( 15 reviews )
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Posted: Jun 7 2009
This proven mic has come down in price, while the one below it--the Sony DS70--has remained pretty much the same. For the extra 15 bucks, the Sony MS907 is easily worth the upgrade. The only advantage of the DS70 is not having to worry about having a fresh battery installed. The MS907 sounds fuller and richer, but frankly I did not judge it to be superior to the overall effect of the 4-point microphone that comes with the popular Zoom H-2. Whether or not you choose to use it in place of the onboard mic of a high-end personal audio recorder really comes down to a matter of personal taste. On the other hand, if you've picked up the new Zoom H-4n, this Sony stereo mic would be an excellent choice for complementing the onboard ones since the new Zoom allows for use of onboard and external mics simultaneously. As for recording to a software audio program on an iMac, that particular computer has an audio input that will accommodate the 3.5mm plug (but be aware that many computers do not have such an input--in that case, look at a USB mic such as those from Blue). Even with the right fit and a fresh battery, I found the MS907 to be somewhat underpowered for optimal results. It wasn't until I plugged it into an Onkyo preamp that I was satisfied. Again, I suspect that a mic with a USB connector would permit better gain levels with most computers. There are adequate mic amps on Amazon for $20-$40, capable of boosting your signal by 48 volts, or 60 dbs. A Mac user willing to spend a bit more should look at the MXL Signal Booster Amp for Mac Computers, which costs a bit more but saves you the bother of USB conversion. Finally, if you're trying to make professional announcements for radio use, etc., you'll soon discover that, unless you're incapable of puckering (which means you're not much of a kisser), the plosives ("p" sounds) will run away with everything you try to say. The only solutions I've found are to write scripts that are devoid of plosives (the "voiced" "b" phoneme is almost as much of an offender as the voiceless "p" phoneme) or to pick up a "pop filter." The latter are little more than 6" circles of cheese cloth costing $20-$30 each, but I'm about to give in and order one from Amazon. The last advice I'll offer is not to indulge in candy or a sweet soda while broadcasting. It'll thicken your saliva and make you sound like someone attempting to communicate with his dentist after being shot up with novocaine (or is it lidocaine, these days?)--in any case, it's sugar cane, and fuctose syrup, that will muck up your elocution, making your gums talk louder than your words.
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Posted: Jan 6 2009
I purchased this microphone to use with our canon video camera. We have used it to record several music recitals and band concerts and have been pleased with the audio quality.
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Posted: Nov 11 2008
I'm far from an expert on cammies and mics, but this is definately a great buy. I film concerts w/ a cammie that has an external mic output. This microphone has given me excellent results. Very, very clear sound. Have never gotten any hissing or cackling. Does a very good job at filtering out excess noise (i.e. people around you), and picks up the sounds of a concert well. You can also adjust how the mic picks up the audio. You can choose 90 degrees, which is basically straight ahead, or 180 degrees, which will pick up sounds from the side as well as straight ahead. A very good microphone, I highly recommend this item.
