NIKON ME-1 STEREO MICROPHONE REVIEW

NIKON ME-1 STEREO MICROPHONE REVIEW

For the consumer user wishing to improve on the quality of the camera's built-in microphone, while reducing zoom and focus noise

The ME-1 is a compact microphone that comes with a wind screen and soft carrying case. Its mounting foot slides into the camera's accessory shoe and tightens into place with a lock ring and the microphone can be tilted up or down. There is also a ¼” socket that allows it to be installed onto your rig cage. The cable has  a 3.5mm stereo mini-pin jack and is long enough to mount on an accessory rail. The rear of the microphone has a rotary dial for switching in the low-cut filter to cut out low frequency noise from wind and other sources.

We tested the ME-1 on a Nikon D7100, P7000 and V1 on a  windy day, with the windscreen both on and off and with the low-cut filter in both the "Flat" and "On" positions.

At about 5 feet away the performance was kind of similar with less noise on the ME-1. At 18 feet away the ME-1 was superior. The ME-1 also has a richer sound whereas the built in microphone seem too tinny to my ears.

I noticed the best effect from the ME-1 in eliminating the zoom noise and focusing noise.

Please note that purists will seek XLR based microphones and most likely use external audio recorders. For my needs the ME-1 is a a worthwhile addition and is well recommended.

For the prosumer user wishing to improve the quality of the camera's built-in microphone, while reducing zoom, focus noise and wind noise, the Nikon ME-1 stereo microphone is the right choice for you.

Specifications

Type: Back-electret condenser microphone
Number of channels: 2 (stereo)
Directionality: Unidirectional
Frequency response: 70±16,000Hz
Sensitivity: -42dB ± 3dB
Signal-to-noise ratio: 60dB or more
Output impedance: 2.2k ohms or less
Power supply: Supplied by camera
Plug: Gold-plated, L-shaped stereo mini-pin plug (3.5mm)
Low-cut filter: Controlled by low-cut filter switch (ON/OFF)
Supplied accessories: Microphone body, Wind screen, Soft case

Nikon Fluff

ME-1 Stereo Microphone Improved sound quality when recording D-Movies

Record crystal-clear sound while significantly reducing autofocus noise on your compatible cameras

using this stereo microphone. The ME-1 Stereo Microphone is perfect for connecting to compatible

cameras with a 3.5mm Mic jack. Prevent operation sounds from being recorded with convenient

features like a cable stop that keeps the audio cable in place and a wind screen to help eliminate

wind noise. The new Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone is sure to satisfy the needs of professionals and

photo enthusiasts alike as they experience the fun and excitement of recording high quality  D-Movies with crystal-clear sound.