Help choosing a microphone

[jumpman23]

Hello,

I have had my HC1E since november '05, and would now like to purchase a suitable external mic. I have heard heaps of praise for the Rode Videomic, as well as certain sennheiser and audio technica products. Also with the rode stereo videomic having been announced for ages (still no word on release), i don't know whether i should wait or go ahead and get a mic now.
The main use will be for recording live functions, with music and speeches mixed in, priority given to music.

I currently use sony's HQ1 mic and find it lacking in low end frequencies with an overall flat sound.

There seems to be a lot to choose from and would like to know what type of mic i need (eg shotgun, cardioid, omni, stereo) for best accurately reproducing performances.

i dont want to have to use external power if it can be helped

i don't mind spending a bit if it is worth it, but nothing to expensive - up to £350 at the most.

Thanks

[hot-fuzz]

Here is a list of Sony mics for you :

http://www.sony.co.uk/view/ShowProdu...CC+Microphones

The bluetooth ECM-HW1 is meant to be very good :
http://www.sony.co.uk/view/ShowProdu...CC+Microphones
but might be a little low budget for you (~£150)

[toadoftoadhall]

I guess it depends on what sound you want to record. I have different mics for different things, but nearly always use a stereo mic for general recording. The Rode mic everyone likes is mono.
Dont forget, if you are recording something at a distance, but want better sound, you can always use a mic on a long cable if possible, or radio mic.

toad

[jumpman23]

Thanks for the responses - i already have a sony mic and don't want another one of them, something more upmarket. sounds like a decent stereo mic is the way to go. i know rode videomic is mono, but a stereo version is due to be released:

http://www.rode.com.au/?pagename=Med...duct_name=NULL

no news as to when though

question is shall i wait or is there a specific alternative out there eg sennheiser mke300d, or a decent stereo mic

thanks

[MarkE19]

The Rode Videomic may be mono but it does have a stereo jack on the lead so it will record audio to both channels. If recording a speech then mono is all you need, and even for music with the close proximity of both mics you wont get much stereo separation on the sound anyway - for this you will need two off camera mics placed a good few feet apart.

Mark.