5 Best Shotgun Mics
Audio is exceptionally underrated when creating content as a passive income, and finding the best shotgun mics can take time and effort. Most viewers can tolerate slightly lower video quality but will not watch a video with poor audio. What stands them out from other microphones is that they can be placed outside the camera frame for that clean look. The best shotgun mics are an excellent choice for capturing clear and crisp high quality audio. They provide superior sound quality and narrow directional focus for capturing distant sound from the intended source. This article will discuss the best shotgun microphones and their professional performance and features.
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List of the Best Shotgun Mics
Sennheiser MKH 416
Best of the best!
Frequency Response 40 Hz to 20 kHz
Connectivity Technology Wired (Phantom)
Unique Feature Mute Function, Voice Activated Recording
Color Black
Polar Pattern Super-cardioid/Lobar
Audio Sensitivity 20 dB
Item Weight 1.1 Pounds
The Sennheiser MK 416 has a superior (I mean really superior) sound quality and range. It is a popular, reliable shotgun microphone with superior sound quality and narrow directional focus. The Sennheiser MKH 416 is worth it because it is widely used in professional recording studios and is one of a handful of ‘industry standard’ microphones. It is also one of the best shotgun microphones for isolating sound sources and noise reduction for ambient noise. In addition, it features increased directivity due to its interference tube principle, low inherent self-noise, high sensitivity, transformerless balanced output, and a rugged matte black all-metal body. With a -32 dBV/Pa sensitivity at 1 kHz, the Sennheiser MK 416 is an excellent choice for capturing clear and crisp audio for your YouTube videos or other recording projects. This will be the choice if you’re looking for a no-doubt high-end quality shotgun mic.
Rode NT5-S
Frequency Response 20Hz – 20kHz
Connectivity Technology Wired
Color Nickel
Polar Pattern Unidirectional
Impedance 100 Ohm
Microphone Form Factor Small Diaphragm
Item Dimensions LxWxH 10.85 x 5.45 x 2.2 inches
Power Source Corded Electric
The Rode NT5-S Microphone packs a punch for its size. While not at the level of other shotgun mics, this compact shotgun microphone gives you the most for its discreetness and lightweight. It features a unidirectional polar pattern and has an impressive frequency response of 20Hz – 20kHz, so you’ll be able to capture high-quality audio for all your YouTube videos. With its 100-ohm impedance, this short shotgun mic is perfect for recording vocals and instruments. The NT5-S comes with a few different mounts, making it convenient to attach to compact digital cameras or tripods. Whether life streaming from home or filming outdoors, the Rode NT5-S will provide crystal-clear sound.
Sennheiser MKE 600
Frequency Response 40 Hz to 20 kHz
Connectivity Technology Phantom or battery powered
Connector Type 3.5 mm Jack
Special Feature MZS 600 shock mount for camera light-shoe, MZW 600 foam windshield, MKE 600 gun microphone,
Color Black
The Sennheiser MKE 600 is a professional-grade shotgun microphone with superior sound quality and range. This rugged all-metal body mic is designed to capture clear audio for your YouTube videos or other recording projects, featuring a switchable “Low Cut” filter which would be extremely useful when recording outdoors. This also has the flexibility to be powered by a battery or wired. It also comes with a foam windshield and shock mount, which greatly suppresses structure-borne noise, while its maximal rejection of side noise allows you to isolate sound sources easily. The Sennheiser MKE 416 is still a step up, but the MKE 600 is no slouch.
Rode NTG-3B
Frequency Response 40 Hz to 20 kHz
Connectivity Technology Wired
Special Feature Lightweight
Color Black
Polar Pattern Super-cardioid
Item Weight 0.16 Kilograms
Impedance 25 Ohm
True Condenser (external RF biased)
The YouTube community widely uses the Rode NTG-3B, and most would choose this if not using the Sennheiser mics. It is a professional-grade shotgun microphone that offers superior sound quality and range. It’s designed with an all-body to reduce handling noise and maximum durability, while its super-cardioid polar pattern ensures excellent rejection of side noises for isolating sound sources efficiently. This mic also features an external RF-biased true condenser design which provides high levels of immunity to radio frequency interference, making it the ideal choice for recording in challenging environments. With its lightweight construction and 25 Ohm impedance, the Rode NTG-3B is one of the best shotgun microphones on the market today.
Audio-Technica AT4053B
Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Color Black
Polar Pattern Hyper-cardioid Polar Pattern
Audio Sensitivity 10 dB
Item Weight 1 Pounds
Item Dimensions LxWxH 10.4
The Audio-Technica AT4053B Hypercardioid Condenser Microphone is ideal for clearly capturing loud sound sources. It is an option for those individuals that do not prefer Rode or Sennheiser. Compared to Rode NTG-3B, the AT 4053 will pick up surrounding sounds better. Featuring a hypercardioid polar pattern, this mic ensures a clear signal with maximum isolation of off axis sounds. With a 10 dB sensitivity, this mic will accurately capture even the softest sounds. It also features a low self-noise and high maximum SPL (sound pressure level) for exceptional audio quality. This mic is perfect for bloggers, YouTubers, or anyone looking to capture sound with superior clarity and accuracy.
Which brand makes the best shotgun mics?
When looking for the best shotgun microphone, three of the most reputable brands are Rode, Audio-Technica, and Sennheiser. All three offer exceptional sound quality and range.
Rode NTG-3B is a professional-grade shotgun mic with a super-cardioid polar pattern, providing excellent noise rejection and sound clarity. Audio-Technica AT4053B Hypercardioid Condenser Microphone offers superior audio quality, capturing loud sound sources with maximum isolation. Last, Sennheiser MKH 416 is a broadcast-standard mic that produces clean, natural sound audio without distortion or hiss.
All of these brands are top-notch sound quality. All three of these mics are some of the best shotgun microphones on the market and will serve your need for capturing sound with clarity and accuracy. You can go right with any of these!
Why shotgun microphones are great for Youtube video
Shotgun microphones are ideal for Youtube and vlogging because you can place the shotgun microphone above the camera frame with a mic stand. In doing so, you won’t see the microphone even at a small recording angle. This contrasts with Lavalier or standard desk microphones, where you will see the microphone within the recording. Using a shotgun microphone for YouTube videos ensures your audio is captured with clarity and accuracy. Shotgun mics are designed to pick up sound within a narrow acceptance angle, meaning they can focus on the sound you want to capture while minimizing extraneous background noise. This makes them perfect for scenarios where external noise is an issue – such as recording outdoors or whichever shotgun microphone you choose.
What is Phantom Power?
Phantom power is a method of powering condenser microphones that are typically supplied through an audio interface or mixer, sending DC (Direct Current) power down the XLR cable from the preamp to the mic. This eliminates the need for bulky AA battery packs and allows for more flexibility in the studio. Phantom power provides a more consistent power source, which helps reduce noise artifacts in the recording. An example of phantom power is connecting your microphone to a recording device. This is required for condenser mics but not for dynamic. Before buying one, check with your audio interface or mixer if it supports phantom power.
What makes a high quality shotgun microphone?
First and foremost is having crisp sound while blocking unwanted noise. A professional shotgun microphone should have a full spectrum frequency response for improved sound quality. You’ll also want to consider features like polar pattern, sensitivity, maximum SPL (sound pressure level), self-noise levels, and power requirements. The list provided will be your top choice since they offer detailed audio and great features in one package. Finally, you’ll want to ensure that the material and build quality is superior so it will be durable when you’re on the go or going to several different location recording.
How to reduce wind noise when recording with a shotgun mic?
Wind noise can be a significant issue when recording with a shotgun microphone. Using a foam windscreen is extremely helpful in reducing wind noise reduction. This will help break up and absorb the sound of the wind blowing against the mic, allowing only your desired sounds to be recorded. You should also aim to position the mic in such a way as to minimize the wind’s direct contact with it.
