What are shotgun microphones best used for?

A professional shotgun mic is usually used to capture sound at a distance, meaning that the microphone is trying to pick up low-level signals. This is why a quality shotgun microphone needs to have sensitivity higher than those intended to pick up close sources.

Which microphone is commonly used in a music studio?

Condenser microphones are considered the most versatile studio microphones and can be used to record essentially any instrument.

Can you use shotgun mic for voice over?

Voiceovers should embrace the “proximity effect” (That’s the goal in filmmaking, right?) Shotgun mics can be great for voiceovers because they let you get up close and personal with your mic.

Are shotgun mic dynamic or condenser?

The word “shotgun” refers to the directional characteristics of a microphone, that it is designed to pick up sound over a narrow angle. Although most modern shotgun mics use condenser elements, many dynamic shotgun mics have been manufactured.

What is the range of a shotgun microphone?

The shotgun group of microphones have a minimum range of 4′. I’ve been successful recording dialog with a shotgun mic at 10′. However, due to its tight pattern you need to be very accurate when booming.

What is a shotgun microphone?

A type of microphone characterized by an extremely directional polar pattern. Shotgun mics may be condenser or dynamic, but are almost always built with a long (8 to 24 inch) tube protruding from the front. Shotgun mics are sometimes called Line Microphones.

What microphone do recording artists use?

Sony C800 is an excellent mic that is used for vocal recording, especially in studio and film production houses. Sony C800 Condenser Microphone is specially designed for the reproduction of quality sound.

Is a shotgun microphone a condenser microphone?

Shotgun mics and other condensers require phantom power, which is an extra drain on battery life. One of the defining characteristics of condenser microphones is that they require phantom power — a small amount of voltage provided by the recorder.

Why is a shotgun mic called a shotgun mic?

The shotgun microphone is named for the long, slotted tube in front of the microphone cartridge that makes it resemble a shotgun. This “interference tube” helps reject sounds coming from more than about 30 degrees off to the sides, while still picking up sounds from the front.

Is a shotgun mic a condenser mic?

A type of microphone characterized by an extremely directional polar pattern. Shotgun mics may be condenser or dynamic, but are almost always built with a long (8 to 24 inch) tube protruding from the front.

What is the difference between a boom mic and a shotgun mic?

Shotgun refers to the polar pattern of the microphone. Shotgun mics are typically a hypercardiod pattern. Boom-mounted shotgun mics let you pick up a focused area, with very little off-axis noise, and their tight polar pattern provides better performances at longer distances than typical condenser microphones.

How far can a shotgun mic work?

The most expensive shotgun mics can only capture audio from a distance of six to ten feet, while more affordable mics sound their best at a distance of three to four feet away. Interviews are typically shot from about seven to ten feet away from the subject.

Do you need a shotgun mic for recording?

A good shotgun mic can make a massive difference to your productions, as it will allow you to capture clean and crisp audio while rejecting most ambient noise. The best ones will also allow you to use them in a variety of settings and situations, including adverse circumstances (such as on a windy day).

What is the best shotgun microphone for long distance audio?

This short shotgun mic offers great long-distance audio pickup at a reduced price, making it our best value choice for this list. The Audio-Technica AT897 shotgun microphone features a smooth on-axis tone and fantastic off-axis sound rejection and is built in a form factor short enough for a camera-mounted operation.

Should you use a shotgun or lavalier microphone on a film set?

Although both types of microphones have their place on a film set, there are notable advantages to using a shotgun mic over a lavalier. For starters, shotgun mics have a highly directional polar pattern, meaning you are less likely to pick up ambient noise in your recording.

What is the directionality of a shotgun mic?

Most shotgun mics have a supercardioid polar pattern, which captures sounds from the front and back, while rejecting noise from the side. The directionality of a shotgun microphone is defined by its design, which has a long, tubular build.