Topic: looking for inexpensive mic for a camcorder that can handle high SPL

[MVALLO]

I am looking for an inexpensive small condenser stereo mic that can plug directly into a 1/8 stereo camcorder mic input, clip on to the camcorder and can handle high sound levels such a drums and PA system at close proximity.  The internal camcorder mics just get 100% distorted and this is making it very difficulty to sync with another audio source.
Sound quality is not important, low price is.  I am hoping there is something out there for $30-$40 range.

thanks!

[jeromejello]

ime, most mics that are going to rely on the camcorder to power it will be subjected to distortion in high spl situations.  the better the mic is powered, the better it will withstand distortion.

fwiw, i use the at897 and have been happy with it.

[crackmc]

^^what jjello said^^

unfortunately, $30-$40 will probably not get you anything that performs significantly better than the camera's onboard mic.

[MVALLO]

ime, most mics that are going to rely on the camcorder to power it will be subjected to distortion in high spl situations.  the better the mic is powered, the better it will withstand distortion.

fwiw, i use the at897 and have been happy with it.

they are too big for my application, thanks

[MVALLO]

What I might need is a single dynamic Lavalier Mic.  I can just feed the mono mic signal into the stereo input with right adapter.   High spl of this type might be hard to find.
still looking...

[John Willett]

What I might need is a single dynamic Lavalier Mic.  I can just feed the mono mic signal into the stereo input with right adapter.   High spl of this type might be hard to find.
still looking...

Dynamic lavalier mics dont exist anymore - they were very latge and heavy and were replaced by miniature electret condenser mics many years ago.

Your budget is so low that anything at that price is likely to be worse than the camera's mics.

You ought to be budgeting more in the $300 range.

At that level the new MKE 400 may suit you.

There is an interactive micro-site that give a lot of info HERE.

I hope this helps.
 

[Arni99]

Try using a -20dB attenuator cable between your external mic and the camcorders mic-input.
http://microphonemadness.com/products/mmatatcab.htm

A 30-40$ mic which can handle high SPL? Don´t think you´ll find one.
The "Sony ECM-719" mic is very insensitive. I used this one for recording loud amplified rock shows in big arenas on my former MD-recorder´s MIC-in without a overload/distortion problems which MD-preamps are known for using MIC-IN.
You can clip it to your shirt.
The sound was acceptable.

[stantheman1976]

You're basically trying to make a diamond out of cubic zirconia(sp?).  A mono lavalier mic will not sound good for music recording.  A lavalier mic is meant to hook to a person speaking for clear voice pick up.  For $40 you are not going to find a mic to do what you want.  The Sony MS-XXX mics are fairly priced and can handle higher SPL levels.  They are good budget solutions for improved audio.