Choosing the best microphone for filmmakers and video creators is not an easy task.
You need a shotgun microphone which does have very different specifications than our regular condenser or dynamic microphones.
There are a few things that you will need to consider before purchasing the shotgun microphone.
In this article, I am going to explain to you everything about a shotgun mic and then will give you a list of top 10 best shotgun microphones.
You can choose the best one according to your needs and requirements. All the microphone that I have given are the best and are from trusted brands as well.
Please understand this before moving towards the article that buying a shotgun microphone is very different than buying a very regular condenser microphone that you use in our studio.
Before moving to our less, you will know a little bit about shotgun microphone how they work and who should use the shotgun microphones. Even if you have no idea about shotgun microphones, I think I can help you understand it.
Also Read: 5 Best Dictation Microphones In 2024
If you want to know more about shotgun microphones, then you can check it here or can write in detail about the shotgun microphone.
What is a shotgun microphone?
A shotgun microphone is a highly directional microphone that is pointed towards the subject from which we are recording the sound. Shotgun microphones are used to record sounds from the things that are from a distance. Filmmakers, News Anchors, Actors, etc. use the shotgun microphones.
Shotgun Mic catches sound from the direction that it is pointed towards. It does have a long-range for capturing sounds in a very unidirectional way. They do have an angle of 40°, 50° or 60° based on the different shotgun microphones.
Shotgun Microphones are very different in look as well as they are like a simple rod. You can quickly figure out which is a shotgun microphone.
Here are some images of Shotgun microphones
How do shotgun microphones work?
The working of Shotgun microphone is simple to understand. It does have some angle of propagation that it covers while capturing the sound.
It captures the sound in that angle, particularly in a specific range which is much longer as and condenser microphones are dynamic microphones.
The shotgun microphone has very to focus on the source of the target to capture the sound.
Here is the video address that will explain how shotgun microphone for precisely and you will understand sound that it captures.
For whom shotgun microphone is?
Film-makers, Video creators or the professionals use Shotgun Microphones.
It is mostly used for speeches conference, meetings and talks as well.
In film making, they usually don’t want to show microphones on the screen that is why they use a shotgun microphone which you can also operate from the long a distance. You don’t need to put that in the frame.
Even when you go to the theatre, they keep shotgun mics hanged from the roof to capture a sound from the actor on the stage. That helps actors to perform freely without holding microphones.
As you are here looking for shotgun microphones, I hope that you must already be knowing about why you need a shotgun microphone.
Now we will move ahead with our list of top 10 best shogun microphones.
Best Shotgun Microphones
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BEST PICK |
BEST PICK
 | Sennheiser MKH416-P48U3 |
| Check On Amazon |
| RUNNER UP |
RUNNER UP
 | Rode NTG-3 |
| Check On Amazon |
| EASILY PORTABLE |
EASILY PORTABLE
 | Rode NTG4+ |
| Check On Amazon |
| Versatile |
Versatile
 | Sennheiser MKE600 |
| Check On Amazon |
| Best For Camera |
Best For Camera
 | Rode VideoMic PRO+ |
| Check On Amazon |
| Pocket Friendly |
Pocket Friendly
 | Audio-Technica AT875R |
| Check On Amazon |
| Unique |
Unique
 | Shure VP89L |
| Check On Amazon |
| Wild Card |
Wild Card
 | Sennheiser MKH60P48 |
| Check On Amazon |
| Best for iPhone |
Best for iPhone
 | Shure MV88 |
| Check On Amazon |
| Best for Camera Lens |
Best for Camera Lens
 | Shure VP38F |
| Check On Amazon |
If you want to get more details about each of these microphones then, I have listed everything you must know about each microphone on this list.
Sennheiser MKH416-P48U3
Sennheiser is one of the old microphone brands in the music industry. It is one of the very reputable brands which produces varieties of microphones in different categories. They do have a broad spectrum of making various types of microphones.
Sennheiser MKH416-P48U3 is a short tube condenser shotgun microphone. This is a microphone which has got the best response from the users and has a reputation of being a top-level shotgun microphone in the industry.
The design of this microphone is simple as well. It looks very professional. The sound quality of this microphone is very crystal clear, and it doesn’t capture any of the unrelated or unwanted sounds while recording.
Sennheiser MKH416-P48U3 gives you top-notch features with reliable performance as well. This microphone has used on multiple sets and TV shows that is why this microphone has got the professionalism. That is also the reason why every user is considering this microphone.
Filmmakers and Journalist just love this microphone for the performance o MKH416-P48U3.
Sennheiser MKH416-P48U3 Does have a Supercardioid Polar Pattern as most of the gunshot microphones. It does have and frequency response of 40Hz to 20KHz, which in case of Shotgun microphone is very decent as you will always be recording sound from the longer distance.
The maximum sound pressure level of MKH416-P48U3 is 130dB. It will capture all the sound in a particular direction very easily without interfering or without adding extra noise.
MKH416-P48U3 is the best choice for those who want some microphone for their radio station or Film making. Being from a very reputable brand and trusted by many professionals, this microphone is one of the best choices that you can get.
Sennheiser MKH416-P48U3 is one of the best picks in our list if anyone who doesn’t have any technical knowledge or doesn’t know more about shotgun microphone should pick this microphone.
If you do not have any of your segments or the conditions, then Sennheiser MKH416-P48U3 can be your best pick among the best shotgun microphones.
Rode NTG-3
Rode is the company that makes mics that stands out. They usually try to bring something new and different on every microphone they manufacture.
Rode NTG-3 is the Shotgun Condenser Microphone which is famous for its popularity as well. If you are looking for the runner up microphone which deserves to be in the top positions, then Rode NTG-3 is the ONE.
NTG-3 mic manufactures for televisions, film making or wherever the audio broadcast is required. The microphone is very easy to handle and use that I didn’t even need to figure out stuff before using this.
Rode NTG-3 has the premium looking design and built quality. It is very minimal and clean. The durability and the material of this mic are reliable as it is made of aluminium and other metals. It is weatherproof and moisture-proof as well.
The sound quality of this mic is very natural and clear with good noise cancellation as well. NTG-3 does have the very beneficial XLR output.
The frequency response of Rode NTG-3 is 40Hz to 20KHz, which is fine, and the max SPL is 130dB. It does the excellent work of capturing and producing the output.
If you are looking for the option other than Sennheiser MKH146, then Rode NTG-3 is one of the best picks for you. It is even cheaper than the first one.
Rode NTG4+
Here is another famous and outstanding microphone by Rode. As I said, this mic brings something new other than the regular shotgun microphones.
Rode NTG4+ is the very first microphone that came with inbuilt battery. It is a super-cardioid shotgun condenser microphone.
The design of Rode NTG4+ is very different and yet catchy as well. It does have a very sharp and perfect audio output. NTG4+ has very high-quality material used.
Rode NTG4+ has the frequency response of 20Hz to 20KHz. It does have the 135dB of maximum Sound Pressure Level. This mic being the very first mic with inbuilt battery does give you a lot of options over other mics in battery consumption.
You can charge the battery using the USB. It takes around 2 hours to charge your battery fully. You will get -10dB padding in this mic with the digital switching which is convenient for use.
You can use phantom power to run this mic when the battery is not available.
Rode NTG4+ is one of the very convenient microphones, which makes a lot of your work easier. It is one of the best easy to carry around the microphone.
If you are someone who does move a lot from places to places, then Rode NTG4+ will be the best microphone for you.
Sennheiser MKE600
If your looking for the microphone that will go good with your DSLR, then this one is for you.
Sennheiser MKE600 is the condenser shotgun microphone that is capable of handling the most demanding and high-quality film shooting challenges. If you need something of high end for your adventure shooting to tag with your DSLR then here it is.
Sennheiser MKE600 has the super-cardioid polar pattern to suppress all the unwanted sound. It does have one of the best sound quality among the gunshot microphones.
MKE600 has a simple design that might not catch your attention as the size of this mic is even small than the other once. It does have all-metal construction which makes it more durable and reliable as well.
Sennheiser MKE600 has the high directivity which captures the perfect sound from the sources without adding any extra noise in it. It doesn’t let affect things places on the right-left side of the object.
Those who shoot the racing vlogs or racing footages uses Sennheiser MKE600. It does give convenient experience over any DSLR that you use. It is easy to connect with the DSLRs as well.
MKE600 has the frequency response of 40Hz to 20KHz and the maximum SPL of 132dB. It has the full noise cancellation from the right and left. You also get the switchable “low cut” which helps you increase more noise cancellation if needed.
Sennheiser MKE600 also comes with the battery, so you can also use it with battery or with the phantom power supply of +48 Volts as well.
The connectivity of this microphone is much easier than the other microphone compatible with DSLR. It does a convenient job with DSLRs.
Suppose you are looking for the best microphone which you have to use with your DSLR camera. Sennheiser MKE600 is the best microphone to use with DSLR Camera.
Rode VideoMic PRO+
If you are not convinced with the MKE600, then here is the best alternative for Sennheiser MKE600.
Rode VideoMic PRO+ is the super-cardioid condenser shotgun microphone. It is one of the most recommended microphones for cameras by experts—some famous stars which recommend Rode VideoMic PRO+ for cameras and televisions.
VideoMic PRO+ has a minimal and perfect design that will catch your attention. It does look cool, and the build quality of this microphone is reliable.
It does come with automatic power function with plug-in power and 2 AA rechargeable batteries as well which you can charge using USB.
The shape of this microphone is optimised, and that gives it very open end towards recording the best possible sounds from the source.
VideoMic PRO+ has the frequency response of 20Hz to 20KHz and the MAX SPL of 133dB. You can even capture the sounds of your instrumental band over this as well. It has got 0.55 inches of capsule size, which is small than the other ones, but it works fine with the mechanism.
The sound quality of this mic has created some of the best videos on YouTube as well. They have got some excellent sound output with zero noise.
VideoMic PRO+ does give your control over most of the things that you need. It does have digital switching as well. It becomes very compatible with the cameras and gives you more options over it.
If you are looking for the shotgun microphone for your DSLR Camera that is very easily portable and has more control over it, then Rode VideoMic PRO+ is the microphone that you can choose.
Audio-Technica AT875R
Audio Technica is one of the top brands in the music and microphones industry. It is also one of my favourite brands. They are known for making the premium quality microphones.
If you are looking for the best budget shotgun microphone then here it is for you.
Audio-Technica AT875R is the Line + Gradient Condenser Shotgun Microphone. It does have different polar pattern among the rest of others. It does have something unique that makes AT875R stand out.
AT875R is the short shotgun microphone that has become so popular that it became a best seller in significantly less time. AT875R has the frequency response of 90Hz to 20KHz and Maximum Sound Pressure Level of 127dB. I do think it should have to be a bit more. Yet, it does the work.
AT875R does give you more control over exiles and orientations, which is much better in my opinions to control the directionality.
The sound quality of this microphone does a good job. I am not convinced with the low pitched voice. It doesn’t cover longer distances recording, which I expected. But, it does the much better job of noise cancellation and sound capturing in the short and medium distance.
Most of the people use AT875R mic for Video Production. It does become a much comfortable and much better option for those who are just beginning into films.
AT875R is the best microphone for beginners who are starting their career in professional fields like video production, broadcasting, designing, etc.
If you are looking for the budget-friendly option in shotgun microphones, then AT875R is the most pocket-friendly shotgun microphone that you can go with. You can also look for the alternative version of AT875R, which is AT879R.
Shure VP89L
Shure is one of the very mainstream brands that focus on making varieties of products for almost everyone. They do have a lot of microphones in headset mics and condenser mics category. Most of their microphones are top-level mics as well.
Shure VP89L is the premium modular long dynamic shotgun microphone. This is the only microphone with multiple polar patterns in out list. You can also get the other size variants in this mic of small and medium-size.
The frequency response of Shure VP89L is 40Hz to 20KHz, and the Max SPL is 128dB. I expected max SPL to be little high anyway; it works fine with shotgun mics. You will get the switchable low filter that helps you control the noise cancellation at max.
Other than this, you are getting:
- Low self-noise
- High output level
- Aircraft-grade aluminium alloy construction
- Lightweight
- Common mode rejections
- Multiple Polar Patterns
- Requires 11 to 52 V phantom power supply
- Supplied widescreen
- And much more…
The sound quality and the output of this microphone is much better. You will love it. Shure brand will never give you the microphone that won’t make your work perfect.
Shure VP89L is the microphone which is made for indoor as well as outdoor recording scenarios. If you are someone who is planning shoot movies or clips, then this mic will do the best job for you.
If you are looking for a dynamic microphone in shotguns category, then Shure VP89L is one of the best microphones you can go for. It does get you covered with a lot of options.
Sennheiser MKH60P48
Here is another microphone by Sennheiser, which is one of the most popular gunshot microphones. If you are working on a serious project or want to go premium, then here is the microphone for you.
Sennheiser MKH60P48 is the short condenser shotgun microphone. It is known for it’s the short and lightweight design.
Sennheiser MKH60P48 is the most versatile gunshot microphone in our list. It is one of the top-level premium gunshot microphones in this list.
MKH60P48 will get you covered with everything you want. If you don’t have the budget issues, then I will suggest you pick this microphone without having a doubt. This microphone does the BEST job at everything you want.
The design of MKH60P48 is very pleasing and eye-catchy. It does grab the attention. This microphone has a premium look and will give you the real musician feeling while recording.
MKH60P48 has the frequency response of 50Hz to 20KHz and the Max SPL of 134dB. It can handle loud sounds, such as acoustics or drums. This mic is widely used for recording albums or the stage performances.
The sound quality of MKH60P48 is very natural and does sound pure. You will not find any noise or any artificial interference in between the sound.
MKH60P48 is the recommended microphone for those who love to work on long term projects and have to do some difficult tasks. This microphone will go through every challenge you put. Most of the music products houses use Sennheiser MKH60P48 as their primary microphones.
Also Check Out: Top 5 Best Condenser Microphones Under $300
Shure MV88
If you are looking for the best shotgun microphone iPhone then here is the best option for you. I have collected very detailed points and found out the best one for you.
Shure MV88 is a Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone.
MV88 is also the most budget shotgun microphone as well. This microphone is specifically for the iPhone/iOS.
MV88 microphone has also got he multiple polar patterns.
To be honest, this is not the proper gunshot microphone to fall under this list. But, MV88 is treated as the gunshot mic for iPhone.
Shure MV88 does not have the simple design, it looks a bit complicated in look. The built quality of this microphone is durable.
MV88 has the frequency response of 20Hz to 20KHz and the Max SPL of 120dB. It won’t be able to record the instrumentals nicely. You can record all the regular speeches, vocals, etc. with this mic correctly.
This microphone also falls under the versatile mics category. It will help you do other things as well. It does work the best with iOS devices.
So, if you are looking for the best gunshot microphone, then I will suggest you go with Shure MV88.
Shure VP38F
Another shotgun microphone options for those who want it for the camera. This is one of the best microphones for the camera lens.
Shure VP83F LensHopper is the condenser gunshot microphone with integrated Flash Recording. It has a super-cardioid polar pattern.
The design of this microphone looks unique, and it is compact. This looks professional and cool. The material used in VP83F is very reliable.
Shure VP83F has the frequency response of 50Hz to 20KHz, and the maximum SPL is 1 kHz at 1% THD [2], 1000 Ω load. It does sound perfect, and the noise cancellation is excellent.
You can use this microphone for any uses that are related to photography or video production. Most of the people prefer this microphone for interviews.
Shure VP83 LensHopper microphone is the best alternative of Rode VideoMic Pro.
So, if you are looking for the microphone that you can mount with the lens of the camera, then Shure VP83F is one of the best microphones that you can get.
I will list a few things that you should consider before purchasing the gunshot microphone in the buyer’s guide.
Buyer’s Guide For Shotgun Microphone
There are a few things that you will need to consider before purchasing any gunshot microphone. If you have already purchased gunshot microphones or knows about the microphone, then you will figure it out.
For those who haven’t purchased the mic before, this buyer’s guide will help you a lot.
Check out all the points that I have listed here. Align all of your needs with the mic that you are going to pick.
Directionality
The directionality of the microphone does depend on the polar patterns of the microphone. Most of the microphones that I have given above are the super-cardioid microphones.
Cardioid mics capture the sound only from the front directions. Super cardioid mics capture the sound from the small part in the front.
It is mostly from 30° to 50°.
Directionality is not the most worrying part in shotgun mics, but it is something that you should know.
Low Self Noise
The self-noise of the mic is the noise that comes from the mic itself or the table. It captures the sounds of vibrations of mic or from the keyboard on your table.
You have to make sure that the self-noise is low in your microphone.
Brand
Always try to get the microphones from the top brands only. They do have a wide range of microphones. You don’t need to go with the new or the local brand which is promising you the best quality.
All the microphones that I have given above are from top-level microphones. You can check out my other article on top 10 microphones brands
Design
As I always say, this matters for most people. You should always go with the microphone that seems suitable for you. You should like the design, colour and the materials of the microphone.
Price
You must always try to be in your lane. Don’t try to break out of your budget. You can always find the best microphones in your budget.
You don’t need to expand your budget to have the best microphones. You will get the mic with perfect sound quality in almost every budget you want.
FAQ
What are shotgun mics good for?
Shotgun microphones are good for film-making, video production, professional audio production, etc.
What type of microphone is a shotgun mic?
Microphones which are super directional are the shotgun microphones. They do have the projections angle from 30° to 60° in which they capture the sound.
How do you record with a shotgun mic?
You have to keep the microphone in the direction of the source to capture the sound. It is easy to record with a shotgun mic.
Conclusion
I hope you have understood the best gunshot microphones. You are good to go and pick the best microphone for yourself.
If you are still confused, here are my recommendations. I will suggest you go with Sennheiser MKH416-P48U3 which is on the top our list. If you want the second recommendation, then I will recommend you Sennheiser MKH60P48 gunshot mic.
If still not convinces, do let me know in the comments section below. I will help you want.
Till then, read this: Top 7 Best Microphone For Vocals Under $200