Azden SGM-PDII Review
Short Shotgun Microphone
- For Indie Films, TV & Documentaries
- Mounts on Broadcast and Prosumer Cameras
- 48V Phantom Powered
- High Sensitivity and Low Noise
- 80 Hz to 18 kHz Frequency Response
- 120 dB Maximum SPL
- Hardwired XLR Output Cable (13")
- Foam Windscreen Reduces Wind Noise
- Includes Vibration-Inhibiting Shockmount
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 71 Reviews
Not bad for the price tag.
Azden SGM-PDII Short Shotgun Microphone with Hardwired XLR Cable
Reviewed by richardls on B&H Photo Video
I use this on my video camera to capture natural sound in addition to using a lav mic on a subject. I love this mic, because for what I do, it is nice to have a cable built into the mic so I am not hauling another one around with me. I have a shock mount on my camera so I haven't used the one that comes in the kit, so I have no info on that. The flip side is, you are getting what you pay for. It is not the best quality ever, and I would not put it on a boom pole to record someone's audio. For run and gun though, and if you don't have a lot of cash to throw around, it is not a bad buy. Also, the mic require that you use phantom power, there is no provision for using a AA and there are no filter options on it for low or high pass. Again, you get what you pay for. I would still recommend this to a friend because it is reliable and sturdy. My only quibble is that it doesn't have some of the feature of the more expensive microphones out there. But its not like that is hidden, its just something to think hard about. ... More
Excellent
Azden SGM-PDII Short Shotgun Microphone with Hardwired XLR Cable
Reviewed by kmk802 on B&H Photo Video
I am a freelance filmmaker and use this mic on every job. Once and a while I find myself in less than ideal audio situations and can't believe how great the audio turned out despite the wind, air conditioner, background noise, etc... The quality is excellent and the price is even better. Recently I shot side by side with another filmmaker who had a MUCH more expensive shotgun mic on his camera. I edited the footage together and the quality difference was outrageous, mine was SIGNIFICANTLY clearer, I couldn't believe it. He had picked up every little background noise and a general background buzz. Mine was crystal clear. I have used this for a variety of projects; web videos, short films, commercials, promos, etc...Don't fall for the sales pitch that I almost did. I was close to breaking the bank for a mic twice the price...so glad I didn't. My next purchase is 2 Azden wireless lavs, I trust the quality completely. ... More
Amazing Sound
Azden SGM-PDII Short Shotgun Microphone with Hardwired XLR Cable
Reviewed by Kris on B&H Photo Video
First, I have to say I don't have another shotgun to compare this to, nor experience with shotgun mics in general-- this is my first one, but for the size (short), weight (light), and sound quality (excellent), IMO it's a five-star. I looked at several others on-line, and this one seemed the best combination for the price, especially since it's short enough to not interfere/appear in my small camera's (XA10) lens. BTW one thing I wasn't sure about at first was that the cord is permanently attached to the mic itself-- I thought I wouldn't like that since if something goes wrong with the connection, I couldn't swap out another XLR cable myself. That might be an issue down the line (only time will tell), but on the plus side it does allow the mic to be even more compact and judging from the initial build quality (high) I don't think it will be a problem later either. Overall, highly recommended, especially for use on Canon XA10. ... More
Serious disappointment
Azden SGM-PDII Short Shotgun Microphone with Hardwired XLR Cable
Reviewed by Rudy on B&H Photo Video
I originally had a Canon Vixia HF21 consumer video camera with a Canon DM50 directional microphone. I decided to move up and purchased a Canon XF105 video camera and bought the SGM-PGII microphone because of its shorter length. When I tried this microphone I realized that I had taken a serious step DOWN over the DM50 I used on my Vixia. The tone was flat sounding and the microphone seems to pick up all kinds of ambient sounds. Considering the money I paid, this mic was a serious disappointment. I talke to a B&H sales rep and they suggested a Rode NTG2. I bought that and will conduct tests on it shortly. ... More
Performs above expectations.
Azden SGM-PDII Short Shotgun Microphone with Hardwired XLR Cable
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I bought this Shotgun mic the day before a trip to Africa for videotaping landscapes, wildlife and conducting interviews. About me: I'm new to the world of video, so keep that in mind when reading this review. The shotgun mic sound quality is excellent, and directional sound pickup is great. It mounted solidly on my Canon XHG1, and was a plug-in-and-go solution for me. I'm impressed that it's got a little shock absorption section as part of the mount to help curb vibration. I'd encourage anyone (especially first-timers who are looking for a simple, high quality audio setup) to go with this mic. ... More
Ads
Good quality shotgun microphone
Azden SGM-PDII Short Shotgun Microphone with Hardwired XLR Cable
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Am using this shotgun on my Panasonic DX100 camera in the field, and it seems to work very well. I used it in a wind storm with the supplied wind screen and it worked very well. The pick-up range is about 10-15 ft before it rolls off. It's a much better mic for interviews than the camera mic.
One of the better mic's on the market!
Azden SGM-PDII Short Shotgun Microphone with Hardwired XLR Cable
Reviewed by Ase Mosley on B&H Photo Video
There's really nothing bad to say about this microphone. Considering the price range of other mic's that B&H has to offer, is a reasonable price. I have a Cannon camcorder XA 10 into a certain degree and has been quite difficult to find a microphone for a reasonable price. I needed a Saigon microphone to wooden stick out over the camera lens getting in the way of every shot. One thing I've lear What sold me on this microphone the most, are the people. Why? Reviews means everything when it comes to purchasing plate products. The only reason I'm doing it for stars, because of the customer service. The customer service representative that I've spoke to over the phone was a very ill mannered. Just like business, great customer service is were you find it! ... More
Great Sound
Azden SGM-PDII Short Shotgun Microphone with Hardwired XLR Cable
Reviewed by Chris the Movieguy on B&H Photo Video
I love the quality of sound. Picks up the slightest noise in the room. However that can be a problem if room is not completely silent. Voices sound natural and other sounds come through crystal clear.
Great sound at a great price
Azden SGM-PDII Short Shotgun Microphone with Hardwired XLR Cable
Reviewed by Focused Video on B&H Photo Video
I bought this to go with a DVX100 and wanted something to improve the sound without breaking the bank. I have used the mic a few times now and am very please with the sound. It is compact and easy to use too. I was also please with the clamp mounts that are design to help absorb vibrations. And the windscreen that was included was adequate as well. The device seems overall well thought out and reliable.
Great addition
Azden SGM-PDII Short Shotgun Microphone with Hardwired XLR Cable
Reviewed by Ray on B&H Photo Video
I have some older video equipment (yes I know, I need to upgrade) and because of this I have not always had reliable sound recordings. I create content for non-profits and community service work. The sound has been an easy fix in the past because I've added music and some prerecorded conversations. We are now completing conferences and I needed to ensure that the sound quality is acceptable. This product saved me a lot of heartache and was worth the purchase.
Works well.
Azden SGM-PDII Short Shotgun Microphone with Hardwired XLR Cable
Reviewed by Christine on B&H Photo Video
I bought this microphone for my Canon XHA1 because it had a compact design. The microphone comes with rubber spacers which are needed with the specific camera I use. The microphone is very sensitive and picks up every sound in the environment. This is a quality microphone for the price and works well when you need a compact microphone and short XLR cable. I would buy this product again and recommend to a friend.
Great Microphone
Azden SGM-PDII Short Shotgun Microphone with Hardwired XLR Cable
Reviewed by Call Sign Vector on B&H Photo Video
I chose this mic as a stop gap between my existing on camera mic and a new full service shotgun mic. This seems to be exceeding my expectations and has made the purchase of a more expensive microphone redundant. Great sound quality and small enough to be a great on camera microphone as well as a full service shot gun mic for my boom pole. Works great for on camera voxies as well.
Good Little Microphone
Azden SGM-PDII Short Shotgun Microphone with Hardwired XLR Cable
Reviewed by FriarTuck00 on B&H Photo Video
Our school bought this shotgun mic to use with our Canon XA10 and with a little rigging, it fits in the clamp and works great. The mic wouldn't fit in the mic clamp, as it was too thin. I had to take the two rubber pieces off the shoe that was included and place them on top and under the mic as I placed it in the mic clamp. Now it fits great.
Works Great
Azden SGM-PDII Short Shotgun Microphone with Hardwired XLR Cable
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Works great with my XA10 camera. It was smaller in diameter then the external mic holder on my XA10 but it came with a rubber spacer that made it fit.
Great Sound At An Affordable Price
Azden SGM-PDII Short Shotgun Microphone with Hardwired XLR Cable
Reviewed by JJRUPP Promotions on B&H Photo Video
I purchased this Microphone to use for the interviews I conduct for my show Inside The Artist and I'm very satisfied. The sound quality was perfect especially since I do most of my interviews in a large area or venue. I liked how it surpressed the outside noise and concentrated on the direct audio in front of the mic. I highly recommend this item.
Good, not Great Microphone
Azden SGM-PDII Short Shotgun Microphone with Hardwired XLR Cable
Reviewed by Jake Boss on B&H Photo Video
I use this microphone mostly for videography. It's very compact and fits in my camera bag, which is helpful. Plus, it's nice and cheap. The only issue is that you start hearing some white noise if you boost the volume a certain amount in post. This is the case with any mic, but it seemed to happen a little more often with this one. Still, a very good mic for the money.
Everything I hoped for.
Azden SGM-PDII Short Shotgun Microphone with Hardwired XLR Cable
Reviewed by Michael G. on B&H Photo Video
I use this with my Panasonic AG-HMC40. It is a real upgrade from the on board microphone, and also a big improvement over the Rode VideoMic I have been using. There is a noticable improvement in the quality of the sound I'm getting.
Excellent Product
Azden SGM-PDII Short Shotgun Microphone with Hardwired XLR Cable
Reviewed by Exit9 on B&H Photo Video
Use in a theater environment and on the road for interviews. Great on-cam Mic for my Panasonic AG-dvx100b. Clear sound, direct pick-up no his and nice and compact
great shotgun microphone
Azden SGM-PDII Short Shotgun Microphone with Hardwired XLR Cable
Reviewed by Bob Troop Supporter on B&H Photo Video
We are using this Shotgun Microphone on the Camcorder and also as a hand held mike as we interview troops and civilians in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan. This Shotgun Mike is much better than what we had on our last camcorder. The sound is great and will be much better on our youtube and facebook pages and on the videos we upload onto other sites for people to watch and listen.
Excellent choice, great sound for the price
Azden SGM-PDII Short Shotgun Microphone with Hardwired XLR Cable
Reviewed by andres on B&H Photo Video
I've been using this microphone on a Canon C100 and a Sony PXW-X70 and works great. It doesn't get in frame with the Sony considering the size of the camera. But of course, the sound, it's great sound, pure and with great rejection, perfect for short interviews and picking the sound in front of the camera. Anyway, i'd love to have a better way to mount it in the microphone mount, like o-rings or something
