3 Best Shotgun Microphones [2023 Review]

We’ve got you covered if you’re seeking the best shotgun microphones. We know a lot about recording audio. Shotgun microphones are known for their very directed polar pattern, which allows them to take up sound from directly in front while filtering out other disturbances.

To filter out noise from the back, these microphones utilize phase cancellation, which uses side slots to phase out sound coming from the wrong direction. With a larger tube, there’s more area for these perforations, which improves the directionality even more.

We included the 3 best shotgun microphones for you in this article. If you are interested in these models, keep reading our 3 Best Shotgun Microphones review for more information below.

Our Top Pick: Sennheiser Pro Audio Wireless Microphone System, Black (MKE600)

Features: Our top pick for the finest shotgun microphone with the best quality-to-price ratio is the Sennheiser MKE 600. The audio quality that this microphone captures is just outstanding.

We like the shotgun microphone’s strong directivity, which allows it to take up sounds from a significant distance away while appropriately attenuating noise from the sides and back. We want to stress how nicely it rejects side noise in this section.

It’s small and may be used on-camera or on a boom stand. If you are looking for the 3 Best Shotgun Microphones, you should give this one a chance. This is probably one of the 3 Best Shotgun Microphones you can find.

Runner Up: Rode NTG4+ Supercardioid Condenser Shotgun Microphone with Inbuilt Battery

Features: It sits between the iconic but low-cost NTG2 and the professional NTG3. However, it is still considered an entry-level product in terms of pricing, so consider it a great investment! It’s a breeze to use, and believe it or not, you won’t be disappointed.

Whether you’re a pro or a novice, NTG4+ offers everything you need to complete the majority of your videography tasks…with an A!

Despite the fact that MKE 600 has a somewhat smoother response, Rode NTG4+ has certain benefits of its own. we believe it works best in hostile situations, such as when someone screams or blows on it, and you might find the 10 dB pad beneficial as well.

If you are looking for the 3 Best Shotgun Microphones, you should give this one a chance. This is probably one of the 3 Best Shotgun Microphones you can find.

Best for Budget: Rode NTG2 Multi-Powered Condenser Shotgun Microphone

Features: Rode NTG2 is currently cheaper than it has ever been, so now is a fantastic time to get it. However, if you’re prepared to spend a little extra, the new NTG4 PLUS is a better option.

This mic has a nice design and is also quite sturdy. The NTG2 comes with a 10-year guarantee from RDE, which is a wonderful feature for an entry-level machine. At the very least, you’ll have plenty of time to practice with this still-amazing item until you can upgrade to higher-end gear.

On the other side, you can notice that it lacks several key features. If you are looking for the 3 Best Shotgun Microphones, you should give this one a chance. This is probably one of the 3 Best Shotgun Microphones you can find.

Audio-Technica Condenser Microphone (AT8035)

Features: Short shotguns have a maximum effective range of just 2 feet, but medium shotguns have a maximum effective range of up to 4 feet. This type is minimal in weight and may be utilized with a variety of booming techniques.

In non-scripted shootouts, despite the tighter pickup pattern, we find it easier to wing it and improvise.

The sound quality is decent but not ideal, which is due to the frequency pattern. The curve peaks in the higher range with a notable 5 dB increase, giving it a stronger presence – comparable to other Audio-Technica shotguns.

If you are looking for the 3 Best Shotgun Microphones, you should give this one a chance. This is probably one of the 3 Best Shotgun Microphones you can find.

Although this might give the music a more focused sense, it can become tiresome in a busy atmosphere. The low range is a little heavy and noticeable, but it works nicely with roll-off.

Sennheiser Pro Audio MKH416-P48U3

Many shotgun microphones have filters that enable you to alter the sound you’re capturing in real-time. Some of the most common filters found in shotgun microphones are listed below:

When utilizing your shotgun microphone with a blimp or deadcat, a high-frequency boost keeps your sound clear.

Reduces lower-end wind noise or rumbling noises from machines with a high pass filter/low-frequency cut-off.

Gain is handy if you’re utilizing a sub-par microphone preamp and need to raise the signal’s volume. You won’t need to boost the gain on the external preamp as much if you increase it directly from the mic.

Attenuation pad: decreases the gain of your microphone, allowing you to capture noisy sources like concerts or people screaming in a clean manner.

Buyer’s Guide for 3 Best Shotgun Microphones

Many shotgun microphones have filters that enable you to alter the sound you’re capturing in real-time. Some of the most common filters found in shotgun microphones are listed below:

When utilizing your shotgun microphone with a blimp or deadcat, a high-frequency boost keeps your sound clear.

Reduces lower-end wind noise or rumbling noises from machines with a high pass filter/low-frequency cut-off.

Gain is handy if you’re utilizing a sub-par microphone preamp and need to raise the signal’s volume. You won’t need to boost the gain on the external preamp as much if you increase it directly from the mic.

Attenuation pad: decreases the gain of your microphone, allowing you to capture noisy sources like concerts or people screaming in a clean manner.

What Is A Shotgun Microphone And How Does It Work?

A shotgun microphone has a high degree of directionality. It has a lengthy interference tube and a directed super-cardioid or hypercardioid capsule to restrict its polar response even more.

The directionality and form factor of a shotgun mic has nothing to do with the transducer type and everything to do with the mic’s directionality and form factor. The great majority of shotgun microphones,
on the other hand, are condensers.

The narrow unidirectional polar pattern of a shotgun microphone allows it to locate its sound source even from a distance. A good shotgun mic is extremely sensitive to the direction in which it is pointed and rejects sound and noise that is off-axis.

Because of this, the shotgun microphone has become a popular choice for film conversation recording. The mike can be placed just out of frame so that the attention is on the actor delivering the line

Polar Pattern Is Narrow

A shotgun microphone should have a narrow and stable polar pattern, which goes without saying. The major reason we would choose a shotgun mic in the first place is because of its high directionality. Keep reading for 3 Best Shotgun Microphones.

The mic’s narrow pickup pattern is another way of saying it has exceptional off-axis rejection. Because of the off-axis rejection of sound and noise, the mic may generate a clean signal with more of what we want and less of what we don’t.

Having said that, there are times when a broader shotgun layout is advantageous. Film set conditions when the boom operator is unskilled or when there is a lot of movement in the scene are examples.

Frequency Response in Nature

Condensers make up the great majority of shotgun microphones, and all condensers are active. Self-noise is produced by active electronics inside active microphones, which reduces the microphone’s signal-to-noise ratio. Keep reading for 3 Best Shotgun Microphones.

When we increase the gain to the signal at the preamplifier stage, the self-noise becomes even worse. Low self-noise is essential when clean, clear audio is desired.

Low Self-Noise

Features: Our top pick for the finest shotgun microphone with the best quality-to-price ratio is the Sennheiser MKE 600. The audio quality that this microphone captures is just outstanding.

We like the shotgun microphone’s strong directivity, which allows it to take up sounds from a significant distance away while appropriately attenuating noise from the sides and back. We want to stress how nicely it rejects side noise in this section.

It’s small and may be used on-camera or on a boom stand. If you are looking for the 3 Best Shotgun Microphones, you should give this one a chance. This is probably one of the 3 Best Shotgun Microphones you can find.

Extreme Sensitivity

A high sensitivity rating is required to provide a robust mic signal. The level of output at a particular sound pressure level is referred to as sensitivity.

Shotgun microphones must be placed at a distance from their intended sound sources in order to remain out of frame in video applications. Higher sensitivity helps the mic signal to stay strong even when it is placed far away from the sound source.

Frequently Asked Questions: Best Shotgun Microphones

Conclusion: 3 Best Shotgun Microphones [2023 Review]

You should have a good notion of which shotgun microphone is best for you at this point. It’s also worth noting that collecting audio will necessitate the use of an audio field mixer.

Our list includes the greatest alternatives on the market, whether you want one to use as a boom microphone or install on top of your camera. Keep reading for 3 Best Shotgun Microphones.

Microphones are difficult to use. And that’s putting it mildly. The amount of engineering required to build something that precise is mind-boggling.

The degree of input from opposite sides of the capsule is controlled by polar patterns, which are sophisticated enough on their own. We hope you liked our 3 Best Shotgun Microphones review and it was helpful.