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Shotgun microphones are unique in the audio world, and they are the go-to choice for film and video production. Also used in broadcast, their special design features great directional pickup and off-axis rejection.
The best shotgun microphone will have multiple things for you to consider. Believe it or not, not all of them feature XLR connections. But the higher-end ones generally do. In order to be able to use your shotgun microphone of choice with the most equipment, you’ll want to make sure to go with one that does.
Other useful features include a pad for attenuating sound and capturing loud sources. They are generally longer in depth, but they have gotten somewhat smaller of the years. This means they are not as cumbersome as they used to be, much to the delight of audio technicians everywhere!
By the end of this article you’ll find answers to a few popular questions:
- What is a shotgun mic best used for?
- What is the best shotgun microphone?
- How good are shotgun mics?
- What shotgun mics are used in Hollywood?
Many of the best shotgun microphone options below you’ll find being used to capture principal audio on your favorite movies. Whether it’s the latest blockbuster or a surprisingly good indie movie, a film can be made or broken on the sound quality.
Our Recommendations of Best Shotgun Microphones
- Sennheiser MKH 50 P48 (Best Overall)
- Audio-Technica AT875R (Best Budget Option)
- Sennheiser MKH416 (Best for Filmmaking)
- LyxPro CMG-50 (The Cheapest Option)
So let’s jump in and do a roundup of some of the most solid options you have and determine which is the best shotgun microphone for your needs!
1. Sennheiser MKH 50 P48
Pros:
- Industry standard audio quality,
- Full frequency capture
- Pad and high-pass filter are useful features
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Expensive!
The MKH 50 is built for use in film production. Our choice for the best shotgun microphone includes a host of familiar Sennheiser features. A specially designed pressure-gradient capsule and supercardioid polar pattern offer fantastic capture and off-axis rejection.
At a 40Hz to 20kHz frequency response it can pick up any sound audible by the human ear. It can handle loud sources with ease, with a maximum SPL of 142dB, and if for some reason your source material goes over that you can engage the -10dB pad.
A standard XLR connection means it can interface with 99% of audio recording equipment. The high-pass filter at 30Hz has an EQ slope at 12dB per octave. It can take 48-52V phantom power.
And it’s not very large or heavy so whether you’re using it attached to the camera or on a boompole it won’t weigh you down. It’s not cheap, but that’s the point. Not everyone in the market for the best shotgun microphone will have a use for it. But anyone serious about film production or professional audio will fall in love at first sound.
2. Audio-Technica AT875R
Pros:
- Great budget model,
- good quality,
- XLR connection,
- lightweight,
- great pickup/rejection
Cons:
- Smaller design might not be ideal for all situations,
- frequency pickup starts at 90Hz
In this price range, the specs can be all over the place. But there are multiple reasons this is a terrific choice if you’re in the market for the best budget shotgun microphone. A lot of the other budget options are only compatible with certain types of cameras.
The AT875R connects via XLR, so you can connect it to the input on your camera of choice, into a field recorder, or into a mixer or audio interface. With a line + gradient polar pattern it offers great on-axis pickup and off-axis rejection from the rear and sides.
The frequency pickup starts at 90Hz and goes all the way up to 20kHz. And at 127 dB SPL it can handle some pretty loud sources. Its short 7” length makes it perfect for working with smaller cameras. A narrow pickup angle does a great job of reducing camera handling noise. It runs on 11-52v phantom power. And at just 2.8oz. it’s very lightweight and ergonomic.
3. Sennheiser MKH416
Pros:
- can handle high SPL,
- wide frequency pickup,
- includes accessories
Cons:
- Designed for field recording,
- might not be the best choice for all scenarios
Sennheiser microphones are some of the best in the business no matter what the project is. Using a RF condenser design and durable all-metal construction means this model is great for exteriors and field recording and withstands humidity well.
In the low and midrange frequencies it operates in supercardioid and in the high range it moves into lobar. Its short interference tube design is very directional with great rejection. It has low self-noise of 13dB, and almost full frequency pickup at 40Hz to 20kHz.
Designed for interior and exterior audio it can take a whopping 130dB SPL. It runs on standard 48v phantom power. Also included are some accessories like a case, windscreen, and quick release clip.
4. LyxPro CMG-50
Pros:
- Affordable,
- good quality audio for price point
Cons:
- Not a “professional” model
There might be situations where you don’t have a way to connect a microphone via XLR. A USB shotgun microphone can come in really handy for this. They’re great for podcasting, creating social media content, or gaming.
And being the USB standard means you’ll likely never have an issue of where to plug it in. This model from LyxPro won’t get you the greatest audio quality, but it does a great job at this price point.
FAQ:
What is a Shotgun Microphone?
Before we really dive into some of the best shotgun microphones, let’s go over what they are, how they differ from other options like condensers and dynamic microphones, and how they’re physically constructed.
They are an industry standard in filmmaking, video production, sporting events, recording crowd noise at concerts, field recording, and these days, even podcasting! This is due to their very directional nature.
When it comes to picking up dialogue they are great at cancelling out things like wind noise and sounds that might be otherwise heard using more omnidirectional microphones – like condensers. Most commonly, you’ll find them either attached to the camera itself or at the end of a boom stick being held by an audio tech.
How do Shotgun Microphones Work?
By utilizing phase-cancellation, shotgun microphones are fantastic at nullifying sounds from the rear of the address (the source they’re pointed at). This is due to having multiple slotted ports on the sides of the shell that cancel out sounds coming from anywhere but the front.
If you’ve seen one you’ll notice that they are much longer than other microphones. By being constructed this way, it provides more rooms for the ports and increases their efficacy.
Polar pattern is a term used to describe the character of how a microphone picks up sound. Shotgun microphones are unique in that their polar pattern is dependent upon the frequency of the sound source. Lower frequencies are picked up in a hypercardioid pattern, similar to many dynamic microphones.
But toward the midrange and high frequency content it receives an improved pickup from the front. A component called an interference tube makes this possible. This tube is what creates the phase cancellation so that sound waves coming in off-axis are rejected.
What is a shotgun mic best used for?
They are best used for film and video production, broadcast, and content creation. But it’s not unheard of to find them in a recording studio either. They are best used for any situation where you need to capture your source without picking up any additional sounds that might be in the environment.
How good are shotgun mics?
Like every microphone in the audio world they have their place. They are great at what they are designed to do, specifically the higher quality models.
What is the best shotgun microphone?
The best shotgun microphone for you depends on your needs. The Sennheiser MKH 50 P48 is a high-budget model that sounds and performs really well. But if you’re more budget-conscious the Audio-Technica AT875R is a great middle ground.
What shotgun mics are used in Hollywood?
It depends on the level of production. You’ll find various models from popular manufacturers like the Sennheiser 416 and MKE600, and Audio-Technica like the AT897. Also used are various models from Schoeps, Rode, and Shure.
It’s no secret that Hollywood will spare no expense in any aspect of their productions, and audio recording is no different. Modern Hollywood sound recording has generally come to utilize shorter shotgun microphone models. There are a few reasons for this.
First of all, it’s easier to get closer to the sound source and keep it out of the shot. Less mass also generally means less weight, which makes it easier on the cameraman or boom operator, depending on how the sound is being captured.
Conclusion
No matter what your budget range is, there is a best shotgun microphone in your price point. So regardless if you’re working in film or broadcast, podcasting or creating social media content you don’t have to skip on quality.
Guest Writer
Brandon Stoner is a lifelong musician who owns more guitars than anyone needs. As a lover of all things writing and music technology, he crafts every piece with his dog Max on his lap.
