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Azden SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Microphone

BH #AZSMX30 • MFR #SMX-30
51 reviews
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Azden SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Microphone
Key Features
  • Stereo and Mono Recording Modes
  • 40 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency Response
  • -10, 0, and +20 dB Level Adjustment
  • 120 Hz Low-Cut Filter
The SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Microphone from Azden is a battery-powered microphone with separate stereo and shotgun-style microphone units that can be switched between mono and stereo recording modes. It can be used to produce pro-quality sound for DSLRs and other compact cameras in applications for interviews, weddings, presentations, and more.
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Azden SMX-30 Overview

From Manufacturer

The SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Microphone from Azden is a battery-powered microphone with separate stereo and shotgun-style microphone units that can be switched between mono and stereo recording modes. It can be used to produce pro-quality sound for DSLRs and other compact cameras in applications for interviews, weddings, presentations, and more.

Housed inside an innovative casing, the SMX-30 is two microphones packaged into one. The stereo microphone is positioned at the top and consists of two cardioid polar patterns spaced apart at a 120° angle. The mono microphone uses a supercardioid polar pattern to focus on sound in front of the camera. It has the same high-quality element as Azden's SGM-250 shotgun microphone.

Using the built-in +20 dB gain booster to get a strong clean audio signal into your camera, the SMX-30 minimizes the need to turn up noisy preamps usually associated with DSLRs, and also includes a -10 dB pad to protect against distortion when recording in loud environments such as live concerts and motorsport events.

Furthermore, the microphone has a wide frequency response of 40 Hz to 20 kHz and has a full, natural sound. There is a low-cut filter switch for reducing low frequencies below 120 Hz, which is useful for mitigating noise caused by air conditioners, wind, and traffic.

Powered by two AA batteries, you can operate the SMX-30 microphone for approximately 24 hours with no degradation of sound quality. The battery-indicator LED light lets you know when it's time to change batteries with up to a 1-hour warning beforehand.

Finally, an integrated shock-absorbing shoe mount isolates the SMX-30 microphone from camera-motor/handling noise. The mount is designed to fit the standard camera shoe and comes with 1/4"-20 threads at the bottom for mounting to boom poles and other camera accessories. A foam windscreen and a carry pouch are also included.

Stereo or Mono? Why Choose?
If you only have the budget to buy one microphone for your camera, why should you have to choose between mono and stereo? The SMX-30 is stereo/mono switchable.
Gain Control
The audio controls on DSLR cameras are limited, if they exist at all. And DSLRs are notoriously known to have low-quality microphone preamps that add noise to the video soundtrack when the gain is turned up. Azden's SMX-30 has a +20 dB gain booster so you can get a strong, clean audio signal into your camera, minimizing the need to turn up the noisy preamp.
Frequency Response
The SMX-30 has a wide frequency response ranging from 40 Hz to 20 kHz, so the audio you capture will sound full and natural.
Power
Powered by two AA batteries, which is a lower-cost option than the 9V battery used in some competitor microphones, the SMX-30 can achieve 24 hours of operation with a single set of batteries with absolutely no degradation of sound quality.
Maximize Battery Life
Maximize battery life by using the unique "Auto" power setting. When set to Auto, the SMX-30 can detect when a camera is on and will automatically power on and off with the camera (requires a mic input that provides plug-in power). Ever leave your microphone on by accident to discover that the batteries are dead the next time you try to use it? Eliminate that possibility by always leaving the SMX-30 in "Auto" mode.
Integrated Shock-Absorbing Shoe Mount
Integrated into the design of the SMX-30 is a custom-made, shock-absorbing shoe mount to isolate the microphone from camera-motor/handling noise.
UPC: 095528122235

Azden SMX-30 Specs

Key Specs
Microphone Type
Shotgun (Stereo)
Polar Pattern
Cardioid / Supercardioid
Element Type
Electret Condenser
Controls
Gain/Sensitivity, Low Cut/HPF, On/Off, Polar Pattern
Frequency Response
40 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
130 dB (1 kHz, 1% THD)
Analog Output
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Male
Power Sources
Battery
Microphone
Microphone Type
Shotgun (Stereo)
Polar Pattern
Cardioid / Supercardioid
Element Type
Electret Condenser
Sound Field
Mono / Stereo
Orientation
End Address
Controls
Gain/Sensitivity, Low Cut/HPF, On/Off, Polar Pattern
Pad
-10 dB
Filter & EQ
Low-Cut Filter: 120 Hz, 3 dB/Octave
Circuitry
Solid-State
Performance
Frequency Response
40 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
130 dB (1 kHz, 1% THD)
Sensitivity
-36 dB (at 1 kHz)
Dynamic Range
118 dB
Connectivity
Analog Output Connector
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Male
Power
Power Sources
Battery
Operating Voltage
3 V
Battery Type
2x AA (Not Included)
Physical
Color
Black
Mounting Thread Size
1/4"-20 Female (1/4"-20 Female in Cold Shoe with Included Adapter)
Dimensions
ø: 1.85 x H: 4.21L: 5.71" / ø: 47 x H: 107L: 145 mm
Weight
5.11 oz / 145 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
0.765 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
7.55 x 5.5 x 3.2"

Azden SMX-30 Reviews

Terrible low frequency response  & dismissive customer svc

By Jeffrey
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2023-11-24

I purchased the Azden SMX-30 microphone specifically to record higher quality stereo live music performances on my Nikon Z6 mirrorless camera primarily based on the numerous positive reviews I read here.  While it did match or exceed the camera’s internal mic at higher frequencies, the overall lack of low frequencies, especially bass guitar and drum passages, was startling.  I contacted Azden tech support, who advised me to test the mic to make sure that the low cut filter switch was working, which I did using the audio speaker test on my home theater Denon AVR and SVS sub.  In lieu of that not being the problem, their secondary assessment was that “your expectations of what the mic can do may be higher than the realty. If you were expecting it to sound like a professionally recorded studio album, it won't work like that.”  While I was never expecting a live field recorded performance to sound like a professional studio album, I certainly did expect to hear a $250 stereo microphone with a purported 40 Hz – 20 kHz frequency range capture some semblance of audible bass below 100 Hz.  Back to looking for a microphone that actuallyperforms to its specs.

Fantastic Audio Quality

By Paul
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-09-29

Anyone that desires quality stereo audio in their videos, this mic is a godsend. My video shoots are nature videos, and the stereo quality I get from this mic adds a lot more immersion to my videos. With the switch of a button, I can go into shotgun mic mode, which picks up sound great. Pleased with both the stereo and mono quality of this mic.

See any errors on this page?

What's the self noise level?

What's the self noise level?
Asked by: David
82 dB, 1 kHz @ 1Pa
Answered by: John
Date published: 2022-02-02

I assume this is mic is appropriate for recording ...

I assume this is mic is appropriate for recording high end piano performances on a Nikon Z6/7? Can Azden Tech please help me with potential settings.... if recording from 6-10 feet away in a studio or living room environment with zero background noise vs a concert hall from 50-70 feet away with mild background noise?
Asked by: Andrew
The Azden SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Microphone can be an appropriate choice for recording piano performances directly to camera and provides optional setting adjustments for different scenarios as mentioned.
Answered by: Matt Z
Date published: 2022-03-16

I have a Tascam X-Y mic that just failed on one ...

I have a Tascam X-Y mic that just failed on one channel because of the tiny slender cable. Does this cable feel robust?
Asked by: Joseph
Yes, the cable for the Azden SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Microphone does feel more durable and robust than the cable for the TASCAM TM-2X Stereo XY Condenser DSLR Microphone (B&H # TATM2X).
Answered by: Lisa S
Date published: 2023-08-03

question

are you able to tilt the microphone up or down at all?
Asked by: Paul K.
It doesn't tilt by itself, just a straight-ahead shock mount. But you could add a small Vello ball head to change it's positioning as long as your rig/setup has the headroom.
Answered by: Kris V.
Date published: 2018-08-26

If affixed to camera like the Nikon Z6, can you ...

If affixed to camera like the Nikon Z6, can you still use the viewfinder or does the back of the shock mount get in the way? If so, could a shoe mount accessory solve that?
Asked by: Jeffrey
I can't speak for the Nikon Z6, but I use this microphone on my Sony A7RII, and I am still able to use the viewfinder. The shock mount pokes me in the forehead a little bit, but its not too bad. I assume this would be the case with most cameras.
Answered by: Anonymous
Date published: 2024-07-09

Does this microphone work with Canon Vixia ...

Does this microphone work with Canon Vixia Camcorders?
Asked by: William
Just check the camera or the manual to see if it does have a microphone input. Not all Vixia models have microphone inputs. If it does have a microphone input, then the SMX-30 is compatible. You may also want to check if the camera has a cold shoe slot to mount the microphone. If not, you may want to look into alternative mounting solutions.
Answered by: Azden Expert
Date published: 2020-04-20

Is this compatible with the Panasonic HC-WXF1 UHD ...

Is this compatible with the Panasonic HC-WXF1 UHD 4K camcorder & what Boom is the Best (inexpensive) set up for this mic?
Asked by: Simon
The HC-WXF1 has a mic mini-jack input, so you can use the Azden SMX-30 with that. The easiest way to use the Azden is attached to the HC-WXF1 hot-shoe. The mike has both an x/y setup for broad environmental sound and a directional mode for more focused sound, which is reasonably good quality with the mike attached to the camera. If you need a boom to further control your sound, a good economical option would be the Rode micro boompole with a hot-shoe adapter attached. For that you would also need a mini-jack extension cord.
Answered by: Hlynur
Date published: 2020-08-02

Can this mic be used with a line level input on ...

Can this mic be used with a line level input on the LUMIX S1RII? If I switch to line level, the bass rolloff is much less severe
Asked by: Mark
The Azden SMX-30 Stereo/Mono Switchable Video Microphone is designed to output a mic-level signal via a 3.5mm TRS connector, which is standard for DSLR and mirrorless cameras. It is not intended for line-level inputs. Using it with a line-level input, such as when the LUMIX S1RII is set to line level, could result in very low or distorted audio, because the signal from the SMX-30 is much weaker than what a line-level input expects.
Answered by: Daniel O
Date published: 2025-06-13
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