12 Best Shotgun Microphone If You Are Starting Creative Content In 2023

The quality of any video depends on its audio quality. Desirable audio can make a video extraordinary just as miserable audio can take a video in worse status. A shotgun mic can be a perfect buddy that can make your audio quality sharp and clear. When it comes to choosing a shotgun mic often creators get confused as the entire shotgun mics are almost the same in features. But yes there still you can find some differences which make them different from another one. Not all shotgun mics are ideal for different using purposes. So you have to be very conscious while choosing the right one for your creative journey.
Based on those differences, I will provide the 12 best shotgun microphones I’ve found after comparing all the differences.

What Is A Shotgun Microphone?

In an easy, we can say long tube-shaped (8-24 inches) microphones with different directional polar patterns are called shotgun microphones. Because of its tube shape sometimes shotgun microphones are also called Line Microphones.

Why Should We Use The Best Shotgun Microphone?

Here are some reasons why you must use a shotgun microphone to get clear audio quality.
Narrow pick-up pattern: the shotgun mics are designed as a narrow pick-up pattern that helps to cut off-axis noises during the shooting.
Windshield: the shotgun microphones provide windshields formed with foam or fur that prevent wind noise.
No RF hits: with a shotgun mic you don’t have to be concerned about the RF (Radio Frequency) hits in your audio.

1. Video Mic NTG

The Video Mic NTG is an on-camera shotgun microphone, a product of RODE. It contains the same revolutionary acoustic design as the NTG5 shotgun microphone (another product of RODE). The frequency range of 20Hz-20 kHz helps to deliver the uncolored sound.
The super-cardioid polar/pickup pattern only catches the subject in front of it and rejects the off-axel sounds.

Specification

• Video Mic NTG
• Ratings: 4.0
• Frequency Range: 20Hz-20 kHz
• Dynamics Range: 35Hz- 20 K Hz
• Pickup pattern: super-cardioid
• Battery: 30+ hours ( lithium-ion battery)
• Length:
• Weight:94g
• Auto-sensitivity:3.5 mm
• Price- $249

Features:

• The new revolutionary acoustic design delivers unmatched acoustic transparency and natural and uncolored sound.
• Digital switching for high-pass filter4, frequency boost, etc.
• With the In-built rechargeable battery, you can record for 30 + hours without any obstacles. According to RODE, you can charge your video mic NTG within 2 hours. It can automatically turn on once you connect it to the device you are going to use.
• The super-cardioid polar pattern receives only the subject in front of it and rejects off-axel sounds.
• Can record a safety channel at a lower level. That’s how I can record both high and low voices without any obstacles.

Pros:

• Rejects RF hits to prevent interference
• Excellent gain power
• dB pick warning light

Cons:

• The battery isn’t user-replaceable.
• No dead cat is available. If you need to shoot outside or in a windy place you have to prepare the dead cat from outside.

2. The Mini CMIT

The mini CMIT is the newest member of the CMIT series of shotgun microphones ( CMIT5 and super CMIT). The features of the mini CMIT are nothing much different from the previous one. It offers the characteristics of those previous ones in a compact way. The smaller size of the mic helps to fit in a narrow position.

Specification

• Frequency Range: 60 Hz-20 kHz
• Dynamic Range: 0
• Pickup pattern: super-cardioid
• Battery: phantom powering P 12 & P 48
• Length: 151 mm
• Weight:78 g
• Auto-sensitivity: 35 dB V/pa

Features:

• Except for the mini size, no more changes are visible with the two elder brothers of the mini CMIT.
• The smaller windscreen helps to reduce the creation of wind noise.
• The frequency range is 60 Hz – 20 kHz and the auto-sense 35 dB V/pa delivers the uncolored sound.
• As we already said there are no differences between them, the speaker can easily swap from a microphone to another one without tolerating any sound differences.
• Mini CMIT can be used for pro film, TV, and location recording.

Pros:

• The mini size can be adjustable on any device.
• a smaller windscreen helps to reduce wind noise.
• the idea for a boom pole.

Cons:

Can’t find

3. Sennheiser MKE600

The MKE 600 shotgun microphone, a Sennheiser product, is one of the best warless shotgun mics. An ideal one for a video camera. Because of its super-cardioid pattern, it picks up the sounds only from the direction; the camera is pointing and rejects the sounds from the surroundings.
The low-cut filter can minimize the wind noise but can’t ignore it completely. So it’s ideal for shooting indoors or in minimum quiet places if you are
Using an MKE 600.

Specification

• Frequency Range: 40 Hz-20 kHz
• Dynamics Range:2
• Pickup pattern: super-cardioid
• Battery: 150 hours
• Length: 256 mm
• Weight: 128 g (without battery)
• Auto-sensitivity: 21 m V/pa

Features:

• As sometimes we have to shoot with a camera that doesn’t provide phantom power, the MKE 600 can also be battery-powered.
• The “low Batt” indicator switch displays the remaining battery power.
• The “low cut” filter can additionally minimize wind noise.
• Due to the super-cardioid polar pattern, the directivity is high.

Pros:

• The low batt indicator shows the remaining battery.
• high-quality sound.
• long-lasting batteries

Cons

• Can’t ignore the wind noise completely
• No clip prevention channel.

4. DPA 4017

DPA 4017 shotgun microphone, a DPA product is ideal for on-camera uses. The frequency range of 20 Hz- 20 kHz is excellent. Because the small and lightweight DPA 4017 shotgun mic is easy to handle.

Specification

• Frequency Range: 20 Hz -20 kHz
• Dynamic Range: 119 dB
• Pickup pattern: super-cardioid
• Battery:
• Length:
• Weight: 68 g
• Auto-sensitivity: 34.4 dB

Features:

• The excellent RF prevent power delivers outstanding quality sound.
• The low-cut option helps to prevent off-axis sounds.
• Because of the high directional pattern, PDA 4017 picks up the sounds in front of the microphone and camera. Thus it can deliver the desirable uncolored sound even from a distance.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Prevents off-axis noises
• Digital switches are easy to change.

Cons

• Expensive
• No shock mount is provided

5. SONY ECM B1 M

SONY ECM B1 M is another excellent shotgun mic for the shoot even in challenging situations. This exclusive product of SONY, ECM B1 M shotgun for its lightweight is easy to handle for a long time without any hustle. When it comes to directivity, the high directivity
helps to reject unwanted noises from surroundings.

Specification:

• Frequency Range: 40 Hz – 20 kHz
• Dynamic Range: 106 dB
• Pickup pattern: super-cardioid
• Battery:
• Length: 99.3 mm
• Weight: 79 g

Features:

Three directivity moods (super directional, under directional, omnidirectional) help to switch one mood to another as per the situation demands.
8 high-quality mic capsules help to provide extremely sharp directivity and reject all off-axis sounds within a compact microphone of only 99.3 mm in length.
Low cut filter helps to control all the subsonic noises. All that happens by implementing digital signal processing.
The provided fur-type windscreen prevents wind noise during shooting outside.
The essential control option makes it easy to optimize signal levels in different situations. This option helps a lot to get smooth high-quality sound.

Pros:

• Three directivity patterns
• No cables needed to operate
• a fur-included windscreen is provided.

Cons:

• Require only a SONY camera
• Drain camera battery faster

6. Audio Technica AT987

Audio Technica AT987, a product of Audio Technica is designed for field audio acquisition in any production, professional recording, wildlife recording, or broadcasting recording. With its line-gradient pattern, it can pick up the sound even from a long distance.

Specification :

• Frequency Response: 20- 20,000 Hz
• Dynamic Range: phantom:-112 dB, Battery:- 98 dB
• Pickup pattern: line-gradient
• Battery: 1200 hours
• Weight:145 g
• Warranty- 5 years

Features:

• AT987 is especially used for recording audio in film or any professional recordings.
• This AT987 has high gain power.
• This can be used with both phantom power and battery.
• It can capture on-axis tones smoothly while preventing off-axis sounds.
• The provided windscreen helps to reduce the wind noise while shooting.

Pros:

• High gain power
• Can be used both in phantom power and with battery.
• Ideal for professional recordings

Cons:

No cons found yet.

7. Shure VP89 Shotgun

The Shure VP89 shotgun, a product of SHURE, is made with high RF immunity. This shotgun, VP89 shotgun is used for talk shows, concerts, etc. the low cut filter switch and wide pick-up angle deliver high-quality uncolored audio.

Specification:

• Frequency Range: 150 Hz- 20 kHz
• Dynamic Range: 117 dB
• Pickup pattern: super-cardioid
• Length: 11 mm.
• Signal-to-noise ratio:79 dB A-weighted
• Output level: 4 dB V (max)

Features:

• The modular design helps to reduce the visual appearance and is easy to handle (both camera and boom/ mounted).
• Provides a full range of complementary accessories.
• The foam-included windscreen prevents wind noise.
• Prevents RF hits.

Pros:

• Modular design
• Excellent quality audio capture
• Low-frequency filter

Cons:

• Expensive for major creators
• and not suitable for each recording.

8. Saramonic SR-VM4 Microphone

SR-VM4 shotgun microphone, a product of Saramonic, is a light-weighted directional condenser microphone. You can use this with your DSLR. With SR-VM4 you can adjust level control and low cut filter to increase the sharpness of any dialogue.

Specification:

• Frequency Range:20 Hz- 20 kHz
• Dynamic Range:
• Pickup pattern: super-cardioid
• Battery: 720 hours
• Weight:141 gm

Features:

• This shotgun mic provides an integrated shock mount system that helps to avoid vibration and mechanical noise.
• The foam and furry included windshield prevent wind noise from disturbing the audio quality.
• One new feature of this shotgun is its sturdy ABS construction.

Pros:

• long-lasting battery
• Foam and furry included windshield provided
• User-friendly

Cons:

• Did not provide a low batt indicator
• Require DSLR

9. Comica VM20

Comica VM 20 is a multi-functional super-cardioid condenser microphone. This light-weighted VM20 shotgun has a long-lasting battery capacity. You can use this shotgun mic for 60 hours continuously with a one-time charge. Being a super-cardioid pattern VM20 picks up only the sounds coming from the way the camera is pointing.

Specification:

• Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Dynamic Range:
• Pickup pattern: super-cardioid
• Battery: 60 hours
• Length: 7 inch
• Weight: 84 g
• Auto-sensitivity: -43 dB (mini gain), – 23 dB ( max gain)
• Output level: 3.5 mm

Features:

• With two low-cut filter moods, the shotgun can effectively filter out low-frequency noises according to a different situation. That helps the creator to have a more clear and more uncolored sound.
• Sometimes during an interview, the shotgun needs to pick up different ranges of voice at the same time. In that case, the adjustable gain control is a desirable option provided by VM20.
• The volume can be adjustable according to the different situations which ensure smooth and pure sound.
• The OLED screen for the battery displayed the remaining battery. That way the creator can work confidently.
• With a USB interfacing design, the shotgun is rechargeable within the working time.

Pros:

• long-lasting battery
• OLED visualized power
• USB interfacing design.

Cons:

• No safety track
• Average dynamic range

10. Azden SMX-10

Azden SMX-10 is a stereoelectronic condenser shotgun microphone. This helps to increase the audio quality of the video. Azden SMX-10 picks up the natural sound, preventing the off-axis sounds. The windshield prevents the wind noise from disturbing your audio quality and makes your audio quality more desirable.
AZend SMX-10 is used for picking up audio in action movies or musical platforms.

Specification:

• Frequency Range: 100 Hz- 18 kHz
• Dynamic Range: 66 dB
• Pickup pattern: dual indirection
• Battery: 400 hours
• Length: 177 mm
• Weight: 52 g
• Auto-sensitivity:
• Output level: 118” 3.5 mm

Features:

• Can be used on DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
• Wide frequency response helps to create sharp sounds.
• Ideal use for action movies or musical performances.
• Due to its short size, the shotgun is easy to carry and adjustable on any device.

Pros:

• Short size
• Low-cut frequency filter included.
• Foam and furry windscreen provided.

Cons:

• limited low-frequency response.
• sketchy documentation

11. Zoom F1-SP

The Zoom F1 SP shotgun microphone is a zoom product. This is the ultimate solution for run-and-gun filmmakers who need to capture quality professional audio and video of every moment. This two-channel audio recorder provides a 96 kHz frequency range.
The foam included a windscreen shielding the wind noise from making the audio miserable. You can also use the shotgun without a camera if you only need to record the audio.

Specification:

• Frequency Range: 96 kHz
• Dynamic Range:
• Pickup pattern: super-cardioid
• Battery:
• Length:
• Weight: 272 g
• Audio interface: 2×2
• Cable: 3.5 mm
• Warranty: 1 year

Features:

• With Zoom- F1 SP you don’t have to be afraid of overloading
• One-touch settings make the record levels, limit settings, and volume output more easily accessible.
• You can avoid recording clipping with auto-level control.
• You can directly record your audio with micro SD and SDHC cards up to 32 GB.
• The Zoom F1-SP can run with only 2 lithium batteries.
• With a lengthy cable of 3.5 mm, the shotgun mic can be used from a quiet distance.

Pros:

• Can record directly with an SD card.
• Auto level control
• Lengthy cable

Cons:

• Requires DSLR
• Need Zoom mic capsule

12. Deity S-Mic 2S

The new Deity S-MIC 2S is much shorter and lighter than the previous S-MIc 2. This shotgun is used for recording quality audio in TV shows, interviews, or documentary films. The professional-level features like low-noise circuitry and anti-RF interference construction minimize the need to reduce noise after recording.
Due to no switch, buttons, or dials on the S-Mic 2S, you have to depend always on the device to record consistent sound or reliability.

Specification:

• Frequency Range: 50 Hz-20 kHz
• Dynamic Range:
• Pickup pattern: super-cardioid
• Operating volt: 24 V -48 V
• Length: 148 mm
• Weight: 85 g
• Auto-sensitivity:
• Price -$391.00

Features:

• Compared to S-Mic 2 the shorter version, S-Mic2S with its wide pick-up pattern can pick up multiple subjects at the same scene.
• The lighter shotgun can be the best buddy of your boom. You can use it for a long time without any burden.
• With the 24 V-48 V phantom powers, this shotgun can be used on multiple devices and for a lengthy time.
• The S-Mic 2S comes with a waterproof hard shell so that you don’t have to care about safety even while shooting in miserable weather.

Pros:

• Can be used with different devices.
• lighter than S-Mic 2
• Waterproof hard-shell

Cons:

• No indicators to display
• No switch.

Conclusion

Whether you are going to start your tube recording any interview or any talk show you must choose the ideal one for your creative journey. Follow the provided links to get further information about those shotgun microphones. After going through the article I hope now you can choose your perfect buddy without any confusion.