Best Budget Mics for Vlogging: Deity V-Mic D4 Duo vs Sairen T-Mic
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If you're looking for a budget-friendly shotgun mic for vlogging, you're in the right place! In today’s post, I’m comparing two solid options—the Deity V-Mic D4 Duo and the Sairen T-Mic—both of which offer dual capsules, making them a great alternative to the more traditional single-capsule shotgun mics like the Rode VideoMic Pro.
I’ve been using the Rode VideoMic Pro for years, but recently it started having issues, so I needed a temporary replacement. After researching, I found these two mics and decided to put them to the test.
Why Dual Capsules Matter
Unlike traditional shotgun mics that only capture sound from the front, dual-capsule microphones have a microphone on both the front and back. This is particularly useful for vlogging because you no longer have to flip the mic around when you switch between talking to the camera and pointing at something else. With these mics, the audio is captured from both directions, ensuring you don't miss a thing.
Deity V-Mic D4 Duo
Pros:
The Deity V-Mic D4 Duo is a small, solidly built mic made of metal, and it’s lighter than the Rode VideoMic Pro.
It has two cardioid capsules, one in the front and one in the back, which gives you the flexibility to capture sound from both directions.
This mic doesn’t require a battery, so you won’t have to worry about turning it on or off. It powers up automatically as soon as you plug it into your camera.
Shock mount included, plus two dead cats (windshields)—one for the front and one for the back capsule.
Cons:
The mic needs to be within arm's reach to capture good sound. Anything further, and the quality starts to drop.
The switch toggles between capturing sound from just the front capsule or both front and back capsules. When set to both, it creates a mono channel, which can be fixed in post-production by duplicating the audio signal.
Sairen T-Mic
Pros:
The Sairen T-Mic is even more affordable, priced around $40, making it an excellent option for those on a tight budget.
It also features dual capsules and a cardioid pickup pattern, similar to the Deity V-Mic D4.
A unique bonus: it comes with a TRRS cable, allowing you to use it for mobile vlogging on your smartphone. Just plug it into your phone (with the right adapter for iPhones), and you’re good to go.
It’s also lightweight and sturdy, with a metal build.
Cons:
The build quality of the shock mount isn’t as robust as the Deity’s, and the cable is non-detachable, which could be a pro or a con depending on your preferences.
Unlike the D4, you can’t detach or replace the cable.
Sound Test Results
In my sound tests, both mics performed well when within arm’s length of the speaker, with clear audio quality for vlogging. The Deity V-Mic D4 Duo gave slightly better audio clarity and flexibility, especially in capturing both front and rear sounds. The Sairen T-Mic, however, held its own for the price and sounded good for everyday vlogging.
Price and Verdict
Deity V-Mic D4 Duo: $100 (offers more flexibility and quality, especially if you want to use it with a wireless lav mic in the future).
Sairen T-Mic: $40 (budget-friendly and great for mobile vloggers).
If you're on a budget and vlog with your phone, the Sairen T-Mic is a solid choice. However, if you’re looking for a more professional mic with dual-capsule audio, the Deity V-Mic D4 Duo is worth the extra investment.
Hope you found this helpful and see you in the next one!
