Stereo VS Mono Microphones: Azden SMX-30 Review

[@patrickf1267]

Just purchased the Azden SMX 30 based on this review, but forgot to use the affiliate link. Not to worry though, I cancelled the order and repurchased through the link. Btw I'm very happy you have a deal with B&H. I started going to that store decades ago, when I lived in NYC and somehow, connecting to that brick and mortar experience, even if it's through an online portal, still makes me feel good.

[@pascaldeshayes5459]

The Azden sounds more natural and has more definition not only in the bass frequencies but also in the mids, which is what counts the most.

[@MartinGuder]

Would have been great, if the SMX-30 could record both mics - each to a different file/track.

[@rasmuswestergren6221]

Look for the Zoom SSH-6 :)

[@henriquefujitani]

How would this be possible using only the 3.5mm jack output? It would require 3 channels, right?

[@CC-gt3ro]

@@henriquefujitani it would require a mixer on the back of the mic certainly

[@thatfellarosto]

I love the sound of the azden microphone

[@torinsall]

A couple years ago I used the Azden SMX-30 on a Panasonic FZ1000M2 25-400mm on a trip to Italy and it was great! Loved being able to set power to Auto, swap out AA batteries and keep going, record stereo or mono at the flip of a switch (literally)...the mic handled everything easily and even on a boat deck in windy weather voice audio was excellent. It may be a little heavier than some mics (partly bcs of 2 AA batteries), but that is worth it for quality and flexibility.

[@Jonjs99]

still got that camera?

[@DoubleUThings]

Thanx again. I like your no-nonsense and open, honest approach of new gear! Wim

[@EthosAtheos]

The demo with the bird chirping in the foreground and the cars in the background. Was a less abut stereo vs mono and a lot more about shotgun vs omni or 2 cardioid XY microphones. The off axis noise isolation of the shotgun mic was contrasted very well against the full sound of the stereo pair. Your points about using fill sound to make a scene sound fuller and wider is well made. Thank you for this video I've been looking for a mic like this for a while.

[@jennygw1883]

really like the Azden. I've noticed that muffled bass end of the Rode before, not nice. having stereo as an option is awesome. great review.

[@jimbultas]

Thanks for that great comparison. One thing that irks me about recording only mono is waisting that second input which is used with a stereo signal. I wish a manufacturer came out with a two mono shotgun option with a holder and attachment for a camera. With the ability to swivel the mics and point them in different directions to capture multiple subjects and isolate their volumes more.

[@SethFowler]

Excellent video, super informative

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thanks Fowler!

[@ksmackvolleyball]

I own the RODE Stereo Video Mic PRO. It records fantastic high quality stereo sounds. Its exactly what I need for capturing live bands and community events. I don't own a mono shotgun style mic cause I rarely do interviews. For my own personal preference, I prefer to capture all the sounds, to my left and right. Otherwise known as ambient sound. When combined with video, it gives the viewer that experience of actually being there, in person. However, for people who want to aim the camera at a specific person and record what they're saying, the shotgun mono mic would be the better choice for that situation. But it is cool that there's a mic that can do both, at the flick of a switch.

[@Albanez39]

Since audio is 50% of the picture, having 360 sound on your movie, will surely help it be more immersive. This has existed in videogames for a few years now, with 5.1 Surround headphones and games that support the feature. The difference is massive and you really feel like you're inside the game environment.

[@NastyGlory]

Mono: Voice overs, podcasts, solos, gameplay, for 1 speaker Stereo: business, movies, sometimes vlogs, basically for multiple people

[@MaksimYuryev]

Thanks for the Review Caleb! I may have missed it but what are you recording into with the Azden vs Rode samples?

[@jeffkluge7152]

Nailed again Caleb! Excellent review. The fist ever professional mic I owned was the Azden SM-X 1 shotgun mic for my dvx100b. After I made the jump to dslr video shooting, I went with the Rode Stereo Mic Pro and I am very happy with it! If I was buying again today, I'd surely go with that Azden mono/stereo mic. Sounds sweet!

[@samirahujang729]

You just explained better in 30 seconds than that 40-minute ASMR pro-tip I tried to watch

[@tubekane]

Great review. I have both the Rode Video Mic Pro and the Azden SMX 30. My findings are the same as yours. I used the Azden 30 on my recent trip to the Galapagos and having the stereo feature was very useful for capturing the ambience sound of the islands.This really added to my video . It is now my go to mic for my GH4

[@juridicobbf9560]

Holy cow, i made a wise choice of getting a mono for my birding videos

[@EricStrobel09]

you're channel deserves much more traffic than it currently receives. i appreciate your excellent commentary, your honest reviews, and all the helpful tips. thanks!

[@PeteWoronowski]

Excellent review Caleb, you hit all the important facts. Thank you Pete

[@pascaldeshayes5459]

Hey Caleb! Thanks for the great content. You may want to filter your audio to about 50--60Hz using a high pass filter (or low cut) to avoid these low plosives that I can hear in a studio environment ;-) Keep up the great work.

[@M3ntalR]

Thank you for this, it was truly helpful. I'd love to see a comparison between the Azden Pro-XD Digital Wireless System and the RodeLink Wireless Filmmakers Kit, if you can make it happen.

[@Damme_King]

Well Azden sounds better and i just bougt myself one. Thanks for the tip !

[@roberttayala]

Thanks for this content, bro!! It has been very helpful

[@PJM-Media]

Great Video! Thanks. I have always wondered why everybody seams to have the Videomic pro and not the Stereovideomic... 98% of what is being captured with the mic on top of the camera is amibiant sound. For interviews you boom you're Mic. So why is the Videomic pro so Popular? Would be great to have a comparison of the Azden SMX-30 stereo vs the Rode Stereovideomic...

[@scottlamp3097]

I agree with the muddy bassy but otherwise very good VMP. But how does the self noise of these new mics compare? BTW I know EXACTLY why you mentioned how easy it is to change batteries in the Azden 🔨

[@shawnwright240]

I would really like to see a video about getting ready for the GH5. I am going to need a new computer for the 10 bit files I think. A hackintosch video would be good. Also your overall thoughts on the GH5. You are the man for the GH4 and I think you could own the space for education on the gh5. Thoughts?

[@dslrvideoshooter]

My GH5 comes today! We'll have to wait and see if my computer specs hold up.

[@GuitarMastr3000LP]

Awesome!

[@shawnwright240]

Dude! Video on it tomorrow then! Even if it is not perfect. Just give me your initial impressions. Pretty please. All of us are dying to know.

[@adnastay643]

Hey Caleb, You might not see this because the video is already 1 day old, but could you do a video on gimbals? The reviews are kind of confusing, either some are too bulky or are not good at all. I really trust your opinion and went out and bought the davis and sanford tripod. So far I am not disappointed. And I would really appreciate a video on them. Thanks!

[@adnastay643]

A video on the gimbals that is! Just wanted to make myself clear!

[@SatanicJamnic]

You can really easly convert stereo dialogue into mono in Audition. I mean, not by deleting one chanel, but by using Edit -> Convert Sample Type -> Channels: Mono, Anvanced Left Mix: 0%, Right Mix 100%. This function adds this two channels int one mono. I use it for my Zoom H1 and it works great for dialogue.

[@pbsalfen]

Still on the fence. But yes, I like the sound of the Azden over the Rode also. When is Rode sending you the new version to test? Is Azden letting you keep those mics until the new Rode comes out, so that you can compare then?

[@GDub83]

Stereo microphones are nice for getting the area around you, but at the end of the day you should mix any vocals in mono.

[@1001Hobbies]

Great review, as always. Yes, both great mics. I too prefer the more natural sound of the Azden though. These appear to be intended for on camera use only with the small cord and 1/8" connector. I can't see using them on a boom and not having a well shielded cord. I use the Azden SMG-1X which has an XLR connection for a boom mic. Do you know of any interference problem with using a long cord for the 1/8" connector?

[@DigitalMediaPro]

You can't fix everything in post. Some cheaper microphones don't record all frequencies, it it very difficult to bring those frequency back especially considering cheaper mics have bad signal to noise ratios. If a microphone has poor frequency response in a specific area, and you boost that frequency, you also boost the noise. A good microphone should come with a frequency response test chart specific to the microphone showing its frequency response. Microphones are like camera lenses. If you purchase a good one, and take care of it, it can last you 10-20 years.

[@Trapmafiaent]

So on the Azden smx 30 can u use both mics at once

[@SirRelith]

What kind of mics would you put on a boom pole to get several people's audio at the same time, but without having to aim it at their mouths? A condenser mic?

[@dslrvideoshooter]

A couple condensers would work well. I try to use a mic for each person speaking.

[@MasterOfBasses]

As long as the room is quiet, a cardioid condenser (not talking about a shotgun here) would pick up two people's voices, perhaps three although that's not ideal. Or, a recorder like a Tascam DR-05 which has two condenser mics in A-B position (what Caleb calls Y position) would do the job, again, as long as the room is quiet. I am not a sound expert, so take this advice with a grain of salt, but I am an indie filmmaker that tries out things in a budget.

[@SirRelith]

Thanks for the responses!

[@pascaldeshayes5459]

Could you please elaborate on the connectivity? How does the Azden manage the switch from stereo to mono? Does it simply record the mono mic to only the left channel?

[@RawFitChris]

You have such good sound on this vlog review- clear and great volume - not so common on KZbin. Did you record onto one mono channel and then duplicate it into two (L & R mono) in post? Or do you make it into "stereo" in post? (Some people call two "monos" stereo...) This is always confusing to me- I'm a newbie. Thanks. PS: Best wishes with your (now) 2yr old family addition!

[@CrazyDaneGaming]

I've got a Rhode VideoMicro and a canon 750d, I learned the hard way how bad the amps are in canon cameras... So now I'm going to make an upgrade and I need your input. Should I get the Azden SMX-15 or get the Saramonic Smart Rig+? I like the sound of the Azden and really love the -10 and +20 dB, also the "Auto turn on/off" function. Which one would you choose, and why? (I'm leaning towards the Azden, but the Smart Rig+ is still an interesting accessory) Thanks :)

[@Gershy13]

Please do a budget stereo mic video!

[@mlentsch]

Whip that obsolete Rode down the well. I just pickup up the smx-30 and now find the ability to switch back and forth between st and mono directional to be hugely useful. p.s. it sounds WAY better than the rode. p.p.s. it balances without any issue on my sony a7iii and crane 2 and I didn't find it to be overly "wobbly".

[@ToddsNerdCave]

Wow, the Azden sounds substantially better than the Rode.

[@mozzyeehaa3160]

Nice analysis Caleb, especially for voice recognition ;)-// Go Rode & Azden...

[@EmoEmu]

That was a rather stark difference.

[@extramedium3920]

Have you compared the sonics on the AT8024 vs. Azden SMX-30?

[@loudgraphicdesign]

Thanks Caleb, always awesome.

[@Quetzalcoatl0]

Can you test a blue yeti vs your mic collection, i really wanna see how it compares to video mics,

[@passion4foodisreal397]

Awesome channel! Keep up the good work! Will u say for outdoor use in the woods to catch sounds like birds, waterfalls and open fire, a stereo mic is the 1 to go?

[@CC-gt3ro]

Yes you should listen orher videos where the azden is use in the forest and river. It makes a huge difference in stereo to capture birds sound and water.

[@Elmo6961]

Does the Rode have the Mono option? Please clarify.

[@garysanchezphotography]

I wish the Azden SMX-30 could record both stereo and mono but it's actually stereo or mono.

[@inc55]

What mic/setup are you using to capture your voice? That mix sounds better than the rode and azden.

[@richerifkind3506]

Hi I'm going to be recording a freinds jazz/samba band will be in smallish venues. Will be making KZbin videos. Was thinking Mke400 or Azden. I am a novice but learning

[@grafikpanda]

Could you test this again but with the Røde VideoMic Pro Plus vs Azden SMX-30? Thanks!

[@Kidsonss]

Does it have an output for Headphones?

[@KevinLin145]

Great video Caleb!! I've been enjoying your vid for a while now. I was recently on a shoot and by the end of the shoot we had to record the room tone. I always thought its a better idea to record room tone with a stereo since it will pick up the "entire room tone". However, the people I was shooting with said a mono will do just fine. Any tips? Thanks and keep it up!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Either would work for cover up room tone. I'd use the same mic as your interview mic so they mix nicely. Unless you're capturing room tone for a film not an interview. Heck, with this mic you could record both!

[@KevinLin145]

Ah I see. I was on a film set thats why I thought it was a good idea to use stereo. too bad I own the VMP already, definitely will check it out when I need another mic someday. Thanks a lot :)

[@optionbinarie]

Great video.... 1 question, could I use Saramonic SR-AX100 and hook up 2 shotgun mics to get equal stereo sound as 1 stereo mic?

[@m3l0d1cg]

What do you think would be good for protests?

[@GeneralGarvel]

I'm curious, have you shot a documentary? and if so I want to watch it so badly!!

[@GeneralGarvel]

ALSO do you think it'd be worth getting this with the saramonic smart rig plus?

[@dslrvideoshooter]

I don't think you'd need a preamp on this guy since it has the +20 DB.

[@GeneralGarvel]

So it wouldnt impove the audio whatsoever? nor would the audio controls help?

[@svrghs]

how do you get that awesome background? Is that a backdrop or you edit using software?

[@scrollop]

Excellent review, thank you. Are you still using the SMX-30? Would you recommend it? Have you noticed if the mount is noisy?

[@CC-gt3ro]

I used today. No mount noise at all. Very good in stereo for concert and also to get the narrative sound behind the mic. To film a talent narrative in front of the camera, we can use the mono, especially if you have side sound you want to remove.

[@ClutchFirst]

So, in my past review vids, I've used my external Tascam to record my audio in Stereo. However, I recently started using a custom Mono set-up for my studio shots. I think that works best for me. What do you guys think? I use stereo for ambient sounds for immersion and Mono for in-studio shots. Thoughts and tips please. 🤓

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Hey Clutch! I think you're right on with your uses. Stereo is awesome for motor sports and it really puts viewers in the seat.

[@lurmel7542]

Hi. Which shotgun microphone do you use in this video when you speak? 01:40 Is it the Rode VideoMic Pro? Do you use something else besides the microphone? A Zoom H1 N or something like that? Thank yoU!

[@roadwornfrets8148]

Hey from Dublin. What a Cool video. Is the RODE Mic Pro mono or stereo? Cheers. Niall

[@itisjambo]

Roadworn Frets Directional mono, cardioid pickup pattern.

[@bluecomposite]

Super-cardioid polar pattern - www.rode.com/microphones/videomicpro

[@WhiteWulfe]

Out of sheer curiosity, how is the VideoMic Pro versus the SMX-30 if you turn the high pass filter on for the Rode?

[@FLOODOFSINS]

Dang $224. I would like to just get one microphone that I can easily use in the studio and on the Galaxy S6. I don't own a DSLR yet and I just want you KZbin videos with decent audio without breaking the bank. I was hoping I could get a XLR mic like the at2050 and the yamaha mg10xu, but also when I'm not in the studio to use that mic ( until I can save up for a second one just for the smartphone) any suggestions? I'm still trying to figure out what cheap softbox to buy. My budget is low but I'm not needing a whole bunch for right now. Thanks

[@SullyCortez]

Wow I actually thought the Azden sounded clearer... well, guess I know which shotgun mic I'll be buying for my A6500 lol. Thanks for this Caleb! Oh hey btw, do you have any info on the Rode Video Mic Pro + as far as release date and over specs of the mic capsule?

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Right? Very good stuff. As for the new RVMP, I don't have any info...

[@PremiumGearDK]

Hey Caleb. I've heard that Canon dslrs have bad sound and problems with mics that goes directly into the mic.. Clicking noises, low sound etc. If it is a real problem.. Do you know if it's just something you can change in the settings on the camera or is it an actual permanent problem? Thanks.. And awesome video as always!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

With weaker mics yes, but the Rode VideoMic Pro or these microphones will help a lot when you use the +20db setting.

[@PremiumGearDK]

DSLR Video Shooter appreciate it legend Caleb!

[@jacobhelbig6967]

Where's the video about the GH5?

[@pearlmyghty2058]

You just sold me this microphone

[@jeetrick]

Hi Caleb! are you recording straight to the camera or Mixpre? Thanks for the review

[@durborough8484]

would you recommend the rode videomic go for nikon for run and gun shooting capturing videos in the holidays and some screenplay filming? i really like your mic comparisons!

[@ThruArt]

Durborough there's real value behind phantom power. Not needing to turn the mic on and off is a blessing. With that said, the GO has been known to pick up weird static from time to time. May need further adjustment in post.

[@rhksdn7074]

How do you take the hissing noise out of the audio? I have the t3i and I did the same setting and I still have hissing sounds from the smx 30

[@tsfcancerman]

i would say mono was better to listen to the birds and not getting the enviroment sounds destroying the birds sounds. and stereo was bad i would say.

[@DesertCookie]

Is the stereo effect still focussed somewhat?

[@BillNanson]

Stereo or mono on the Azden? no chance to record with both for mixing purposes?

[@mambo7668]

the SMX-30 price just pumped to $250

[@kbruff2010]

09/28/2020 thank you for this beneficial information

[@KephaBandMusic]

Azden sounds awsome!!!!

[@adaptdefy]

thanks man, very helpful

[@kamczak89]

I wish you have backed up the claim about stereo not being good for studio env with an example.

[@bellay111]

Excellent video very well. thx

[@millerlight456]

Question: I'm trying to run a Rhode NTG2 through H4n Pro directly into my GH4 via splitter into mic input with other for headphone monitoring. The audio recorded to the h4N sounds wonderful however the audio embedded in the footage has peaking issues. Easy solution?

[@geraldchan7129]

Justin Miller to me it sounds like you might need to adjust the levels of the input to the gh4,maybe that could be the issue

[@rsmith02]

Justin Miller You using an attenuator like the Sescom cable? Otherwise H4n line out is much stronger than a mic level signal.

[@millerlight456]

I'm not, just a standard headphone splitter. I have the GH4 audio input at it's lowest setting so this would make sense. Thanks for the suggestion, I'll give it a go! Still very much an audio rookie.

[@millerlight456]

This the one? www.amazon.com/Sescom-LN2MIC-ZMH4-MON-Attenuation-Headphone-Monitoring/dp/B004VIOZSK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1491316003&sr=8-3&keywords=Sescom+cable

[@Dexter101x]

Testing 1,2,3,4

[@MeLlamoMud]

am I the only one who notice the hissing from the azden? this is my only thing that hold me back from buying this mic... I don't know if i should get this or spend even more and buy the rode mic pro plus... help

[@nosysuarez]

I noticed the hissing and I am surprised nothing is said about that. Did you buy the Azden ?

[@qingzhouzhang9075]

Does this mean that you can only switch between stereo OR mono shotgun for recording? Can it work as Stereo + mono shotgun?

[@devanteandrews8698]

why would that make sense?

[@qingzhouzhang9075]

Yes, what I'm thinking is stereo mic and mono mic work together that stereo mic picks up the environment sound and mono mic only picks up the sound that in front of the camera, if it connects on a camera, for vlog or interview.

[@devanteandrews8698]

it doesn't work that way.

[@bellay111]

can use on smart mobile?

[@sjokolademonsteret]

ok, so because i cant find an answer anywhere else, What is the differense between a hotshoe and a coldshoe?

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Very similar and pretty much the same thing, but a hotshoe is the mount on top of a camera with electronics for flashes. A cold shoe is the same exact mount, but there are no electronics. So the cold shoe mount on this mic will not electronically transfer any data through the mount.

[@sjokolademonsteret]

ok, Thanks :)

[@anilagarwal2114]

does azden has some hiss sound ?

[@bruce562]

Since these mics are designed for on-camera mounting it would be interesting to see them in that mode rather than on a studio boom.

[@ingolfurarnar697]

When on stereo mode are both mic's active or just the stereo one?

[@joebob2087]

Preeeeeertty sure it's 1 mic, (the stereo mic)

[@JAlanne]

wow that azden is much more natural!

[@xilefx]

could have tested the stereo more

[@ChloeCullen]

Hi! What mic do you think would be best to record me singing alone with my guitar? I filmed these with Canon 80D, an Azden mono mic, and a wireless transmitter. Would a stereo mic be any better? In these videos I didn't add any iMovie special effects to the sound. Here is one video kzbin.info/www/bejne/hX20lJ6PnM1kaZY Here is another kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYrdp3yoqbt-btk

[@AeroSixWJ]

Wow, the azden spanks the s**t out of the rode... I'm in a cognitive dissonance right now.

[@joebob2087]

No strings attached that's a rack

[@thefig8832]

when you get an item for free, that is a payment, but thank you for the disclosure. also, sad you can't use both stereo and mono at the same time some how, for a mid/side mix (trying to think how they'd even do that without being cumbersome)

[@JimWellsIsGreat]

Typically, review products have to be returned.

[@MaksimYuryev]

K S i would disagree. Yes your getting something bud I don't feel like you have to give give it a good review or even to do one. I have much less subscribers than Caleb and I'm offered a lot of gear for review and I turn most down. 3-5 times a month I'm offered to get paid to review something (and I always turn those down). I only accept products for review that I think will benefit my viewers and most products that get sent that don't need to be returned I agree not to sell so if it's not useful to me I give it away. I'm sure Caleb gets a lot more offers for gear than I do. If we didn't accept some items for review there would be less good info out there for viewers as we can't afford to buy everything we want to review, even if we buy and resell later (at a loss) like I do at times. Thanks for the video Caleb! This looks like a great alternative, especially with that auto on/off and it sounds better as well. I've definitely lost multiple clips having a mic turned off, and way more than that forgot to turn it off and drained those 9V.

[@thefig8832]

Do you understand that when you are sent items to review, if you give a negative review, they are less likely to send you new stuff to review, therefore you are incentivized to provide a biased review in favor of the company that sent you the item, regardless if you have to send it back, keep it or give it away. Just saying if he bought it with his own money, and isn't sponsored by the company, then he can say what he wants without repercussion, otherwise, he is restricted, unless he doesn't want to receive more items to review. There are advertising disclosure laws to protect the consumer for a reason. Why would he say he wasn't paid at the beginning of the video if he didn't want to give off the impression that the review wasn't tainted, then say they sent him the item, which defeats the previous statement. The rest of the review was great. Just saying, I am not affected, but not everyone is me. Good luck

[@MaksimYuryev]

Sure. I have a couple companies that won't send me anything anymore, and others that took the constructive criticism and improve their next products. A few times I've got a junk item and didn't review it at all. It's up to the reviewer to be honest, which I believe Caleb is. He could not have mentioned the heavy weight but he did.

[@my-max-media7621]

My question to the manufacturers is: When are you going to realize that these mics sit atop of the most popular mirrorless cameras with EVF's AND your cold shoe is prohibiting the use of the EVF. Please please please change the mount so the ass end of your mics don't stick out, bumping into our foreheads.

[@jdstinner3868]

I know this comment is old but you can get a double or triple shoe adapter which puts the the mic on the side

[@my-max-media7621]

@@jdstinner3868 Yes, but why not be able to just put on the mic without extra extensions? Seems like it would be easy to make them fit the application.

[@gorjnjch]

Faster Chinese would come up with a Stereo microphone for smartphones on Android. From whites we will wait for it

[@kumichi58]

voice crack

[@ion-christopherstudio490ac3]

Caleb, that was so incredibly lazy of you (seeming) not to do a stereo vocal check. Do you seriously think we aren't interested in voice quality when in stereo, or stereo for "presence" in the studio? Instead you used a few words to pass it off as "not the best idea?" Much not. (Especially with your beautiful baritone!)