Vloggers, YouTubers, documentary makers, and filmmakers all have different needs in terms of technology. However, if you try to upload or sell content with poor audio: your career and dreams will be dead in the bud. That’s why today you’ll learn all about the best shotgun microphones for cinematic options.
What Is a Shotgun Mic Used For?
Table of Contents
Canon microphones attach to the camcorder and provide higher sound quality than the camera’s built-in microphone. Camera microphones are designed to capture as much sound as possible. However, by capturing this sound, unwanted background noise is also recorded.
Shotgun microphones are sometimes called interference microphones because they are narrow and designed to pick up sound directly in front of them, which is often the direction in which the video is being recorded.
Best Shotgun Mic 2022
If you have invested in a good the latest mirrorless camera for video, you may be disappointed with the built-in microphone. Built-in microphones are often dull, too small, and offer little or no level control.
To properly capture directional sound, it is best to invest in a shotgun microphone. These are usually mounted on a sliding connector on the top of the camera body and can be aimed and held outside the camera for optimal sound capture.
It’s hard to know which one to buy. So here are some of the best shotgun microphones on the market today.
Best Shotgun Mic | Comparison Table 2022
5-Stars Pick | Great Prices | High Quality
| Image | Title | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio-Technica AT875R Line/Gradient Shotgun Condenser Microphone | Audio-Technica | Check Price | |
| Rode VideoMic Pro+ Compact Directional On-Camera Shotgun Condenser Microphone | Rode | Check Price | |
| Deity S-Mic 2S Shotgun Microphone, Ultra Low Off-Axis Coloration, Low Inherent Self-Noise, Weather Resistant, RF-Interference Proof, 24V/48V Phantom Powering, Super Cardioid Pickup Pattern, Only 3oz | Deity | Check Price | |
| Azden SGM-250CX Professional Compact Cine Shotgun Microphone | AZDEN | Check Price | |
| Deity S-Mic 2 Condenser Shotgun Microphone | Deity | Check Price | |
| TAKSTAR Shotgun Microphone Interview Photography Microphone Condenser Recording MIC for DSLR Camera DV Camcorder SGC-600 | TAKSTAR | Check Price | |
| Deity V-Mic D3 Pro Super-Cardioid Directional Shotgun Microphone with Rycote Shockmount for DSLRs, Camcorders, Smartphones, Tablets, Handy Recorders, Laptop and Bodypack Transmitters | Deity | Check Price | |
| Shotgun Microphone, Comica CVM-VM20 Professional Super Cardioid Video Microphone with Shock Mount, Camera Microphone Kit for Smartphone/DSLR Camera/Camcorder, Perfect for Interview/Video Recording | comica | Check Price | |
| TAKSTAR SGC-598 Photography Interview Shotgun MIC Microphone for Nikon Canon DSLR Camera (Need 3.5mm Interface) | TAKSTAR | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Shotgun Mic | 2022 Products Overview
1. Audio-Technica AT875R Best Shotgun Mic
- Designed for video production and broadcast (ENG/EFP) audio acquisition
- Extremely short length (under 7 inch ) ideal for use with compact digital cameras
- Provides the narrow acceptance angle desirable for long distance sound pickup
- Excellent sound rejection from the sides and rear of mic
- Tailored response minimizes camera and handling noise
2. Rode VideoMic Pro
- Still with the best-in-class Rycote Lyre suspension system onboard, the VideoMic Pro improves on the existing VideoMic Pro capsule/line tube and windshield, plus boasts a host of new features.
- Automatic Power Function (with plug-in power availability) is perfect for the run-and-gun shooter, automatically turning the microphone off when unplugged from the camera.
- Built-in Battery Door makes replacing the battery a breeze - plus it wont get lost.
- Power options the VideoMic Pro can be powered by the all-new and included RØDE LB-1 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery, 2 x AA Batteries or continuously via Micro USB.
- Digital Switching - will ensure the user has ultimate capture of the audio signal at the source, reducing post production and editing times.
3. Deity S-Mic 2S Shotgun Microphone
- Upgraded from Deity S-mic 2, the Deity S-Mic 2 is a professional shotgun mic features a shorter, lighter body with a slightly wider pickup pattern for multi-talent scenes. This makes it the S-Mic 2S perfect for things like reality TV crews, indoor sit-down interviews, and indy filmmaking
- The Deity S-Mic 2S features a super-cardioid pickup pattern that minimizes surrounding ambient sounds but still offers low off-axis coloration, lets you capture natural-sounding speech and dialog without any distractions
- Designed to hold up to the brutality of run-and-gun-style shoots, the Deity S-Mic 2s body is machined from 100% solid brass and features an epoxy sealed gold-coated PCB board and a moisture-resistant capsule
- The S-Mic 2S is as light as other industry-standard mics used on film sets. Coming in at a mere 3 ounces, you might forget you have a microphone on the end of your boom pole
- All Deity S-Mic 2S come with a waterproof, shockproof hard case to keep your microphone safe during storage or travel. Also included with ever purchase is a mic clip and a foam windscreen
4. Azden SGM-250CX Professional
- Short length (6) shotgun microphone ideal for on-camera mounting
- Attached 13 inch long XLR cable
- Supercardioid polar pattern
- Wide frequency response for accurate audio capture.
- High sensitivity, low-noise condenser microphone element.
- Powered by 48V phantom power.
- Handcrafted in Japan with manufacturer 10-year warranty.
5. Deity S-Mic 2 Condenser Shotgun Microphone
- 🌿 |Ultra Low Off-Axis Coloration|: Deity S-Mic 2 Offers Superior Broadcast Sound Quality. Superior Linear Response Performance 50Hz~20kHz. Better Ambience Sound Performance
- 🌿 |All-Brass Body with Black Speckle Finish|: No Plastic in the Construction. High-end Capsule, Computer Designed Circuitry, Gold Coated Printed Circuit Board Allows the Mic to Work in the Rain
- 🌿 |Super Cardioid Pattern|: The S-Mic 2 Features -18dB of off Axis Reject. Low Noise Circuitry Design with Noise Level @ 12dBA. Extremely Low Distortion THD (<0.1%). High Sensitivity -322dB re 1v/Pa @1khz
- 🌿 |Ultra Low Self Noise|: Deity S-Mic 2 Has An Ultra-Low-Noise Floor at 12dB (A-weighted), 24dB (CCIR 268-3). Combined with Its Anti-RF Interference Build, the S-Mic 2 is Able to Be Boosted with A Lot Less Background Noise
- 🌿 |Better Protect Your Mic|: Deity S-Mic 2 Comes with A Waterproof Hard case. The Hard Case Features A Rubber O-ring in the Lid that Seals the Case Tight and An Auto Air-pressure Balanced Feature Ensuring Your Microphone is Safe and Ready to Go
[amalinkspro type="showcase" asin="B08CB7J24N" apilink="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CB7J24N?tag=vloggingb-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1" new-window="true" addtocart="false" nofollow="true" sc-id="4" imgs="LargeImage" link-imgs="false" specs="📹Product features: SGC-600 condenser microphone weighs 75g, which is lighter than SGC-598 microphone, can work continuously for 100 hours and has longer power. The microphone is suitable for mobile phones/DV/SLR/camcorders, and can also be used for interview recording.~~~📹Interview microphone gain fader to adjust according to the requirement of picking up range. Low cut function for background noise below 200Hz to make recording clearer.~~~📹The pickup distance of the super-cardioid directional microphone can reach more than 3m, and the pen-type sound collector can increase the pickup range and accuracy, accurately pick up the sound, and increase the recording distance and stability, and is suitable for interviews and video recording.~~~📹The pickup adopts standard cold shoe specifications, which can be easily installed and fixed on cameras and video recorders. The anti-vibration structure effectively reduces mechanical noise and vibration noise.~~~📹What You Get TAKSTAR SGC-600 condenser microphone*1, C2-1 mobile phone conversion cable*1, Windscreen Cover*1, manual*1. If you encounter any problems, please contact us. (Contact the seller or ask a question).~~~" btn-color="#ff9900" btn-text="Buy on Amazon" alignment="aligncenter" hide-prime="0" hide-image="0" hide-reviews="0" hide-price="0" hide-button="0" width="750"]
6. TAKSTAR Shotgun Microphone
Check Price7. Deity V-Mic D3 Pro
- 🏆 |The Worlds Only Microphone with a Stepless Gain Knob|: The V-Mic D3 Pro features a +20dB step-less analog gain adjustment dial. On each side of the dial, the V-Mic D3 Pro features a bump guard that helps prevent the dial from being accidentally rotated. The +20dB of gain is added on a linear scale so you can dial in the exact amount of gain you need for the shot
- 🏆 |Broadcast Quality Sound|: Superior off-axis sound performance. Low noise circuitry, Extremely Low Distortion THD (<0.1%), High-grade SNR (max. 84dB @-24dB sensitivity), 14mm Prepolarized Condensor Capsule
- 🏆 |Smart 3.5mm TRS/TRRS Mic Output|: Out-of-the-box the V-Mic D3 Pro is compatible with DSLRs, Camcorders, Smartphones, Handy Recorders, Laptop, Bodypack Transmitters, and Tablets. Please note that some iOS devices require Apples Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter(NOT Included)
- 🏆 |75/150Hz Low Cut Filters|: Instead of a switch that is sunken into the frame that's hard to toggle, the D3 Pro does it all with a single button on top of the unit. With two levels of low cut the V-Mic D3 Pro is ready for even the windiest day
- 🏆 |Intelligent Power On/Off|: The D3 Pro is ready in Stand-By-Mode after you install the battery, and automatically goes into Run-Mode when the camera or device turns on. When the recording device is turned off, the D3 pro will automatically shut down after 15 minutes of standby to save power
8. Comica Shotgun Microphone
- 【Super-cardioid Condenser Shotgun Mic 】Adopting super-cardioid directional pattern, this shotgun microphone kit can eliminate the background noise effectively and record the target sound accurately and clearly, providing you with better recording effect
- 【Two LCF Modes & Stepless Gain Adjustment】The camera microphone kit features with special two low cut filter modes <75dB & 150dB> and step-less gain for you to choose, and you can adjust it according to your demand
- 【OLED Visualized Power & Shock Absorption Design】 Comica CVM-VM20 professional video microphone is equipped with OLED screen for battery display and real-time power monitor. Besides, the VM20 Rycote shock mount can effectively reduce the vibration and shaking in a motion situation, and non-block the lens. Also, you can adjust the front and rear position of the shock mount according to your need
- 【Super-long Standby Time & Full Metal Manufacturing】Built-in 3.7V/300mAh rechargeable Lithium-battery, this professional video microphone can work up to 60 hours, allowing you to use it at anywhere, whenever indoor or outdoor. A portable case also brings you more convenience. Moreover, the full body is made of metal, which provides better shielding. Putting on the windscreen or wind muff also can reduce the wind noise and background noise effectively
- 【Wide Compatibility】 Equipped with 3.5mm TRS and 3.5mm TRRS adapter cables, the CVM-VM20 shotgun microphone kit is widely compatible with most devices, such as Android Smartphones, Canon/ Nikon/ Sony DSLR Cameras, Camcorders and etc (XLR cable is not included). Perfect for Youtube/ Podcast/ Vlogging/ Tik Tok Video Recording, Livestream, Professional Interview, Family Vacation Trips,Outdoor Events and etc
9. TAKSTAR SGC-598
- Low power indicator
- Transducer Principle: Back Electret Condenser
- Directivity Characteristic: Cardioid
- Back electret condenser Directivity characteristic: Cardioid Frequency response: 50-16KHz Sensitivity: -32dB±3dB (0dB=1V/Pa at 1KHz) Sensitivity tone up: +10dB Bass filter: 10dB/octave at 60Hz Output impedance: 2000Ω±30% Power requirement: 1.5V AA battery (Not included) Product size: Approx.
How To Choose The Best Shotgun Mic | Unrivaled Guide 2022
MICROPHONE FOR VIDEO SHOOTING
Shotgun-type microphones are built to be mounted on the hotshoe of a DSLR, mirrorless, or camcorder. To be clear, where would you mount a flash.
Their functionality is to record higher quality audio than the camera’s internal microphone would record.
If you record a video clip, with any device, the audio will still be captured, but the quality will not be very good. In fact, the microphones integrated into the various video recording devices are of low quality.
In case you want to acquire good audio, you will necessarily have to equip yourself with a shotgun microphone.
The shotgun microphone once hooked and connected to your camera (via the classic 3.5mm or XLR minijack cable) will record an excellent quality audio track that will replace the camera’s default audio track.
What are shotgun microphones used for?
Sound crews mostly use shotgun microphones when shooting their footage, as they easily mount on a video camera or arm while capturing crisp, clear voices with no background noise.
Just a couple of decades ago, you needed thousands of dollars if you wanted to prepare yourself to make a movie of any kind. But now, thanks to recent advances in technology, virtually anyone can be a filmmaker.
Rode microphones
The Rode shotgun microphone stands out as a condenser shotgun. It is designed for professional use and was made specifically for movies, TV, news, and videography.
Rich, warm qualities and lifelike hues are the hallmarks of this incredible piece of gear. The Rode microphone is machined from solid brass, resistant to moisture, and capable of picking up precise neutral tones from its polar pattern. An offer worthy of even the most demanding of projects and environments!
This is absolutely a professional-grade microphone, in every sense of the word. According to Rode, his shotgun microphone was designed for use on film. Field videographers, electronic news broadcasters, interviewers, and anyone else in need of high-resolution audio broadcasting will find this microphone a useful resource.
Features a super-cardioid polar pattern. It also includes an aluminum case to protect it during transport. And of course, as with all high-end Rode products, all microphones are made in Australia. It’s also backed by Rode’s 10 -year warranty, the industry leader that ensures your investment won’t go to waste.
Sennheiser Shotgun Microphones
The Sennheiser Shotgun Microphone has a reputation for being a top-notch microphone … and that reputation is correct. With first-rate features and super-reliable performance, Sennheiser leads the industry in every way possible.
The Sennheiser shotgun microphone has been used on countless sets in the television and film industry and has more than earned the right to be called a shotgun microphone worthy of even the most professional consideration. Indeed, an early version of this microphone was already a hit with filmmakers and journalists on the field in the mid -the 1960s.
The compact microphone is extremely directional, picking up significantly better front sounds than many other microphones. Of course, this is all possible thanks to its hyper-cardioid polar pattern. A normal cardioid pattern will detect sounds coming from behind or from the sides, while a hyper-cardioid will reject them almost completely.
Additionally, this microphone uses radio frequency (RF) polarization. This technology helps to control redundant noise, but it also has other positive aspects, such as moisture resistance.
Its compact size, noise cancellation, and resistance to adverse external conditions make this microphone a favorite for outdoor use . Numerous television news studios and outdoor TV shows use this microphone to record audio.
Deity
With a price tag that is affordable to many, this Best Shotgun Mic gives you low, off-axis coloration, an all-brass construction, a high-end capsule, and a gold-coated circuit board.
Finding an inexpensive Best Shotgun Mic can be a challenge. This is why you will be thrilled to find this gem among Deity products. The new Deity is a super-cardioid condenser rifle microphone designed for use in even the toughest conditions.
One thing you will notice is that it is constructed of machined brass so it is solid. It is a microphone with a gold-plated printed circuit board, sealed with epoxy resin, housed in a moisture-resistant capsule. This means you can use this microphone where you need it, without worrying about humidity or other weather conditions.
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A SHOTGUN MICROPHONE
The shotgun is a directional microphone.
This means that it is built to give more importance to the sound coming from the direction it is pointed towards. The other surrounding sounds will still be recorded but in the background.
That is why it is important that the microphone is pointed at the person or source of the sound you want to record and you need to be as close to the audio source as possible.
The half shotgun microphone is ideal for studio or indoor shooting but you can also use it on all those occasions when you need to shoot in speed, for example at parties and events.
You can also use it to do quick interviews.
In case you have to do interviews a little longer or record only one speaker for a long time, I recommend using a lavalier microphone instead.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE SHOTGUN MICROPHONE
There are different types of shotgun microphones and there is a brand that is king in the sector.
Rode is in fact a certainty in this field and, as you will see, it also monopolizes the section of our advice. In addition to Rode, other brands that I have tried over the years and I can recommend you are:
Saramonic: which produces good entry-level microphones, at very affordable prices
Boya: also, in this case, good quality and good price
Sennheiser : here you go up a lot in price but the quality is superb
To start, however, I recommend you focus on Rode shotgun microphones which are practically a certainty. You will also find them in different price ranges.
So how do you choose a good shotgun microphone?
Quality: you can find microphones for a few tens of euros or several hundred. Obviously, the higher the sound quality, the more the price will rise.
Power supply: some microphones are powered externally, while others are equipped with internal batteries and therefore guarantee greater autonomy.
Size and need: there are very small Best Shotgun Mic, very light and suitable for example for smartphones, others are more demanding, designed to be mounted on a telescopic rod (boom). The medium-sized ones are the most widespread and usable for different purposes.
Your needs regarding the product offering
We all have certain requirements for a product before buying it. As I said above, there are some circumstances where even the best budget vocal mic wouldn’t have all the features you’re looking at. So, before buying one, I recommend that you make a list of requirements and make sure that the option you have chosen has it.
Budget vs price
If money weren’t limited or budget wasn’t an issue, everyone would consider buying the most expensive or feature-rich budget voice microphone. But in reality, we live on a budget and without allocating it we cannot manage other expenses.
This is the area where many shoppers end up choosing the wrong product due to budget issues (they end up buying the cheap voice microphone in their budget even if it can’t perform the basic tasks they bought it for., no it is not true?)
Brands
There is a reason why 57 prefers to buy a cheap voice microphone from a reputable brand over an unknown brand. It’s because branded products provide high-quality construction, well-researched use cases, and reliable customer support options.
The best lists
It is not just me who created an article on this topic, go to your favorite search engine (I suggest Google / Bing / DuckDuckGo) and do a search for the best cheap voice microphone and you will find many articles on this topic, you can visit more sites Web and make sure you know what you are buying.
Forums, Facebook groups, Reddit
One of the best ways to find a reputable product without doing a lot of research is to join the Facebook communities for cheap voice microphones. You can simply go to Facebook Search and type: “cheap voice microphone” and enter the group’s section.
Alternatively, you can find active forums about the industry you’re looking at, create a profile, and post a query. You would be surprised to find a lot of insightful information by visiting various threads.
Reddit is a social media site with millions of active users, you can just go to a cheap voice microphone-related subreddit you are getting and post a post there, many people with years of experience would help pick the right option.
Offers
Although it is not likely that you will be able to find a bargain when you buy a product. However, the best way to find a current offer would be to visit some offer websites or find offers using search engines by typing the query: cheap voice microphone offers
According to my research, people who shop using offers save around 5-8%. You can also visit some local stores, try the product and ask if they are running promotions.
User reviews
I’m a fan of user feedback, in fact, I believe no one can tell you about a cheap voice microphone better than someone who has experience using it. For example, every time I buy something from Amazon, I end up posting a review a few weeks after using it. Many people have read my reviews and found them helpful.
Tip: If you’ve read a review from the user who helped you buy the right product, be sure to post a review of the product you purchase next.
YouTube videos
There was a time when you couldn’t find a single product video on YouTube, but with advances in technology and the increase in video content consumption, many creators using a certain product consider posting a video in con which they share their experience. I typically use this to find the size and look of the cheap voice microphone I get.
Frequently asked questions
Is a shotgun mic a condenser mic?
In general, shotgun microphones are also condenser microphones. This type of microphone is better suited for capturing a wide frequency range and can record the most complete sound. When shooting video, you want to capture sounds that represent the entire scene, not just certain frequencies.
1. What is the best voice microphone?
According to my research, Audio-Technica AT875R, Lavalier Clip-on Collar 4 Microphones 1 Wireless Receiver 6.35mm Audio Cable LCD Display for Public Address is the best option available, because it has everything you need in one cheap voice microphone and has better performance than many other models.
2. What are the brands I should consider?
Buying from a brand that provides exceptional products and services in your locality is pretty important. In my opinion, the top 5 brands in your location are: Audio-Technica, Logitech G, Trust Gaming, AKG, LIFEBEE
OUR ADVICE
As you will see, Rode microphones will be very present in our recommendations, as leaders in the sector but I will also tell you about other brands.
If you are looking for very small microphones, also suitable for tablets and smartphones, I recommend the Rode VideoMicro and the Boya shotgun cardioid microphone.
If, on the other hand, you want a good cheap microphone to use with your reflex or mirrorless camera, you can go for the Saramonic CAMMIC + or the Rode VideoMic Rycote.
If you want to get started with a Best Shotgun Mic straight away, I recommend the Rode VideoMic Pro + for your camera or the Rode NTG2 if you’re shooting a short film.
Verdict
As I said above, I have researched many shotgun microphone options available in the market and have also consulted with industry experts, and created this list of recommendations. I’m sure by reading this, you would have found the right one for your needs.
If you liked this article, share it with other members on your social media sites like Facebook, and Twitter and spread the word. One request is, to be sure to leave a product review of the item you’re receiving (it’s not mandatory, but your advice might help someone choose the right product).
These days all I do is create lists based on research and expert advice (sometimes I pay them for their time) and make sure I get the most honest opinions and a product listing that helps my readers. If you have any questions or need advice on buying something else, please feel free to contact me or comment below.
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