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Hardware Review: Azden SGM-1x Shotgun Microphone Review
Welcome to the DOJO!
As a low budget or guerilla filmmaker, one of the things I’ve learned over the past 10 years or so is the thing which separates a good indie film from bad porn is sound quality. If you’ve ever watched a video on Youtube (or used the Internet for its true purpose and downloaded some whacked-out German poopy porn), then you know exactly what I mean. Tinny sounding voice, strange echoing sounds or even voices which are too quiet to hear properly or fade in and out.
While a lot can be done to fix a video’s sound in post, most of the time problems can be fixed upfront with a solid, pro-quality microphone instead of your camcorder’s crappy onboard mic. One of the absolute best choices out on the market for a reasonably priced pro-quality shotgun mic is the Azden SGM-1x shotgun microphone.
The Azden SGM-1x comes in a slick little faux-leather case containing the mic itself, Azden’s cool hotshoe/shockmount (with a 1/4″ mount as well) and a foam windscreen. It’s a very slick little package and you can mount this mic on your camera’s hot/cold shoe, a boom pole, a mic stand or even a lightstand or tripod. The two things not included in the case are a AAA battery to power the mic and an XLR mic cable. For the cable you’ll either want to get a 1.5 foot XLR to mini jack cable or, better yet, pair it with an XLR adapter box for your camera (such as the Beachtek DXA-4 XLR adapter) and get a 1.5 foot XLR cable. I picked up an Audio-Technica 1.5 foot XLR cable with an angled female plug to give the whole set up a much lower profile on my Canon HV20 rig.
I know what you’re saying, “Ok, Mat, the Azden SGM-1x looks really freakin’ cool mounted on your HV20, but how does it sound? Does it compare to the Rode Videomic?” And, to respond, yes…it does look really cool, which really is the most important thing, right?
Seriously, as someone who owns and has used both mics (I’ll be doing a Videomic review in the next couple of weeks), the two are very similar in performance. In on-set use I’ve found the Azden to be a little warmer and a bit richer sounding than the Rode. I also feel like less post production is needed on the Azden’s sound. Both are more suited for voice recording as they aren’t as deep in their lower frequency range, but even there the quality of the Azden is still solid and can be easily used as your main mic for just about any film shoot situation.
Let’s take a look at the Azden SGM-1x’s specs:
AZDEN SGM1X SHOTGUN MICROPHONE SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Response: 80-18,000Hz
Pattern: Super Cardioid
Sensitivity: -41dB re 1V/Pa
Impedance: 680 Ohms at 1Khz
Max. SPL Input Level: 110dB
Signal to Noise Ratio: 65dB
Dynamic Range: 80dB
Power: AAA (1.5V) Battery (not included)
Weight (sans battery): 4.76 oz.
Dimensions (inches): 11.8 (length) x 0.83 (diameter)
Output Type: 3-Pin XLR type
Supplied Accessories: Shock mount mike holder, 1 windscreen
Price: Under $155
To wrap things up, if you are looking for a great shotgun mic for your indie film productions and, even more important, a pro-quality mic on a budget, then the Azden SGM-1X is a stellar option to add to your filmmaking arsenal. Priced at around $155, the SGM1x beats the pants off the competition.
-Mat N., the Film Sensei
http://www.FilmSensei.com
Mat, what mic do you reccomend for the everyday Joe user that just wants better audio? I really would like better sound and want to be able to mount somethin on the hotshoe of my HV30. I already have the Canon wide angle 43 lens on it and the extended Canon battery, so its starting to look like im going a little overboard filming my son pick his nose. Remember low profile and able to mount onto my hotshoe, thanks buddy! Great site!
June 12th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Ralph:
As a father myself, I have to say…you can NEVER go overboard when filming your son! I always bring along at least a 5-man film crew to film my son picking his nose.
Seriously, though. The first mic I picked up for my HV20 was the Canon DM50 and it has surprisingly good sound for a non-professional piece of equipment. It is also quite a bit smaller than something like the Azden SGM-1x, so it fits nicely on the HV30’s hotshoe without looking like a cannon turret on your Canon. I picked mine up from B&H Photo.
Canon DM30 Shotgun Mic
I found the “shotgun” or “stereo1″ settings to have the best quality sound. “Stereo2″ never quite did it for me, but that’s just my experience.
Thanks for the kind words and good luck!
-Mat N., the Film Sensei
June 13th, 2008 at 7:31 am
Ralph:
I checked out your website. Very nice stuff. I lived in NYC for a long time before moving out here to the Los Angeles area. I went to SVA and lived up on 91st in Manhattan, then moved out to Astoria. I love NY and miss the people.
-Mat N.
June 13th, 2008 at 7:38 am
I have an Azden SGM-1X and love it. I use it with a Canon XH A1 for DV shoots in a studio mounted above the heads of my talent, using a long XLR cable back to my camera.
I notice that the levels I am recording range between -30 and -16 using the automatic setting on my camera. The studio white noise records at -51, so if I normalize the sound to get sound up to -6, I got LOTS more white noise.
I wonder if you have a suggestion for the recording set up to help reduce the noise and increase the recording levels. Recommended distance from talent, automatic/manual camera setttings, etc.
Thank you…any help is appreciated.
I like your helpful articles and videos on YouTube…keep them coming.
Yvonne
August 6th, 2008 at 11:11 am
According to the pictures on the Azden website, you are acutally showing the SGM-1000 microphone.
By the way which microphone are you using to record the audio in your review?
Best regards,
August 8th, 2008 at 5:05 am
Ian:
Nope, it is most definitely the Azden SGM-1x.
My videos right now are just shot on a tiny Ultra Flip camera. The things are very basic but are great for things like these quick blog posts and the like. I have it set up on a small tripod in front of my desk and the whole set up takes up very little space. Now, I wouldn’t recommend it for anything beyond vlogging or shooting your family vacation videos.
-Mat Nastos
August 8th, 2008 at 7:14 am
Thank you Mat,
I think azdencorp.com isn’t really up to date, really strange…
August 8th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Hi Mat,
What’s the benefit of using the adapter box over simply an XLR to mini cable, in terms of sound quality? (the ability to use two audio sources not withstanding)
Also, what kind of accessory bracket is that you’re using to keep the mic to the side of the camera?
Thanks,
Brian
September 13th, 2008 at 12:37 am
Hi Matt,
Thanks for all the great info! I am about to purchase a Canon HV30 and would also like to get the Azden SGM-1x. It seems from your video that the tip of the mic will be in the frame of the picture though.
Is this the case?
Many thanks,
George Koury
November 30th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
George:
Thanks for the note and the question. I’ve had zero problem with the tip of the mic coming in to frame, even with the rather furry windscreen I use and with the wideangle lens popped on…if you are using a DOF/35mm adapter, then there is no chance at all.
I hope that helps!
-Mat Nastos
http://www.FilmSensei.com
November 30th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Thanks Mat!
November 30th, 2008 at 2:18 pm