I have always wanted to have a "smart" radio. My parents have always owned various Pioneer, Kenwood, and Sony radio decks, but they always had their cons to them (clunky OS, different type of touch screens that suck, lack of features, very expensive $800-$2000), useless features, etc.). I wanted something that runs Android 6.0+. I thought about using iPads, but I didn't want to waste a bunch of money for something that is going to be used in my car only. I wanted a budget friendly "smart" radio. That is when I found the perfect tablet, the Nexus 7 2013. Cheap, powerful, Android 6, compact, somewhat thin and small, and best part, it fits in a double-din radio deck.

After finding various projects that people have used, I decided to order a bunch of stuff from Amazon (everything was bought with Prime) and see if I could get this to work. It took about 3 weeks to work out all the bugs, but it runs perfect now. I never found anyone that did this mod in a Nissan Pathfinder, so that was difficult going on my own, reading various wiring diagrams and getting power, sound and steering wheel controls to work. After lots of testing each wire, and lots of trial and errors, everything is working how I want it too.

Questions that people have asked me that I can remember on the top of my head:

Q: How do you turn the tablet on and off if the power button is blocked?

A: Easy, with Timur's Kernel, and the USB car charger hooked up to the accessory power, when I turn my key on/start my car, the tablet detects power from the USB, which wakes the screen/powers on. (ELI5: there are 2 power sources in your radio, a constant 12 volt power, and an accessory key power. So when you turn the key to ACC or ON, it gives power to the tablet, but when you turn the key off, it takes away power from the USB port.)

Q: How does it hold up in the wonderful California heat?

A: Shockingly very well. It hasn't given me any issues in ~95F (+35C) degree weather. There was a day where it was 115F (46C) degrees outside, and that is when the tablet finally said NOPE and started locking up and freezing due to the ridiculous heat. After running my AC for a few minutes, it cooled the tablet down to reasonable temperature and ran normally again. When my car is parked, I have a windshield sun shade that helps a ton with keeping the sun off my black/gray dash, and/or microfiber towels over the screen to keep the sun off. If it's super hot, I just take the tablet/radio/air conditioner part out of my car and bring it inside (not that hard to remove).

Q: How do you control the volume?

A: With the JoyCon EXC, it translates either CAN, IBUS, resistive, or digital steering wheel control signals, to USB keyboard signals that the tablet can see. I have the Joycon setup to have Volume UP/DOWN, Screen ON/OFF, PAUSE/PLAY, and PREVIOUS/NEXT. Click here for more information.

Q: How do you listen to the radio/music?

A: Spotify Premium. While I can spend ~$10 on a radio antenna to USB to listen to over-the-air radio stations, I never listen to the radio. When I had my old stock radio, I never listened to the radio part. I always used my 3.5mm jack to plug in my phone for Spotify. Great perk about being a broke college student is getting 50% off Spotify Premium.

Q: Can you/do you watch TV or movies on it while you drive?

A: I can, but I don't. Pay attention to the freakin' road.

Q: How do you get internet on it since it's a WiFi version?

A: I use my Bluetooth hotspot on my phone to get internet for Waze, Google Maps, etc. I can also use the WiFi hotspot, but that uses more power. I can drive from California to Idaho running Waze the whole way and it uses about ~300MB of data.

Q: Can you make phone calls with it?

A: This has been something I have been trying, but have not had success with yet. I use an app called [TabletTalk] (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apdroid.tabtalk&hl=en), but it doesn't push the microphone/sound through the tablet. I gave up on this since I have a Samsung Gear 2 Neo smartwatch that has a microphone/speaker on it. Some day I will explore with this more.

Q: How do you power your speakers if you removed the radio?

A: I lucked out big time with this issue because my Nissan Pathfinder has the Bose System built in. That means that there's an amplifier already installed that powers the speakers. So the tablet sends the sound to the Behringer UCA202 DAC, that then converts to a 3.5mm headphone jack that then splits into the Left Front/Rear, Right Front/Rear, and dual subwoofer channels that go to the car wiring harness that then goes to the amp. This saves me hundreds of dollars. For vehicles without a stock amplifier that rely on the radio for power, that is when you will need to buy an amplifier to power the speakers. My 12 inch subwoofer also plugs into the DAC and works perfectly.

Q: I see the reverse camera, how did you get that to work with the tablet? How does the tablet know when you are in reverse?

A: There were 2 ways to get this to work, one way is by video detection, or the other way is by the JoyCon EXC. I chose to do the video detection way because it was simpler and waiting about one second for the app to open was fine with me. I use an app called EasyCap viewer.

Q: Why is there paper over the JoyCon, EasyCap, USB charger etc.?

A: The plastic pieces over the EasyCap and USB charger were bulky/broken. The JoyCon didn't come with a cover. Paper was the easiest/closest thing I had at the moment. If only I had a 3D printer. Someday..

Q: Why is the mic in the vent and not somewhere else? Doesn't the wind from the HVAC cause problems?

A: It was a last-second add-on and just put it in there without having to rewire the harness. I also didn't know where to move it that made it look "stock". I've gotten some great opinions on where to move it! Thanks for those!

I'll add more common questions here when I think of them.

Breakdown of Parts:

Price | Part
---|---
$100 | Nexus 7 2013 32GB WiFi (flo) (bought from /r/hardwareswap)
$5 | Nissan Radio Wiring Harness
$6 | AmazonBasics 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub
$20 | Esky EC135-05 Rearview Camera
$95 | JoyCon EXC
$7 | Tendak OTG USB cable
$30 | Behringer UCA202
$7 | VideoSecu Amplified CCTV Microphone
$25 | Timur's Kernel v4.0 for Nexus 7 2013
$10 | Maxboost Car Charger
Free/Other/Already owned | EasyCap USB Video Capture Card, RCA cables, 3.5mm audio cables, USB cables, 12-16 AWG wire, grinder, zipties, paper, hotglue, other random stuff.
TOTAL COST | ~$305

TL;DR: Modified my Android tablet to work as a replacement for my radio. Worth it? YES. Best Radio Ever.

Have Questions? Ask away. Since I had to learn most this crap on my own, I can share my experience with others and give pointers in the right direction.

EDIT #1: Formatting.

EDIT #2: RIP my inbox. I would never have guessed this would get this popular. I'm just speechless. Wow. Thanks everyone! Trying my best to reply to everyone! Also added another question to this.

Hi /u/Katherine911 - apologies for taking so long to get back to you. I'll try to answer your questions one at a time:

> Recommendations regarding rig? Comfort is preferable

I would start with an [inexpensive cage] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/SmallRig-1773-Professional-Blackmagic-Cinema-Cage/dp/B01JGDENAE//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hybrcamerevo-21) and [pistol grip] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/JJC-HR-DV-Remote-Handle-Pistol/dp/B00MRNP2LA//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hybrcamerevo-21) plus the [one little remote lite] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0778KLTKT/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hybrcamerevo-21) controller to make the camera easier to control.

I use this same pistol grip with my BMPCC. It is simple, straightforward and light-weight.

> Monitor...I think I don't need anything like Focus or VA.

I agree - but you don't want a no-name brand with a Sony battery plate either. I recommend the [£266.74 Ikan VL35 monitor] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ikan-Monitor-Canon-LP-E6-Battery/dp/B01M9C8HYE//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hybrcamerevo-21). The VL35 comes with the same battery plate as your camera - and it is a compact 3.5" - a perfect size for the BMMCC.

> I am going to spend the next few days learning either Davinci Resolve or Premiere Pro. From what I have read resolve is better for grading and allows for metadata with BM camera...your thoughts?

I use Resolve a) because it is free and b) because it is the best color grading NLE on the market.

> Audio...know nothing about this...Rode/lavs/Zooms/Tascam...which ones? I would prefer to use the in built jack if it doesn't cause hissing or its fans aren't noisy. If I have to go with external systems, I would prefer something compact and inexpensive.

For what you're doing, I recommend an [inexpensive preamp] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/saramonic-smartrig-AUDIO-MIXER-Channel-Black/dp/B0716NNXF4//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hybrcamerevo-21) instead of an external recorder - plus a [dual UHF lav] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wireless-Lavalier-Microphone-Transmitters-Interviews/dp/B072FPKQ6K//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hybrcamerevo-21) to mic your talent wirelessly.

Dual system sound and synchronizing your audio in the edit is probably more trouble than it's worth.

> Lenses...I have got several good Nikon lenses for my stills that I plan to use with a metabones speed booster. But still am interested in what lenses you have found to be best with this camera? Also are there any cheaper alternatives to metabones speed booster? The Nikon lens I have used a lot in the last 6 months is 50mm F1.8, interested if anyone has used it with BM cameras?

You'll need wide lenses because of the camera's 2.88x crop. A Speed Booster helps, but the [Metabones Nikon to micro 4/3 0.58x] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Metabones-Nikon-BMPCC-Speed-Booster/dp/B00HZYNGNM//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hybrcamerevo-21) is very dear. If you want to stick with your Nikkors, I recommend the [£74.99 Viltrox Nikon to micro 4/3 0.71x focal reducer/adapter] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Viltrox-NF-M43X-Adapter-Reducer-Aperture/dp/B0773G4SRC//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hybrcamerevo-21) instead of the Metabones - combined with your widest Nikon glass.

> Also what are your hacks for making it work in low light outside when you are kinda challenged because of its low light performance.

I use a Canon FD 50mm f/1.8 on my Blackmagic camera in low light and it works a treat. Your Nikon 50mm f/1.8 will work even better with a focal reducer/Speed Booster

> anything I am missing?

I can't think of anything - I'll message you if I think of anything else.

Again, hope this is helpful!

Thanks! I do have a question. Several, actually. I posted this in its own thread in /r/videography but no one has commented yet so I guess I suck at posting questions. If you have a moment with some advice, I'd greatly appreciate it. You've been super helpful already.

(Just gonna copy my questions from my thread)

TL;DR BELOW

-------------------------------------

First, Is there a specific accident protection program you guys prefer for your cameras? I'm picking up a Panasonic G7 soon and would like to make sure it's protected if it gets damaged.

---------------------------------

Second, I am wondering if there's a way to eliminate humming/buzzing when using an extension jack for my external mic. I currently have a Pixel MC-50 shotgun mic that I've been using mounted on my camera which works well. No buzzing.

Well a lot of my videos are filmed indoor in my basement about 7 or 8 feet away, like this and I wanted to set my shotgun mic up closer to my face to try and improve the audio as I've seen in my research. Problem is, when I put it on the mic stand and use a 3.5mm extension I get a low hum/buzz continually in the video that I don't get when I just plug in directly to my camera (with a short 1 foot extension cord).

I don't really have any major electronics powered on near me except normal ceiling lights with LED bulbs and my LED light which is on the tripod with my camera so it's about 7 or 8 feet away from the mic on the stand.

Is there a way to get rid of the buzzing sound without getting XLR cables? If XLRs are required, what's the cheapest way to accomplish this conversion?

--------------------------------

Third, the G7 camera I am getting comes with a 14-42mm kit lens. Most of my shots will be like in the above video, and the rest will be like this, maybe 20-25 feet away. Will this lens work for both applications decently? I know there are better lenses out there but I'm not entering in any film festivals so I don't really need an $800 lens. I just want to make sure it will work for my intended shots. I'd also do some B-roll footage of up close shots of products.

--------------------------------

TL;DR:

1. Best accident protection program to get for your camera in case it breaks?
   
   
2. How to get rid of mic humming with 3.5mm extension cord without using XLR?
   
   
3. Do I need a lens other than 14-42mm for shots from 1 foot away to 25 feet away?

If you are looking for an easy-to-use camera for mostly video, I'd suggest a camcorder. DSLRs are more flexible but also harder to use. I've had great luck with the Canon Vixia models. Get the one you can afford. They all have jacks for external microphone and headphones--both very important for video.

For a wired lav microphone, I really like the Movo LV1. I've compared it to much more expensive mics and it holds up well. It has the advantage of a long shielded cable, too. There's also a 2-mic version that is great for interviews. Though I don't recommend using a camera-mounted mic, the Movo VXR4000 is a decent low-priced shotgun. Use it on a boom for best results.

Hope this helps.

I watched two of you videos so far. One thing that I feel would greatly improve the overall feel and quality, would be to get a decent microphone. Seeing as camera/lighting aren't necessary tool to the type of videos you do, you got lucky, as mics are far cheaper.


I can understand what you are saying, but with your accent and the audio put together, I have to really listen carefully to understand it. Here is a great budget mic that dramatically increased the quality of everything I make. I feel that the clarity will really help you to stand out. It is great because you can use it on cameras and smartphones.

Other than that, I don't see many issues other than fine tuning vocal patterns and maybe adding in a bit more motion to your characters on screen. You kind of have a "GradeAUnderA" feel to you, and I like your narrative. Your visuals are classic memes- I like this as well.

Ah, okay.

Sorry, the type of video production I am most familiar with is the kind for short film production, music videos, weddings, things of that nature. So I don't feel 100% comfortable trying to give advice on things of this nature. Just from a quick glance though it looks like the adapter to connect an external microphone to your GoPro is $49.00 just by itself.

That leaves about $51 on your maximum budget, which rules out my preferred style of handheld camera microphone, the shotgun mic. If you already have the adapter and therefore don't need to spend the $49 I'd heavily recommend Rode products, specifically for your needs the Videomic Go.

There is this inexpensive shotgun mic bundle that I found on Amazon, but I don't have the experience with this product like I do with Rode products to speak to it's quality. It does record in mono sound, but you can duplicate the audio track in your editing program to simulate stereo. For a quick and cheap setup you can get the adapter and this shotgun mic and that will still be better than audio straight out of the GoPro.

The reason I prefer shotgun mics to lavalier mics is that you have the ability to capture sounds other than yourself if you so desire to, but also lavalier mics have a habit of being obscured by clothing and being affected heavily by wind. I'd hate for you to record a vlog only to realize your sweatshirt had been over your microphone for the better part of the day and now you have no useable audio.

But if you are set on the idea of a lavalier mic then your best bet for the GoPro would be this kit I found on Amazon. You don't need an adapter because it's meant for the GoPro, and it comes with a windscreen which will reduce your wind interference. And at the price this honestly might be your best entry-level audio option for that camera set up to add some production value to a vlog.

Just grab some lav's

[This Rode smartLav is great] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EO4A7L0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=mic-reviews-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00EO4A7L0&linkId=4ccaf6812920138f74d980411d5a90a8)

[This ATR-3350] (https://www.amazon.ca/Audio-Technica-ATR-3350-Omnidirectional-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B002HJ9PTO)

[If you can stretch for $800 bucks this will be excellent] (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/618735-REG/Sennheiser_EW_100_ENG_G3_A_Evolution_G3_100_Series.html)

[This BOYA mic is great and inexpensive] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MRMU2HU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00MRMU2HU&linkCode=as2&tag=pv0dbb-20&linkId=UZT4YZXUAJ7VKBG6)

Basically watch this video and decide what you think is best for your application.

Keep in mind, for a condenser mic you need a sound treated room for the best quality audio.

But yeah, there are FAR better mics out there.

[This is a great setup] (https://www.twitch.tv/videos/140197666)

I agree, just use your phone at this point. If you start seeing a ROI, then upgrade your gear or maybe hire a student.

I would get a case that has a built in light source like this


And maybe a shotgun mic for better audio

Maybe phone tripod too which are cheap.

I could easily see you recording an intro talking about who the player is, show him signing or maybe a montage w/ music and him signing things or meeting fans if it's that type of gathering. And if the person is up for it maybe a few fun questions to just help beef up the content you are putting out there. Or you could have two videos, one of them signing for sales motive and another that's more for marketing content and a "check out who stopped by" type video more focused on something people would enjoy watching. Be creative with it though and keep it simple so that you continue to do more.

The mic you posted is more expensive than any that I've used for corps, but for reference this was shot on a ~45$ Takstar sgc-698, which sounds pretty good for the the price, and I've also used the ~130$ Zoom H1 on this and this which sounds even better. That Rode mic you posted will likely sound much better than either of those two since it's higher price (and from pictures I've seen, I think it's a similar model to the one HorlineFanatic uses)

Thanks! So I use this mic from amazon:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cubilux-Lavalier-Microphone-Hi-Res-Google/dp/B07MR2Z2BG/ref=asc_df_B07MR2Z2BG/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=310843110698&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17681427791787057638&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045999&hvtargid=pla-700867636028&psc=1

hopefully the link is ok? its abit massive, also its from the UK amazon I dont know if thats helpful at all? but its basically a USB C lapel mic that plugs directly into my google pixel phone that captures sound as I record video, so no need for audio splicing after the fact, real easy and nice :D

and could you tell me more about the camera angle? Should it be lower? higher?

Thank you for your feedback!

It sounds amazing but yeah it's a bit pricey for home vids, if you're still looking for a mic for home use this one isn't bad for things like parties or even just recording some memories.

Thanks for the reply!
I think you meant to say "stretch your budget by $70" :)

Also, what is dual system sound, and what are the advantages?

Would this bundle for the Tascam workout (also replacing the attenuation cable): https://www.amazon.com/TASCAM-Camera-Accessory-Handheld-Recorders/dp/B00IMPKQGI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1465682867&sr=8-2&keywords=tascam+accessories

Is the attenuation cable used to match the external audio with the footage, or is there other uses for it?

Stretching my budget by $70 is a bit too much for now, so would the Tascam work out for now, and perhaps an upgrade later on?
Thanks!

You want a mic for your computer or camera?
If we're finding a middle ground between quality and low price here, check this out. Not going to lie, it's just a cheap DSLR mic from China, but for 30$, you'll be surprised at how the sound comes out. Bought one cause my friend used his to record hardcore shows(which can be pretty loud/noisy), and I thought he had some expensive mic, turns it was this one so I got it too.

Definitely the Rode VideoMic Go. There are some cheaper options, like the Takstar mics, but they seem to be pretty noisy. The VideoMic Go is a good balance between price and audio quality.

Saramonic makes a few that are pretty well regarded - similar to this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0739Z4RTF/ref=psdc_196575011_t1_B07H2TN4LJ

You might get more mileage out of a more standard recorder though. You can always mount an XLR recorder either on the hot shoe or on a camera cage or rig, and then the recorder can be used as a standalone audio system, able to be used by a boom op and give you more flexibility. And you can always run audio into the camera from a recorder as well as recording to the recorder itself.

Something like a DR60 isn't too pricey and can work as both an audio system on your rig and a separate system.

This one is really good for money: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LQ7A0SW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Takstar 698 - it has 20dB gain which is a feature that you usually only see in more expensive pics.

If this is too expensive the Takstar 598 is also good for money.

I mentioned above, but I'll say it here... while I agree with this, you will notice a definite increase in quality if you pick up a cheap mic for your phone. I use this one

Cameras are not PCs, you can't just plug in something through a USB interface and expect it to work. The micro USB on the GX85 can be used for two things: charging the battery and exposing the SD card as an external disk to the computer. I very much doubt the chip could even support using audio input from USB even if you somehow managed to hack the software to do it.

Long story short, if you want to record clips with good quality audio on the GX85, record with the onboard mic and have an external recording setup. Since it won't be tied to the camera, consider a lav mic if you can, they're much cheaper and give you better sound quality than shotguns. Something like this can plug into a smartphone, with very good results. If you want even better results, you can use a lav into a dedicated recorder like the zoom H1. If you really need a shotgun, you can still use something like the zoom H1 and mount it on the hotshoe, or have the Rode Shotgun plugged into it, but it might be a bit cumbersome to put it all on the camera, so there you'd really need someone else to carry it and help with the sound capture.

If you wanted to do it solo in a run-n-gun type situation , only wanted decent sound and didn't care about audio monitoring, you got the wrong camera. The G85 would have allowed you to do that.

I used this microphone with a GoPro 4 Silver edition. I clipped the mic to the breath guard on the top of the chin bar. The helmet is a Shoei RF-1200 that isn't very quiet, but somehow it worked out. This was literally my very first attempt at using the microphone and I'm surprised that it came out so good. Beginner's luck I suppose.

I recommend purchasing this shotgun mic from amazon.com.

http://www.amazon.com/Ampridge-MightyMic-Shotgun-Microphone-MMS/dp/B00HRM1KN0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415330805&sr=8-1&keywords=iphone+mic+shotgun

Also, the headphones with built in microphones work great as a handheld option when you keep it offscreen.

Microphone Wind Jammer obviously, because you love all things fuzzy. And it jams wind, so it's got that goin for it too.

That item looks mighty fine.

Can I suggest something? I have a background in sound production :)

This recorder:
http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Handy-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QWBM62

Plus this starter mic rig:
http://www.amazon.com/Professional-Advanced-Broadcast-Microphone-accessories/dp/B00N39J0LU/ref=sr_1_4?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1453274565&sr=1-4&keywords=boom+mic

Plus this Boom Pole:
http://www.amazon.com/LyxPro-MPL-05-Sections-Lightweight-Microphones/dp/B014E6CZB2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453274746&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=boom+pole&psc=1

Use the mic mount from the shotgun rig as it has nylon wraps and wont cause vibration sounds.

Get some work gloves, unplug the fridge and get down to business. Hold the boom out of shot above the head of the actor, in front of their face and pointed at their nose.

The mic is a hyper-cardioid which means it picks up sound really well directly in front of the tip from far away. Get a clapper and log your shots.

Written on the clapper: Scene 1 Take 1
Spoken out load while audio and video is rolling: Scene one Take one
clap, so the recorder can hear, and the video can see.

You got this!

why certainly thank you for asking!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MR2Z2BG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_OI6nDb29F64XT

An inexpensive way to do this is with a [$58 AZDEN CAM-3 On-Camcorder Mini Audio Mixer] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006JPD1/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00006JPD1&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20).

The better way to do this is with three [$20 Bronstein low noise lavs] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EZB9XY4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EZB9XY4&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20), three [$4 mono to stereo adapters] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000O7AW98/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000O7AW98&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-2), three [$10 Rode 3.5mm to XLR adapters] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Y021NA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000Y021NA&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20) and a low noise premplifier/mixer that will get rid of the noise in your T3's preamps - such as the [$429 JuicedLink Riggy Assist RA333] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008DXCKLI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008DXCKLI&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20).

Without a separate preamp that disables your T3i's automatic gain control, your soundtrack is likely to have audible noise - especially when your interviewees are not speaking.

Good luck!

• http://amzn.to/2fxqVRh - lav mic
  
• http://amzn.to/2fxq9Ud - recorder for lav mic (better than in camera)
  
• http://amzn.to/2fCOqXK - solid cheap tripod
  
• http://amzn.to/2eCmimC - on camera audio solution
  
  You should absolutely light subjects if you can, that is really the only thing that sets amateurs apart from pro's these days.

You can always start with something small and see if it is worth it to use on-camera audio. The Shenggu SG-108 comes to mind. If you need a light, here is a cheap starter.

Audio Adapter This allows you to have up to two inputs and monitor the audio as well as control the individual inputs. It only works with battery powered mic's though.

IEM and a low profile comm headset then.

This comes in useful too
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00N2GJCB2/?coliid=I727N3RBRYI94&colid=1CSWVTZP0FQZS&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Rode VideoMic GO Lightweight On-Camera Mic BUNDLE w/Rycote Mini Windjammer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UWCFIKS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_.CUZAbCKX8HXZ

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0171LHPJO

How's this for a mic?

Rode VideoMic GO Lightweight On-Camera Mic BUNDLE w/Rycote Mini Windjammer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UWCFIKS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_H3GQAbCF0N5Z1

I don't want to sound contrary - I'm just after a fuller picture. Someone mentioned there's a line attenuation cable kit. (Tascam AK-DR11C accessory kit - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tascam-AKDR11C-Handheld-Filmmaking-Accessory/dp/B00IMPKQGI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518411599&sr=8-1&keywords=Tascam+AK-DR11C+accessory+kit )

With the issue of noise and such, why on earth would this kit even be a thing?

Get an external recorder and sync with the scratch audio from the camera in post.

recorder: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078PTM82R


lav mic: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MRMU2HU


shotgun mic: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012GR6YE


mic stand: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019NY2PKG


mic stand to tripod converter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0075DMYC2


shock mount: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KXQIU5S


xlr to 3.5 converter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N75X709


$203.56 total


I'd also get a boom pole or monopod (as cheap as possible), and long xlr and 1/8 inch cords.

That sounds awful. Apparently this works BOYA by M1 Lavalier Microphone for Smartphones Canon Nikon DSLR Cameras Camcorders Audio Recorder PC https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MRMU2HU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-MvhDbGB42GSV


I did hella research and one of the most frequent camera reviewers suggested this one. $30 rounded up including the dongle