Azden SMX-15 Powered Shotgun Video Microphone with Super-Cardioid Polar Pattern (Black)

The Azden SMX-15 Powered Shotgun Video Microphone in Black was engineered to produce excellent sound quality for video recorded by DSLR and other compact cameras. The microphone element is the same used by Azden’s professional shotgun microphones, the SGM-250 and SGM-250P, and captures broadcast-quality sound. The acoustically tuned slots of the shotgun barrel give the SMX-15 its super-cardioid polar pattern which allows you to focus on sound in front of the camera while reducing the capture of extraneous noise from the rest of the environment.
Gain Control
The audio controls on DSLR cameras are limited if they exist at all. DSLRs are notoriously known to have low-quality microphone preamps that add noise to the video soundtrack when the gain is turned up. That is why Azden designed the SMX-15 with a plus 20dB gain booster, so you can get a strong, clean audio signal into your camera, minimizing the need to turn up the noisy preamp. Also included is a minus 10dB pad to protect against distortion when recording in loud environments such as live concerts and motorsport events.
Frequency Response
The SMX-15 has a wide frequency response ranging from 40Hz to 20kHz, so the audio you capture will sound full and natural. Additionally, a low-cut filter switch is included for reducing the level of low frequencies below 120Hz, which is especially useful for mitigating noise caused by air conditioners, wind, and traffic.
Power
The SMX-15 is powered by two AA batteries - a lower-cost option than the 9V battery that is used in some competitor microphones. The SMX-15 can achieve 24 hours of operation with a single set of batteries with absolutely no degradation of sound quality. The battery indicator LED light lets you know when it is time to change batteries with up to a 1-hour warning. Maximize battery life by using the unique ‘Auto’ power setting. When set to Auto, the SMX-15 can detect when a camera is on and will automatically power on and off with the camera (requires a mic input that provides plug-in power). You must have left your microphone on by accident to discover that the batteries are dead the next time you try to use it. Eliminate that possibility by always leaving the SMX-15 in ‘Auto’ mode.
Integrated Shock Absorbing Shoe Mount
Integrated into the design of the SMX-15 is a custom-made, shock-absorbing shoe mount to isolate the microphone from the camera motor and handling noise. The mount is designed to fit the standard camera shoe and comes with a 1/4-inch-20 thread at the bottom for mounting to boom poles and other camera accessories.