{"id":2920,"date":"2021-07-11T08:41:09","date_gmt":"2021-07-11T08:41:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new-blog.artlist.io\/?p=2920"},"modified":"2025-09-09T06:56:26","modified_gmt":"2025-09-09T06:56:26","slug":"shotgun-microphones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new-blog.artlist.io\/blog\/shotgun-microphones\/","title":{"rendered":"The Essential Guide to Shotgun Microphones"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In film, television, and internet video, one of the most common microphones for creators<\/a> is the \u201cshotgun microphone.\u201d So named because of its slotted tube\u2019s resemblance to a shotgun barrel, it is used for highly directional audio pickup and recording. Anything outside of the shotgun microphone\u2019s generally 30-degree pickup pattern is eliminated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like the much smaller lavalier mic<\/a>, the shotgun microphone is as useful as it is common, and one of the key ingredients in great-sounding videos<\/a>. You can even get a shotgun mic as one of many smartphone accessories<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below, we will talk briefly about how a shotgun microphone works, as well as what type of productions typically use them. We will also list some shotgun mic tips, as well as detail some of the best microphones at various budget levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a shotgun microphone and how does it work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As we said above, a shotgun mic takes its name from its long slotted tube that vaguely resembles the barrel of a shotgun. This 8 to 24-inch interference tube<\/a> sits at the front of the hyper-cardioid microphone cartridge, and it picks up audio from in front of the mic while blocking out most everything beyond its 30-degree pickup pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shotgun mics\u2014which are most often condensers, not dynamic mics\u2014are often used when audio must be picked up and recorded well outside of a film or video camera\u2019s frame. Since it\u2019s a long directional mic, the shotgun microphone can pick up sound from several feet away, allowing filmmakers and videographers to keep the microphone hidden from the field of view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of having to use batteries, shotgun mics run on the phantom power from either your audio recorder or video camera. Many modern shotgun mics can even be powered by USB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to use a shotgun mic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Most often, shotgun mics are used on film and TV productions, when filmmakers need to pick up the sound of actors from several feet away and out of frame. Compared to the lavalier mic, the shotgun mic\u2014which can be mounted to a stand or held by either a pistol grip shock mount or boom\/pole\u2014has great sound quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to have more control over the positioning and subtleties of audio pickup and recording, a shotgun mic is a far better option than a lav mic. It\u2019s also more natural sounding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for shotgun mic pickup and recording<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Shotgun mic is a great tool for audio pickup and recording, but like any microphone they have their pros and cons. Here are some things to keep in mind when using a shotgun microphone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n