If you have ever watched a blogger's video Dmitry Bulkin, you probably paid attention to the crystal clear sound of his voice in the car. It seems as if he is speaking in a studio, and not while driving at 100 km/h. This effect is achieved not only through professional audio processing, but also thanks to correctly selected car microphone. In this article, we’ll look at how to choose a microphone similar to the one Bulkin uses, how to install and configure it so that your videos or streams in the car sound just as good.

It’s worth clarifying right away: there is no universal “Bulkin microphone” solution. The blogger does not reveal the exact model, but based on indirect signs (sound characteristics, mounting, noise reduction level), several devices can be identified that give a similar result. We analyzed popular options, reviews from car vloggers, and technical nuances to create a checklist for the perfect sound in your car.

Why is sound in a car so important and how does Bulkin’s microphone differ from ordinary ones?

A car is one of the most difficult places to record voices. Several types of noise are combined here:

  • 🔊 Low frequency hum from the engine, wheels and road (especially at speeds above 80 km/h).
  • 💨 Wind noise, penetrating through door and glass seals.
  • 🎵 Echo and reverb in the cabin (if the microphone is not directional).
  • 📻 Electronic interference (for example, from the ignition system or Bluetooth devices).

Regular microphones (including those built into smartphones or action cameras) cannot cope with these problems. As a result, the voice sounds muffled, hissing, or amid a constant hum. A microphone similar to the one Bulkin uses must have a narrowly directional sensitivity pattern (cardioid or supercardioid), active noise reduction and wind protection. In addition, it does not connect directly to the phone, but through a specialized audio interface or recorder, which minimizes interference.

📊 Why do you need a high-quality microphone in your car?
Shooting videos for YouTube
Streams on TikTok/Instagram
Speakerphone calls
Podcasts or interviews
Other

Top 5 microphones that give sound like Bulkin

Based on the analysis of Bulkin’s video and reviews of other auto vloggers, we have compiled a list of devices that provide similar sound quality. All of them have been tested in practice and are suitable for installation in a car.

Microphone model Type Noise reduction Connection Price (2026)
Shure MV7 Dynamic, USB/XLR Active (built-in) USB-C or XLR from 22,000 ₽
Rode VideoMic Pro+ Condenser, on-chamber Wind protection + low-pass filter 3.5mm TRS from 25,000 ₽
Sony ECM-B1M Lavalier, digital Adaptive (with processor) Lightning/USB-C from 18,000 ₽
Audio-Technica ATR-2100x Dynamic, USB/XLR Passive (due to diagram) USB/3.5mm from 10,000 ₽
Sennheiser MKE 200 Condenser, on-chamber Wind protection + low pass filter 3.5mm TRS from 15,000 ₽

From this list the ones that come closest to Bulkin's sound are: Shure MV7 and Rode VideoMic Pro+. The first is ideal for shooting on a smartphone or camera with a USB output, the second is for professional video cameras (for example, Sony ZV-1 or Canon EOS R50). If you need a compact option, pay attention to the lavalier Sony ECM-B1M — it is attached to clothing and is almost invisible in the frame.

⚠️ Attention: Cheap Chinese analogues (for example, microphones for 1-2 thousand rubles from AliExpress) will not be able to provide the same level of noise reduction. They often pick up interference from the car's electronics, and the voice sounds metallic. If your budget is limited, it is better to take a used option from a trusted brand.

How to install a microphone in a car: step-by-step instructions

Even the most expensive microphone will be useless if it is not installed correctly. There are several key areas for mounting in a vehicle:

  • 🎤 On the sun visor (optimal for on-camera microphones such as Rode VideoMic).
  • 👕 On clothes (lavalier microphones like Sony ECM-B1M).
  • 🚗 On the dashboard (for dynamic microphones with a gooseneck mount).
  • 📱 On a smartphone or tripod (if the microphone has a USB connection).

Let's look at the installation using an example Shure MV7 (similarly suitable for Audio-Technica ATR-2100x):

Mount the microphone on a flexible stand (eg Rode PSA1) or magnetic holder

Connect to an audio interface (eg Zoom H1n) or directly to a smartphone via USB-C

Install a windscreen (included or purchased separately, for example, Rode WS9>)

Adjust the volume level in the app ShurePlus MOTIV (available for iOS/Android)

Check the sound at idle and while driving (adjust the low pass filter if necessary) -->

If you are using an on-camera microphone (for example, Rode VideoMic Pro+), it is better to mount it on shock-absorbing holder (for example, SmallRig 2250) to reduce vibration from the road. Also don't forget about phantom power - many condenser microphones require +48V, which can be supplied through an audio interface or a special adapter.

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If the car is too noisy even with wind protection, try applying vibration-proofing material to the inside of the doors (for example, StP Gold). This will reduce the level of low-frequency hum by 20-30%.

Microphone setup for perfect sound: filters, amplifiers, software

Installation is only half the battle. In order for the sound to be truly clear, like Bulkin’s, you need to properly configure the microphone and process the audio. Here are the key parameters:

  1. Volume level (gain). Too high and there will be noise, too low and the voice will be quiet. Optimal: -12 dB with normal speech.
  2. Low pass filter. Eliminates engine noise. Recommended value: 80–100 Hz.
  3. Compression. Levels out the voice volume (in Shure MV7 there is a built-in compressor). Settings: Ratio 4:1, Threshold -20 dB.
  4. Noise reduction. In programs like Adobe Audition or Audacity use the plugin iZotope RX to remove background noise.

You can use the following apps to take pictures with your smartphone:

  • 📱 ShurePlus MOTIV (for Shure microphones).
  • 🎧 Ferrite (for recording and processing podcasts).
  • 🎤 Rode Reporter (for Rode microphones).

If you are filming with a camera, configure the audio input in the menu: 

Menu → Audio Setup → Mic Level: Manual

→ Wind Filter: On


→ Low Cut: 100 Hz

This minimizes interference even at the recording stage.

How to check sound quality before shooting?

Record a test video at idle and while driving at a speed of 60–80 km/h.

Listen to the recording with headphones - if you hear hum or hiss, increase the low-pass filter or reduce the volume level.

Compare your recording with Bulkin's video (for example, this video) - the voice should sound clearly, without “mumbling” or echo.

Typical mistakes when choosing and installing a microphone in a car

Many car vloggers buy expensive equipment, but get poor sound due to bugs. Here's what not to do:

⚠️ Attention: Never attach the microphone directly to metal parts of the body (for example, to the windshield pillar). Vibrations from the engine will be transmitted to the microphone body, and a low-frequency hum will appear in the recording, which cannot be removed even in an audio editor.

A few more common mistakes:

  • 🔌 Using cheap adapters (for example, USB → 3.5 mm for 200 ₽). They cause interference.
  • 📵 Lack of grounding audio interface. In a car this results in background hissing.
  • 🎛️ Too much compression. The voice becomes “plastic”, like that of radio announcers.
  • 🚗 Recording with windows open. Even at a speed of 40 km/h, wind noise drowns out the voice.

If you are shooting on GoPro or DJI Osmo Action, do not rely on the built-in microphone - it is not designed for recording in the car. It is better to synchronize the sound separately (for example, via Zoom H1n) and apply it in the montage.

Alternative solutions: how to improve sound without buying a new microphone

Not everyone has the budget for professional equipment. If you're just starting to shoot video in your car, you can improve the sound using the following tools:

  1. Use your second smartphone as a voice recorder. Place it on the dashboard (on a soft backing) and record your voice separately. In editing, synchronize audio with video using a clap or visual cue.
  2. Apply foam rubber to the inside of the doors. This will reduce reverberation in the cabin.
  3. Use noise canceling apps. For example, Krisp (free for Zoom and OBS) or NVIDIA Broadcast (if you have an NVIDIA video card).
  4. Remove the seat covers. Fabric covers absorb sound and reduce echoes.

If you already have an action camera (eg. GoPro Hero 11), try using an external microphone adapter GoPro Media Mod. It allows you to connect a microphone via a 3.5 mm jack and significantly improves sound quality compared to the built-in microphone.

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Even a budget microphone (for example, Boyya BY-M1 for 3 thousand ₽) paired with proper sound processing can give a result 70–80% close to “Bulkinsky”, if external noise is minimized.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about microphones for cars

Can I use a gaming headset (eg. HyperX Cloud II) for recording in the car?

Technically it is possible, but the quality will be worse than that of specialized microphones. Gaming headsets have an omnidirectional (omnidirectional) pattern that captures all the noise in the cabin. In addition, they are not designed to operate in conditions of vibration and temperature changes. If the budget is limited, it is better to take a budget lavalier microphone (for example, Fifine K036 for 1.5 thousand ₽).

How to get rid of echo in a car?

Echo occurs due to the reflection of sound from glass and plastic panels. Solutions:

  • Use directional microphone (cardioid or supercardioid) and place it as close to the mouth as possible (10–15 cm).
  • Cover the rear windows with curtains or blankets to reduce reverberation.
  • Use the plugin during installation De-Reverb in Audacity or Adobe Audition.
Do I need to buy an audio interface for my microphone?

Depends on microphone model:

  • If the microphone USB (for example, Shure MV7), no interface is needed - it connects directly to a smartphone or camera.
  • If the microphone XLR (for example, Shure SM58), an interface will be required (for example, Focusrite Scarlett Solo) or portable recorder (for example, Zoom H4n).
  • For 3.5 mm microphones (for example, Rode VideoMic) interface is not required, but will improve sound quality due to phantom power and a preamplifier.

For beginners, the best option is a USB microphone or a microphone with a 3.5 mm jack without an interface.

How to synchronize audio with video if the microphone records on a separate device?

There are several ways:

  1. Clap your hands. At the beginning of recording, clap your hands in front of the camera - in editing, combine the peaks of audio and video.
  2. Visual cue. Wave your hand in front of the camera as audio starts recording.
  3. Specialized software. Programs like PluralEyes automatically synchronize audio and video according to waveform.

For accurate synchronization, use a high FPS video format (for example, 60 fps) to minimize latency.

What sound settings does Bulkin use in his videos?

Bulkin does not disclose the exact settings, but based on the analysis of his video, the following features can be identified:

  • Voice volume level: -10 dB (no peaks in the red zone).
  • Low Pass Filter: 80 Hz (removes engine noise).
  • Light compression: Ratio 3:1, Threshold -18 dB.
  • Noise reduction: plugin used iZotope RX or similar.
  • Normalization: final sound level - -3 dB.

Also in his video it is noticeable that the microphone is located at a distance 10–15 cm from the mouth and has wind protection.