Vado HD - Which External Microphone Should I Choose?

One of the incredible things about Vado is the ability to use an external microphone. We have received a lot of questions from on our Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages asking which external microphone to choose. What ever your choice, make sure it has a 1/8 inch stereo jack (same spec needed for both microphones and earphones used in personal playback mode).

If you want a quick and easy attachment, I suggest one that fits close to the top of Vado like the Sony ECM-DS70P Electret Condenser Stereo Microphone http://www.amazon.com/Sony-ECM-DS70P-Electret-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B00006H...

If you are doing interview style videos, look for a lapel style mic. We use Audio-Technica ATR-35S Lavalier Microphone http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR-35S-Lavalier-Microphone/dp/B00006I51...

We also have an Audio-Technica PRO24CM Stereo Microphone which we use for filming music performances and interviews in loud settings (like music festivals and concerts) http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-PRO24CM-Stereo-Microphone-Camera/dp/B001...

This How To Guide was shot entirely on Vado HD. For more information, and to purchase Vado: http://us.store.creative.com/Vado-HD-3rd-Generation-Black/M/B002P3N1J2.htm

Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CreativeVado

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[wearecreativelabs]

Hello Robert. Try recording your videos without the external mics to see if it is the Vado that is making that noise. If not, are you recording outdoors where there is a lot of wind? That may be a cause as to why it's making a hiss noise. -Kristen

[LordReserei01]

Anyone know of a usb to headphone jack adapter?

I'm thinking of getting the Vado HD 3rd Gen and I have a Samson GoMic USB (condenser).

[wearecreativelabs]

@LordReserei01 You can search on Amazon "USB to headphone jack adapter" I just got a bunch of options to choose from, but for some reason it won't let me copy and paste the link here. They probably think it's spam. =)

[OnyxCreativeGroup]

Thanks for the video! We are looking into purchasing an HD pocket cam, and my first concern was about the mic capabilities. Great to see some mic solutions!

Can you adjust the audio gain on the Vado 3rd Gen?

-Sarah aka DVDiva

[wearecreativelabs]

@OnyxCreativeGroup There is no option to adjust the audio gain on the Gen 3 Vado HD. The external mics will help you gain more sound, block out unwanted noises, etc.

[johntsingis]

Creative Labs should make their own version of the Sony ECM-DS70P 'cause that t-shaped mic looks GREAT, especially for the Vado's on-top mic port placement. A good external mic is just high-end condenser mics in a nice wrapper...isn't it? Or Creative can contract the Zoom Q3 ppl to make one for them. I just ordered a Vado HD 3rd gen and there are too many counterfeit Sony ECM-DS70P mics out there to order one. Would love to buy a similar t-shaped mic, even if it required 2AAA, or something.

[wearecreativelabs]

@johntsingis Thank you for the suggestion. We will definitely keep that in mind for the future.

[Rossdrum97]

I was wondering, do you think the video lags at all? I'm hoping to record my drums and use mics and stuff, although i'm worried the camera might lag, and delay? Please help :)

[theatrequeen614]

I bought a Vado HD to film my scenes in my acting class for personal study, but I've found that I DEFINITELY need an external mic to pick up the dialogue better. I can barely hear anything when I play them back on my computer. The camera is held about 8 feet from where I perform...at the farthest. It's for personal study, so it doesn't have to be perfect clarity, but it absolutely has to be audible on the computer playback...and I cannot be attached to the camera. Which mic would you suggest?

[roypoh2000]

how about condenser mic like the AT2020 and AT2035? how to conenect that to the vado

[KeeGeeh]

I'm thinking of purchasing this but I've heard the audio quality isn't that good. Are there any good quality but affordable mics that I can put on to it so it can handle the sound of music instruments etc?

[TheJackpotMaster]

Thumbs up if you clicked on the video just to check if the chick was as pretty as you thought! (actually she is!)

[LocalBandTV]

All the band vids on my channel with the Zi8 are useing the 5 buck Sony ECM-DS70P. The trick is go into settings of the camera and turn the volume all the way down before you record a band. You have to reset it if you turn the camera off or the volume will go back to full. I have the Vado also and the mic works well with it but I have never found a Volume level on the Vado over 95 db it will distort, at a loud concert the Vado will distort

[RileyELFuk]

The FAQ says that it can't use mics that have their own power, but you show one as an example? I've tried a couple of dynamic lapel mics (a Panasonic and one that came with an old mp3 player, but the sound recorded is almost non-existent, and boosting the sound in post, you get mainly hiss.

[stymye]

where is the internal mic located ? I have the original vado HD but lost the box...duh

[kurtees100]

what camera and audio do you use for this?

[ronniesblogtv]

@ronniesblogtv apparently the Sony ECM-DS70p as shown in this video isn't actually compatible with the Vado !