A Rode Videomic Go II or Videomic Pro. I recommend the Videomic Go because it doesn't need a battery, and that can save you when you're out and about. The number of times I've accidentally left my Videomic Pro on in my bag is... maybe five. So not horrible. But it's annoying.
Hundreds and hundreds. Nearly everything on this channel is the Videomic Go II or Videomic Pro. Occasionally the Wireless Go, but almost always the shotgun microphones on top of the camera. .
https://youtube.com/@brianmarkgriffin
I use a ride video mic go 2. HUGE difference and a lot of people on 1-1 calls mention it.
With a decent camera the difference is ridiculous over a built in camera and mic
A setup that might work well for your dad is pairing the mic stand above with a shotgun microphone. Unfortunately, we can’t attach photos here, but the idea is to sort of use it like you see in the first image on this website [here](https://nofilmschool.com/your-guide-best-rode-microphones).
You, your dad, or his cohost could position the mic at about a 45-degree angle above and in front of him using a tripod or extendable boom arm. That way, it stays out of the way so he won’t bump it, but it can still pick him up clearly even if a tremor causes him to move.
For extra reliability, you could run both a lav mic and the shotgun mic. The lav would serve as the main recording, while the shotgun acts as a backup in case the lav gets bumped or disconnected. Later, you can just pick whichever track sounds better.
A decent shotgun mic can run several hundred dollars. You could try using a camera-mounted shotgun mic like this one [here](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/VideoMicGo2H--rode-videomic-go-ii-camera-mounted-shotgun-microphone) as an affordable option.
Best of luck with find a solution so your dad continue his podcast!
*Disclaimer: I own a production company*
I use a RODE VideoMic Go II in a pretty static environment (in my kitchen). Not sure if my camera is the problem, but anytime I move just a little, it records a low rumble that ruins the audio. I sent a sample to Rode, they said it's not at all normal, sent me another mic. This one has the same problem, but less noticeable.
If you plan on shooting while moving and if you use a TRS cable, I'd probably avoid RODE VideoMic Go II. When I use a USB-C cable through the app, the sound is great. I use this as workaround, connect the mic to the phone, then the phone to the camera for "direct monitoring". The sound passes through the phone, cleans up, then ends up in my camera.
If you're not mounting it directly on a handheld camera, then it's a great option.
Sony a6700 with a Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 lens, two led panels for lighting, a rode videomic go II mic on a boom arm. Cooking videos. A slider for smooth end product footage, but I regret having bought it, I almost never use it.
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Indestructible live workhorse; but muffled for studio vocals.
actual_griffin
