Top 10 Shotgun Microphones
Introduction
Shotgun microphones are essential tools in professional movie and video production. Whether attached to the end of a boom pole, mounted on a camera, or set up somewhere around a set, a shotgun microphone is a must-have for your location or film sound kit.
A shotgun microphone is highly directional, ultra-sensitive, and has a narrow pickup angle to isolate your subject from background noise. They’re useful in all sorts of situations—whether you’re recording audio from a camera-mounted mic during an interview, picking up distant sound in a busy location, capturing a speech in a classroom, or even isolating a soloist musician within a group or orchestra.
To put this list together, we consulted specialty review websites, industry magazines, blogs, and read through the experiences of everyday users to see if a mic’s performance lived up to its promises. When comparing our choices, we focused first on sound quality, then considered construction (including moisture resistance), price, size, and how the microphone is powered.
Like all condenser mics, shotgun microphones need a power source. They usually rely on 48v phantom power supplied by a recording device, mixer, or camera.
Just so you know, our Top 10 Shotgun Microphones reviews are listed in no particular order. They’re randomized because we don’t want to rank them from best to worst.
Listed below are our Top 10 Shotgun Microphones:
1. Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Condenser Microphone
The MKE 600 is the top choice for video camera and camcorder microphones, able to handle even the most demanding film challenges. Thanks to its high directivity, the MKE 600 focuses on sounds coming from where the camera is pointed and effectively reduces noise from the sides and rear. The switchable “Low Cut” filter also helps minimize wind noise.
The MKE 600 can be powered by a battery. A battery on/off switch prevents the battery from draining too soon, and a “Low Batt” indicator lets you know when power is running low. When using devices that don’t supply phantom power, the MKE 600 can operate for up to 150 hours on a single AA battery.
At 10 inches long, the MKE 600 uses an interference tube and a super-cardioid polar pattern to deliver strong directivity on-axis, along with significant reduction of sound from the sides and rear. This makes the MKE 600 much more effective at capturing distant audio sources than the omnidirectional microphones typically found in most cameras.
The MKE 600 comes with a foam windscreen that reduces unwanted wind noise from breezes, fans, heaters, and air conditioners by up to 25 dB. For even better wind noise reduction, you can add an optional windshield like the Rycote 15cm Super-Softie, which also offers excellent protection against rain.
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Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Condenser Microphone |
2. Audio-Technica AT 875 R
The Audio-Technica AT875R short shotgun microphone is a great choice for budget-conscious indie filmmakers, TV shoots, nature recording, and documentary projects where simplicity and high-quality sound are important. With its balanced 3-pin XLR output and support for 11 to 52 VDC phantom power, the AT875R works with a wide range of handheld audio recorders, field recorders, mixer adapters, and the built-in preamps on many camcorders and cinema cameras.
The AT875R’s high sensitivity allows it to perform reliably with a variety of microphone preamps. Its full-spectrum frequency response features a slight boost in the high frequencies to enhance speech intelligibility and compensate for any loss of clarity caused by wind protection.
The sturdy housing provides rugged dependability while keeping the microphone lightweight, so it won’t weigh down your boom pole or camera. The included accessories make it easy to mount the AT875R on a mic stand, boom pole, or camera-mount microphone holder.
The AT875R comes with a mic clip for easy placement on a mic stand or boom pole. Alternatively, you can mount the AT875R in the Audio-Technica AT8415 shock mount (sold separately) to reduce the transfer of vibrations from your boom pole to the mic. The AT875R also includes two rubber O-rings that increase the microphone’s diameter to fit the larger mic holders found on many high-end cameras.
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Audio-Technica AT 875 R |
3. Rode NTG-3 Shotgun Condenser Microphone
The NTG3 is a broadcast-grade shotgun microphone designed for even the most demanding shoots that require high-resolution broadcast audio. It features RF-bias technology, which provides excellent resistance to moisture and condensation, making it ideal for outdoor shoots in tough conditions. The NTG3 delivers a rich, warm sound and a tightly controlled polar pattern, offering impressive off-axis performance without coloration.
It is also highly regarded for voice-over work, where its natural tone and clarity provide outstanding results for a variety of voice types. The NTG3 was engineered to deliver broadcast-quality sound, enhanced immunity to RF (radio frequency) interference, and low handling noise. Its balanced output also allows for longer cable runs than most camera-mount shotgun microphones.
With its 10″ long body and super-cardioid polar pattern, the NTG3 offers focused on-axis directionality with maximum rejection of sound from behind the mic. Its low self-noise of 13 dBA and highly sensitive condenser element capture detailed audio, free from the hiss that affects many lower-quality microphones.
Thanks to its 3-pin XLR output and compatibility with 44 to 52 VDC phantom power, the NTG3 works with a wide range of handheld audio recorders, field recorders, and mixer adapters, as well as built-in preamps on many camcorders and cinema cameras.
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Rode NTG-3 Shotgun Condenser Microphone |
4. Schoeps CMIT-5U
The CMIT 5 is SCHOEPS’ shotgun microphone that has set a new standard in its category since its release. Its sound level gently but steadily decreases for off-axis sounds, allowing these to be recorded naturally while also minimizing the impact of movement during operation.
The CMIT 5 also offers much stronger directionality than you might expect from a microphone of its size. If needed, the CMIT 5 can be used for music recordings, such as opera. The similar MiniCMIT provides the features of a CMIT 5 in a compact design, making it especially useful when paired with digital wireless transmitters.
The sound quality of the CMIT 5 remains consistent even when the microphone is rotated, since its directional pattern is identical in both the vertical and horizontal planes. Unlike the microphones in the SCHOEPS Colette series, the capsule and amplifier of the CMIT 5 are built as a single unit.
Pairs of LEDs next to each push button show the status of the filters. Even in darkness, users can check the settings and see that the microphone is working. The settings are retained when the microphone is turned off.
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Schoeps CMIT-5U |
5. Rycote HC-22 Shotgun Microphone
The Rycote HC-22 is a shotgun microphone with a 6.3″ interference tube, designed to deliver high performance for location recording and broadcast work by leveraging Rycote’s audio expertise. Its electret condenser capsule features advanced RF shielding to minimize noise and interference.
The HC-22 can handle sound sources up to 133 dB SPL when powered by full 48V phantom power. Although the microphone can also run on 24V, its SPL handling capabilities are reduced at this voltage. It offers exceptionally low self-noise at just 8.5 dB and a wide frequency response from 50 Hz to 20 kHz. The mic comes with a travel case, and a variety of Rycote windshields and mounting accessories are available separately.
Combining a highly directional polar pattern with extremely low self-noise, the HC-22 provides excellent off-axis isolation and precise sound quality. This makes it an outstanding choice for situations where a focused recording approach is needed.
This microphone captures an accurate representation of the sound source, delivering a crisp tone with a touch of warmth. The degree of warmth may vary by listener, but the HC-22 sits comfortably in the middle—not as warm as the warmest mics, yet far from sounding sterile.
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Rycote HC-22 Shotgun Microphone |
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6. Sanken CSS-50
The CSS-50 is an affordable, easy-to-use, and versatile microphone designed for broadcasting and film projects that require stereo or surround sound. It captures center-focused stereo sound while minimizing ambient noise. To achieve this, Sanken developed the three-capsule CSS-50, which picks up sound from the center like a standard shotgun mic, but adds two more capsules for adjustable stereo imaging.
Thanks to its uniquely slim square capsule design, all three capsules fit into a short acoustic tube, allowing the CSS-50 to maintain the primary shotgun performance of the CSS-5 in a more compact body. High-performance electret condenser capsules offer a wide frequency response and high sensitivity. You can choose between sharp mono directivity, directional stereo, or a wide 140º pattern—all with consistent sound quality.
The different modes include mono, which provides sharp directivity across a wide frequency range for capturing targeted front-facing sound sources. This lets you pick up your desired sound clearly, even in noisy environments or areas with lots of reverb.
Finally, the wide mode is ideal for stereo recording of sound effects, especially when dialogue will be added later. The high-quality electret condenser capsules perform just as well as DC-biased capsules. The CSS-50 captures focused sound with exceptionally accurate stereo localization.
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Sanken CSS-50 |
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7. Sennheiser MKH 416 Shotgun Condenser Microphone
The venerable MKH 416 is a compact, pressure-gradient microphone featuring a short interference tube. Thanks to its RF condenser design, it is extremely resistant to humidity. With its high directivity, low self-noise, excellent articulation of consonants, and strong feedback rejection, the MKH 416 can handle challenging outdoor filming and recording conditions with ease.
Designed with expertise and experience in mind, its 40 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response includes a gentle boost from 5 to 15 kHz for enhanced intelligibility, as well as a natural bass roll-off to reduce rumble. Its low self-noise of 13 dBA and high sensitivity of -32 dB deliver studio-quality signal purity, eliminating the need for noise reduction or gain boosting during postproduction.
When your work takes you outdoors, you’re likely to encounter humidity and condensation—conditions that can cause many microphones to fail. The MKH 416’s RF condenser design makes it highly resistant to moisture, allowing you to reliably capture high-quality audio in both normal and harsh environments.
With its 3-pin XLR output and compatibility with 44 to 52 VDC phantom power, the MKH 416-P48U3 works seamlessly with a wide range of handheld audio recorders, field recorders, and mixer adapters, as well as the built-in preamps on many camcorders and cinema cameras.
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Sennheiser MKH 416 Shotgun Condenser Microphone |
8. Audio-Technica BP4029
Based on models originally developed for the Sydney Olympics broadcast in 2000, the BP4027 (14.96 inches long) and BP4029 (9.29 inches long) Stereo Shotgun microphones are designed for high-end broadcast and production use. Both microphones feature independent line-cardioid and figure-of-eight elements, arranged in an MS (Mid-Side) configuration with a switch-selectable internal matrix.
The BP4029 Stereo Shotgun Microphone from Audio-Technica offers two internally-matrixed modes, providing standard “left-right” stereo output. To suit different acoustic environments, users can choose between a “wide” pattern (LR-W) for increased ambient pickup, or a “narrow” pattern (LR-N) for greater rejection and reduced ambiance.
In M-S mode, the BP4029 delivers independent mid and side signals. This allows you to adjust the Mid-Side balance as needed on your recording desk or mixing equipment, minimizing the amount of gear required in the field. A switchable low-frequency roll-off filter helps to reduce unwanted low-frequency noise.
These phantom-powered models feature a rugged, lightweight design and a sleek black finish, making them perfect for on-camera use. These advanced microphones give sound recordists the flexibility to choose left-right stereo output (wide or narrow) through the microphone’s internal matrix system, or opt for discrete Mid-Side signals for later mixing.
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Audio-Technica BP 4029 |
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9. Rode NTG4+ Shotgun Condenser Microphone with Rechargeable Battery
The NTG4+ is a professional shotgun microphone with a versatile feature set that makes it highly adaptable. It’s super lightweight, making it an excellent choice for use on a boom pole or mounted on a digital camera. Its low-noise circuitry and clear, crisp sound quality also make it an outstanding microphone for voice-over work and live streaming.
The NTG4+ features an extremely directional super-cardioid polar pattern, along with a high-pass filter, a -10dB pad for capturing loud sound sources, and a high-frequency boost to compensate for the dulling effect of using a furry windshield. It can be powered either by P48 phantom power or its built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which provides over 150 hours of operation on a single charge.
The combination of the 10.9″ long body and super-cardioid polar pattern delivers focused front-facing directionality and improved rejection of sounds coming from the sides. Its low self-noise of 16 dBA and sensitive condenser element ensure detailed audio without the hiss that affects many budget microphones.
The NTG4+’s high sensitivity allows it to produce strong output levels without the need for excessive gain at your mic preamp. Sonically, the NTG4+ delivers a warm sound, thanks in part to its gentle dip in the high frequencies and its selectable low-cut filter that reduces unwanted rumble.
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Rode NTG4+ Shotgun Condenser Microphone |
10. Zoom F1-SP
The F1-SP comes equipped with the SGH-6 Shotgun Mic, renowned for capturing professional-quality, hyper-directional sound. Its aluminum body makes it extremely lightweight. Paired with the F1, you can record high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/96 kHz, delivering powerful audio for any video production.
Simply connect the F1 and Shotgun Mic to the included shock mount and attach it to your digital camera. Then, use the included 3.5mm stereo cable to connect the F1’s audio output to your camera’s input, and you’re ready to record. While sending audio to your camera, the F1 can also record directly to a microSD card, providing a stereo audio file that can be edited in post-production.
Keep an eye on your levels, battery life, lo-cut settings, and more with the F1’s newly designed monochrome display, which stays visible even in bright sunlight. One-touch buttons make it easy to adjust recording levels, limiter settings, and volume output.
The SMF-1 shock mount is engineered to eliminate unwanted thumping noises caused by vibrations during recording. The F1 captures audio in WAV or MP3 formats. WAV files are automatically time-stamped, making them Broadcast Wave Format (BWF) compliant. Thanks to Zoom’s proprietary 10-pin connector, the F1 is compatible with all of Zoom’s interchangeable mic capsules, giving you even more recording options.
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Zoom F1-SP |
Conclusion
Shotgun microphones are some of the most highly directional of the simple first-order unidirectional types. At low frequencies, they have the basic polar response of a hyper-cardioid, but at medium and higher frequencies, an interference tube gives them an increased directional response. This is achieved by canceling off-axis sound waves as they enter the microphone’s series of longitudinal slots.
One result of this design is the presence of some rear lobes, which can vary in level and angle with frequency and may cause some coloration effects. Due to their narrow forward sensitivity, shotgun microphones are commonly used on television and film sets, in stadiums, and for field recording of wildlife.
Microphones with active circuitry, such as most condenser microphones, require power to operate these active components. With the development of solid-state amplification, power requirements were greatly reduced, making it practical to use the same cable conductors and connectors for both audio and power.
A professional shotgun microphone is often used to capture sound from a distance, meaning the microphone is trying to pick up low-level signals. For this reason, a high-quality shotgun microphone should have higher sensitivity than those designed to capture nearby sources.
If you have any questions about the topic we covered today, please let us know in the comment section below. We will be more than happy to answer!
