- Superior directivity and noise suppression
- Level controls: -10dB, 0dB, +20dB
- The +20dB gain booster often relieves the noise caused by a low-quality camera preamplifier
- -10dB attenuator makes it easier to record in noisy environments
- On/off low-pass filter 120Hz, 3dB/octave
- Runs on (2) AA batteries, sound quality remains the same for the life of the batteries
- Low noise, high sensitivity, wide frequency response
- Ten-year warranty by registering on the manufacturer's website
- Molded, removable foam wind shield
- Integrated shock-absorbing mount for camera shoe with 1/4"-20 standard thread
- Visible LED light on the battery level
- 3.5mm stereo mini-jack output
SMX-15 Powered Shotgun Video Microphone SMX-15 Battery-powered shotgun microphone for video recording offers excellent sound quality for video recording with DSLR system cameras and other compact cameras. The microphone element has been newly developed and is also used in Azden's professional-level shotgun microphones, SGM-250 and SGM-250P, and records studio-level sound. Acoustically tuned notches in the microphone body give the SMX-15 its supercardioid recording pattern that focuses in front of the microphone and reduces ambient noise.
Gain control DSLR SLRs often have limited, if any, audio controls. System camera preamps are also often of poor quality and add significant noise, especially at high gain settings. Because of this, Azden added a +20dB amplifier to the SMX-15 to achieve a strong, clean audio signal to the camera, reducing the need for a noisy preamplifier. In addition, the -10dB attenuator protects against distortions caused by a loud environment, such as a live concert or motorsport event.
Frequency response The SMX-15 has a wide frequency response range between 40Hz and 120kHz, so recordings sound full and natural. In addition, the low-pass filter equipped with a switch allows the removal of the lowest frequencies (below 120Hz), which can be used to cut out the low hums of the environment, e.g. environmental sounds of ventilation, wind and traffic.
Power The SMX-15 runs on two AA batteries; a more affordable solution than the 9V batteries used in most competing microphones. The SMX-15 works for up to 24 hours of continuous use on one pair of batteries without any reduction in sound quality. The LED light showing the battery level tells you with an hour's warning, because it's time to change the batteries.
To extend battery life, the SMX-15 offers a unique “Auto” automatic power setting. With the “Auto” setting, the SMX-15 detects when the camera is on and automatically turns on at the same time, and automatically shuts itself off when the camera is turned off (requires a powered microphone connection in the camera). No more microphone batteries accidentally draining just when you need them the most!
Integrated shock-absorbing attachment to the camera shoe The shock-absorbing mount integrated into the SMX-15 structure isolates the microphone from the camera body and the sounds of its motors and handling. The mount fits standard camera shoes and has a standard ¼"-20 thread for booms or tripods.
- Directional pattern: Super-cardioid
- Microphone category: Video microphone
- Frequency response: 40-20kHz
- Output connectors: 3.5mm Stereo mini-plug
- Sensitivity: -36dB at 1kHz
- Dynamic range: 118 dB
- Input level, maximum: 128 dB
- Output level, maximum: 6.2 dB
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 82 dB
- Output impedance: 50 Ω
- Weight: 135 g
- Dimensions (WxWxH): 47x98x145 mm
- Power supply: AAx2
