Frustrated by poor sound quality in your recordings? Do background noises keep disrupting your perfect take? At LeagueFeed, our experts have taken the pain out of finding the ideal solution. With 48 hours of extensive research and hands-on testing, we present you an exhaustive guide to the best shotgun microphones available today. If you are in pursuit of clear, high-quality audio, look no further.
TL;DR:
- Shotgun microphones are perfect for isolating sounds and reducing background noise
- We’ve selected the top 8 brands known for their superior sound quality and innovative features
- Explore our detailed buyer’s guide that considers seven key factors to help you make an informed choice
- Discover the latest trends and tips to avoid common pitfalls and test the quality of your new shotgun microphone
Here are our top 3 picks for Shotgun Microphones!
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Understanding Shotgun Microphones
Shotgun microphones, characterized by their narrow, long design, are highly directional and excellent at picking up sound from a specific source. These microphones primarily find their usage in television, film, and outdoor broadcasting, thanks to their exceptional ability to isolate sound and reject background noise.
5 Best Shotgun Microphones to Consider
Neumann KMR 81 i -Best Overall
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Excellent Directionality ✅ High-Quality Sound ✅ Durable ✅ Wind and Handling Noise Reduction ✅ Prestigious Brand | ❌ Price ❌ Limited Accessories |
The Neumann KMR 81 i Shotgun Condenser Microphone, dressed in black (KMR 81 I MT), stands as a shining beacon in the world of audio recording equipment. Originating from the prestigious Neumann family, celebrated for their high-quality audio devices, this microphone embodies precision, power, and proficiency.
The KMR 81 i is a compact shotgun microphone noted for its exceptional directionality. It can capture sound over a distance while eliminating peripheral noise, making it perfect for TV, film, and even outdoor broadcasting. The microphone’s design ensures it is resistant to wind and handling noise, offering a clean, clear sound reproduction in even the most demanding conditions.
The microphone boasts an impressive frequency response range, accommodating a broad spectrum of sounds with remarkable clarity and detail. Its high-pass filter assists in mitigating low-frequency noise such as wind or handling vibrations. Moreover, its low self-noise is a boon for professional-grade recording.
Encased in a robust black metal body, the KMR 81 i MT is durable, lending itself well to the rigors of on-location work. Aesthetically pleasing and technically robust, it’s more than just a microphone; it’s a vital tool for anyone serious about their audio recording.
AZDEN SGM 3500-Runner Up
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Compact Size ✅ Excellent Sound Quality ✅ Durable Construction ✅ Low-Cut Filter ✅ Standard XLR Output | ❌ Price ❌ Weight |
The AZDEN SGM-3500 Supercardioid 7″ Long Broadcast Spec XLR Shotgun Microphone is a worthy investment for those seeking professional-quality audio in their video production. Specially designed for use with professional video cameras, this microphone combines power, performance, and practicality in a compact design.
Measuring just 7 inches long, the SGM-3500 maintains a low profile while offering exceptional directionality thanks to its supercardioid polar pattern. This microphone adeptly focuses on the sound in front of it, minimizing peripheral noise, which makes it perfect for field recording, interviews, and other broadcasting applications.
One of the standout features of the SGM-3500 is its wide frequency response, which ranges from 20Hz to 20kHz. This ensures rich, clear, and detailed audio capture across a broad spectrum of sounds. With a switchable low-cut filter, handling noise and wind disturbance are significantly reduced.
The SGM-3500 is a rugged, all-metal microphone that promises durability and longevity. It utilizes a balanced, 3-pin XLR output for seamless compatibility with professional video cameras, recorders, and audio interfaces. The AZDEN SGM-3500 is a comprehensive solution for those seeking to enhance their audio recording quality in video production.
Sennheiser MKE 600-Budget Pick
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ High-Quality Sound ✅ Dual Power Options ✅ Included Accessories ✅ Low-Cut Filter ✅ Renowned Brand | ❌ Price ❌ Battery Life |
When it comes to audio recording, the Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone stands as a paragon of excellence. Bundled with an Auray Universal Shock Mount and Windshield, it’s an all-in-one solution for audio enthusiasts, offering top-tier quality and performance.
The MKE 600 is meticulously engineered to capture detailed, high-quality sound with a supercardioid/lobar pickup pattern. It is adept at focusing on the sound source while minimising background noise, making it ideal for a variety of professional applications, from interviews to film production.
A standout feature is its ability to operate either via phantom power or a single AA battery, providing flexibility in various recording environments. Its switchable low-cut filter efficiently minimises wind noise and handling vibration, providing crisp, clear audio.
The Auray Universal Shock Mount offers robust protection against mechanical noise and vibrations, while the included windshield further helps in reducing wind noise. With an XLR output, this microphone seamlessly integrates with a variety of professional-grade audio equipment.
All in all, the Sennheiser MKE 600 package provides not just a microphone, but a comprehensive audio solution, offering unparalleled performance, reliability, and flexibility.
Audio-Technica AT897
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Excellent Sound Quality ✅ Dual Power Options ✅ Durable ✅ Compact Size ✅ Switchable Low-Frequency Roll | ❌ No Accessories ❌ Weight |
Providing a perfect balance between quality, portability, and price, the Audio-Technica AT897 Line/Gradient Shotgun Condenser Microphone stands out as an ideal option for those venturing into the professional audio recording arena.
With a short length of 11 inches, the AT897 manages to maintain a low profile while delivering exceptional sound quality. It features a line + gradient polar pattern, which enables it to capture targeted sound while significantly reducing peripheral noise. This makes it a great choice for a variety of applications, from film production to broadcasting.
One key highlight is its switchable low-frequency roll-off, which allows it to minimize noise from wind and handling for a cleaner sound capture. The microphone operates on either phantom power or a single AA battery, ensuring versatility in different recording scenarios.
Constructed with rugged metal housing, the AT897 is built to withstand the rigors of field production. Its XLR output ensures seamless connectivity with professional audio equipment.
In summary, the Audio-Technica AT897 is a robust, compact, and versatile shotgun microphone that delivers high-quality sound without breaking the bank.
Rode NTG-2
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ High-Quality Sound ✅ Dual Power Options ✅ Durability ✅ High-Pass Filter ✅ Lightweight | ❌ No Accessories ❌ Size |
The Rode NTG-2 Multi-Powered Shotgun Microphone stands as a testament to the quality and reliability that Rode is known for. A popular choice among videographers and sound engineers, this microphone offers robust functionality, making it a go-to solution for a wide range of audio applications.
Featuring a super-cardioid polar pattern, the NTG-2 excels at isolating sound from the front, while minimizing noise from the sides and rear. This results in clean, professional-grade audio that is ideal for field recording, filmmaking, and broadcast applications.
One of the highlights of the NTG-2 is its multi-powered design. This microphone can operate on either 48V phantom power or a single 1.5V AA battery, making it versatile for both studio and outdoor use. The inclusion of a high-pass filter at 80Hz helps to eliminate low-frequency noise, such as wind and traffic, providing clear and undistorted sound.
Built with a rugged, all-metal body, the NTG-2 is designed to endure even the most demanding recording environments. Its lightweight design and convenient size make it easy to handle and transport.
In short, the Rode NTG-2 delivers superior sound quality, flexibility, and robust performance, ticking all the right boxes for any audio professional.
Top 8 Brands and Their Offerings
There is a myriad of brands producing high-quality shotgun microphones. Here we present the eight brands that have stood out in our research:
- Sennheiser: Known for their high-end audio equipment, Sennheiser’s shotgun microphones, such as the MKE 600, offer exceptional sound quality and robust construction.
- Audio-Technica: The AT897 is a well-regarded shotgun mic that provides clear, natural-sounding audio at a competitive price point.
- Rode: The NTG series from Rode has become a staple in many film and television productions thanks to their superior audio capture and durability.
- Shure: Shure’s VP89 series offers switchable long, medium, and short capsules for versatile audio pickup, satisfying various recording needs.
- Neumann: Although more expensive, the Neumann KMR 81i is famous for its precise sound directionality and resistance to wind noise.
- Sony: Sony’s ECM series combines affordability with performance, offering good sound quality and easy handling.
- Beyerdynamic: Their MCE 86 II shotgun microphone is known for its high sensitivity and excellent side noise rejection.
- Azden: Offering budget-friendly options like the SGM-1X, Azden is a go-to brand for those just starting with audio recording.
What to Look for When Buying a Shotgun Microphone
Choosing a shotgun microphone depends on several factors. Here are seven essential criteria to consider:
- Sound Quality: It’s vital to choose a microphone with excellent sound reproduction and low noise.
- Directionality: A good shotgun microphone should be highly directional, capturing sound from the source while ignoring unwanted noise.
- Construction: A robustly built microphone will handle wear and tear better, especially for outdoor use.
- Powering options: Mics with flexible powering options, such as battery or phantom power, can be more versatile.
- Wind protection: If you plan to record outdoors, look for a microphone with good wind protection or the possibility to add a windscreen.
- Price: While higher price often equals better quality, there are also budget options providing excellent performance.
- Brand reputation: Purchasing from a reputable brand ensures better product support and reliability.
Common Issues with Shotgun Microphones
Despite their advantages, shotgun microphones are not without issues. Here are the three common problems you might face:
- Wind Noise: Shotgun microphones can be highly susceptible to wind noise when used outdoors without proper wind protection.
- Off-Axis Coloration: Some shotgun mics can introduce coloration when picking up off-axis sounds, affecting audio quality.
- Handling Noise: Lower-quality shotgun microphones can pick up handling noise, which can ruin recordings.
Always remember to test your microphone thoroughly to identify any of these issues before it’s too late.
Testing Your New Shotgun Microphone
When you get a new shotgun microphone, it’s crucial to test it for potential issues. Here are five tests you can perform:
- Sound Test: Record different sound sources from various distances to check the microphone’s audio quality and directionality.
- Wind Test: If you plan to use the microphone outdoors, test it in windy conditions to see how it performs.
- Handling Test: Handle the microphone while recording to identify any handling noise.
- Off-Axis Test: Record sounds coming from different angles to check for off-axis coloration.
- Durability Test: While not suggesting any form of misuse, you can observe the build quality and materials to judge its durability.
Understanding Different Buyer Avatars
Depending on their specific needs, different buyers might look for different features in a shotgun microphone:
- The Prosumer: These are serious hobbyists who want high-quality sound but might be on a budget. They should look for a balance between price and performance.
- The Professional: Professionals need the best sound quality and can afford to spend more. They should look for features like switchable directionality and advanced wind protection.
- The Beginner: Beginners need a microphone that is easy to use and provides decent sound quality. They should focus on simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Insider Tips on Shotgun Microphones
As an experienced sound engineer, I’ve picked up a few insider tips along the way that may just make your journey with shotgun microphones smoother:
- Understanding Microphone Specs: Numbers like frequency response, sensitivity, and signal-to-noise ratio might seem daunting at first, but they tell you a lot about a microphone’s performance. A little research into what they mean could help you make a more informed decision.
- Accessories Matter: A good shock mount and windscreen can significantly improve your recording experience, reducing handling noise and wind noise respectively. Some microphones might come with these included, but in other cases, you might need to buy them separately.
- Testing in Real Conditions: Whenever possible, try to test a microphone in conditions similar to where you’ll be using it. For example, if you’ll be recording a lot outdoors, make sure to test the microphone outside.
Exploring Uncommon Angles
It’s also interesting to explore some less traditional uses for shotgun microphones:
- Music Recording: While not typically used for music recording, a shotgun microphone can be interesting for capturing solo instruments in a live ensemble or a choir in a large room, providing a unique perspective.
- Wildlife Sound Recording: The strong directionality and long reach of shotgun microphones make them great for recording wildlife sounds, especially bird calls.
FAQs
1. What is a shotgun microphone?
A shotgun microphone is a highly directional microphone that isolates sound from a specific source and rejects background noise, making it perfect for film, television, and outdoor broadcasting.
2. What are some top brands for shotgun microphones?
Some top brands include Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, Rode, Shure, Neumann, Sony, Beyerdynamic, and Azden.
3. What should I look for when buying a shotgun microphone?
You should consider sound quality, directionality, construction, powering options, wind protection, price, and brand reputation.
4. What are some common issues with shotgun microphones?
Common issues include wind noise, off-axis coloration, and handling noise.
5. How can I test a new shotgun microphone?
You can perform a sound test, wind test, handling test, off-axis test, and a durability test.
6. What are some insider tips for choosing a shotgun microphone?
Understanding microphone specs, considering necessary accessories, and testing in real conditions are some insider tips for choosing a shotgun microphone.
7. Can I use a shotgun microphone for music recording or wildlife sound recording?
While not traditional, shotgun microphones can be used for music recording, especially for solo instruments in a live ensemble or choirs. They’re also great for wildlife sound recording due to their strong directionality and long reach.
8. What makes a good windscreen for a shotgun microphone?
A good windscreen should effectively reduce wind noise without affecting the microphone’s sound quality. It should also fit the microphone well and be easy to put on and take off.
9. What’s the best way to mount a shotgun microphone?
Using a shock mount is generally the best way to mount a shotgun microphone. This helps to isolate the microphone from vibrations and handling noise.
10. Do all shotgun microphones come with a carrying case?
Not all, but many shotgun microphones come with a carrying case for easy transport and storage. If not included, it’s usually worth investing in one to protect your microphone.
Personal Conclusion
Choosing the best shotgun microphone requires understanding your needs, careful research, and sometimes a little trial and error. But with the wealth of options available today, you’re sure to find something that fits the bill. Here’s to finding the perfect companion for your audio recording journey!
