Description
The SMX-15 Powered Shotgun Video Microphone 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 an SGM-250P, and is capable of capturing broadcast quality sound. The acoustically tuned slots of the shotgun barrel give the SMX-15 it’s super-cardioid polar pattern which allows you to focus on sound in front of the camera, while reducing 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. And DSLRs are notoriously known to have low-quality microphone preamps that add noise to the video soundtrack when the gain is turned up. That’s why Azden designed the SMX-15 with a +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 -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’s 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). Ever leave 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 camera motor and handling noise. The mount is designed to fit the standard camera shoe and comes with a ¼”-20 thread at the bottom for mounting to boom poles and other camera accessories.
Doug –
Verified Buyer @ B&H
I am very pleased with the Azden SMX-15. I chose it over the SMX-30 since it is slightly smaller and I did not expect to need the stereo feature the -30 has. Love the auto feature that detects when the camera is on.
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Justin –
Verified Buyer @ B&H
Way better than the three Rode Mics that broke on me. Very intuitive.
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Joseph –
Verified Buyer @ B&H
This was my first microphone away from rode and it was a good move. The build quality is good, it functions properly and price isn’t too bad. Only thing is the microphone does hit your eye if you’re using EVF but no other complaints
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Charles –
Verified Buyer @ B&H
Could not be easier to use… especially set on auto … one less thing to remember turning it on and off… Used it at a party setting last night and I was bouncing back between normal and -10bd going from indoors and outdoors… I think I will add some bass in post to give it a more pleasing sound at least for my ear…
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