Azden SMX-30 Review
Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Microphone
- Stereo and Mono Recording Modes
- 120 Hz Low-Cut Filter
- -10, 0, and +20 dB Level Adjustment
- 3.5mm TRS Output
- Includes Foam Windscreen & Carry Pouch
- Integrated Shockmount
- Operates on Two AA Batteries
- 40 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency Response
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 1,530 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Azden SMX-30. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Azden SMX-30. For example, 90% of 46 users who have commented on the Sound quality of the Azden SMX-30 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 21 to 40 of 49 Reviews
+20dB gives great clean recordings
Azden SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Mic & Furry Windshield Cover Kit
Reviewed by Victor on B&H Photo Video
WOW, what a great, versitile mic. I love that you can switch from stereo to shotgun on the fly. Turn off your in camera recording gain and set the Azden SMX30 to +20dB for amazing, clean recordings. Investing in the furry wind screen gives great quality even on on a windy day.
Highly recommend
Azden SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Microphone
Reviewed by Paul on B&H Photo Video
Better than anticipated. Amaing range and sound quality. The ability to switch to stereo w/o changing the mic is exemplary and the filter settings work well to. Saved us us form upgrading the cam that would take two remote lav mics.
Great, affordable mic!
Azden SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Microphone
Reviewed by Jacquelyn Ann on B&H Photo Video
I upgraded to a Canon 6D Mii and was super disappointed with the in-camera mic audio quality (recorded in a quiet room with the camera 6 feet from the speaker). So, I was on a mission to find a better mic. The B&H customer service rep highly recommended this mic and I am not disappointed. The audio quality is leaps and bounds above the quality of the in-camera mic and I consider this purchase money well spent. When recording dialogue in a quiet, outdoor setting with the mic mounted on the camera 6 feet from the speaker, the difference in sound quality in mono vs stereo with the low pass filter off and the gain set at neutral (zero) was barely perceptible. Please note that I am a photographer at heart, I am producing videos for personal use only, and I have no other experience with external mics. ... More
Great combo-mic, excellent stereo sound.
Azden SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Mic & Furry Windshield Cover Kit
Reviewed by William on B&H Photo Video
The sound quality of both the Stereo and Mono features of this mic are top-notch whether recording inside or outside. The Stereo mode is great if you want to pick up ambient sound or capture natural sounds like birds, rain or thunder. The Mono mode is good for on-camera voice recording or vlogging. Replaceable batteries are a big plus but the +/- symbols in the battery compartment are almost impossible to read so be careful when replacing the batteries. The other not-so-great feature is the integrated cable. The cable is just long enough to plug in when the mic is mounted on the camera, if you need to remote mount the mic you will need a separate extension cable. This would be a five-star rating if there was a removable cable AND readable +/- indicators on the battery door. ... More
Powerful
Azden SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Microphone
Reviewed by Suneel on B&H Photo Video
Great a must have!!!
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Great Value
Azden SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Microphone
Reviewed by Brent on B&H Photo Video
Extremely happy with the purchase of this mic. After reading all the reviews and watching on line videos, they were right on the money. This microphone is so sensitive that it picked up the sounds of one putting their lips together while talking. I had to give away the video of a basketball game I recently shot due to inadvertently shutting off the mic on my camera while waiting for the next game to start. The auto feature works great-will not make that mistake again. Going to use this mic as a voice over mic as well. Far better than my Rode for less money. ... More
Great mic for the price.
Azden SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Microphone
Reviewed by Michael on B&H Photo Video
Bought this to record sunrises at the beach. It has exceeded my expectations.
Revised with removable 3.5mm cable!
Azden SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Mic & Furry Windshield Cover Kit
Reviewed by Thomas on B&H Photo Video
Initially, I was expecting to buy 3 mics: shotgun, stereo, and usb mic. Now I can accomplish what I need to do with one lightweight mic. The stereo mic sounds great, even slightly better than the Zoom H1. I don't have much experience with shotgun mics but it sounds better than the Rode video mic. I also bought a 3.5mm trrs splitter and can now use the mic on my computer so this eliminates the need for a heavy USB mic. The one drawback is that a computer's mic input is mono so it won't record in stereo mode. Also I don't know when the removable 3.5mm cable revision occurred because it doesn't seem to be advertised anywhere but I'm impressed with this Azden SMX-30. Thanks B&H ... More
Versatile microphone
Azden SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Microphone
Reviewed by Jerry on B&H Photo Video
The AzdenSMX-30 Stereo/Mono microphone is 2 mikes in one. It can handle a person speaking, using the mono setting from straight on, and also capture sounds in the wilderness in stereo. I haven't tested the stereo yet, but the mono is very good. You can hear the person speaking clearly, even in a noisy street setting.
Fantastic Audio Quality
Azden SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Mic & Furry Windshield Cover Kit
Reviewed by Paul on B&H Photo Video
Anyone that desires quality stereo audio in their videos, this mic is a godsend. My video shoots are nature videos, and the stereo quality I get from this mic adds a lot more immersion to my videos. With the switch of a button, I can go into shotgun mic mode, which picks up sound great. Pleased with both the stereo and mono quality of this mic.
Great features and good sound
Azden SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Mic & Furry Windshield Cover Kit
Reviewed by Leander on B&H Photo Video
Used the Azden SMX-30 with a Panazonic FZ1000M2 on a trip to Europe where video was mostly outdoors in mostly congested places...this microphone did a stellar job. Being able to set audio up or down depending on the situation was a great plus, and having the microphone se to automatically turn on and off with the camera really saved on battery life. Also having stereo and mono in one microphone system allowed changing to whichever worked best for the situation as simple as flipping a switch. I couldn't be more pleased and would recommend this microphone to anyone.
Great Mic for Run n Gun
Azden SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Microphone
Reviewed by Kristopher on B&H Photo Video
This is a perfect little mic for a videographer who uses DSLR and mirrorless cameras for their content gathering. I used it with a Sony A7III and an older Canon 60D. My shoot was outside at a hockey tournament, and the wind was really blowing. I used the Azden SWS-30 Furry Windshield, and it worked great. I switched on the low end frequency filter and got rid of the rumbling that was still making it's way through the windscreen. Audio turned out wonderful. I highly recommend this microphone.
No audible difference
Azden SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Microphone
Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video
I tried recording voice on my Sony A7r3 using every setting on this microphone and didn't get more sound volume no matter what I did compared to the record level using my camera's mic. I followed the directions on both the microphone and the camera menu. I guess I will get a lavalier mic. I presume I am doing something wrong but a microphone should be a simple affair. I have done audio recording for over 40 years.
Does the job well!
Azden SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Mic & Furry Windshield Cover Kit
Reviewed by Peter on B&H Photo Video
After many years of using the onboard terrible mics on cameras, I decided to invest in a real tool for the job. The stereo/directional combo was unique out of all the quality mics out there and made this a no brainer for me. I tested this mic at the racetrack and I'm very happy with how it reproduced some very loud engine sounds. Put on headphones to get the best effect. https://youtu.be/CkSll8JnJn8
Super versatile mic
Azden SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Mic & Furry Windshield Cover Kit
Reviewed by Bryce on B&H Photo Video
I've used this mic now as an on camera mic for my GH4 for about 5 years. Just started using it on my new GH6. The sound quality is fantastic. Super versatile being able to change from stereo to mono without needing to change mics. Nice to not to have to use my XLR shotgun and stereo mics. This thing is super light, super compact, and sounds great!
Great Audio in Tough Conditions
Azden SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Mic & Furry Windshield Cover Kit
Reviewed by Josh on B&H Photo Video
I've had this mic for almost 4 years now and I've always been pleasantly surprised by the audio. It isn't the quality you would get from a dedicated shotgun mic, but for an on-camera mic I have been super impressed. In situations with lots of background noise where I thought the audio would be unusable, it almost always comes through with a great sound and clear vocals.
Perfect Choice for Recording Piano
Azden SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Microphone
Reviewed by Lee on B&H Photo Video
I chose this mic upon the advice of a B&H audio expert. I couldn't be happier with the results I've gotten recording a 9' concert grand Steinway.
professional sound quality
Azden SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Microphone
Reviewed by Joseph on B&H Photo Video
this mic is wonderful and can handle LOUD to SOFT environments with great fidelity and precision, great design and build my fav. go to mic for all my shoots
Quality not that great as reviews made me believe
Azden SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Microphone
Reviewed by Louis on B&H Photo Video
I don't like this microphone at all. I used it for a skit and did multiple tests with it and it just wasn't doing what I needed it to do. The audio of my g85 was better than this. You only get the most if you're extremely close to the mic the entire time.
Nice to have stereo and mono
Azden SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Mic & Furry Windshield Cover Kit
Reviewed by Julie on B&H Photo Video
Overall I really like this mic and the stereo/mono feature. I am still working on finding its sweet spot for distance and mic amp ratio. The audio without the +20 dB seems lower than I expected. I've already shot a few videos with it and I like the quality of the sound once I amplify it in post.
