Help! I Have Some Microphone Enquiries

[Broadsword]

I'm deciding between the Drift Ghost S or the Hero 4 Session. I understand that the Drift has an external mic jack for you to plug your mic, but I want the Session because of it's camera quality and pricing.

Assume I do get a Hero 4 session. I understand there is absolutely no way an external mic is going in that thing, which got me thinking about external microphone setups.

Questions I need help with:
1. What mics are good? I heard the Audio Technica ATR3350IS is quite good, but that leads me into the second question.

2. Call me crazy but does the recorder you plug the mic into affect the sound quality? Like plugging the mic into a Zoom microphone is different from plugging the mic into a smartphone (eg Samsung).

Please help! I really appreciate all comments and feedback. Cheers peeps!

 

[SmokyOwl]

You really should consider the Hero 3+ too imo, that way you can use a proper microphone and still have your options for more accessories/setups. I bought one new for $240. I just picked up this microphone too: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DPQHFZ8/?tag=yoursiteranke-21 and I'm happy with it, just glued on a small dead rabbit and good to go.

The thing that sucks about the 4 session is it needs to be recharged, whereas the 3+ you can change out the battery as needed. Both deliver similar video results.

Don't forget too....word on the web is there's going to be a Hero 5 coming out later this fall (October?) so you might want to hold off spending until the Hero 4's prices drop and get a nice Hero 4 silver or black.

Hope this helps.

 

[chix]

Yeah for vlogging I'd suggest a Hero 3+ based on my experience with mine. It is what I use and has better quality than my Session. Older model = cheaper and it still has a mic input.

I like AT stuff, I used the AT3350 until my cat chewed through the cord. Now I use a 50 cent mic from China. The AT has better quality for sure, but I wouldn't get another one - it had waaaaay too much cord and the external battery was annoying.

 

[Broadsword]

what about the second question? I assumed in that case the sound quality will not be affected depending on the device used

 

[chix]

I don't know on the second question, sorry

 

[SalvageSV]

The device absolutely affects the audio. The recorder handles the recorded format, sample and bitrate and compression. Most decent ones will have adjustable quality settings.

 

[SighBored]

I thought the microphone effected the sound more than the recording device, so a good microphone will still give crappy audio if the recorder is crappy?

 

[thunderous71]

All I can say is the only decent sound I have found with the drift is their own external microphone and the sound quality is a bit naff on most action cameras. If your want quality sound you need to consider an external recorder. But then you have to sync the sound files with the video taking into account frame drops etc. It can be a little bit of a hassle. But it is doable!

 

[NevRR]

+1 to the Drift External Microphone. Only microphone that seems to give good clarity, no wind noise and is pretty cheap!

 

[SalvageSV]

I thought the microphone effected the sound more than the recording device, so a good microphone will still give crappy audio if the recorder is crappy?

The microphone is more important, but both matter. A decent mic can sound really bad through a crap recorder. But a good recorder won't really help a crap mic too much.

 

[RiverHonda]

I got a Hero 3+ from GoPro Ebay's site refurbished for about $150 and it's been awesome. Went to Amazon and best buy to get the mic and chin Mount for my helmet.

 

[RiverHonda]

Sorry to add with above I have the following two both from Amazon. Found the Neewer works better than the Durbpro.
Neewer 3.5mm Hands Free Computer Clip on Mini Lapel Microphone
DURBPRO GoPro Lavalier Lapel Clip-on Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone