Best Shotgun Microphones In 2023 - Crisp Audio With The Best Shotgun Mics
Are you looking for the best shotgun microphones to get the crispest audio possible in 2023?
Well, you've come to the right place!
We've done the research so you don't have to, and have rounded up the top shotgun mics to help you get the best sound quality.
From budget-friendly options to professional-grade mics, we've got you covered!
8 Best Shotgun Microphones List
- Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone - Best Professional Long Shotgun Mic (#1 Top Pick)
- Neumann KMR 81 i Shotgun Condenser Microphone - Absolute Best Audio Excellent Shotgun Mic For Filmmaking And Dialogues
- Rode NTG5 Shotgun Condenser Microphone - Best Mid-Range Directional Professional Shotgun Microphone
- Audio-Technica AT875R - Best Affordable Shotgun Microphone
- Sennheiser MKH 416 - Best Professional-Grade Interference Tube Shotgun Mic
- Schoeps Colette - Best Professional Audio Short Shotgun Mic
- Sanken CS-1e - Best High-End Short Shotgun Microphone For DSLR And Cinema Cameras
- Rode VideoMic NTG - Best Allrounder Compact Shotgun Mic
Sennheiser MKE 600
Best Shotgun Microphone For Camcorder And Cinema Cameras
Sennheiser Professional MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone with XLR-3 to 3.5mm Connector for Video Camera/Camcorder
Are you looking for a professional-grade microphone for your video camera or camcorder?
If so, the Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone is the ideal choice for you.
This microphone is specifically designed to handle the most demanding filmic challenges, featuring a high directivity that picks up sounds coming from the direction in which the camera is pointing and effectively attenuates noise coming from the sides and rear.
The Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone also features a switchable "Low Cut" filter that can minimize wind noise and is powered via phantom or battery.
It is even supplied with a foam windshield and shock mount.
This rugged all-metal housing microphone is designed to be reliable and durable, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a professional-grade microphone for their video camera or camcorder.
Whether you are a professional filmmaker or a hobbyist, the Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone is the best shotgun mic for the job.
With its high directivity and switchable "Low Cut" filter, this microphone can handle the most demanding filmic challenges.
Plus, with its phantom and battery powering, foam windshield, and shock mount, you have everything you need to get the job done right.
If you are looking for a top-of-the-line microphone for your video camera or camcorder, then the Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone is the perfect choice for you.
With its high directivity and switchable "Low Cut" filter, this professional-grade microphone is the ideal choice for anyone looking to create professional-grade videos.
Neumann KMR 81i
Best Professional Shotgun Microphone
Neumann KMR 81 i Shotgun Condenser Microphone, Black (KMR 81 I MT)
Are you looking for a shotgun microphone that offers clarity and focus at a medium distance?
Do you need something lightweight that is also able to reject unwanted sounds?
Then you should check out the Neumann KMR 81 i Shotgun Condenser Microphone!
This mic is perfect for film dialogue and other medium-distance recordings.
It has a 90° recording angle, so it will pick up sound accurately and won’t be affected by off-axis coloration when actors move around.
Plus, it has a low cut and pad switch, so you can fine-tune the sound to suit your needs.
The Neumann KMR 81 i is also ultra-sensitive and low-power, so you won’t have to worry about draining your battery too quickly.
It comes with a twist pack case and a WS 81 for ease of use and transportation. And at just 145 g, it’s one of the lightest shotgun mics out there.
If you’re looking for the best shotgun mic for medium-distance recordings, the Neumann KMR 81 i is a great choice.
It offers the excellent sound quality, low power consumption, and a lightweight design that makes it easy to handle.
So don’t wait any longer using a shotgun mic – get the Neumann KMR 81 i Shotgun Condenser Microphone and start recording today!
Rode NTG5 Shotgun Condenser Microphone
The Rode NTG5 Shotgun Condenser Microphone is a must-have for filmmakers, location recorders, and sound engineers who need the best audio quality.
Featuring a revolutionary annular line tube technology, this microphone can capture the smallest nuances in sound.
With a supercardioid polar pattern, you get an incredibly tight pick up angle and focused sound, perfect for capturing distant sound sources.
The NTG5 is also designed for demanding environments, with its moisture-resistant design protecting it from any water damage.
With a frequency response of 45Hz-20kHz, it can pick up even the faintest of sounds, and its incredibly low self-noise ensures that your recordings are crystal clear.
The NTG5 comes in a deluxe location recording kit which includes the NTG5, a WS10 deluxe windshield, a PG2-R pistol grip, and other accessories.
The kit is perfect for location recording and capturing audio in challenging conditions.
The NTG5 is one of the best shotgun mics on the market today, and has been trusted by sound engineers and filmmakers around the world who demand the highest quality audio.
Whether you’re filming a feature film, recording a podcast, or capturing a music video, the Rode NTG5 Shotgun Condenser Microphone can capture everything you need with clarity and precision.
With its robust design and superior sound, the NTG5 is a must-have for any sound engineer or filmmaker who needs the best sound quality for their productions.
Audio-Technica AT875R
Best Affordable Shotgun Microphone
Audio-Technica AT875R Line/Gradient Shotgun Condenser Microphone 9.5 x 5 x 2.75 inches
Are you looking for a top-of-the-line shotgun mic for video production and broadcast (ENG/EFP) audio acquisition?
Look no further than Audio-Technica’s AT875R.
This mic is designed to provide the narrow acceptance angle that is desirable for long-distance sound pickup, with excellent sound rejection from the sides and rear of the mic.
It also features a tailored response that minimizes camera and handling noise.
The AT875R is designed for broadcast and video production professionals and offers rugged, dependable performance.
What makes this mic stand out is its extremely short length - under 7 inches - making it the ideal choice for use with compact digital cameras.
It also operates on phantom power only, with 11-52V DC, 2 mA typical.
What sets the AT875R apart is its smooth on-axis audio quality with excellent off-axis rejection.
This means you get a smooth, natural sound, free from unwanted noise, as well as sound rejection from the sides and rear of the mic.
This makes it one of the best shotgun mics on the market.
So, if you’re looking for a professional-grade shotgun mic for video production and broadcast (ENG/EFP) audio acquisition, the Audio-Technica AT875R is a perfect choice.
Its extremely short length and tailored response make it the ideal mic for recording high-quality sound, without unwanted noise.
Sennheiser MK416
Best High-End Shotgun Microphone
Sennheiser MKH416-P48U3 Super-Cardioid Shotgun Tube Condenser Microphone with AKG K 240 Studio Pro Headphones & XLR-XLR Cable Bundle
Are you looking for the best shotgun mic to capture superb audio in demanding conditions for your next professional film, TV, or location recording?
Look no further than the Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Bundle!
This moisture-resistant shotgun microphone is the perfect mix-ready sound solution for high-pressure recording sessions due to its sharp directivity, low noise, and strong output.
The MKH 416-P48U3 features a hypercardioid polar pattern at low to midrange frequencies and transitions to a lobar pattern in high frequencies, which allows it to attenuate 125 Hz to 2 kHz by approximately 10 dB at the 90° off-axis points.
This allows for full dynamics and clarity in your dialogue, foley, and sound effects recordings, thanks to the wide frequency response, enhanced consonant articulation, and high SPL handling of the microphone.
This bundle also includes K 240 Studio headphones, which feature a semi-open circumaural design and patented Varimotion technology, and extra-large transducers to deliver a more natural sound.
With the Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Bundle, you can be sure to achieve superb audio capture in demanding conditions for your next professional film, TV, or location recording.
So don’t wait – get the best shotgun mic today and capture your sound with the reliable and mix-ready sound quality of the MKH 416-P48U3 Bundle!
Schoeps Colette
Best Quality High-End Professional Shotgun Microphone
Schoeps Colette Series Supercardioid Microphone Set - Gray
Are you looking for the best shotgun microphone for professional field audio engineers?
Schoeps Colette Series Super Cardioid Microphone Set is the one for you.
This set includes a modular CMC6 preamplifier and MK41 supercardioid capsule, providing a professional alternative to shotgun microphones when recording dialog indoors.
This set is based on the modular CMC6 preamplifier and the MK series capsules, which are capable of wide, linear frequency response curves and superior audio quality.
The Schoeps Colette Series Super Cardioid Microphone Set is perfect for you.
This package comes with the CMC6 preamplifier and MK41 supercardioid capsule, providing a professional substitute to shotgun microphones when capturing dialog inside.
This set employs the modular CMC6 preamplifier and MK series capsules, which deliver expansive, linear frequency response curves and outstanding audio quality.
It also includes the SG20 microphone mount, B5 pop filter, and a case.
The CMC6 preamplifier features Class-A transformerless electronics, resulting in a very low noise floor, and is lightweight.
This ensures that the high-impedance input signal of the modular capsule is not affected by any external environment or noise.
The MK41 super-cardioid capsule provides a frequency response from 40Hz to 20kHz with a signal-to-noise ratio of 79 dB.
The Schoeps Colette Series Super Cardioid Microphone Set is designed for optimal performance with a timeless look.
It is perfect for any professional recording situation. Plus, you can be assured that the quality is backed by a Schoeps warranty.
So, if you’re looking for the best shotgun mic, the Schoeps Colette Series Super Cardioid Microphone Set is a perfect choice.
With its professional features and timeless design, this microphone will be sure to provide you with reliable, high-quality recordings every time.
Sanken CS-1e
Are you looking for the best shotgun mic that’s both short in size and offers sharp directivity?
Look no further than the Sanken CS-1e!
This mic is the perfect solution for engineers in the video and film industries who need a mic that’s easily hidden from the camera’s view.
At only 181.5mm, the CS-1e packs a punch! Its sharp directivity and wide frequency range (50Hz～20kHz) ensure excellent sound capture in a variety of professional engineering applications.
It’s highly effective on boom poles and also works well with various kinds of camera mounts for one-man ENG operations.
It comes with a urethane windscreen and vinyl case.
It’s also lightweight (80g) and consumes very little power (3.5 mA) so you can easily take it on the go.
So if you’re in the market for a reliable, high-performance shotgun mic that’s both short in size and offers sharp directivity, the Sanken CS-1e is a perfect choice.
With its wide range of features and affordable price tag, you can’t go wrong!
Rode VideoMic NTG
Best On-Camera Shotgun Microphone
Rode VideoMic NTG Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
The Rode VideoMic NTG is the ultimate on-camera shotgun microphone, offering broadcast-grade sound quality in an incredibly portable package.
With its supercardioid polar pattern, annular line tube technology, and built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the VideoMic NTG is the best shotgun mic for any camera.
To ensure optimal performance, the VideoMic NTG is equipped with a Rycote Lyre shockmount system, providing superior shock and vibration isolation.
This, combined with the annular line tube technology, low-cut filter, and supercardioid polar pattern, results in a remarkably low-frequency roll-off response, producing natural and uncolored sound.
Add to this the low self-noise and you have a microphone that offers unmatched transparency.
The VideoMic NTG is also extremely versatile, with an array of tools and features to help you take on any recording situation.
Digital switching gives you access to a high-pass filter, -a 20dB pad, a high-frequency boost, and a safety channel, plus there is a unique infinitely variable gain control to precisely tailor the level output.
And, to make sure you're never caught off guard, the VideoMic NTG is USB-compatible, allowing you to easily monitor your audio in real-time.
If you're looking for a broadcast-grade, feature-packed shotgun microphone that's optimized for on-camera use, the Rode VideoMic NTG is the one for you.
With its advanced acoustic design, low self-noise, Rycote Lyre shockmount system, and USB compatibility, the VideoMic NTG sets the standard for all on-camera shotgun mics.
Best Shotgun Mics FAQs
If you're looking for more information on shotgun microphones and which one is the best for your needs, you've come to the right place.
In this FAQ, we'll be discussing some of the most commonly asked questions about shotgun microphones on the market, so you can make an informed decision.
We'll cover topics like sound quality, features, and more, so let's get started!
What is the industry standard shotgun mic?
The industry standard shotgun mic is a type of microphone that has a highly directional pick-up pattern, allowing it to pick up sound from a specific area with minimal interference from other sources.
It's often used in film and television production, as well as live theatre and music recording.
They typically have a long, slender body with a narrow, focused directionality pick-up pattern, allowing them to pick up sound from a distance of up to 20 feet.
Shotgun mics are excellent for capturing dialogue in noisy environments and are often used in combination with a boom pole and microphone stand.
Are shotgun mics good for dialogue?
Yes, shotgun mics are great for capturing dialogue!
They're designed to pick up sound in a very focused manner and are great for isolating a single subject or sound source, so they're perfect for capturing clear dialogue.
Plus, they're small and unobtrusive, so you can easily place them out of the way and not disrupt the conversation.
Are shotgun microphones good?
Yes, shotgun mics are great! They are incredibly directional, so they can capture sound from far away while still isolating the sound from the sides and back.
This makes them great for recording dialogue, and they can also be used in a variety of other situations, such as sports events, wildlife recordings, and more.
They are also relatively affordable, so they can be a great option for anyone looking for a quality microphone.
Is a shotgun mic good for streaming?
Yes, a shotgun mic can be great for streaming. It will provide clear sound with less background noise than other types of mics.
This makes it perfect for streaming, as it will capture your voice clearly and accurately.
Additionally, its directional nature means that you can easily adjust it to reduce unwanted sounds from your environment.
What Is A Shotgun Mic Best Used For?
A shotgun mic is best used for recording audio in a single direction and rejecting noise from other directions.
It is ideal for capturing dialogue in film and television production, as well as recording acoustic instruments and sound effects in the studio or live settings.
The long and narrow polar pattern of a shotgun mic allows it to pick up sound from far away while rejecting sounds from the sides and rear.
They are also great for recording in noisy environments as they are less prone to interference from outside noise.
How to make your shotgun mic sound better in film production?
Making your shotgun mic sound better in film production doesn't have to be complicated!
Here are a few simple tips to help you get the best sound quality out of your mic:
1. Choose the right mic. A good shotgun mic is specifically designed to capture audio in a focused way, so make sure you're using one that's appropriate for your production.
2. Set the right gain. Having too low of a gain setting will cause your audio to sound quiet while having too high of a gain setting will cause distortion.
Make sure you have the correct gain setting for your production.
3. Use a windscreen. Wind noise can easily overpower dialogue and other important audio. Make sure you have a windscreen on your mic to reduce this noise.
4. Place your mic correctly. Make sure you have the mic in the correct position and angled toward the sound source. If the mic is too far away or pointing in the wrong direction, it will affect the sound quality.
Following these tips will help you improve the sound quality of your shotgun mic and make your film production sound great!
Best Shotgun Microphones For 2023 - Final Thoughts
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing the best shotgun microphone for your needs, there are a few great options on the market for 2023.
The Sennheiser MKE 600 is the best professional shotgun mic and is the #1 top pick.
The Rode VideoMic NTG is the best all-rounder shotgun mic and is a great alternative.
Lastly, the Neumann KMR 81 i is the absolute best audio shotgun mic for filmmaking and dialogues.
Check today's prices on Amazon and secure your new best shotgun microphone for your next project!
Your friend,
Ben
