Most viewers say that they are more likely to stop watching a video with bad sound quality but not poor video quality. If your video recording is dull or muddy, then it is difficult to understand and can be distracting. Microphone plays a big part in this, so picking the right mic for your setting is essential to keep your audience hooked.
Perhaps you are recording on a smartphone or handheld recorder for some time now, and you would like to up your game. One of the best things you can do to improve the front end of your system is to attach a shotgun microphone. A shotgun microphone efficiently rejects unwanted noise.
Its narrow pick-up angle allows a shotgun mic to be located somewhat farther from the sound source than a conventional one. While using a shotgun microphone you cannot zoom in on a conversation from 100 feet away.
Introduction to a shotgun microphone
It is one of the most commonly used mics during sound recordings. It is commonly used while TV broadcasting and film production, or in scenarios where it is unconventional to wear or hold mics. It is a directional microphone that helps reduce the impact of unwanted sounds in your recording.
Based on the recording requirements, you can connect the microphone to the audio input on the camera or the external audio recorder. These microphones have a slotted tube called an interference tube which is mounted at the front. This tube significantly reduces unwanted noise.
Another useful feature is the pickup angle. At this angle, the level of the sound source will be consistent. The pickup angle is depended on the length of the interference tube.
Advantages of Short gun microphone:
⦁ Its directional property allows you to overcome the impact of unwanted sounds.
⦁ Tracking a subject in motion is easier.
⦁ The shotgun microphone offers a flatter frequency response compared to a parabola since a shotgun does not differentially amplify higher frequencies the way a parabola does.
⦁ There are plenty of options for wind control if you need to shoot outdoors.
Disadvantages of Short gun microphone:
⦁ It does not amplify sounds
⦁ It offers no directionality while you are recording lower frequency sounds.
⦁ The setup process is costly.
3 Shotgun Microphones you should consider buying:
Shotgun microphones can be an excellent investment for your podcasts and YouTube videos. But as a newbie, it can be overwhelming to choose the most suitable ones from all the available options. To make things easier for you, we have listed 3 shotgun microphones and their features.
⦁ SYNCO D30 On-Camera Mic
The SYNCO D30 shotgun microphone is a battery-powered camera microphone. It is also compatible with devices like television, smartphone, and camcorder. The microphone is made up of aluminium metal and has a 75hZ/150Hz noise filter that purifies the sound for clear recordings. It also comes with real-time audio monitoring for up to 5-8 hours. The frequency ranges from 20Hz to 20 kHz, and the shotgun microphone is accompanied by a mic mount and mic windscreen.
⦁ Boya BY-MM1+ Super-Cardioid Shotgun Microphone
If you are looking to make amazing video content for social media, then this shotgun microphone is your guy. The Boya BY MM1+ Super-Cardioid Shotgun Microphone can be used with any device, starting from a smartphone to a DSLR camera. The mic’s sturdy metal construction is ideal for long-term use. Additionally, the company also offers a one-year warranty. It is equipped with a real-time audio monitoring feature.
⦁ Xtreme Acoustics Vlogging kit 6 in 1 Combo:
This is a must-have for all aspiring content creators. It is a comprehensive starter kit containing a selfie light, tripod stand, etc., along with the shotgun microphone. The super-cardioid shotgun microphone is unidirectional and records super-quality sound while eliminating background noise.
How to use Shotgun Microphone?
⦁ The mic should be aimed at the desired sound source but away from undesired sound sources, including those behind the subject.
⦁ Point the interference tube in the direction of the target sound, making sure to orient both horizontally and vertically.
⦁ The sides of the microphone should be towards the unwanted or interfering sound.
⦁ Position the mic above the subject pointing down at their speaker so you can still pick up their sound and avoid background noises.
⦁ An important addition to your shotgun microphone setup is a windscreen. The purpose of a windscreen is to prevent gusts of wind from directly impacting the diaphragm of the microphone.
Why shotgun microphones are better than any other microphones?
⦁ They have a consistent quality which usually other microphones lack.
⦁ They have a standard connection directly with the camera.
⦁ They do not pick the background noise
⦁ They are hidden from sight, and you do not have to wire up the subject before filming.
⦁ There is a boom operator in shotgun microphones that can record two or three people.
⦁ They have a super-cardioid or hyper-cardioid pattern, which provides better quality.
⦁ You can shoot outdoor because it has the option of wind control.
Conclusion
The shotgun microphones are probably the best type of microphones available in the market because of the unmatched sound quality. They have a tight polar pattern that focuses on picking up the sound from narrow bream while removing off-axis sound. There are different types of shotgun microphones. Now that you know all about the shotgun microphone, you are ready to make an informed decision.