Takstar SGC-600 Camera Shotgun Microphone: Decent Sound on a Budget

[@curtisjudd]

Some asked for the practical noise floor test. Note that this "test" is fraught with issues so should not be taken as an end-all be-all type of reading, but it does give you a sense for the dynamic range, polar pattern, and the practical performance of the microphones. It is NOT a measure of self-noise alone. Using my typical method of gaining up the mics for dialogue on my voice so that they peak at -12dBFS, I then loudness normalize each of the audio clips in post to -23 LUFS and measure the silent portion of the recording: TAKSTAR SGC-600: -65.2 dB RMS average RODE VideoMic NTG: -67.6 dB RMS average DEITY D3 Pro: -67.6 dB RMS average

[@curtisjudd]

@@108u9 Not sure. Did my best to keep things equal but noticed in the footage that we were at slightly different distances and had the gain slightly higher in camera for some of the recordings. It isn't a perfect test, and thus my hesitance to even share those numbers.

[@adobemastr]

Curtis, am I then correct in interpreting your figures to mean that the Takstar has the best performance as far as noise floor of all three microphones? In other words, it produces the less self noise of all three?

[@curtisjudd]

@@adobemastr Hi R. S., no - let me clarify. This is not a measure of self noise on its own. It is also confounded by dynamic range, mic position, and time/ambient sound. But the noise floor was louder on the Takstar by about 2dB. Not a huge difference, but a little louder than the other two.

[@adobemastr]

@@curtisjudd Thanks, Curtis. Again, for $30, I think this is a great buy.

[@denizyilmaz8553]

Takstar SGC-600 or saramonic vmic pro? :D

[@billmohr9989]

Curtis, I am very appreciative of the fact that despite having a lot of high-end gear and an extensive knowledge of audio, you are not an audio snob. I'm grateful you are still exploring low-cost options very objectively.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Bill.

[@mildmannered1086]

Definitely

[@insanejughead]

Sheesh... I was on the edge of my seat the whole time wondering how expensive this mic was, and THEN YOU HIT ME WITH IT BEING ONLY $30! Doesn't do much for me, since I have the original Aputure Deity (full kit with fur muff and Rycote pistol-grip) and a Tascam DR-60d as my outdoor mic setup. But still, that Takstar is a hell of a competitor, especially for someone who knows how to do some simple audio tweaks in edit.

[@curtisjudd]

Agreed. If you're cash strapped, this is a pretty impressive option.

[@BasicFilmmaker]

Not bad for the price. Sweet shades!! 😎

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@LE672AJ]

These Takstar mics always seem to punch above their weight with some excellent results for the price point. Not bad at all.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@pianopotato]

I've had this microphone now for a few months and I love it. It's so light on top of my camera, gives decent sound especially when boomed over the talent. Even though I have budget for more expensive mics, I'm about to buy a second one of these for my other camera because I just want the same ease of use and decent sound! Appreciate your videos, as always, Curtis. Keep up the excellent work!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks and glad to hear it is working well for you! 🎤

[@adobemastr]

Curtis, for $30, this is excellent! In fact, unbelievable at this price point for what you get. Thanks for another great review.

[@curtisjudd]

I was pretty impressed, too.

[@danielkaranja7978]

The only question am left with is how durable it is. Some problems do not come up until a device gets some milage.

[@Eshcole]

The biggest difference I could hear between the mics was how much more room noise the Takstar picked up. However, other than that, for $30 it's surprisingly good!

[@curtisjudd]

You have good ears. I measured the difference of 2dB louder noise floor on the TAKSTAR vs the other two. Nice job!

[@railx2005]

@@curtisjudd yeah its quite easy to tell if you put ur ear up to speaker lol

[@djmichaeldennis]

Thank you Curtis for giving fair review and recommendations. I have different rode mics, and because of this video I bought the Takstar sgc-600 and tried it. I was amazed how low the price is but it sounds good 👌

[@curtisjudd]

Glad to hear it worked out! Happy recording!

[@TECHDROIDSYT]

Thanks Curtis You are the Man❤️❤️❤️

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@HealMyTech1]

Thanks for the review. I would have loved if you had included a sample connecting this straight into a field recorder, and also removing a little of the hiss background noise, but that's me just being picky, i'm sure you know what you are doing. The deity sounded better to my ears, even in terms of less hiss, again this is subjective. On another note, what would you recommend as the best overall shotgun mic that does not require batteries or other powered solutions except straight plugging into a recording source like cam or field recorder? I bought the Rode VideoMic Go and I absolutely hate it, ruined a few of my shots, with pickups of electrical interference and of course as a shotgun mic on top of a DSLR its actually quite poor hand held arm's length, or maybe I just don't know hoe to use it. I am aware a powered mic will always be better, but I am also looking for a non powered option if any, the best overall if applicable.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi HealMyTech, I haven't tested any non-powered camera-top microphones, but a lot of people seem to like the RODE Video Micro.

[@GeraldBertramPhotography]

Wow. Looks like Takstar upped the price to $45.99 on not only Amazon but on Ali Express too. I like to give folks the benefit of the doubt but did Takstar up the price of the mic because of the positive reviews?? I hope not but sure kind of seems like it to me.

[@curtisjudd]

Hmm. That's disappointing.

[@takstarofficial6448]

Hey friend, we have been selling $45.99 all the time on the official store, and won't change the price casually.😃

[@UpHillCinema]

When you went outside, I was transported into a GQ shoot. Man! this is one good looking guy.

[@curtisjudd]

Hahahaha! Nice job trying to flatter there, Mr. Handsome!

[@乾淨核能]

OMG! this is a great video! I can suggest this to my classmates! Thank you!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@keithdennis5085]

Great Video! I curious though...you did a review of the TacStar sgc-598 a few months ago, and I'm wondering what are the differences between the 598 and the 600? I bought the 598 after seeing that video, and I've been happy with it so far. Both mics look very similar.

[@nwpgunner]

Wondering too.. only seems to be a difference in build quality

[@onocoffee]

I like the new styling compared to the 598.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Keith, I reviewed the 598 in early 2014. The main difference I'm seeing/hearing is that the 600 is smaller and sits close to the lens line on the camera.

[@allencrider]

@@curtisjudd Hmm. You're saying the sgc-600 is smaller than the 598. I got a dead cat for my 598 last year and it was a Neewer NW-MIC-121. Only cost about $10 American.

[@keithdennis5085]

@@curtisjudd Thanks for your speedy reply!

[@arturocortes8827]

Hello Mr. Judd. I use the Takstar SGC-600 as a boom with the Zoom h1n and the Rode VC1 cable. I always try to have the microphone as close to the sound source as possible. My question is: Which configuration is the most convenient? -10db, 0db or +10db in combination with increasing or decreasing the input dial of the H1n? Which setting is kept the best sound quality? Increasing +10db or decreasing to -10db decreases the sound quality? I've done tests but can't tell the difference. Please guide me. Congratulations on your excellent channel!

[@curtisjudd]

It probably will not make a big difference. I'd probably leave the mic at 0dB and adjust the H1n's input level to get the peaks close to -12dB.

[@Garetschuurman7]

If I were to buy this microphone to use with a cellphone on a boom arm, should the extension cable be TRS or TRRS. I’ve had no luck finding the answer elsewhere.

[@faith3305]

All I know is TRRS is what plugs into phones and TRS is what plugs into cameras. I hope that helps!

[@momchilyordanov8190]

I still have the previous version. Takstar SGS-598. The durability is fine. Sometimes these cheap products are great when new, but do not last long. But I bought the 598 in 2018 and it's still going, after moderate use. The battery life is very good and it uses the most common batteries that go in TV remotes and PC mouses. Mine was £29 from the British Amazon, if remember correctly. This one looks pretty much the same. Defo one of the best "extra-low-budget" buys of mine.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for sharing your experience with the 598!

[@glenna.fitzgerald782]

I have been using this mic for years now. They never quit. I travel all over the world and always have two in my bag. I don’t shoot outside, only controlled corporate interviews and they work every time. I end up changing the battery every couple of weeks just because they last so long I don’t want to have them shutdown but they never have on their own. It would be cool if they had maybe 4 LESs that would indicate the battery level as of now the light will turn red when it is low but I have never figured out how long I can shoot when it turns red so I just keep spare batteries and change them when I think it might be time. Great mic!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for sharing Glenn!

[@jasongurr]

For me this would be a fantastic buy. I record externally to a field recorder but used the onboard mic on the camera because of the cost of a rode. This is the perfect price to go on my camera Thanks Curtis!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@ws8453]

great video. i like how you lay everything out. well done. you seem very objective even though you have tons of high end audio equipment. i like the amount of testing and variations that you show, such as comparisons to others, and also the angular tests when rotating. i would have liked to see you put that dead-cat you showed at the end on this mic when you were outside in the wind though to hear what it sounds like with it on. yeah, great video. thank you! i actually bought this mic to try thanks to you review. thanks!!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks W S, appreciate the feedback!

[@tomdchi12]

Impressive for the price! (Though I did buy another Takstar mic years ago based on the same factor, but after testing it, I was never happy with what I could get out of it, so I've never really used it.) One thing that I think would be useful in a review like this (and I very much do realize it's yet more time on your end) would be a segment where you apply some very basic improvements such as light noise reduction, basic EQ, etc. using a common video editing application (Premiere or FCP, but obviously not RX Advanced!) so people who have more time than budget can get some idea of what the mic _could_ sound like with a little improvement (and would be an opportunity to plug your excellent courses on how to process the dialog audio...)

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Thomas, yes, all good suggestions. If only I had the time. :-/

[@R3VoLutiOnJuMp3N]

actually, your review is so good, you tested it in the real situations a producer or filmaker could use it, if is for a first mic, is a beast! sorry for missing the deadcat but are just 30usd.. in front of RODE or similars is acceptable, thanks. (if anyone have a solution for a deadcat, please, coment)

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@takaliuang]

I found 3rd party deadcat for Takstar SGC 600: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6qTaXZud7ulrMk

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks.

[@FilmBrain]

I've used this mic in my most recent video - my reviews of One Night in Miami and The Human Voice - and it sounds absolutely great, and huge improvement on the 598, especially in the low end. The catch is that shock mount, though: every time you touch or jolt the camera, the vibration goes right into the mic, in a way that previous model didn't. That means that it can only really be used for locked-off, tripod shots because it definitely won't be suited for v-logging. That's the one drawback with this mic, but it is a big one.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I didn't notice as big a difference on my 598 vs 600 but the shock mount is not perfect by any means.

[@kuzeyvural3535]

@@curtisjudd Do you think if 600 has less self noise than 598?

[@curtisjudd]

@@kuzeyvural3535 I didn't specifically measure that so I'm not sure. But I like the sound of the 600.

[@kuzeyvural3535]

@@curtisjudd Thank you for your quick reply love your videos!

[@Ibrahim_usman]

Wow $30 value is quite impressive. I just reviewed a lensgo for $90 and I'm starting to wonder if the headphone jack is worth $50 or I need to look into that microphone a bit more.

[@curtisjudd]

Ah, yes, I suppose if your camera doesn't have a headphone amp/jack, that would be pretty valuable. But seems like most cameras today have that.

[@GriffinConway]

That’s a pretty great mic for $30! Great for the filmmaker on a budget.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@PersonalPower]

A purple background? Is Gerald hiding somewhere?

[@curtisjudd]

No Gerald Undones around here. 😀

[@hypestationtvng]

Mine stopped working even when the battery was changed. Dunno why

[@craigchristianson6386]

I appreciated the Takstar review. Several weeks ago I ordered the Rode VideoMic NTG after watching your review but it was misdelivered and lost 2 weeks ago; now back-ordered. Watching this review, convinced me to order the Takstar however your link takes me to Amazon where the product is being sold by Duoda Digital. The listing shows "in stock" but a delivery date between October 5 and October 27th. That does not sound like it is in stock. Other sellers are all Chinese direct sellers with delivery dates much earlier than Duoda but still not timely. Do you know of any other US-based distributors? If both the Rode and the Takstar are difficult to locate; what is a good alternative that might be sourced timely? Finally, you get 5 stars as an influencer! Thanks.

[@curtisjudd]

Takstar just contacted me and I will update the link later today. They are hoping to have stock in the next week.

[@craigchristianson6386]

@@curtisjudd Thank you Curtis! The link to Amazon appears to have been updated but there is no stock. "Currently unavailable. We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock." I will keep checking.

[@ronniegogs]

I couldnt believe the review. So i bought it as an impulse purchase on black friday. I am so surprised at the audio quality. I actually plan to use this mic.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@FilmBrain]

Another discovery about the microphone: when the battery is almost flat, and the light turns red, the microphone produces a high-pitched whine in the recordings that makes them unusable. This is easily fixed by swapping the battery, but I presume this is interference from the red LED.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for the info!

[@SofiNabeel]

Hey Curtis! Glad you are looking at the budget options. I recently came two mics by BOYA (which you have probably already reviewed) which are almost CLONES of the Rode Video Mic Pro and VideoMic Pro+ in terms of functionality and I think you will find them interesting and worth reviewing. Thank you for all the good work you do. Cheers!!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@maciekkk123]

Nice review, this Takstar mic look similar to Sennheiser MKE 400, so there may be some wind protection already which could hopefully fit on it.

[@curtisjudd]

Good idea, thanks!

[@KINGDOMKONCEPT]

So I've had mine for a month now and I love it. The one con that I found besides the fact that there's no dead cat that can fit this mic Is that the side cable that comes out to connect the adapters can sometimes get loose while you are attaching the microphone to a boom pole or stand, causing the mic not to work. so now I am extra careful with that cable and I always make sure the cable is pushed all the way in. Besides that it's a great budget mic. UPDATE: I was actually able to find a dead cat on Amazon that fits this mic perfectly.

[@curtisjudd]

👍 Happy recording!

[@KINGDOMKONCEPT]

@@curtisjudd Thanks bud, do you ever use Logic To mix your audio?

[@elginbouynicdao]

I am going to a concert to watch a band live next month.. will this takstar be enough to record quality video audio from my iphone?

[@curtisjudd]

Maybe your iPhone is all you need. Do some tests and see what you think.

[@nefflz]

Thanks for your review Curtis - I ordered one, and it arrived today. It's a little more expensive in Oz, but even if I'm not happy with it, it's still very little money spent. I have a Rode microphone, but hate having to fiddle with the badly designed battery door. Thanks for your invaluable posts!

[@curtisjudd]

Glad it’s working out so far!

[@PianoManChuck]

I've been using a Takstar SGC-598 mic with Nikon and Canon cameras to film NAMM coverage for the past few years with excellent results! Wondering what's different about the SGC-600 besides a design change?

[@curtisjudd]

The SGC-600 is much smaller and uses a hard plastic shock mount system instead of the elastic bands. I'm not sure what the other differences are from there.

[@Jeff_369]

I was curious so I looked up the cost for the deadcat on the Rode NTG on B&H and it is $39. That's a little perspective, this mic seems like a good starter mic for someone on a budget.

[@curtisjudd]

Hahaha! Yes, different leagues.

[@Britton0932]

I purchased one of these when I first started filming and I loved it. Was it perfect? No, but for 1/10th of the price, of the Rode, I could live with the minor faults. As far as a dead cat goes, there are several that work.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for sharing!

[@giovcarrillo4222]

could you give links of the ones that work sir?

[@rarehands]

Hey Curtis! I have the zoom h1n as my main mic, do you think plugging in this takstar sgc-600 to the h1n would get me better audio for dialogue?

[@curtisjudd]

It would be a bit more directional and pick up a bit less ambient sound.

[@DuneTV1ViralMotorsports]

Glad someone asked that question about the Zoom. Great review.

[@JumpClickClick]

Thank you Curtis, is there a reason that you didn't include doing a self noise analysis with this one? How is this one's noise floor compared to others?

[@insanejughead]

Good observation! Now I'm curious too... He might not've done it because it's primarily going to be camera mounted, thus picking up a LOT more of the ambient noise anyway.

[@curtisjudd]

I was thinking a lot about that "test". I think I have given people the mistaken impression that it is a measure of self-noise, which it actually really isn't, at least not just self noise. I posted an explanation above. In short, that "test" I usually do measures a lot of things in a practical sample including the microphone's signal to noise ration, dynamic range, self noise, polar pattern, and other things. The problem is that some of the variables are not very well controlled such as distance to the subject - I just noticed when reviewing the silhouette clips that the mics vary quite a lot in distance. In any case, I have included the numbers above. In short, the Takstar's practical noise floor sat about 2dB higher than the other two. I'm not sure that's enough of a difference that it is outside the margin of error, or a real difference.

[@flapdance]

Mine arrived today. Little bit of a buzz when its close to my smallrig transmitter....but with some adjustments on my Cage works very good. Love it. Loved your review and all of the work you put into your videos.

[@curtisjudd]

Happy recording!

[@swissmith1]

I purchased this mic but it must have been a dud. Constant rumbling like a thunderstorm at about -30dB. I contacted Takstar customer support three times with no response. I guess it's a quality control and customer service risk when buying this mic. I finally gave up and bought a used Videomic Pro. No problems with it so far.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for sharing Swissmith1 and sorry for the trouble. This is helpful for people to know.

[@billsmith5166]

Jeepers! I'm less concerned with a dead cat than I am finding foam that fits on it that says Deity on the side. I tried to turn my Rebel EOS XS into a Lumix S1 with some white nail polish, but I accidentally spelled it Lumox. I take it to bars with me but it hasn't improved my night life at all. Turns out beautiful women are great spellers. Who'd a thunk?

[@curtisjudd]

Hahahaha! 😂

[@PyjamasBeforeChrist]

Perfect for my budget (looks like a worthy upgrade to my current sgc-586) - thanks Curtis for the review

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@jasonsong6747]

Hi - another question. On 5:12 you mentioned the SGC-600 is 4.4in yet Amazon says it's 8.66 x 4.72 x 2.2 inches. Can you clarify what is 4.4in? Is that just the bare mic without the foam? Would you know how long the foam is? I'm looking for a deadcat but need to know the length.

[@curtisjudd]

Just the metal tube part of the microphone. I no longer have this microphone - I gave it to a friend - so I cannot measure the foam. You might try contacting the company to see what they can provide in terms of details and perhaps fur covers. Best wishes!

[@jasonsong6747]

@@curtisjudd ok thanks!

[@alvaroampudia4382]

Hi Curtis! i just got myself this model of microphone to start shooting some videos for my business... i'm recording to an android phone (huawei P30) but it doesn't sound as good as it does in your video.... is there something else you would recommend doing

[@curtisjudd]

Get the mic within 18 inches/45 cm of the person speaking. That will make the biggest difference.

[@takaliuang]

Thanks Curtis. Is it possible to plug this mic to audio interface (I owe Steinberg MK2)? And does tasktar provide the deadcat for this mic?

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Selumiel, I suppose you could use a 3.5mm to XLR adapter but I'd recommend keeping the cable as short as possible since the connection is not balanced. No, they do not provide a deadcat cover at least at the time of the review.

[@takaliuang]

@@curtisjudd I just ordered Rode VXLR+ and will see, hope it's gonna worl. Thank you for your recomendation!

[@sr20builders]

What kind of microphone would you recommend if you going to be recording weddings and party events?

[@curtisjudd]

The best sound is achieved when the mic is close to the sound source rather than on top of your camera. Many wedding videographers use body pack recorders or wireless lavalier mic systems. Wireless: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpSpo5-unJ6Bp80feature=shared Body pack recorder: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWPQlYuvndKnr8kfeature=shared

[@igorloncar8154]

Hi! I am searching for a microphone for sport filming. My daughter play soccer and I am recording her training and matches. Most of the time I am staying close to the field and the centerline. So I want to improve soung from the far end of the field, if possible. My gear is Sony FDR-AX 43 camcorder. I wonder if this mic could help?! I don't need expensive equipement. Thank you!

[@curtisjudd]

It might help a tiny tiny bit but not much. Affordable mics generally just don’t “reach” that far.

[@igorloncar8154]

@@curtisjudd but it would be better than with a camera mice, I asume. Thank you again and greetings from Croatia!

[@SamJunior140]

Could I use this for a seminar setting where I’m just recording a seminar in a room when the sound will be coming from speakers 🔊

[@curtisjudd]

I wouldn’t suggest it.

[@zaymax_7]

May i know the length of the actual capsule? still trying to look for a 3rd party deadcat

[@curtisjudd]

I don't have it any longer. You may want to contact Takstar for details and they may be able to recommend a wind cover as well.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

The closer the better. Within limits!

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, I suppose less than 10cm could be bad. 🙃

[@nataliekirstine]

when i hook it up to my phone no audio comes through it or it comes from my phone. what app are you using to record that or how do I fix it??

[@curtisjudd]

Best to contact Takstar support.

[@simons_pics]

Please don't use the word Dead Cat rather a wind muff thanks.

[@curtisjudd]

Wind muff. Ok.

[@cocis911]

Another great video from the King of audio. Thanks Curtis 😊

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@ihassan1001]

Hi there. I had a question..I wanted to know since the cord is fixed and cannot change for sgc 600 how can I add extensions to my camera if I plan to boom the mic? Your advice would be very helpful. Thank you!

[@curtisjudd]

Any TRS 3.5mm extension cable should work

[@ihassan1001]

@@curtisjudd thank you

[@RustyTube]

Wow, quite impressive, especially with that price tag.

[@curtisjudd]

I was surprised, too.

[@jyvsssss2104]

omg perfect vid. We have the GH5 and the Takstar 600

[@curtisjudd]

👍 Thanks and happy recording!

[@KINGDOMKONCEPT]

Is there an adapter that would allow the mic to be connected to an Iphone 13 pro max?

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, but you'll also need an Apple lightning to 3.5mm adapter.

[@KINGDOMKONCEPT]

@@curtisjudd Ok thanks man.

[@yinitialize4930]

can this be used as streaming mic, cuz it sounds really good for its price

[@curtisjudd]

Yes.

[@milesian1]

I was packing for a job tomorrow and a Takstar mic is part of my kit. It's a corporate event with featured speakers and roundtable, and I am getting a soundboard patch for maximum quality audio. The Takstar, as always, will sit atop my camera (actually, tucked under and to the side of my Atamos Ninja V monitor/recorder) to record a scratch track, and act as backup just in case. I have used it at events like this, boomed overhead, to record on-camera interviews with attendees, and it's so cheap yet so entirely decent I almost feel dirty using it.

[@curtisjudd]

LOL!

[@SidelinePlugs]

What's the best setting for it. I record basketball games +10dB or -10dB ?

[@curtisjudd]

First set your camera to its lowest mic input setting. Then adjust the mic's gain setting while watching the audio meter on your camera. You want the meter to top out around -10dB or so at the loudest parts.

[@SidelinePlugs]

@@curtisjudd i have my camera mic set to auto. Is that good ?

[@curtisjudd]

@@SidelinePlugs No, I'd set it to manual.

[@karinhaze2006]

Thank you for your review , which extension cable to iPhone 6S would you suggest?

[@curtisjudd]

I'd recommend a TRRS extension cable, something like this: amzn.to/3hNOgQz Full disclosure - this is an affiliate link. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@karinhaze2006]

@@curtisjudd thanks for your recommendation , I just bought it

[@neilparry9511]

Curtis - You mention in this video you have another clip on inexpensive boom setups - but it doesn't appear that video is linked....

[@curtisjudd]

Not so much a review of inexpensive boom mics but how to boom a camera-top shotgun microphone: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioaonoR4j7CieNU

[@neilparry9511]

@@curtisjudd thank you!

[@escortrsts2]

Can someone tell me if this picks up autofocus lens noise? Thanks

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, any microphone on a camera will pick up lens focusing noise.

[@highlycreativedigital5472]

this thing is so good

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@jasonsong6747]

Awesome! Now I'm going to get the SGC-600! Thanks for the great review - you're a great presenter while being detailed too! Great voice too lol. By the way, what is the purpose of the low and high pass filters? High pass for what? Outside wind noise? Low for what?

[@curtisjudd]

Yes! The high pass filter is for wind. Happy recording!

[@AustralianImage]

I'm wondering how is it that we're getting these extraordinarily cheap mics now, with sound quality that approaches or equals much more expensive and established mics. I also wonder about the long-term durability and reliability of these mics in day to day usage, especially in the field.

[@curtisjudd]

I think durability may be the cost here.

[@wtotheo]

you sound better when the mic is further away smartmouth

[@curtisjudd]

LOL!

[@MaxWildlifePhotographer]

I’m late to the party on this video, but I’m curious as to how each compares when not boomed and are on the camera. At that distance, is there any one of those that begins to stand out amongst the others?

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, the shock mount system on the Takstar is not nearly as effective at preventing handling noise as on the RODE or DEITY microphones.

[@ElectricLabel]

I actually think the Takstar sounds best. I like the Cassavetes run-and-gun characteristic of the sound. The others are all too warm. The Rode NTG makes everything sound like a BBC radio broadcast, which is the last thing I want on a film.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@garryaudie]

this is how reviews should be like

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Garry.

[@bobceffo]

wow. I guess I found my new indoor setup!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@LeoTelles]

noob question: Why the wind "dead cat" doesn't work if covers the whole mic?

[@curtisjudd]

It is hard to reach the controls and in this case, there was an opening where the wind could still get in.

[@LeoTelles]

@@curtisjudd I understand. But once is set I hardly change any settings and with the deadcat is way better than without. But thank you for your great review and time to answer.

[@curtisjudd]

@@LeoTelles If yours fits, that's a great solution. Happy recording!

[@202fan]

I'm using the headphone output of a desktop USB microphone into an ATEM mini to livestream trainings on zoom. It sounds okay to me but, gets in the way. Would you recommend booming this shotgun directly to the ATEM mini, or have any other suggestions that don't involve external mixers?

[@curtisjudd]

Sure, this should work.

[@alaneddy4575]

Hi Curtis. I just watched a couple of reviews by Jevan Dovey and Camera Conspiracies on the newish Deity D4 Duo. I remember Jevan doing a piece on using two Rode Video Micros in this type of dual configuration last year by using a stereo splitter cable to make each mic a mono channel. It'd be interesting to see the D4 Duo properly compared in your technically thorough way to a pair of Video Micros. Just a thought and only if you already have a couple of the Rodes. I bet Deity would send you a D4 Duo for free. I'd be willing to bet that Rode is making something like this already as it really makes sense.

[@curtisjudd]

I have a D4 Duo in the house, just need to get through a few other reviews first. 😀

[@gangid9593]

Hi Curtis, I have been searching for a review on Sony's XLR-K3M but haven't found any review useful (No offense to those very few guys who tried). I would like your opinion on it and it helps me and many who are searching for the same. Thank you, my man, for sharing that wonderful knowledge with us. Jai Jagan...Jai Telangana...

[@curtisjudd]

If someone sends me a Sony camera and the adapter, yes! Can’t afford to buy one at the moment.

[@goeshman]

Decided to grab one based on your review, funny which my DSLR don't have any mic input. Got it around $21 from local online shop but sent from overseas (china i assume) should arrive about 1-2 more days, oh god hope it's not some cheap knockoff version of this mic, though previous buyer posted pictures of the mic and look exactly the same. Will do small review when i got it. Great review as always Curtis.

[@curtisjudd]

I hope it works well for you.

[@StanleyRCrume]

I bought this mic, thanks to your video. Sometimes it sounds great; sometimes tinny...like my phone mic sounds... I wonder if my phone is confused and tries to use its own mic back and forth. (I have heard that can happen.) Also ZOOM calls with phone and this mic...same thing. But when it sounds great it is great! I was told perhaps to get a combo mic with speaker. Or are there any phone adjustments or apps to use? My phone is (Cricket) Android Stylo 6. Any comments appreciated.

[@curtisjudd]

Hmm, sounds like a bad cable, a phone case which is making the cable connection unstable, or possibly an app setting.

[@twinkie1773]

Thx ya for this video I was doing some research on a budget shotgun mic. My budget is really tight, since I just got a sony a7iii, zoom h6, rode video mic pro and I needed another mic or two. Your video was recommended in someone else's video. The reviews from both of you guys video have me sold until my budget becomes a lil bigger. I have more questions so I'm going to subscribe because I plan on using these as boom mics and recording my own sound effects.

[@curtisjudd]

Good luck and happy recording!

[@weedeeohguy]

Still using Sanken C-1 short shotgun with Rycote small blimp. For wild sound, Rode video micro. Stuck in the past. VO mic Studio Projects with kit to equal output of Neumann U 87. Thoughts?

[@curtisjudd]

Haven’t used any of these mics but the results speak for themselves. 😀

[@AndyLSB]

Hey Curtis awesome review, how would you say this compares against the Takstar SGC-598?

[@curtisjudd]

Much smaller with about the same audio quality.

[@uniworkhorse]

Damn, what a professional review! Really enjoyed the quality of this video. Only thing I'd like to see is the comparison with it's brother the SGC 598. Otherwise, great tests. I will ask - how treated is that room that you shot in?

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@ALL-BOROUGHS-OF-NYC]

great video you think its good for canon 80d camera

[@curtisjudd]

I don't have an 80D and haven't used one, but I expect it should work fine with the 80D.

[@ALL-BOROUGHS-OF-NYC]

@@curtisjudd thanks 💕

[@LiveMusicOntario]

Reviewing these budget bits of gear is really helpful to us with no budget, or maybe just no justification, for the high end products you normally review. Much appreciated. QUESTION: I have an upcoming project where two on camera male "talents" will be recorded at several locations; acoustically "live" living rooms, their sculpting work spaces and possibly outdoors. Would lavs be more consistent than boom mics? If they need to turn away from the camera in the workshop or outdoors I guess I have my answer unless I only keep voice clips from when they face camera. I have several lav mics I can wire direct to a DR-70 plus a few wireless rigs (Rode Wireless Go and Line 6 XD V-35. None of my larger mics have patterns I would consider for boom but I can afford a few of this Takstar.

[@curtisjudd]

Probably best with lavs given the situation. I always try to use both when I can.

[@PERIKLISTSINTZAS]

Another excellent review Curtis and thanks for that ,I am gonna buy this mic.I bought the small boya by mm1 for second mic for weddings and it make terrible bumbing noise every time i touch my tripod and i even it was a cheap one i got dissapointed by this boya,so you gave me a solution .And as i saw at your review i did not notice any weird transfering noise from your hands keeping the camera .

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks. I hope this works better for you!

[@edmondebacitas1608]

what cable do you use as an extension for the mic?

[@curtisjudd]

RODE VC1

[@edmondebacitas1608]

thank you@@curtisjudd

[@timelessamor5718]

How do you have it setup on the boom? You mentioned it in the video, but I don't see the link. Can you also connect this mic to a recorder like the h4n pro, if doing a 2 person interview?

[@curtisjudd]

The link is in the top right portion of the video. Here it is as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioaonoR4j7CieNU Yes, you can connect this to an H4n Pro with the 3.5mm input jack on the back of the recorder.

[@EnigmaMachine1932]

Excellent review. I wish you had added any type of windscreen/dead cat covering when you were outside to see what effect it had in reducing the noise from the breeze. Thank you!

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Jack, at the time of the review, Takstar didn't have a fur cover for this microphone and the covers I had for other mics didn't fit properly. Sorry about that.

[@barrycrowder]

Sounds very clear for voice. Not the best for toning down sibilance or mouth noises, though.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@joshdiditt]

Whats the best XLR mic that comes the closest to the Sennheiser MKH 416 in your experience (under $600).

[@curtisjudd]

RODE NTG3 or used MKH416.

[@richardschnell4842]

It doesn't fit in the damn cold shoe.

[@curtisjudd]

Mine did. Sounds like a bad copy.

[@WineWorldTV]

It's a great sounding mic for the price. While you could hear the differences on a decent set of computer speakers, that difference was negligible. Especially for the casual listener.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@aerofart]

Curtis, what about RFI susceptibility? What about self noise?

[@curtisjudd]

Some asked for the practical noise floor test. Note that this "test" is fraught with issues so should not be taken as an end-all be-all type of reading, but it does give you a sense for the dynamic range, polar pattern, and the practical performance of the microphones. It is NOT a measure of self-noise alone. Using my typical method of gaining up the mics for dialogue on my voice so that they peak at -12dBFS, I then loudness normalize each of the audio clips in post to -23 LUFS and measure the silent portion of the recording: TAKSTAR SGC-600: -65.2 dB RMS average RODE VideoMic NTG: -67.6 dB RMS average DEITY D3 Pro: -67.6 dB RMS average I did not experience any RFI in my tests so far, but that was only one week of working with the microphone.

[@KenRuan]

ANY AUDIO RECORDED BY CURTIS IS AMAZING! AKA I cannot tell from your videos how decent anything is! It's always great. Ok minus the Deity

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks kr. Here's one where my voice does NOT sound great: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2SokJeeppt1pKM

[@mylesjarvis7571]

Wow man......I just recently found your videos. You give...hands down...the BEST reviews of anything I have ever seen. You give the best non subjective reviews of anything I have ever seen. Very, very well done and keep up the good work! BTW......never would I have thought of buying this mic until this...awesome man! Thanks!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Myles!

[@budameat]

To record the Takstar SGC-600 with a 2200 ohm output to a Zoom H1 with a 2000 ohm input, would I need an attenuator/pad?

[@curtisjudd]

I wouldn’t think so.

[@JohnTSteinbeck]

Super crisp mic, sounds better than most mics 5-10X the price. Buying three! Thanks Curtis-

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks John and I hope they work well for you!