Best Shotgun Microphones 2022 Reviews & Buying Guide
Video without adequate sound is meaningless. Sometimes, the leading voices fade away while recording, and unwanted loud voices record in. That’s why the professionals give much consideration to directional microphones, especially the best shotgun microphones. There are many types of microphones on the market, but the shotgun mic is the most famous type and is high in demand for capturing clear, crisp sounds from one source while ignoring unwanted sounds. These can record fantastic and clear sounds!
You might have experienced it when you have recorded something on your camera enthusiastically, but the voice quality had spoiled the video. Yes, it happens to me too! To cope with this situation, I have researched & tested the best shotgun mic in the market for you and covered the detailed review below.
10 Best Shotgun Mics of 2021
You should buy a microphone that best suits your requirements to get better audio results. Each mic has some different specifications. Shotgun microphones are available in various price ranges. If your budget is low, you can still buy a better one.
Shotgun microphones are considered best among professionals for their high on-axis sound recording. And they reject the noises from other directions for a better result. So here are the 10 best shotgun microphones that are all best for recording professional sound and can integrate with your camera like a breeze! So after checking technical features and reading reviews of our testings, you would get a clear picture of which one is best for your use. A list of the ten best microphones with main technical features is added below. You can have a look!
Are you a newbie in videography and searching for a fantastic podcast microphone? Hold on; we have picked the best one for you. That is an Audio-Technica AT875R shotgun microphone. This microphone will satisfy and fulfill your requirements; read the full review to see how!
There are thousands of microphones available in the market, but there are some reasons why I am recommending this one. The first reason is the short length that makes it perfect for mounting on your camera for making videos. For picking up the long-distance voices, it provides a narrow acceptance angle.
Audio-Technica is the microphone that rejects the noises from sides and back; it gives a fantastic recording output for all focused sounds, such as accurate, congested, or analytical. Moreover, those who get easily irritated with the handling noise of the mic are its fans. It is best to reject handling noise.
It is available in a fabulous professional design and is phantom powered. And people who have a low budget still want to buy the best microphone, so that is the right choice. Audio-Technica is a lightweight mic that is easy to handle and doesn’t over-burden the mic pole or your camera.
Most people use an omnidirectional mic with their camera, which is ineffective for capturing long-distance voices. If you are also using an omnidirectional mic, you might have complained of having brassy and shrilling noises in recorded output. The reason is that these microphones record from all directions and lose focus on one object, while shotguns do not!
Thus use this shotgun mic to get a smooth and incredible sound. The windscreen protects other usual noises of fans, heater, and wind. You can buy an additional windshield that provides extra protection from the rain. Its unique black color attracts everyone. This mic will not disappoint you, whether you are recording a flute’s melodic sound, a pleasant sound of nature, or an interview. Overall it is an incredible & best directional microphone for recording sound.
Many people are very concerned about the battery when buying any electronic equipment. Fortunately, this mic is a problem solver for a battery! It contains a rechargeable battery that supplies over 150 hours of operation. Another interesting fact about its battery will make you jump with joy. It gets fully charged with Micro USB within two hours, so get back to your work after a break. Using the Micro USB cable, you can charge it with a PC or power brick. While sitting in your car and wanting to charge your Rode NT4G, charge it via car.
For recording sound from different perspectives, it provides high broadcast quality. Rode NT4G is an excellent directional mic. So it records the needed voices or sounds accurately and rejects the off-axis sounds to give a better result. You will find it perfect to use at any spot, whether indoors or outdoors. For outdoor recordings, it works efficiently with its fantastic features.
It comes with a high frequency and low noise, essential functions one looks for in a microphone. On the microphone body, digital switching makes it convenient to control the in-built high-pass filter and frequency boost. Thus it removes degrading audio signals and records better sound. It detects a wide range of vibration nodes with high sensitivity and records them. All these features record the sound smoothly and in high quality. So everyone enjoys listening to that sound.
Rode NT4G+ is a complete package with all the needed accessories like the MicroUSB, windshield, and microphone clip. So consider it as a one-time investment in your recording gadget! It comes with a ten years warranty that is also extendable. The warranty makes you relax during its use.
Film making or simply recording pure, crystal clear audio is an exciting field that requires highly professional equipment for recording. So if you are a professional filmmaker or a newbie, you will enjoy your experience with Sennheiser MKE600. You can get incredible sound recordings for your interview, natural voices, or even musical concerts with its fantastic features.
No one likes to listen to unwanted and noisy recorded sounds. So you are not going to face such issues in this model. It provides a perfect on-axis audio recording with side and rear tones rejected. It detects the desired voice directly. Whether making any documentary or video, taking interviews, or recording music, use MKE600 and see the difference. You will find it better than other mics because it has an impressive feature that records sound from a distance.
One of the most remarkable features of this mic is its built-in battery. So, you can use this shotgun mic with the camera or camcorder that lacks phantom power. The battery lasts long so that you can work for more time. Every mic provides features at its best; only the one that provides some extra features becomes popular. The battery has an on/off switch that prevents premature discharging, keeping its battery safe. “Low batt” displays for indication.
It also has a switchable filter called “Low cut”, which minimizes the wind noise. This filter enables it to record crisp and clear sound. The windshield is available with MKE600 to make it more reliable for outdoor use. The shock mount prevents the handling noise and vibrations of the mic holder from disrupting the required voice filter.
What a clear voice and proper understandable speech it gives! I mean, it’s fabulous to engage you to enjoy the sound. It is light-weighted yet has a robust metallic body that will not damage after some time. So don’t be worried if your young children are carrying it, either you could believe in its durability.
What do we like?
The Low cut filter is available.
Additional windshield accessory is available with it
For those who capture every fantastic moment they spend with the family in their camera and want a mic to use with it, Rode VideoMic can help them in this matter. The cameras for home use need a great sound recording microphone like Rode VideoMic.
It consists of a super-cardioid polar pattern that allows it to record the person’s sound in front of it exclusively. It is fully focused and highly directional in its purpose. Because of its high-pass filter, it rejects recording the low-end noises like traffic, so it records only the required sound. High-quality sound recording is its sole function. And if you are going to attend your favorite singer’s concert or taking part in a car race, use this mic with your digital camera for recording. Take it with you to your friend’s wedding, and you will enjoy the recorded sound experience and feels professionalism in quality.
You can use it for studio recordings because it is a professionally handled mic. Additionally, the shoe mount made it easy to easily mount on the camera, mic stand, or boom pole. Those microphones are considered best for professional use that is directional and cuts down the surrounding voices. Rode VideoMic is one of those directional microphones.
The shock mount system separates the physical bodies like a camera or boom pole from the mic. Thus it avoids vibrations disturbing during the recording. The VideoMic is light-weighted and exclusively made by film industry technology. That feature makes it ideal for digital cameras.
The battery lasts for a long, and the LED status indicator alerts you to recharge the battery. Any camcorder that has a better camera shoe-fitting can use this excellent mic.
Audio-TechnicaAT897 is a polarized pattern Shotgun Condenser microphone made for videos and broadcast and audio acquisition purposes. So it gives a reliable and incredible performance every time you use it. Whenever we make videos, these videos later remind us of that time. Then it is essential to use a camera with this type of mic that makes your memories more intense.
The short length makes the use of the mic easy. It is convenient to carry, and you can keep it in any small place. Moreover, the short length does not interrupt the shot. To record the smooth sound, you need a mic like Audio Technica AT897. It records only the on-axis sound and rejects the noise from the rear and sides.
The narrow acceptance provides sound recording even from long distances. It would help the video maker stay at his place and record the sound. As a result, it lessens your fatigue and leads to higher performance.
Audio-Technica AT897 uses a battery or phantom power to work. The low-frequency roll-off helps to remove mechanical and unwanted noise from the recording. As a professional user, you know that noise is always an annoying factor. So this mic has a smooth, natural-sounding on-axis audio quality that you will fall in love with!
It is better to use it with your camcorders and digital cameras. Moreover, it is the choice of professionals. Whether you want to make a film, TV show, documentary, or wildlife video, use it and enjoy its magic.
The long life of its battery makes your work smoother for a prolonged time. You do your recordings without being worried about the battery. Audio-Technica AT897 can be operated by battery or by phantom power, and it is the plus point that makes it a worthy contender compared to others.
Rode VideoMicro is a compact microphone ideal for recording pure, rich, sonorous sounds and voices. Those who are more relaxed and comfortable with lightweight products would love it. Thanks to its short length, which makes it easy to mount it on every camera. It is yet relaxing you in bearing the weight. So you would not be tired of picking up your camera because of a heavy microphone.
Rode VideoMicro enhances the audio quality, and ultimately, your shot looks impressive. It is a highly directional microphone that focuses more on the sound in front of the camera. You can use it both indoors and outdoors. If you mostly record sounds indoors, you should get this one for better results in recording sound.
Because of forgiving pickup, it catches more natural tones. But be relaxed; you can use it for outdoor videos too. You can use it for recording interviews and other sounds for its highly directional function. Furthermore, it is also a fantastic microphone for recording on the sports ground.
Rode VideoMicro is available in a black metallic body with a windshield. The furry windshield will help you with your outdoor sound recordings. And would reject the wind and traffic noise. Because of its suspension structure, it reduces unwanted vibrations more than other on-camera microphones. Unlike a typical elastic suspension, it minimizes the handling noise. Handling noise doesn’t sound right if recorded in your videos.
Rode VideoMicro requires no battery because it needs to be powered by the camera’s plug-in power. Providing extensions and a warranty of one year that can extend to two years once registered. It is perfect for camcorders and Entry-level DSLRs.
Rode NTG3B is a super-cardioid moisture-resistant shotgun microphone used professionally for TV, films, news, and high-resolution broadcast. If you are looking for a microphone to use for outdoor shootings and would mount it on your camera, trust me, it is the best choice. It is available in amazing black color with a light weighted body of just 163 g.
It provides exceptionally high-quality sound. Rode NTG3B has a condenser with RF bias technology, perfect for areas where condensation and dust are big problems for your microphones.
This shotgun microphone has a super-cardioid polar pattern microphone with maximum noise rejection, on-axis directionality, and high-quality clear sound. So using this mic, you can get better results from your recorded sound than regular ones. A mic with 50% less self-noise is a common problem in many shotgun microphones. The frequency range of Rode NTG3B ranges from 40 Hz-20 kHz with high sensitivity. Moreover, Rode NTG3B has only 13dBA self-noise, ensuring clarity and delivering actual sound. You get a warranty of 10 years once you register yourself. The users love its impressive design embellished with a nickel-plated finish.
Rode NTG3B, the best shotgun mic with XLR connector, has a 3-pin XLR connector that provides the best audio signals and reduces prevailing electrical interferences. It is phantom powered, which will work with field recorders, handheld audio recorders, cinema cameras, and camcorders.
Usually, we do not notice the surrounding noise, but it gives an irritating feel once recorded. So no worries, Rode NTG3B contains a foam windscreen that minimizes the unwanted noise of heaters, air conditioners, fans, and wind. But if you want perfect noise reduction, a shock-mount suspension system and the furry windshield are available separately.
You can easily mount it on a boom pole or a mic stand. But if you are searching for something to end the vibrations between your boom pole and the mic, you should buy a separate Rode SMR-4 shock mount.
The modern world is getting classy and fashion-oriented. People love to look trendy and want to own everything that differentiates from others in terms of design, fashion, and performance. I like the Synco shotgun Mic the most because it has a classy design and unmatched quality.
You can use it for your outdoor shootings. No matter what the weather is, you can use it carefree. It’s raining outside, and you want to record sound and make videos; go and do your work. The black speckle finish helps it to work in the rain normally. The solid brass metal body has high anti-interference properties, which is better outdoors.
Its Hyper-Cardioid polar pattern allows it to record distinctive directional voices. By rejecting the off-axis sounds, it records super crisp sounds. Moreover, the SNR of the mic transfers proper signals to reduce the disturbing noise.
It is a medium-length microphone that works everywhere, either indoors or outdoor. Also, it is easy to carry wherever you go. When working on your films, interviews, or making documentaries, Synco Mic can work well. The high sensitivity of this mic makes it possible to record the low voices. It captures the long-distance voices easily. So in the wildlife documentaries, you would record the sound of far-off-sitting birds accurately.
It is considered better than others in the same price range because of its off-axis sound rejection quality and entirely recording the focused sound. The mini mic holder and two connectors are available with it. The head can rotate 180 degrees to capture the voice from different angles. The additional windshield helps in the outdoor video recordings. It is also one of the best budget shotgun mics.
If you have a question in your mind, “Which is the top shotgun mic for DSLR? Then there is no best option than the shotgun mic of the canon itself!
Canon DM-E1 gives a perfect experience of recording sound. Both the experts and newbies can enjoy using it in the studios and indoors yet outdoors too. To record a smooth, fabulous, and crisp sound, use this mini DM-E1, and you will never regret it. The videographers and filmmakers are enjoying their incredible performance.
You can use it with all the Canon cameras to get a better result. And it is easy to attach to the digital cameras with a microphone jack. According to shooting needs and environments, its directional control works.
The different modes are available, making it more reliable. The “shotgun mode” helps it keep focused on the targeted sound. So it records only what is in front of the camera. Perfect for interviews when all the focus is on the speaking person. In contrast, the “stereo mode”, on the other hand, helps in recording a wide range of sounds. If you want to record an orchestra or any sports event, use it for incredible recording.
If you are a wildlife videographer or news reporter, it must be your right partner. The windscreen will help you in open windy areas. It would minimize the sounds of blowing wind and surrounding noise. Thus, it provides you with a fantastic recording experience. The viewers of your videos would love the sound quality more than the visuals. All the technical features are also compared above for a quick overview.
The audio sounds become strengthened for your videos. Canon DM-E1 works with all the EOS digital cameras. It is a fantastic microphone with many exciting features, having several directional controls, a better shock mount, and a windscreen. These features give it an exceptional value, even among those who have been working for so long.
Nowadays, youngsters are crazy about gaining fame like their ideal heroes. They are busy vlogging and searching for a powerful, easy-to-use pocket microphone; the Shuru MV88 shotgun Mic (condenser) is the best option. It is for vlogging, filmmaking, music recording, and much more. Professionals can also use it. It is also best for journalists and field recorders. You can use it for interviews. You would listen to every word of the interviewee in crystal clear quality.
Those devices are ideal for use that leads to ease rather than fatigue. You can rotate it to 90 degrees, tilt it whenever needed, and get a clear sound. It is a multi-directional microphone that records audio from different angles. So if you are going to attend a musical concert, it will record fantastic music for you.
It has brought a new sensation in the field of microphones with its unique features. 5 DSP preset modes are flat, acoustic instrument, singing, loud, and speech. Moreover, two free apps are also available: MOTIV video and MOTIV audio. Both features are for professional use. It has a black foam windshield that works well outdoors.
Shuru MV88 has incorporated a new feature for all iOS users. They can connect this microphone with their iPhones and iPods with a lightning connecter.
ShuruPlus MOTIV App is a free app for all MOTIV products. You can optimize your sound through this app. It also allows you to share your files via SMS, email, or text.
What do we like?
Five built-in preset modes
ShuruPlus MOTIV App
Better for professional use
Pocket friendly
What don’t we like?
The battery of the mobile gets low faster when mic attached
I have discussed the essential features of all the popular shotgun microphones above. I tried to give the best information to make you decide easily. Now you know better for what purpose you need a microphone. Then make the decision wisely to get better results from your microphone. If you are looking for a high-end professional boom-pole holding microphone, then Rode NTG3B and Audio-Technica AT875R are the best option in the shotgun category.
While among on-camera shotgun mics, Rode VideoMicro is the best on the list, and people love it because of its performance and sound quality. In our list of best shotgun microphones, we also considered mobile users and added the perfect option for them. Yes, I am talking about Shure MV88, the best shotgun mic for mobile phones (iOS). If you are still confused, look at all the technical features in the above comparison table.
What is a shotgun microphone?
The shotgun microphones are highly directional in picking up the sound of the targeted source. It amplifies the sounds coming from the front of the microphone while rejecting the rear and side noises. The shotgun microphone has adapted its name for its resemblance with the shotgun barrel, so it must be pointed on target for better results.
Advantages:
Shotgun microphones are the best for recording audio because of their directional pickup pattern. It allows them to focus on the sound source while minimizing background noise.
Shotgun microphones are the best choice for recording sound when you cannot get close to the subject.
Shotgun mics pick up sound directly in front of them, making them ideal for recording interviews, lectures, and other events where you want to capture the audio clearly.
Best Shotgun mic Buying Guide:
Do you like to make videos? If the answer is yes, you must know the importance of a powerful microphone for recording videos. But let me tell you one thing. You are missing your camera’s friend. It is the microphone that works for recording an impressive sound. To understand what I am saying, watch a video that you made without a camera. Is it one that you can compare with any professional video? Of course, your answer is: “NO”. Then it is time to choose a better microphone to make your videos more fabulous.
But what are the essential elements that a microphone should contain? You should keep in mind some important features before buying a shotgun microphone. Let me tell you one by one.
Battery or phantom powered:
If a microphone has an internal battery, it will work for long hours compared to a phantom-powered microphone. Those microphones that rely on phantom power are dependent on the camera. That’s why it is better to choose a mic with an in-built battery.
Length:
Shotgun microphones are available in short, medium, and long sizes. Before buying a microphone, you should keep in mind how you will use it? If you are using it to mount on your camera, buy the one that would not spoil your shots.
The other thing is that the longest the microphone, the narrower the pickup angle. The longest shotgun microphones have shorter pickup angles, while short microphones have a more extensive pickup angle. So use the long microphones for more precious sound, while short microphones are better to use when trying to capture the sound of a variety of things in a single frame.
Directionality:
Shotgun microphones are famous for their crisp and smooth sound recordings. So directionality is a crucial element to look at when buying a microphone. The microphone with high directionality focuses on the targeted sound only and provides better results. Thus cut down the surrounding irritating sounds.
High Sensitivity:
The sensitivity level is essential to check out in a microphone. Because if you need a microphone with high sensitivity and you buy the one with low sensitivity, then it’s all in vain. If you are recording low-level sounds, then use a higher-sensitivity microphone. And if recording loud sounds like music, then a low-sensitivity microphone is relatively better.
Low self-noise:
As the heading states, something is related to the mic itself. So self-noise means the noise microphone produces during use. Try to use the one with low self-noise. Otherwise, you will not get incredible results for your effort.
Windscreen:
A windshield is needed if you want a smooth sound recording with minimal noise from the surroundings. Windscreen rejects the noise of fans, heaters, air conditioners, and wind. So you get an incredible sound for your videos.
Are you a newbie in videography and searching for a fantastic podcast microphone? Hold on; we have picked the best one for you. That is an Audio-Technica AT875R shotgun microphone. This microphone will satisfy and fulfill your requirements; read the full review to see how!
Many people are very concerned about the battery when buying any electronic equipment. Fortunately, this mic is a problem solver for a battery! It contains a rechargeable battery that supplies over 150 hours of operation. Another interesting fact about its battery will make you jump with joy. It gets fully charged with Micro USB within two hours, so get back to your work after a break. Using the Micro USB cable, you can charge it with a PC or power brick. While sitting in your car and wanting to charge your Rode NT4G, charge it via car.
Film making or simply recording pure, crystal clear audio is an exciting field that requires highly professional equipment for recording. So if you are a professional filmmaker or a newbie, you will enjoy your experience with Sennheiser MKE600. You can get incredible sound recordings for your interview, natural voices, or even musical concerts with its fantastic features.
For those who capture every fantastic moment they spend with the family in their camera and want a mic to use with it, Rode VideoMic can help them in this matter. The cameras for home use need a great sound recording microphone like Rode VideoMic.
Audio-TechnicaAT897 is a polarized pattern Shotgun Condenser microphone made for videos and broadcast and audio acquisition purposes. So it gives a reliable and incredible performance every time you use it. Whenever we make videos, these videos later remind us of that time. Then it is essential to use a camera with this type of mic that makes your memories more intense.
Rode VideoMicro is a compact microphone ideal for recording pure, rich, sonorous sounds and voices. Those who are more relaxed and comfortable with lightweight products would love it. Thanks to its short length, which makes it easy to mount it on every camera. It is yet relaxing you in bearing the weight. So you would not be tired of picking up your camera because of a heavy microphone.
Rode NTG3B is a super-cardioid moisture-resistant shotgun microphone used professionally for TV, films, news, and high-resolution broadcast. If you are looking for a microphone to use for outdoor shootings and would mount it on your camera, trust me, it is the best choice. It is available in amazing black color with a light weighted body of just 163 g.
The modern world is getting classy and fashion-oriented. People love to look trendy and want to own everything that differentiates from others in terms of design, fashion, and performance. I like the Synco shotgun Mic the most because it has a classy design and unmatched quality.
If you have a question in your mind, “Which is the top shotgun mic for DSLR? Then there is no best option than the shotgun mic of the canon itself!
Nowadays, youngsters are crazy about gaining fame like their ideal heroes. They are busy vlogging and searching for a powerful, easy-to-use pocket microphone; the Shuru MV88 shotgun Mic (condenser) is the best option. It is for vlogging, filmmaking, music recording, and much more. Professionals can also use it. It is also best for journalists and field recorders. You can use it for interviews. You would listen to every word of the interviewee in crystal clear quality.
