Shure's reputation, ensuring longevity and reliability throughout years of frequent use in various environments.

Designed with versatility in mind, the Shure MVL caters to a wide range of users, from amateurs to seasoned professionals, by offering compatibility with both smartphones and advanced recording and filming equipment. This adaptability ensures that users can leverage the microphone's benefits across different devices and scenarios.

Furthermore, purchasing the Shure MVL grants access to Shure's MOTIV app, providing users with convenient editing capabilities even when they're on the move. While it may not deliver the most robust sound compared to higher-end alternatives, the Shure MVL represents an excellent investment for those seeking an affordable yet high-quality upgrade to their audio setup.

Pros

• Affordable
• Can connect with a 3.5mm jack
• Has a low-profile design
• Ideal for sit-down interviews

Cons

• Cord vibrations are easily picked up
• Cord is quite thin

Movo VXR10

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Known for their commitment to producing affordable yet high-quality portable gear for audio, video, and photography, Movo sets a standard of excellence with the Movo VXR10 microphone.

This universal cardioid condenser microphone has become a favorite among filmmakers, vloggers, journalists, and content creators due to its versatility and exceptional performance. Compatible with digital film recorders, smartphones such as iPhones and Android devices, and DSLR cameras, the VXR10 serves as the ideal shotgun microphone for video production.

Despite its robust capabilities, professionals need not fret about the added bulk to their equipment, as the Movo VXR10 boasts a remarkably lightweight and portable design. Weighing a mere 1.8 oz (51 g), it ensures comfort during long recording sessions without compromising on quality.

Featuring a cardioid pattern, the VXR10 delivers superior focused performance while effectively minimizing unwanted ambient noise. Its proximity sensitivity effect further enhances audio clarity, making it an indispensable tool for capturing crisp and clear sound in various recording environments.

One of the standout features of the VXR10 is its versatility, allowing seamless integration with a wide range of devices. Whether used with smartphones or professional-grade cameras, the VXR10 can be effortlessly mounted, ensuring convenience and flexibility for users across different platforms.

Pros

• Affordable
• Small, compact, lightweight
• Includes numerous accessories
• Can be mounted on various devices
• Ideal for sit-down interviews

Cons

• No low-cut or output boost
• Difficult to plug into shock mount

Types of Interview Microphones:

Based on their design and usage, three prevalent types of handheld interview microphones dominate the market: a shotgun mic, a lavalier mic, and other handheld microphone microphones. Each type offers distinct advantages and is commonly employed in various interview scenarios, catering to different recording needs and preferences.

Lavalier Microphones:

Lapel microphones, exemplified by models like the Moman CP2, SYNCO G3, and G1(A2), offer compact and practical solutions for recording sound close to the source, making them ideal for various interview scenarios. These miniature microphones can be conveniently clipped to clothing, such as collars or ties, ensuring discreet and unobtrusive recording.

Wireless lapel microphones are particularly favored for interviews due to their portability and inconspicuous nature, allowing for steady audio capture without drawing undue attention from viewers. Unlike handheld microphones, they remain stationary, ensuring consistent audio levels throughout the recording process.

Concerns regarding aa battery and life are common among users of lapel mics, especially for extended broadcasts or videography sessions with devices like the bmpcc. However, modern lapel microphones address this issue with auto power up features such as quick charging cases or compatibility with external battery or phantom power back up sources like v-mount batteries with USB-C interfaces. These battery or phantom power up solutions enable swift recharging, ensuring uninterrupted recording sessions after a single aa battery is down.

When selecting a lapel microphone, it's essential to consider the connector type of the mic receiver. Models equipped lav mic along with headphone jack with a lightning plug are suitable for iPhone interviews, while those with shotgun mic along with a Type-C plug are compatible with USB-C mobile devices and cameras. By choosing one mic with the appropriate connector type, users can seamlessly integrate the microphone into their preferred recording device setup, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility.

Shotgun Microphones:

A shotgun microphone, often positioned off-camera, is an optimal choice for recording clear and focused sound while minimizing interference. Mounted above the video camera and directed towards the interview subjects, it effectively captures audio without being hindered by surrounding noise.

For stationary sit-down interviews, shotgun microphones like the SYNCO U3 or D30 prove highly effective. These models can be easily mounted on boom poles and are compatible with DSLR cameras, offering versatility and convenience. By using a boom pole or stand, the shotgun microphone can be precisely positioned to capture the desired sound without being affected by background noise.

Shotgun microphones are renowned for their ability to capture targeted audio while minimizing interference, making them indispensable tools for interview recordings. Whether mounted above the camera or on a boom pole, they provide exceptional quality and clarity, ensuring professional results in various interview settings.

Handheld Microphones:

Handheld microphones, aptly named for their handheld operation, are commonly utilized in interview settings, where they are held or placed in close proximity to speakers. Depending on the handheld microphone's pattern, it can capture the audio of a single speaker or multiple speakers concurrently. Despite their handheld design, these microphones can also be positioned outside the camera frame while still delivering high-quality audio recordings. This versatility makes them a popular choice among local TV reporters and other professionals who require flexibility in their interview setups.

What to Look for in the Best Microphones for Interviews?

Polar Pattern

When selecting the ideal microphone for interviews and the best microphones perfect for seated interviews and interviews, prioritizing the pattern is paramount. While there's a range of options available, it's crucial to opt for the best microphones, one that ensures clear focus on your interview subject.

Common polar patterns utilized for interview microphones encompass super-cardioid, cardioid, and occasionally omnidirectional. A super-cardioid microphone offers precise directionality towards a single sound source, yet may overlook additional speakers in multi-person interviews. Conversely, an omnidirectional pickup pattern captures a broader sound field, suitable for scenarios involving multiple speakers but may be susceptible to ambient noise in bustling environments like restaurants.

Frequency Response

Another crucial consideration is the microphone's frequency response. This factor dictates the best microphone used's ability to accurately capture desired sounds with appropriate tone and detail. Generally, microphones are tailored to record human voices, which typically fall within the frequency range of 85 to 155 Hz for adult males and 165 to 255 Hz for adult females.

When prioritizing speech over singing, there's greater flexibility in selecting a microphone with a suitable frequency range. The ultimate aim is to procure a microphone that delivers a rich, flattering sound, thereby enhancing the overall quality of your recordings.

Background Noise Rejection

When selecting the ideal professional interview microphone, noise rejection becomes a critical factor to consider. The essence of recording an interview lies in capturing the clarity and depth of your interviewee's voice, regardless of external distractions. Unlike scenarios where background music or visual elements might share the spotlight, the interviewee's words take center stage in the recording process.

While high sensitivity can be advantageous for capturing subtle nuances, supplementary accessories like windscreens and shock absorbers can further enhance recording quality, ensuring exceptional microphone performance.

Budget

Wireless microphones for interviews come in a range of prices. Professional-grade microphones are typically more expensive than entry-level models. Therefore, it's important to determine your budget based on your needs and intended use.

Recording Environment

Consider the environment in which you will be conducting interviews. Will you be in a controlled, soundproof studio, or will you be outdoors or in a noisy environment? This will help you choose the right type of microphone for your needs.

Type

The two most common types of wireless microphones for interviews are the lavalier mic handheld mics, and handheld mics. Both the lavalier mic and handheld mic mics types are compatible with a variety of recording devices, including smartphones and DSLR cameras.

Range

The range of a wireless microphone is crucial, especially for interviews. It's recommended to choose a wireless microphone that covers at least 100 meters (328 feet), but the ideal range depends on your specific recording environment.

How to Mic a 2-Person Interview?

Setting up microphones for a 2-person interview is simpler than one might anticipate. The key is to utilize two identical microphones to ensure consistent audio quality and avoid post-production challenges. Opting for identical shotgun mics, rather than mixing a shotgun mic and lav omnidirectional mics facilitates seamless adjustment during editing. If identical shotgun mics aren't available, omnidirectional shotgun mics can serve as a suitable alternative, capturing sound from all directions.

Using microphone stands for both the interviewer and interviewee enhances stability and positioning accuracy. Floor mic stands also offer versatility, ensuring optimal microphone placement even without a table. While shotgun and lav mics are commonly used, they may not be ideal for 2-person interviews due to potential drawbacks such as picking up scratching noises or subjects moving out of the microphone's polar pattern. Instead, cardioid or super-cardioid mics offer better tolerance to unintentional movements, especially when supplemented with a high quality sound windscreen.

Three tips to help achieve smooth interview recording 

Apart from selecting the optimal audio or recording device used for interviews, implementing good proximity sensitivity effect strategies can further enhance recording or live streaming quality. Here are three tips to consider:

1. Ensure you're capturing clean audio by monitoring with headphones during recording sessions. Using closed-back earbuds allows you to detect any unwanted noise or technical issues early on, preventing potential disruptions to your shoot. This proactive approach helps maintain the quality of your recordings without interference.

2. Conduct a site visit prior to your interview to assess the environment for potential noise disturbances. Everyday sounds like conversations, traffic, or wind can easily distract from your recording if not addressed beforehand. By visiting the location with your microphone, you can identify and address any noise concerns, ensuring a quieter and more conducive setting for your interview.

3. Adjust the sensitivity of your audio recorder and position your microphone closer to the subject to optimize sound quality. The placement of your recorder and microphone for interviews also plays a crucial role in capturing clear audio. By lowering the sensitivity of your audio recorder and positioning the microphone in close proximity to the interviewee, you can focus on capturing their voice while minimizing background noise. This strategic setup of interview microphone ensures that your recordings prioritize the subject's voice, with noise cancellation resulting in cleaner and more professional audio.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, selecting the appropriate microphone for interviews is paramount to ensuring high-quality audio recordings. By considering factors such as polar pattern, frequency response, and noise rejection, you can capture clear and professional sound that enhances the overall quality of your interviews. Additionally, implementing practical tips like monitoring audio with headphones, conducting site visits, and adjusting your own digital recorder or audio recorder for sensitivity further improves the recording process. Remember, investing time and effort into choosing the right microphone for interviews, and optimizing recording conditions ultimately pays off in delivering polished and impactful interview content.

FAQ's

Q1. What type of wireless microphone that is often used for static sit down interviews, sit down interview, and sit down interviews and and-down sit down interviews only?

Answer: Lavalier microphones and clip-on microphones are widely used for most sit down interviews top-down sit down interviews.

Q2. What is the best wireless microphone for Zoom interviews?

Answer: Hollyland Lark M1 and RODE Wireless Go II are the best wireless microphone for interviews on Zoom.

Q3. What is the price of a used wireless microphone or interview mic?

Answer: The price of wireless handheld interview microphones and mics ranges from $145 to $300.

Q4. Which of the best microphones, best interview microphones, which shotgun mic or the following shotgun mic is ideal for interviews?

Answer: Whether sit-in or walking, Hollyland Lark M1+ mic is the best wireless microphone for interviews. It covers almost 200 meters (650ft) and has an omnidirectional pattern great for recording crystal clear sounds.

Q5. What kind of mic is used for capturing interviews wirelessly?

Answer: Lavalier microphones are commonly used for capturing interviews wirelessly.

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