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Should You Use An External Microphone?
Many of us spend time looking at megapixel counts, stabilization features, autofocus reliability, etc. However, looking at audio specs is usually not top of mind. Most built-in camera or phone microphones are pretty lacking in terms of audio functionality. Audio that is recorded tends to sound a bit muddy or even tinny.
Using an external microphone will improve the audio that your camera or phone can record, as well as giving you some more audio adjustments usually built into the external microphone hardware.
This review is on the Synco M3 microphone. This is not a brand I was familiar with like some of the more prominent companies such as Rode or Deity, but I am always curious to try new tech, so let’s get started.
Technical Specs
✅ Cardioid Microphone
✅ Frequency Response: 30Hz – 20 kHz
✅ Signal to Noise Ratio: 78dB
✅ Power Requirements: 2 – AAA Batteries
✅ Gain Adjustment: -10, 0, +10
✅ High-Pass Filter: 100Hz
✅ Audio Connector Input: TRS or TRRS cable
✅ Mic Weight: 52 grams
✅ Mic Dimensions: 7 inches long by 1¼ inches wide
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Package Contents & Build Quality
In the package, you get the microphone unit with a built-in foam windscreen, a hard plastic shock mount, a 3.5 mm TRS camera cable, a 3.5 mm TRRS cellphone or laptop cable, a carrying pouch and a user manual.
Synco M3 Mic Setup & Features
Microphone Unit
The microphone is a cardioid microphone, which tries to capture audio from the direction that the mic is pointed towards. This type of microphone is best for reducing noise or background sounds emanating from the mic’s side.
The microphone unit can be separated from the shock mount if needed by sliding the mount off. The microphone has an all-plastic build, so this will not be durable for certain environments or heavy-use applications. However, this is a good option for light-weight setups since you barely notice any added weight after adding the microphone. The mic also has an LED light that is continuously lit to let you know that it is powered on, which is such a simple feature but was missing from my old Takstar SGC-698 mic.
Mounting Options
The Synco M3 mic can be mounted to your camera through the cold-shoe mount after you attach the included rigid plastic shock mount (the mount is removable). I was also able to mount the microphone to my cellphone by connecting it using a cellphone holder. Keep in mind that the shock mount is made entirely of hard plastic, so I doubt it will do much to absorb impacts or bumps. However, if you are going to set the camera or phone on a tripod, there will be no issue. The cold-shoe mount’s underside also allows for a 1/4″ female screw adapter, which is included if you want to attach the microphone off-camera to a tripod or extension arm.
Audio Adjustments & Inputs
The microphone’s top has a button to control the gain adjustment and a button to turn the high pass filter on or off. Gain adjustments can be made in increments of -10, 0 and +10 dB. There is also a high-pass filter button to turn this feature on or off. The back of the microphone allows you to plug in either a TRS cable to use with your camera or a TRRS cable for use with a cellphone or laptop. There is also a 3.5 mm headphone jack, which can be used to monitor audio.
Battery Life
The microphone is rated for 30 to 50 hours of life if no audio monitoring is used. If you are monitoring audio, then expect around 10 hours of battery life.
Audio Testing
I tested the microphone using the -10, 0 and +10 gain adjustments, which can be found in my YouTube video here. The video starts at 3:49, which is for the tests indicated above: https://youtu.be/4Rw0jkUoxzg?t=229
I also performed a test comparing the audio from my cellphone’s built-in microphone and the Synco M3 mic, which can be found here: https://youtu.be/4Rw0jkUoxzg?t=317
These are not technical audio tests in any sense. They are just to give you an idea of the audio performance I experienced while using the microphone.
Please keep in mind that some phones or cameras will automatically add audio adjustments to enhance the audio, so your results may vary.
Summing Up
The Synco M3 mic is a great option if you are looking for good audio without paying mainstream prices. This is great for making YouTube videos or tutorial videos. Due to the all-plastic build quality of the mic unit, I would not use it in harsh environments, however. If you plan on using it for daily vlogging outdoors, you may not appreciate the 7-inch length if you value a small camera setup.
I was surprised at how well the audio quality was using this microphone. I normally use the Rode Wireless GO system, which was the audio at the start of my video, so you can compare which audio you think sounds better. I can recommend this microphone based on the quality and competitive price.
If there is anything that I missed in the review, or if you have any questions that I did not cover, please leave a comment below.
Some links may be referral links, which means I earn a small commission for qualifying sales. There is no additional cost to you.
