There are lots of ways to record an interview, inside, outside, standing or sitting, audio or video only probably more of that I haven’t given a thought.For each type of scenario, you need different types of microphones, and for the planned interview, people generally use lavalier microphones and shotgun microphones.
You will find this post highlighting different kinds of microphones like handheld microphones, shotgun microphones, and lavalier microphones, wireless microphones, and other accessories you need to take the best shot of an interview.
Handheld Interview Microphones
You will always find different kinds of handheld microphones with different sound pickup patterns, typically either cardioid or omnidirectional. Omnidirectional polar pattern microphones pick up sounds from all directions. These kinds of microphones are great when both parties want to speak into one mic, but they also pick up background noise -so that’s the only downside.
These kinds of microphones are all dynamic microphones, so you don’t need to worry about phantom power. Just plug them in and start recording the interviews.
Rode Reporter
The Rode Reporter is an omnidirectional handheld interview microphone that includes an Ergonomic die-cast body. The frequency response range is 4 and 10 kHz, and it is tailored for speech.
Electro-Voice RE50/B
The Electro-Voice RE50/B is just another omnidirectional dynamic microphone designed for news interviews. It has its built-in shock mount, which makes this mic extremely durable. There is an upgrade version Electro-Voice RE50N/D-B High Output available in case you want higher outputs, and it costs a few $ more than the standard one.
Sennheiser MD 46
The Sennheiser MD 46 is a handheld cardioid pattern interview microphone specially optimized for rough use in live reporting and broadcasting environments. It significantly reduces the background noise and delivers high-quality audio recordings.
Beyerdynamic M58
The Beyerdynamic M58 is an omnidirectional polar pattern dynamic microphone that is specifically designed for electric newsgathering.
It has a long handle and an internal shock mount that balances the noise level extremely well.
Electro-Voice 635NDB
The Electro-Voice 635NDB is a dynamic handheld omnidirectional microphone built with Powerful Electro-Voice neodymium NDYM magnet to produce higher output levels.
Audio-Technica AT8004L
The Audio-Technica AT8004L is a Handheld Omnidirectional Dynamic long-handle Microphone designed for sports broadcasting and on-location interviews. This microphone is an excellent choice if you are going to take more interviews outdoors than indoors.
Shure VP64A
The Shure VP64A is a high-output omnidirectional handheld dynamic microphone designed for people who are serious about professional audio and video production. It comes with its built-in windscreen, Internal Isolation Mount, and a Swivel Adapter.
Handheld Interview Mic Accessories
Rode RODELink Newsshooter Kit
The Rode RODELink Newsshooter Kit is your all-in-one solution you need to start shooting Youtube videos wirelessly with XLR microphones. It covers Up to 100 meters range and comes with 128-bit encryption and Five level gain control. You can pair with these very easily, and it’s extremely easy to use-Highly recommended.
Rode i-XLR
The Rode i-XLR helps you to use dynamic microphones and XLR microphones to record into your iPhone.But for using handheld microphones, you don’t need these interfaces. Just check out my post on iPhone microphones to get more options you can choose.
Shotgun Interview Microphones
Boom Shotgun Mics
Sennheiser MKH416
The Sennheiser MKH416 shotgun microphone is widely used in professional filming and broadcasting settings. It’s also the perfect microphone for human speech and voiceover work.
Rode NTG4 Plus
The Rode NTG4 Plus is one of the best shotgun microphones listed on this post. Its phantom-powered shotgun microphone has widely been used in TV ads and documentary projects. It has switchable frequency settings that control low-noise circuitry.
Audio-Technica AT4053B
The Audio-Technica AT4053B is a hyper-cardioid polar pattern condenser microphone designed for studio use. It has a switchable high-pass filter that reduces low-frequency noise, and a -10 dB pad picks up loud sound sources.
On-Camera Shotgun Mics
I have a separate post about the best on-camera shotgun mics. You should check it out if you are interested in it.so I am just highlighting a couple of my favorites shotgun mics here.
Rode VideoMic Pro+
The Rode VideoMic Pro+ is the brand new edition of the Rodes Vediomic category. It’s a shotgun microphone that is specially designed for use with camcorders and DSLR cameras. VideoMic Pro+ is powered by RØDE LB-1 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery, 2 x AA Batteries. It has 2-Stage High Pass Filter to reduce low frequencies and 3-Stage Gain Control, with a +20dB function.
Shure VP83F LensHopper
The Shure VP83F LensHopper is one of the most direct competitors of Rode VideoMic Pro+ . It has a dedicated headphone jack and a self-contained recorder. This shotgun mic is designed for mobile journalists, vloggers, and run and gun shooters. Its integrated audio recorder allows you to capture 24-bit / 48 kHz WAV files. It comes with a metal body, a shock mount, and a windscreen to reduce the noise level.
Lavalier Interview Microphones
I have an extensive post on the best lavalier microphones; just check it if you are interested. So I am highlighting some of my favorite lavalier mics here.
Sony ECM77B
The Sony ECM77B is an omnidirectional lavalier microphone designed for professional broadcasts and recording applications. It has built with an AA battery power supply and XLR connector.
Rode smartLav+
The Rode smartLav+ is a professional level Lavalier Mic with TRRS Jack Compatible with iOS devices. This is the microphone you need to start taking interviews through your fucking iPhone.
Audio-Technica ATR3350iS
The Audio-Technica ATR3350iS is one of the most budget-friendly lavalier mics on this list. It’s an omnidirectional polar pattern microphone that comes with an adapter you can use for a smartphone.
Rode RodeLink Filmmaker Kit
The Rode RodeLink Filmmaker Kit is one of my most favorites wireless microphone options here. It can be directly plugged into your camera or digital recorder. It comes with Both the transmitter and receiver run on two AA batteries. You will get an excellent sound quality lavalier microphone included with the KIT, which makes this mic worth more than it costs.