Is a lavalier or a shotgun mic better for interviews?

For a seated interview in a reasonably quiet, controlled room, a boomed shotgun 18–24 inches from the subject sounds more natural. For moving subjects, run-and-gun shoots, or echoey untreated rooms, a lavalier is more consistent. Professional crews often record both and choose the better track in the edit.

What's the best interview microphone under $100?

The Rode Wireless Micro at $99 is the standout — two transmitters, a receiver, and a charging case at a price that used to buy a single-channel kit. If you'd rather avoid batteries and wireless entirely, the Rode VideoMic GO II ($99) on a stand near your subject is the wired alternative.

Do I need 32-bit float recording for interviews?

It isn't mandatory, but it's the single best insurance policy in modern wireless kits. With 32-bit float onboard recording — standard on the Rode Wireless GO (Gen 3) — a clipped level or an RF dropout on the camera track can be replaced with the transmitter's clean internal file in post.

Where exactly should a lav mic be clipped?

On the sternum, about 6–8 inches below the chin, with the cable looped once under the clip to isolate the capsule from tugs. Keep it clear of jacket edges, lanyards, and facial hair, and test for rustle while the subject moves and gestures, not while they sit still.

Gear

The Best Microphones for Video Interviews: Lav, Shotgun, or Wireless?

Lav, shotgun, or wireless kit? We break down what actually matters for interview audio, with real picks at $100, $300, and $800 — plus the placement technique that makes a $99 mic sound like a $500 one.

Josiah LoveJune 29, 20267 min read

The Best Microphones for Video Interviews: Lav, Shotgun, or Wireless?

Bad audio kills interviews faster than bad lighting ever will. Viewers forgive a slightly soft image; they close the tab the moment a voice sounds like it was recorded in a parking garage. After hundreds of interview shoots at our Dallas studio, here's the honest breakdown of the three mic types that matter — and exactly what to buy at $100, $300, and $800.

Lav vs. shotgun vs. wireless system: what each one actually does

These aren't three quality tiers — they're three different tools. A lavalier clips to the subject's shirt about a hand-width below the chin. Because it sits 6–8 inches from the mouth, it delivers consistent level no matter where the subject turns, and it forgives echoey rooms. The trade-offs: clothing rustle, a slightly

Budget	Pick	Type	Street price	Why it wins
$100	Rode Wireless Micro	Wireless lav kit (2 TX + RX)	$99	Two transmitters, charging case, GainAssist auto-leveling — absurd value since the price cut
$100	Rode VideoMic GO II	On-camera shotgun	$99	No battery to die mid-take; doubles as a USB mic for voiceover
$300	Rode Wireless GO (Gen 3)	Wireless system	$299	32-bit float onboard recording, 32 hours internal storage, locking connectors
$300	Sennheiser MKE 600	Boom shotgun	~$295–349	Broadcast-grade dialogue on a boom; runs on phantom or a single AA
$300	DJI Mic 3 (2 TX + 1 RX)	Wireless system	~$329	Transmitters are tiny, 28-hour system battery, dual-band 2.4/5.8 GHz anti-interference
$800	Sennheiser EW-DP ME2 set	UHF wireless lav	~$699–799	True UHF reliability and 134 dB dynamic range — what broadcast crews actually carry
$800	Rode NTG5 kit + boom + stand	Shotgun rig	~$485 kit + ~$150–250 support	Complete boom package that outperforms mics at twice the price

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The Best Microphones for Video Interviews: Lav, Shotgun, or Wireless?

Lav vs. shotgun vs. wireless system: what each one actually does

Real picks at three budgets

$100: one good channel, no excuses

$300: where interviews start sounding professional

$800: the tier where reliability is the product

Placement technique: the free upgrade most people skip

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Church Livestream Camera Setup: Real Builds at $1K, $3K, and $8K

The Working Videographer's Gear Checklist: What Earns Its Bag Space

Gimbal, Tripod, or Handheld? A Decision Framework by Shot Type

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Lav vs. shotgun vs. wireless system: what each one actually does

Real picks at three budgets

$100: one good channel, no excuses

$300: where interviews start sounding professional

$800: the tier where reliability is the product

Placement technique: the free upgrade most people skip

Two-person interviews: don't share a channel

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Keep reading

Church Livestream Camera Setup: Real Builds at $1K, $3K, and $8K

The Working Videographer's Gear Checklist: What Earns Its Bag Space

Gimbal, Tripod, or Handheld? A Decision Framework by Shot Type