DVEStore Shotgun Shootout

Listen to a variety of shotgun microphones and compare the sound quality right on this page!

A good quality shotgun mic will pickup great sound a few feet directly in front of the mic while at the same time rejecting sound from the sides. This is great for picking out just the sounds you want and is the most desirable and common microphone for DV filmmakers.
A question most new camera owners have is, “Which shotgun mic should I buy?” This usually happens after they shot some awesome footage, but later found that they can’t quite make out the intriguing dialogue because what was a light breeze in shooting now whips, rumbles and howls like a tornado.

The most important thing to remember in achieving high quality audio is microphone placement.

Get the mic as close as you can to the subject without getting the mic in the frame. It's also important to cue or point the mic at the subject if you can and always monitor your audio through a pair of closed-eared headphones.

So if you've been getting bad audio, the solution is a high-quality shotgun mic, good wind protection if outdoors, and concentrate on getting that mic in as close as you can. With these few tips, your audio should improve remarkably. Remember, as George Lucas says, “Audio is 50% of your project.”

Check out the Shotgun Shootout Video clips:

AUDIO TECHNICA AT897

RODE NTG-2

SENNHEISER MKH-416

SENNHEISER ME-66/K6

RODE NT3

*cardioid for comparison*

RODE VideoMic

*Now featuring the Rycote Lyre suspension mount*

Be sure to use coupon code "TAKE5" to save 5% on all microphones and accessories at