AWARDS GEAR OF THE YEAR
Audio recorder/adapter Zoom H6essential
Microphone XLR Audio-Technica BP4029
Microphone DSLR Sennheiser MKE 400
Microphone DSLR Sennheiser MKE 400
Wireless mic Rode Wireless Pro Editor’s Choice: Shure SLX-D
Audio recorder/adapter Zoom H6essential
AUDIO
Microphone XLR Audio-Technica BP4029
stereo shotgun type. While many shotgun mics are used for close-up dialogue, this lightweight model is ideal to use on a camera for distant sounds thanks to excellent off-axis noise rejection. It excels at picking up natural ambience without distortion. This microphone has the option of selecting a left-right stereo output (wide or narrow) via the microphone’s internal system or discrete mid-side signals for later manipulation. A switchable low-cut filter makes for better isolation of unwanted noise, such as wind. For DSLR-style mics that typically use a 3.5mm plug rather than XLR, the winner is the stylish Sennheiser MKE 400. Though compact, this highly directional on-camera shotgun microphone effectively isolates and enhances audio. It also includes built-in wind protection and an integrated shock absorber. There is a three-step sensitivity switch for distortion-free sound in any environment, and a switchable low-cut filter focuses audio on frequencies for clarity and speech. Interchangeable, 3.5mm locking coiled cables offer compatibility with DSLRs, mirrorless cameras and mobile devices, while the mic comes with a furry windshield. A headphone output with adjustable volume allows you to monitor levels during recording. Clever technology means the lightweight mic automatically powers on and off when connected to a DSLR or mirrorless camera.
can be used instead of the built-in omnidirectional mics. While you can plug the receiver into a camera or an external recorder. For something bang up to date, consider the winning recorder for 2024: the Zoom H6essential. This flagship model uses 32-bit float for quality audio that never peaks. It offers six tracks of 32-bit recording and dual AD converters, plus professional-quality preamps that support phantom power and +4dBu professional line level input. All tracks can be mixed and monitored via waveforms on the full-colour LCD screen. Audio is recorded to an SD card and simultaneously output through the USB-C port to PC, Mac, iOS or Android devices – making it ideal for streaming and keeping the recording for editing later. The unit has a line output to connect to a camera and a headphone output to monitor your audio. In the XLR microphones category, the winner is the high- end Audio-Technica BP4029, a
Great visuals are only part of a successful film; clear audio is equally crucial. You need the right kit to get the best out of every situation. One of the biggest areas for innovation has been in wireless audio, and the winner is the most feature-rich kit from Rode – the Wireless Pro. This high-end set-up includes two small transmitters and a single receiver in a charging case, a 3.5mm jack lead, all the cables you need, two furry windshields, two high-quality lav mics with furry covers and tie clips, two magnetic clips and a case. Additionally, it features 32-bit float technology. The 32-bit audio is recorded only in the transmitters’ internal memory, not in the signal sent to the receiver. To access these files you can use Rode’s free software, with each transmitter capable of recording seven hours of audio. The Pro units generate timecode and feature a headphone port for monitoring. Rode also includes a pair of Lavalier II mics, which
MIC CHECK From microphones to recorders and wireless audio, these are our winners for 2024
Wireless mic Rode Wireless Pro
EDITOR’S CHOICE: SHURE SLX-D Shure’s new SLX-D system is a high- end pro wireless audio kit taking on
All that expertise has gone into Shure’s SLX-D digital wireless audio range, which includes a wireless receiver, bodypack transmitter and plug-in transmitter for XLR mics. It offers 32 channels per 44MHz band and 100m/330ft of transmission range, while 24-bit digital audio gives over 118dB of dynamic range.
the mighty Sennheiser, Rode and Deity systems, and is an emerging force in filmmaking. Known for its visibility, Shure is the go-to brand for pop stars all around the world – providing not just mics, but also reliable wireless technology.
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PRO MOVIEMAKER
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