Test / Review: Microphone BOYA BY-SM80


test-Avis-appreciation-critique-review-1

SLR type cameras are more powerful and solicited for video. Some high-end models are even used for feature films. The quality of the image is indeed ideal for the video. However, a problem is recurring in many devices that allow filming: the sound quality! Indeed, with a hole in the hull acting as a microphone, the quality is poor, the slightest breeze creates noise and every noise like cars, etc… become quickly distracting. An additional microphone is more than necessary, whether for videos, vacation, short amateur films or even videos on the internet. The sound quality is very important, often even larger than the image. For a first step into the world of microphones for SLR (but which can also be used with PC and other equipment with a microphone jack) I turned towards the Microphone BOYA BY SM80. Indeed, it is rather cheap, in a medium where you can quickly climb to 200-300 euros with some professional brands. See the quality of this set Microphone.  

First of all the contents of the box.

IMGP8895_DxO

We have heard the BY-SM80 microphone. A Jack cable to connect the microphone to the recorder (SLR or other) a mono earphone that allows listening in real time a windscreen to protect sound parasites related to wind a small carrying case a manual in English (but easy to) includes with schematics)  

The microphone specifications

  • Frequency response: 35-20, 000HZ +/-3dB
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: 78dB or more
  • Sensitivity:-33dB +/-1 dB / 0 dB = 1V / Pa, 1 kHz
  • Output impedance: 200 ohms or less
  • Headphones Impedance: 32 ohm / 65 MW
  • Housing: ABS Construction
  • Power supply: 2 x AAA batteries
  • Size: 95mm x 55mm x 50mm
  • Weight without batteries: 78g

  This microphone is very light and compact enough, so well suited to use on a DSLR. I tried it on my Pentax K5 – II and I have to say that for the grip which is fast and the low weight and size, it doesn’t interfere with the handling of the reflex. Here’s what looks like with and without windshield mounting. P1260695 P1260698 Also note that under the microphone is located a 1/4 tripod screw step, this allows to fix it on tripod or magic arm for example instead of the flash shoe. But provide another cable jack if you want away camera more than 30cm. However, this configuration is not very common. The microphone is also isolated from its attachment by a rubber element which allows to avoid vibration and therefore parasites audio that may result. Its uptake of the sound is stereo in X, Y with the possibility to move the direction 90 ° and 120 ° of capsules, making it flexible enough for its use, you want to rather do an interview avoiding noise to the surrounding or use it to capture a mood on 120 degrees. At the back we find 3 buttons, which makes it simple to use, no need to have expertise in audio, and rendering settings can be directly heard with headset plugged into the microphone. 61BXEebSdwL._SL1200_ The left button is for the high-pass filter (80 Hz) it means that it allows to reduce the bass in the audio output signal. This allows for a more natural sound, without the nuisance of the bass. The middle button is the button ON / OFF, a green led as light on, if the LED is red it is time to change the batteries. The right button is there to reduce the saturation of the recorded signal (-10dB). This allows, when there is a loud sound to transmit a signal of good quality because the sensor is not saturated. The nuances of the sound are then stored instead of having a linear note which appears during saturation. When that bending to finish on the audio quality in itself (video ci underneath to illustrate). I must say that the quality/price ratio is very good. It’s an affordable microphone, especially if one starts in the video. And the record is far better than the micro base, even the top range cameras. In the following video we hear several points:

  • Permanent parasitic noise of the origin of the camera microphone is permanent (even in no wind indoors) while for the BY-SM80 BOYA this same noise is virtually zero.
  • With the microphone of the SLR, the sound heard if we talk in front of or behind is strictly the same, with the BY-SM80 BOYA rear sound is very muffled to allow a better front sound quality recording (by minimizing pests type car that passes etc…)
  • Unsurprisingly the two microphones bare behave similarly in the presence of wind (in the video the wind is simulated by a strong blast on my part at 20cm right away on the microphone from the front), however with the presence of the windscreen wind is totally deleted e of the noise. Capture outdoors is so much better with the BY-SM80 BOYA as with any built-in microphone that has no foam or windscreen.

 

Conclusion

To conclude, I would say that this BY-SM80 microphone is a very good microphone to start, and amateur work. He has a good value that is between 50 and 60 euros, is rather versatile, fits quite a situation, and is enough as long as we have a business needs with microphones of a price range that exceeds the 150-200 euros. Personally me will be sufficient for many years! You can find it on Amazon at this address: http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B00RFN9SBC/   test-Avis-appreciation-critique-review-2

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *