Shotgun Mics: Product Roundup

When it comes to shotgun microphones, broadcast mixers have a wide range of choices. Here are some of them.

Audio-Technica
Based on models originally developed for use in the broadcast of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, both the 14.96-in. BP4027 and the 9.29-in. BP4029 stereo shotgun models feature independent line-cardioid and figure-of-eight elements configured in a mid-side (MS) arrangement with switch-selectable internal matrixing. They allow sound recordists the choice of selecting a left-right stereo output (wide or narrow) via the microphone’s internal matrixing system or choosing discrete M-S signals for later manipulation. A switchable low-frequency roll-off filter helps minimize the pickup of low-frequency noise.

Audio-Technica Shotguns

Particularly useful for miking dynamic action in film/TV audio as well as in “spot” miking in the music studio or theater, the 15.55-in. BP4071 Line + Gradient Condenser microphone provides a low noise floor and balanced output.  It is equipped with switchable low-frequency roll-off and 10 dB pad.

At 21.22 in. long, the BP4071L is among the longest shotgun microphones on the market today and offers an extremely narrow polar pattern and a high degree of rejection from the sides and rear, as well as a switchable low-frequency roll-off and a 10-dB pad.

The BP4073 Line + Gradient Condenser microphone has an overall length of just 9.17 in. and weight of just 3.5 oz., with a switchable low-frequency roll-off and a 10-dB pad.

The new DPA 4017 Mk2 shotgun captures both highly directional and off-axis sound with equally clarity. It features enhanced RF immunity for protection against the latest generation of wireless devices, increased high-frequency linearity, and a repositioning of the low-cut filter to 120 Hz. Other specs include a 130-dB SPL capability, weight of 2.6 oz., and a length of 8.3 in. www.audio-technica.com

Hosa Technology
The center of  the new Que Audio ENG is a compact (5-in.) micro shotgun microphone for use with DV cameras, portable recorders, and similar equipment when a large-format shotgun microphone is either too expensive or impractical. The system comprises the microphone, a pop filter, a shock mount, an extension cable, a telescoping boom, a weighted base, a camera adaptor, a headset for field monitoring, and a carrying case for the entire package. The microphone’s back electret condenser offers a highly directional polar pattern and the ability to handle upwards of 124-dB SPL. The microphone delivers more than 100 hours of constant operating time with two watch batteries. The telescoping micro boom and the shock mount can extend from 1 to 5 ft. The boom can be used freehand, as an extension on a podium, or as a mic stand when attached to the included weighted base. www.hosatech.com

RØDE
The cam-mounted VideoMic exhibits low noise and wide bandwidth for its size. It is powered by a standard 9-volt battery and offers a low-battery LED status indicator and a switchable high-pass filter to reduce low-frequency rumble.

The moisture-resistant NTG-3 uses RF-bias technology and combines very light weight, anti-glare finish, and low handling and self-noise (13 dBA). www.rodemic.com

Sanken
The CMS-10 stereo shotgun is switchable between a very sharp directional mono and stereo environmental imaging. Stereo angle is 127 degrees. The CMS-10 features a second-order pressure-gradient design, enabling precision directional response through multiple cardioid elements in a front-back array. Stereophonic localization depends primarily on signal accuracy and channel separation in the 400 Hz-3 kHz range.

Sanken CMS-10

The CS-3e mono shotgun maintains directivity over an extremely wide frequency range, especially in the low frequencies, with good side and rear rejection. Three directional capsules are arranged in a front-back array to combine line-microphone performance and second-order pressure-gradient response in a single system to achieve supercardioid directivity in the lowest frequencies.

The CSS-5 Stereo (wide/normal) mono switchable shotgun offers three modes of operation (mono, normal stereo, and wide stereo), a high degree of rear rejection at 180 degrees even in low frequencies, and mono-stereo compatibility; the mono and phantom center have the same sound characteristics. www.sanken-mic.com

Sennheiser
The MKH 416 shotgun is a pressure-gradient receiver with short interference tube. Hypercardioid at low and medium frequencies, it approaches lobar pattern above 2 kHz. Features include high directivity, compact design, low self noise, high consonant articulation, and feedback rejection with 40 Hz-20 kHz frequency response. The mic is transformerless and offers fully floating balanced output.

Sennheiser MKH416

The MKH 60 short shotgun is an interference-tube lightweight microphone. It’s transformerless and provides fully floating balanced output with an infrasonic cut-off filter. Symmetrical-transducer technology produces low distortion. Switchable features include pre-attenuation, roll-off filter, and treble emphasis.

The MKH 70 long shotgun is a very lightweight interference-tube microphone with lobar pickup pattern and high directivity throughout the whole frequency range. It’s suited for use in difficult conditions, such as high background noise and far-distance microphone positioning. Its frequency-independent directivity prevents sound coloration from off-axis sound sources. Switchable features include roll-off filter, treble emphasis, and pre-attenuation. www.sennheiserusa.com

Shure SM89

Shure
Priced at $932, the SM89, a highly directional condenser shotgun microphone with distant-pickup characteristics, discriminates at a distance in favor of desired effects and against ambient noise, even in noisy surroundings. A slight presence rise optimizes the high-frequency response to compensate for high-frequency losses. A low-frequency roll-off minimizes pickup of wind, mechanical vibration, ambient noise, and rumble without affecting voice frequencies. The two low-cut frequencies are switch-selectable, and the mic is compatible with any standard 11- to 52-Vdc phantom supply. www.shure.com

Sony
The ECM-680S is an M-S stereo shotgun, electret condenser-type microphone offering high sensitivity, low inherent noise, and a flat-and-wide frequency response. Operation is switchable between a highly directional monaural mode and stereo mode. www.sony.com