Recording audio inside a car presents unique challenges. From engine noise to road rumble, capturing clear dialog or sound effects requires careful microphone selection. This car microphone comparison puts several industry-standard microphones to the test in a real-world automotive environment, offering insights to help you choose the right tools for your in-car audio recording needs. Whether you are a seasoned sound professional or just starting in the field, understanding how different microphones perform in a car is crucial. Let’s dive into this practical Car Comparer test.
In-Car Microphone Test Setup
This comparison was conducted inside a Volvo 850, a common vehicle providing a typical acoustic environment. The test involved recording speech under two conditions: parked with the engine off and while driving at speeds of 50kmh and 100kmh. This setup allows for evaluating microphone performance in both quiet and noisy in-car scenarios.
The following microphones were rigorously tested:
- Schoeps CCM41
- Schoeps CMC1SOMK41
- DPA 4097
- DPA 4098
- Sanken CUB01
- DPA 4063
For consistent placement, all microphones were mounted on the driver’s sun visor. The exception was the Sanken CUB01, a boundary microphone (PZM), which was mounted on a hard surface between the sun visors to optimize its performance.
Transmission was handled by professional-grade Zaxcom ZMT transmitters:
- Schoeps CCM41 and CMC1SOMK41: Zaxcom ZMT4 (powered at 45V)
- DPA 4097, DPA 4098, and Sanken CUB01: Zaxcom ZMT3 (powered at 3V)
- DPA 4063: Zaxcom ZMT3phantomV2 (powered at 3V)
This setup ensured a fair comparison across different microphone types and power requirements, allowing for a direct assessment of their sonic characteristics within the car.
Microphone Performance Analysis in a Car Environment
Schoeps CCM41 & CMC1SOMK41: Premium Choice for In-Car Audio
The Schoeps microphones, CCM41 and CMC1SOMK41, are often a top choice for dialog recording due to their exceptional clarity and low noise floor. This preference holds true even within the challenging acoustics of a car.
When parked with the engine off, the superior low noise floor of the Schoeps microphones becomes immediately apparent. This makes them ideal when recording in quieter in-car scenes where ambient noise is minimal.
Schoeps Microphones Setup in Car
The original CCM series traditionally required cables, which could be cumbersome to hide, especially in fast-paced shooting environments. However, the CMC1SO preamp, used with a gooseneck arm and Zaxcom’s ZMT4 transmitter, offers a cable-free solution. This combination streamlines setup, crucial for shoots where time is of the essence.
During driving, it was noted that the CMC1SO produced slightly more low-frequency rumble compared to the CCM. This is easily manageable with a roll-off filter in post-production or directly on a mixer. Utilizing Schoeps’ CUT60 low-cut filter with the CMC1SO can effectively mitigate rumble right at the preamp stage, preventing potential overload or limiter activation.
DPA 4097 & 4098: Versatile and Practical Car Microphones
The DPA 4097 and 4098 are recognized for their practicality and compact size, making them well-suited for car interiors. While they exhibit a higher noise floor than the Schoeps in very quiet settings, this difference becomes negligible when the engine is running or in typical street noise conditions.
For scenarios where engine and road noise are present, the slightly higher noise floor of the DPAs is effectively masked. However, in situations where recording is needed with the engine off and minimal background noise, the Schoeps microphones would still be the preferred choice for their quieter performance.
Sanken CUB01: Wide Coverage Option for Car Interiors
The Sanken CUB01 PZM microphone offers a wider pickup pattern, which can be advantageous when needing to capture sound from a broader area within the car. As a pressure zone microphone, it requires mounting on a hard surface to perform optimally, as was done in this test by placing it between the sun visors.
While the CUB01 provides adequate performance for wider coverage, it is described as just an “OK” tool in this specific comparison. For critical dialog or sound where pristine audio quality is paramount, other microphones might be more suitable.
Polar Pattern Flexibility
An additional advantage of the Schoeps CMC1SO system is its flexibility in polar patterns. By interchanging capsules, users can switch to a cardioid (MK4) or even wider patterns, adapting the microphone’s pickup characteristics to different in-car recording scenarios. This adaptability makes the Schoeps system a versatile tool for various automotive audio needs.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Car Microphone
This car comparer test highlights the strengths of different microphones for in-car recording. For critical dialog and situations demanding the lowest noise floor, especially when the car is stationary, Schoeps microphones (CCM41 and CMC1SOMK41) emerge as the top performers. Their clarity and low noise are unmatched, making them ideal for professional applications.
For scenarios where background noise from the engine or road is present, the DPA 4097 and 4098 microphones offer a practical and effective solution. Their compact size and robust performance make them versatile tools for car interiors. The Sanken CUB01 provides wider coverage, suitable for capturing ambient sound or discussions across the car, but may not match the others in terms of pure audio fidelity for focused dialog.
Ultimately, the best microphone for car recording depends on the specific requirements of the recording situation. Consider the ambient noise levels, the desired audio quality, and the coverage area needed to make an informed decision for your next in-car audio project.
Original Audio Comparison Files (Parking)
Original Audio Comparison Files (Driving)
