Best Shotgun Mic | Record High-Quality Audio
A shotgun microphone is typically a polar response microphone which is highly directional for achieving concentration of high beam on the sound source for recording the sound. The microphone must be aimed or pointed directly at its target source in order to effectively pick it up.
These microphones are barrel-shaped and focus primarily on the sound source in front of it. These microphones provide high gain sound, and it does not pick up any other noises present in the vicinity while recording. But if you are filming a video that features a lot of interviews, it’s a better idea to use a microphone with a suitable boom pole to get the perfect audio source than a camera is ever likely to do.
These Best Shotgun Mic sometimes provide an inexpensive alternative to the built-in receivers present in consumer-grade recording devices such as DSLRs and cameras. Even after being inexpensive, they provide higher audio quality which is best to make good videos.
In this article, I will bring you the list of best shotgun mic that suits you.
10 BEST SHOTGUN MIC REVIEW
1. MOVO VXR10 - BEST SHOTGUN MIC FOR DSLR
Let me start my list of the best shotgun mic with Movo VXR10 Universal Video Microphone, which fully lives up to its name. It is compatible with almost all devices- iPhone, Androids, Cameras, Camcorders, Audio Recorders, Tablets, and Laptops. It is perfect for recording vlogs, interviews, family vacation trips, live music, outdoor events, tutorials etc.
The cardioid polar pattern minimizes background noise for clear audio. The microphone is small, durable and lightweight. It does not even require a battery to power it. The frequency response ranges from 35 Hz to 18000 Hz. So, in addition to picking up a wide range of sound, it picks up crisp, higher frequencies also.
The durable aluminium construction and battery-free design also include a sturdy integrated shock mount to minimize handling noise.
The package includes a furry "dead cat" windscreen for minimizing wind noise when you are shooting outside. It also consists of a 3.5 mm TRS output cable for DSLR, Camcorders and Recorders and a 3.5 mm TRRS output cable for smartphones, tablets and Macs.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Pros
Cons
2. RODE VIDEOMICRO - BEST BUDGET SHOTGUN MIC
The VideoMicro by Rode is one of the best shotgun mic engineered to improve the audio quality of your videos. It uses a high-quality cardioid condenser microphone capsule for high-quality audio recordings when used with a wide range of cameras.
It is a directional microphone (cardioid polar pattern),which means that the VideoMicro reduces distracting peripheral sounds and focuses on the audio in front of the camera.
The microphone is powered by a camera plugin (requiring a minimum voltage of 3V), and does not need a battery. The microphone body is made from aluminium which gives it a high level of RF rejection and is finished in RODE's high-grade ceramic anti-glare black coating.
The package includes a camera shoe mount featuring a Rycote Lyre shock mount. It is effective at minimizing unwanted vibrations and handling cable-borne noise. The Rycote Lyre will never sag, wear out or require re-threading to maintain its effectiveness.
A WS9 synthetic furry wind shield with foam inner cell is also included. It is designed for use in outdoor scenarios where wind and environmental noise can distort the sound. It also has a TRS to TRRS cable and a deluxe furry windshield included with it.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Pros
Cons
3. AKSTAR SGC-598 - BEST CHEAP SHOTGUN MIC
This is one of the best shotgun mic which is perfect for photography and interviews. Its cardioid polar pattern effectively reduces the noise of the surrounding environment.
It features 10dB sensitivity enhancement and 200Hz low-frequency attenuation to meet different field requirements. It is specially designed for the camera and high-sensitivity condenser microphone to enhance the quality of the recording.
It has a shock-resistant structural design to reduce the mechanical noise of the camera and other vibration noise. The build is sturdy and can effectively shield electromagnetic interference.
It is powered by a 1.5AA alkaline battery that lasts up to 100 hours. The frequency response ranges from 50 Hz to 16000 Hz. It features a low-frequency attenuation of 60Hz 10dB / octave.
The package includes an SGC-598 Microphone, a windscreen and a user's manual in English. It is easy to use since it can be directly fixed to the camera. Overall, it's the perfect choice for someone new to recording.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Pros
Cons
4. RODE VIDEOMIC - BEST SHOTGUN MIC UNDER 100
The VideoMic GO by RODE delivers clear, crisp, directional audio. Its super-cardioid polar pattern ensures sound pickup from directly in front of the microphone and reduces other surrounding sounds, ensuring that your subject is isolated from distracting background noise.
The frequency response ranges between 100 Hz and 16000 Hz. It comes with 3.5 mm mini-jack output and an integrated Lyre shock mount with a 3/8 – inch thread that isolates your microphone from bumps and vibrations that could otherwise interfere with your sound.
It is constructed from a single piece of hard-wearing thermoplastic and provides superior acoustic suspension to traditional elastic solutions. It will never wear out, sag or snap.
It is powered by your phone's external microphone input, so it requires no batteries to operate and ensures that you never miss a great sound. It also integrates a Rycote Lyre shock mount to absorb any unwanted vibrations and cable-born noise. The package also includes a windshield to muffle wind noise if you are outdoors.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Pros
Cons
5. SHURE MV88+ VIDEO KIT
If you are looking for a Best Shotgun Mic which will be a perfect solution for mobile capture of all variations: live performance, field recording, interviewing, audio for video and vocal and instrument recording, then the MV88+ Video Kit is the best.
It shows seamless compatibility with Shure Motiv audio and video applications (iOS and Android versions). It is also fully functional with popular iOS apps such as the built-in camera app, GarageBand and filmic Pro. It features multiple stereo width and polar pattern options for ultimate flexibility.
It is compatible with- iOS Devices, Samsung Galaxy Note 8, Samsung Galaxy Note 9, Samsung Galaxy s7 (requires additional micro-B cable or OTG adapter), Samsung Galaxy s8 / s8+, Samsung Galaxy s9 / s9+.
It allows headphone monitoring and is always live-stream ready.
The package includes industry-leading Manfrotto Pixi Mini Tripod, lightning cable, USB-C cable, phone clamp, shoe-mount mic clip, and a Neoprene roll-up Bag. It allows for phone charging while the mic is in use and it also requires USB-A cable and Apple USB3 camera adapter.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Pros
Cons
6. RODE VIDEOMICPRO ON-CAMERA MICROPHONE
The RODE VideoMic Pro is another best shotgun mic on market typically designed for the use with camcorders, DSLR cameras and portable audio recorders as a source of primary and references audio. It is powered by a 9 V battery and provides over 70 hours of recording on a single battery.
In addition to the microphone's native 40 Hz – 20 kHz response, a selectable high-pass filter at 80Hz is available, which prevents low-end noise such as air conditioners and traffic from being recorded. The -10dB level attenuation is perfect for recording loud sound sources, such as live music, motorsport, or interviews where the subject is very close to the camera.
The +20dB level boost is designed for use with DSLR cameras. It allows the user to reduce the camera's pre-amp level and effectively reduces the amount of noise generated by the camera's audio circuitry.
The microphone comes with a standard sized shoe mount for on-camera use and features a 3/8 - inch thread in the base of the mount for easy boom pole mounting. It also includes a windscreen to minimize wind noise.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Pros
Cons
7. MOUKEY MCM-1
If you're looking for a compact and best shotgun mic which fits most of the Camcorders, Audio recorders, iPhone and Android, smartphones, tablets, Laptops then opt for the Moukey MCM- 1 DSLR camera microphone.
It has a built in class cardioid condenser capsule which helps you in achieving excellent audio recording when it is used with the DSLR cameras. The aluminium made body is best known for protecting the sound recording quality from the interference which is caused by high level of radio frequency.
This is a unidirectional microphone which is primarily sensitive to the sounds in front of the camera and it can simply reduce the background noise. It is best suitable for interview, vlogging, etc.
The package comes with a MCm-1 Microphone, shock mount, windscreen, high density filter sponge, 3.5mm TRS cable for Cameras, Recorders & Camcorders and 3.5mm TRRS cable for Smartphones, Tablets, & Mac and a beautiful portable leather bag.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Pros
Cons
8. RODE VIDEOMIC PRO+ SHOTGUN MIC
Another best shotgun mic designed for the use with camcorders, DSLR cameras and portable audio recorders is the Rode Videomic Pro+ which acts as a source of primary and reference audio.
It consists of a 2-Stage high pass filter to reduce low frequencies such as rumble from traffic or air conditioning. It also features a 3-stage gain control, with +20dB function – designed to improve audio quality on DSLR or mirror less cameras.
The frequency response ranges between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. The output impedance is 200 ohms. High-frequency boost will boost high frequencies, enhancing detail and clarity in the recording. A safety channel ensures that the signal does not clip when unexpected spikes occur.
It is powered via two AA batteries, a micro USB or the all-new Rode LB-1 Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery which is included in the package. It is easy to use. You just have to plug the mic into your camera and play.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Pros
Cons
9. SHURE VP83F LENSHOPPER MICROPHONE
With an ultra-clear audio recording capabilities, the The Shure VP83F Lens-Hopper provides detailed audio with full low – end response. Its highly directional super-cardioid/lobar polar pattern rejects unwanted off-axis audio while capturing the intended sound source.
It features superior RF immunity to avoid unwanted audio artifacts from cellular and RF devices. The integrated Rycote Lyre shock mounting system provides superior isolation from vibration and mechanical noise through its customized, robust design.
It is powered using 2 AA batteries which are included in the package. The battery life is 10 hours in record mode. You can directly plug it into your camera and record from the microphone onto your camera video/audio.
For use with DSLR cameras and HD camcorders, it offers digital flash recording/playback (Micro SDHC) capabilities. It comes with a detachable 3.5 mm gold-plated audio connector output cable.
It provides adjustable user gain (up to 60 dB in 1 dB increments) for fine-tuning audio. It features an easy-to-read, back-lit LCD screen that displays audio and battery metering, track information, headphone volume, mic gain, low-cut filter, and remaining recording time.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Pros
Cons
10. RODE VIDEOMIC MICROPHONE PACK
The RODE VideoMic is a professional grade ½ - inch condenser shotgun mic. It is designed to be used with consumer video cameras and personal audio recorders.
In addition to the microphone's 40Hz – 20kHz response, a selectable high-pass filter at 80Hz is available, which minimizes low-end noise such as air conditioners and traffic. A -10dB and -20dB level attenuation that is selectable from inside the battery compartment allows recording of loud sound sources, such as live music or motorsport.
The integrated Rycote Lyre based shock mounting system isolates the VideoMic capsule and electronics from its shoe mount. It provides isolation from external physical factors that may cause unwanted rumble and vibrations in the microphone.
The Lyre is constructed from a single piece of hard-wearing thermoplastic. It provides superior acoustic suspension to traditional elastic solutions, and will never wear out or snap.
It also includes a 3/8 inch thread in the base for easy mounting on a boom pole or stands. Its super-cardioid polar pattern makes it highly directional, focusing on the subject in front of the camera and minimizes any surrounding sounds.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Pros
Cons
Types of Shotgun Mic
For getting the perfect sound quality on various setups, there is a requirement for different kinds of microphones through which sounds are recorded.
Here are five different kinds of Shotgun Mic:
These shotgun mic are compatible with DSLRs, phones, and other consumer-grade devices. These mics are significant to pickup sound needed for recording in various situations. This makes them user friendly and a fantastic asset for film-making and different ventures.
Uses of Shotgun Mic
Shotgun Mic is built to provide comfort to the speaker who continuously requires movement.
The person who is speaking is free from having a microphone on them, which requires continuous adjustments. The focus of the speaker stays intact, and it helps them to talk at a distance in front of the shotgun mic. Presently these Shotgun Mics are used during talks, speeches, lectures and conferences.
A shotgun mic is advantageous in any situations where distance speaking will occur. The speaker will have to stay in a vicinity where she talks in front of the microphone, such as a professor lecturing a class where the speaker has to stand at the centre of the classroom throughout her talk.
Difference between a shotgun mic and boom mic
Both shotgun mic and boom mic are the same. When a shotgun mic is mounted on a boom arm where you usually mount a camera, then that is called a boom mic. So a boom mic allows the filmmaker to capture/record more sound that might be too far away from a stationary camera.
What are some important features to consider while buying a best shotgun mic?
Directionality
Directionality is an important factor to consider. The higher the directionality, the more narrower the focus of the mic is. Since shotgun mics are used to record crisp vocals, the directionality must be high.
Low Self-noise
Self noise is the noise that you make on your own while operating this mic. So to capture quieter sounds with a mic you need a shotgun with low self-noise.
High sensitivity
Shotguns must have above average sensitivity. So to capture low-level sounds you will need mics with high sensitivity and shotguns are best suited for it. Also, if you want to record low sensitivity music, you can use conventional mics.
So these are the three features you must mainly while buying a best shotgun mic. If any of these three features is missing in y0ur mic, then you may experience inaudible/low quality sound.
CONCLUSION
These are some of the best shotgun mic available in the market. They are suited for almost all situations, and you can choose according to your priorities- whether you are an iOS user or an Android user, whether you need a cabled system or a wireless system etc.
In general, the products that I have listed are all lightweight and compact, so you wouldn't need to worry about carrying them all the time. Now you are just one step closer to producing awesome videos with excellent sound quality so choose the best shot gun of your choice from the list I have made for you.
Tell me which best shotgun mic is your favorite choice in the comment section.
