The 27 best shotgun microphone brands
Rode, Sennheiser and Sony lead our ranking of 27 shotgun microphone brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Shotgun Microphone brands, ranked
TSCentral is reader-supported: we may earn a commission when you shop through links on this page. It does not affect the ranking.
-
1
Rode
You can find the finest sounding and most comfortable headphones at Rode. Give your ears a treat with these premium-quality headphones, whether noise-canceling, wireless, or corded. They provide the headphones you need to receive the most fantastic sound in your ears, whether you are a professional or a beginner. Their primary focus is on developing innovative, superior-quality audio equipment for professionals. They have an award-winning design studio and an international staff of engineers, with free shipping available on purchasing the finest headphones online at RodeStore.
Website: rode.com |Brands like Rode
Popularity 10.0/10
-
2
Sennheiser
Sennheiser is the future of audio. They believe they can change their users' auditory experience with their exceptional products and top-notch technology. Sound is everywhere, and we live and breathe in it. They aim to shape the future of audio by creating a unique experience for their customers. The company has been thriving in the industry for over 75 years and is still very ambitious. They are driven by a sense of passion and pure love for the sounds of the world.
Website: en-us.sennheiser.com |Brands like Sennheiser
Popularity 7.8/10
-
3
Sony
Shortly after World War 2, Masaru Ibuka founded the Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo K.K., a telecommunications and engineering corporation. He wanted technology to contribute to Japan’s culture and future. Despite starting small, he never gave up and stressed the importance of doing what had not been done before. As the brand evolved to become what we know as Sony, it has created countless novel products that changed the electronics industry.
Website: sony.com |Brands like Sony
Popularity 4.7/10
-
4
AKG
AKG Acoustics is a well-known maker of microphones, headphones, wireless audio systems, and other audio equipment. Since 1947, the firm has been producing professional and consumer-quality headphones and microphones. They have been creating and world manufacturing items for top experts in the music business and customers worldwide since 1947. Their items are designed with a desire for perfection and the best quality. They are known for producing superior microphones, wireless audio systems, and headphones with unrivaled sound quality.
Website: akg.com |Brands like AKG
Popularity 3.7/10
-
5
Azden
Azden is a Japanese brand that provides different sound system accessories to customers. It includes a camera microphone, shotgun microphone, wireless microphone, microphone accessories, mixers, headset, and radio. All the products are of high quality having better sound quality. They differentiated all the products on the website, making it easy for customers to find things. All the products are available in different models having different colors. Customers can inquire if they want their product from the website and start purchasing.
Website: azden.co.jp |Brands like Azden
Popularity 3.1/10
-
6
Shure
Shure is a renowned maker of microphones, headphones, and audio equipment for the professional and consumer industries. They are a worldwide audio brand devoted to inventing and supplying more great microphones, headphones, mixers, wireless systems, and accessories. The firm is best known for its microphones, but it also makes award-winning earphones, headsets, mixers, amplifiers, phonograph cartridges, and electronic systems for public speaking and personal monitoring applications.
Website: shure.com |Brands like Shure
Popularity 3.0/10
-
7
Saramonic
Voices are needed to be heard loud and clear. Saramonic enables you to share your voice with the world with their microphones and audio adaptors. The products are specially designed for DSLRs, smartphones, mirrorless, and video cameras while keeping quality and value in mind. The robust execution of received audio enables videographers and content creators to attain new heights and improve their audio quality like never before. Providing ample options in every category like portable recorders, camera mixers, and adapters, Saramonic delivers high-quality products to harness maximum audio potential.
Website: saramonicusa.com |Brands like Saramonic
Popularity 2.8/10
-
8
Zoom
Zoomo is a renowned electric bike company offering bikes on lease to make local travel more accessible and cheaper. They offer multiple packages that one choose from according to their needs and budget. Their e-bikes are known for their performance and giving a smooth riding experience. The brand's service is cheaper than regular transportation and is more personalized. Their bikes are reliable and practical and have built-in functions to make biking more enjoyable.
Website: ridezoomo.com |Brands like Zoom
Popularity 2.6/10
-
9
Neumann
Neumann specializes in creating tech accessories that incorporate cutting-edge technology, tough protection, and attractive design. It produced speakers, headphones, studio monitors, accessories, and preamplifiers in Berlin. Your life is improved by combining elegant design with best-in-class engineering. To receive updates...
Website: neumann.com |Brands like Neumann
Popularity 2.6/10
-
10
Movo
Movo has been helping content creators, and innovators have a smooth approach with their range of products. They specialize in creating photography, video, and audio gear. These products are made with the thought of creators. They are always exploring new...
Website: movophoto.com |Brands like Movo
Popularity 2.3/10
-
11
beyerdynamic
Beyerdynamic is a more powerful brand in audio technology. Customers appreciate precision, expertise, and experience from the organization. Beyerdynamic's product line includes headphones and headsets with microphones to recreate the sound as perfectly as possible. Whether listening to music, creating...
Website: north-america.beyerdynamic.com |Brands like beyerdynamic
Popularity 2.1/10
-
12
Marantz
Marantz professional makes premium-quality studio equipment for purposes like recording and broadcasting. Their product catalog includes various items, including Microphones and Audio-video streamers. They also sell many other sound accessories which help in high-quality streaming and audio recording. Music studios...
Website: marantzpro.com |Brands like Marantz
Popularity 1.8/10
-
13
Rycote
Vlogging is one of the trendiest career options nowadays. Most youngsters aim to be YouTubers or vloggers in the future. To support the dreams of every youngster, Rycote came up with highly unique and innovative accessories which can be used...
Website: rycote.com |Brands like Rycote
Popularity 1.8/10
-
14
Electro-Voice
For more than 70 years, Electro-Voice has been changing how people perceive sound. Their passion is to create goods that meet the ever-increasing demands of global audiences, artists, and production professionals. It develops loudspeakers that set the benchmark for performance...
Website: electrovoice.com |Brands like Electro-Voice
Popularity 1.1/10
-
15
MXL
MXL features a variety of applications, including high-quality, state-of-the-art studio microphones that are both accessible and simple to use. They create well-designed products that entice and satisfy customers' desires. MXL990 is a FET-based design with a range of output applications...
Website: mxlmics.com |Brands like MXL
Popularity 1.1/10
-
16
Audix
Audix opened the door to business in 1984, and for the next 38 years, they have continued to produce high-end audio products. They have developed and expanded a lot over time. The core mission of Audix remains the same. They...
Website: audixusa.com |Brands like Audix
Popularity 1.1/10
-
17
LOMO
Lomography is a photography-focused intellectual community. They follow our ideology to stimulate the current youth of photographers as one of the world's most creative and popular photo movements. They are enamored by analog photography and its limitless potential. You may...
Website: shop.lomography.com |Brands like LOMO
Popularity 1.1/10
-
18
IK Multimedia
IK Multimedia took its roots in a small town in Italy. The town was small, but the minds were innovative, and two Italian engineers got together in 1996 and created a piece of gear that would change the way of...
Website: ikmultimedia.com |Brands like IK Multimedia
Popularity 1.1/10
-
19
MicW
MicW is a brand that functions in the audio industry. Their products include a wide range of audio products that have been constantly updated and developed to suit the needs of the listeners. Its mission is to provide the best...
Website: micwaudio.com |Brands like MicW
Popularity 1.1/10
-
20
Nakamichi
Nakamichi is a line of solid audio equipment made with the best components and materials to produce precise, sharp sound. They've combined their skills in both analog and digital technologies to develop distinctive yet modernly constructed audio equipment for use...
Website: nakamichihomeaudio.com |Brands like Nakamichi
Popularity 0.8/10
-
21
CAD
Serving the customers for over ninety years, Connect Audio Devices or CAD Audio has created its legacy in the audio industry. Delivering high-quality audio input and output products for all levels of customers, i.e., from amateurs to professionals, the company...
Website: cadaudio.com |Brands like CAD
Popularity 0.8/10
-
22
Oktava
Oktava is a world-class Russian microphone and electronics firm. This company produces top-notch eccentric, handcrafted vintage goods. This firm earned the moniker "the Russian Neumann" since its products are handmade utilizing vintage methods in a vintage factory. New to the...
Website: en.oktavatula.ru |Brands like Oktava
Popularity 0.8/10
-
23
CAD Audio
Get the best of sound systems at CAD audio. The musical institution exhibits excellence and high satisfaction from sound system quality and innovation. Established in 1931, CAD audio has been in the music industry for nine decades and we, through...
Website: cadaudio.com |Brands like CAD Audio
Popularity 0.8/10
-
24
DPA Microphones
While it is understandable that audio systems that are durable and have exceptional sound are a challenge to manufacture, DPA Microphones strives to offer its customers only the best. Their ambition is to ensure that every customer is given the...
Website: dpamicrophones.com |Brands like DPA Microphones
Popularity 0.8/10
-
25
Takstar
Takstar is a well-known name in the electro-acoustic field. The company is dedicated to providing the best audio processing solutions. The company offers an expansive variety of products like voice amplifiers, headphone sets, microphones, and integrated applications. Takstar aims to...
Website: en.takstar.com |Brands like Takstar
Popularity 0.8/10
-
26
Astatic
Canadian Astatic is a platform that provides premium quality stylus and cartridges to customers. Several types of microphones are also available. After filling out the internet order form from the website, customers can place an order. They can choose from...
Website: canadianastatic.com |Brands like Astatic
Popularity 0.8/10
-
27
AmpRidge
AmpRidge is an innovative firm that designs, invents, manufactures, and sells technological products for today's highly used IOS and Android devices. The company has previously developed new equipment for iPhones, GoPros, and other similar devices and further continues to innovate....
Website: ampridge.com |Brands like AmpRidge
Popularity 0.8/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rode | rode.com | /rodemic | rodemic | @rodemics | – |
| Sennheiser | en-us.sennheiser.com | /SennheiserUSA | sennheiser | @SennheiserUSA | – |
| Sony | sony.com | – | – | – | – |
| AKG | akg.com | /AKG | akgaudio | @AKGaudio | AKGAcoustics |
| Azden | azden.co.jp | /AzdenCorporation | – | – | – |
| Shure | shure.com | /shureIndia | – | – | – |
| Saramonic | saramonicusa.com | /pg | saramonicusa | @saramonic_usa | – |
| Zoom | ridezoomo.com | – | – | – | – |
| Neumann | neumann.com | /neumann | neumann.berlin | – | GeorgNeumannGmbH |
| Movo | movophoto.com | /movophotogroup | movophoto | @movophoto | Movo |
Shotgun Microphone Buying Guide
If you're looking for a shotgun microphone, you're likely in search of a directional and focused microphone for capturing clear sound in a variety of settings. Before making your purchase, there are a few critical factors you should consider.
What is a Shotgun Microphone?
Shotgun microphones, also known as directional or boom microphones, are long and cylindrical microphones designed to capture sound in specific areas. These microphones are useful in interviews, documentaries, and filmmaking because they can eliminate ambient noise and focus on the sound you want to record.
Considerations for Buying a Shotgun Microphone
Price
The price of a shotgun microphone can range from $50 to $2,000. It's best to set a budget before starting your search. A more expensive model may provide better sound quality, but this isn't always the case. Keep in mind what you'll be using the microphone for and how often you'll be using it. It's also important to consider the cost of any necessary accessories, such as shock mounts and wind protection.
Sound Quality
The most critical factor in selecting a shotgun microphone is sound quality. A high-quality microphone will produce clear, crisp, and accurate sound. A good shotgun microphone should also be sensitive enough to capture quiet sounds without picking up too much background noise.
Directionality
Shotgun microphones come in different directional patterns – cardioid, supercardioid, and hypercardioid. The cardioid pattern records sound from directly in front of the microphone, while the supercardioid and hypercardioid patterns are more narrow and record sound from a tighter angle. If you need to capture sounds from a distance or in a noisy environment, a more directional microphone will be more effective.
Size
The size and weight of a shotgun microphone are also essential considerations. A lightweight and compact microphone may be easier to handle and transport, but a larger microphone may provide better sound quality particularly when it comes to low frequencies.
Accessories
Some shotgun microphones require accessories to operate effectively. A shock mount, for instance, can reduce handling noise and vibrations that can interfere with your recordings. A windscreen can help prevent wind noise and make outdoor recordings clearer. Some microphones also require external power, so it's important to know whether a specific microphone requires phantom power and what type of battery it uses.
The Top Shotgun Microphones on the Market
Here are the top shotgun microphones on the market along with their specifications and prices:
Rode VideoMic NTG
Price: $250
The Rode VideoMic NTG is a 4.71-inch long directional shotgun microphone that can be used with DSLR, mirrorless cameras and mobile devices via USB. It includes a shock mount, a windscreen, and a rechargeable battery that supports USB-C charging.
Sennheiser ME 66/K6
Price: $469
The Sennheiser ME 66/K6 is a supercardioid shotgun microphone that can capture sound from a range of distances. It comes with a K6 power module, a shock mount, and a windscreen.
Ambient Recording Sennheiser MKH 416
Price: $999
The Ambient Recording Sennheiser MKH 416 is a high-quality shotgun microphone that records sound from a tight angle. It includes a shock mount and a windscreen and is compatible with 48V phantom power.
Audio-Technica AT897
Price: $229
The Audio-Technica AT897 is a short shotgun microphone that is only 11 inches long. It includes a windscreen and shock mount and is ideal for outdoor recordings.
Conclusion
Shotgun microphones are an essential tool for capturing clear sound in a variety of settings. When purchasing a shotgun microphone, factors such as price, sound quality, directionality, size, and necessary accessories must be considered. With the above buying guide, you have all the critical factors, and top models to consider when making your purchase.
Frequency Response
Another essential factor to consider when buying a shotgun microphone is the frequency response. This is the range of sound frequencies that a microphone can pick up. A wider frequency response is generally better because it can capture a more comprehensive range of sounds, including low-frequency sounds such as bass and high-frequency sounds such as cymbals. However, it's important to note that a microphone's frequency response doesn't always correspond with sound quality. A microphone that has a narrower frequency response may still produce high-quality sound within that range.
Cable Length
The length of a shotgun microphone's audio cable is another essential factor to consider. Most microphones come with a cable, but the length of the cable can vary. The cable should be long enough to attach the microphone to your audio recorder or camera without being so long that it becomes cumbersome. A cable that's too short can limit your movement, while a cable that's too long can become tangled or create noise through movement.
Type of Microphone
Before deciding to buy a shotgun microphone, it's important to determine the type of microphone that will meet your needs. There are several types of microphones that are common when it comes to recording sound. In addition to shotgun microphones, other types include lavalier microphones, handheld microphones, and more. Shotgun microphones are suitable for recording outdoors or in noisy environments, but lavalier microphones are ideal for recording interviews, and handheld microphones are best for live events such as concerts or news reports.
Brand Reputation
Finally, it's also important to consider the brand reputation of the microphone manufacturer. Some brands are known for producing high-quality microphones and have a reputation for excellence in the industry. Brands such as Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, and Rode are well-known for their quality microphones and are considered trusted brands in the industry.
Conclusion
A shotgun microphone is an essential tool for capturing high-quality sound in a variety of settings. When purchasing a shotgun microphone, factors such as price, sound quality, directionality, size, frequency response, cable length, type, and brand reputation must be considered. By taking these factors into account and choosing a microphone that meets your specific needs, you can ensure that you capture the best possible sound in your recordings or productions.
