If you are looking for the best boom mic, the most important things to consider are the frequency response range, impedance and sensitivity rating. I’ve summarized my favorite products below based on these features. Keep reading if you want to know more about why these features are so important.
The best boom mic can make or break your career. While that statement isn’t completely accurate, it isn’t entirely false either. Many filmmakers will tell you that your boom mic is one of your most essential tools as a fledgling or veteran filmmaker, aside from your cameras and other filming equipment. This is because even when this microphone remains hidden or obscured from your screen, it allows you to capture high quality audio.
Audio and film equipment stores are, of course, the familiar places where you can find boom mic selections. Depending on the store you visit, you get to check out cheap, budget alternatives and high-end options. Nonetheless, it can be increasingly confusing and overwhelming to pick one that best works for your filming needs. Labels provide you with an overview of the different options you might want to consider.
However, many of these specifications are too technical for the casual customer. Most times, these labels are biased or incomplete, as well, and you find yourself more irritated than excited as you go through them all.
Because I understand how tediously annoying it is to go through such a process. I decided to visit different audio and filming equipment stores and identify the best boom microphones offerings for you. All options included in this article have been well-scrutinized based on provided specifications and customer after-sales reviews. A brief synopsis for each choice includes its key features and pros and cons. Make sure that you read through our comprehensive list and identify one that best suits your filming requirements.
The Best Boom Microphones And Shotgun Microphones
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Best Overall  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best Plug-and-Play Option  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best Budget Pick  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best Line-Gradient Option  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Rode VideoMicPro – Best Overall
Key Features
- Frequency response: 40Hz – 20kHz (selected HPF @80)
- Peak sound pressure level: 134dB SPL
- Sensitivity: -32.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (20.00mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz
- Equivalent noise level: 14dBA
- Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
The Rode VideoMicPro Compact Directional On-Camera Microphone is one of the most popular picks for both serious filmmakers and hobbyists. This option is easily the best option for you to purchase because it is designed to suit a wide variety of equipment, including DSLR cameras, camcorders, and even portable audio recorders. This video mic can serve as your device’s reference and primary audio receiver.
A reasonably affordable alternative, this boom microphone has a frequency response range of 40 to 20,000 Hz. It has a high peak sound pressure level that stands at 134 dB SPL. With this video mic, you get to have a ½-inch condenser capsule that offers broadcast-grade sound via its 3.5-millimeter jack. This microphone has a low self-noise level of only 14 dB, as well.
Additionally, this microphone is integrated with the Rycote Lyre shock mount mechanism that isolates crucial dialogues from surrounding noises and disruptions that may only cause unwanted vibrations. It also has an incorporated foam filter that decreases wind noise from the sound source. This unit offers increased portability. It provides you with as much as 70 hours of nonstop recording time, as well.
You don’t always need to pay too much money for great audio equipment. This shotgun microphone is pretty affordable, but it provides you with the basic features for an excellent filming experience.
Pros
- High sensitivity rate
- Low self-noise level
- Rycote Lyre shock mount system
- Wind noise filter
- Compatible with a variety of equipment
- 70 hours of nonstop recording time
- Fairly affordable
Cons
- No warranty when purchased from unauthorized sellers
Sennheiser Pro Audio MKE600 Shotgun Mic– Best Plug-and-Play Option
Key Features
- Frequency response: 40 Hz to 20 kHz
- Peak sound pressure level: 132 dB SPL at P48; 126 dB SPL with battery powering
- Sensitivity in free field, no load (1kHz): 21 mV/Pa at P48; 19mV/Pa with battery powering
- Equivalent noise level: 15 dB (A) at P48; 16 dB (A) with battery powering
- Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
One of the most famous brands in the market, Sennheiser produces some of the go-to options among professional filmmakers. The Sennheiser Pro Audio Wireless Microphone System is an example of this manufacturer’s priced, yet relatively affordable, units.
As one of the best shotgun microphones, this effectively isolates dialogues from the surrounding noise. Plus, it has a wind filter that you can switch on and off, allowing you to minimize the impact of the wind during crucial moments in your film.
Like most professional shotgun microphones, this unit is integrated with a foam windshield and has a shock mount mechanism as well. Because of these features, you get to have a superb sound quality that’s primarily replete with the usual environment sound disruptions that can clutter your vocal feedback.
This shotgun microphone has a frequency response rating of 40 to 20,000 Hz plus a low self-noise level of just 15 dB. An excellent option to consider, the Sennheiser Pro Audio Wireless Microphone System is a plug-and-play version, as well.
Pros
- Low self-noise level
- Shock mount mechanism
- Wind noise filter function
- Plug-and-play unit
Cons
- The battery compartment covering may be too tight
- Requires near-mouth distance for better dialogue clarity
Rode VideoMic GO – Best Budget Pick
Key Features
- Frequency response: 100Hz – 16kHz
- Max. sound pressure level: 120dBSPL
- Sensitivity: -35.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (17.80mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz
- Equivalent noise level: 34dBA
- Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
However, if you are on a tight budget and want to find an efficient boom mic option for your project, you should purchase the Rode VideoMic GO Lightweight On-Camera Microphone. This shotgun mic is the direct alternative to our best overall pick and comes from the same manufacturer. It is a lighter unit, and some mention that it is easier to use, as well. Like its heavier counterpart, this Rode VideoMic GO version is integrated with the same Rycote shock mount that stabilizes your equipment. It does its job well, minimizing bumps and vibrations from your sound source that may only damage audio quality.
This shotgun microphone offers crisp and clear unidirectional sound. Its pickup area is centered in front of the unit so, as long as you place it directly in front of the subject, you get to receive high-quality dialogue all the time.
Additionally, this unit can decrease environmental noise. So, you won’t have to worry about frequent disruptions due to possible external sounds that occasionally occur. Plus, it is equipped with a windshield that minimizes wind noise as well.
The Rode VideoMic GO does not come with complicated controls. You can connect this to your camera, and you’re ready for your shoot, although you have to risk getting a damaged unit as some customers complain about their units malfunctioning. However, if this happens, contact the company’s customer support at once and ask for a replacement.
Pros
- Easy-to-use setup
- Lightweight and portable
- Integrated with Rycote shock mount
- Filters external noise
- No battery required, direct camera input
- Affordable budget choice
Cons
- Weak quality check
Audio-Technica AT897 – Best Line-Gradient Option
Key Features
- Frequency Response: 20 – 20,000 Hz
- Impedance (Phantom): 200 ohms
- Maximum Input Sound Level: 129 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D. (Phantom); 115 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D. (Battery)
- Dynamic Range (typical): 112 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL (Phantom); 98 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL (Battery)
- Polar Pattern: Line + gradient
Another popular brand, the Audio Technica, has been around for years. The AT897 is a filmmaker’s go-to option, especially because of its solid construction. Because it is merely 11 inches in length, it is a boom microphone that can be easily left out of the shot even when you’re typically dealing with cramped shooting spaces. This unit is considered a rare budget alternative that offers superb dialogue clarity.
This unit operates on either battery or phantom power. It has a frequency response range of 20 to 20,000 Hz plus a phantom impedance of 200 ohms. It has a high input sound level of 129 dB and a dynamic phantom range of 112 dB. With this boom mic, you do not only receive premium-grade vocals. You are also ensured of precise ones. Its noise cancellation mechanism works well, allowing you to minimize environmental disruptions, including wind noise.
A leather-like box accompanies this boom mic. It also comes with an adapter, a battery, and a mic clip—a complete set of ready-to-use accessories that only make your filming experience even more enjoyable. Nevertheless, one customer reported hearing a three-second buzzing sound after every 40 seconds. If you experience such an issue with this unit, make sure you are using the mic correctly. Otherwise, you can quickly contact customer support, as well, to come up with a solution for such an unusual predicament.
Pros
- Superb audio quality
- Clear and precise feedback
- Noise canceling mechanism
- High input sound level
- Integrated windshield
- Solid construction
Cons
- Possible buzzing sound
Deity V-Mic D3 Pro Shotgun Microphone– Best Lightweight Option
Key Features
- Polar pattern: Super Cardioid
- Maximum SPL: 130 dB SPL (@1kHz, 1% THD into 1KΩ)
- Frequency Range: 50Hz – 20kHz
- Output Impedance: 200 ohms
- Sensitivity: -24db to -44db re 1V/Pa @1kHz
Price: $199.00
The Deity, V-Mic D3 Pro Super-Cardioid Directional Shotgun Microphone, is another option that uses the Rycote shock mount. It’s a compatible boom mic alternative for various audio-visual equipment such as bodypack transmitters, laptops, handy recorders, tablets, smartphones, camcorders, and DSLR cameras.
This shotgun mic is integrated with a super-cardioid polar pattern that allows you to pick up audio from your specified subject location quickly. A fantastic boom mic provides you with terrific audio quality, this unit lets you focus on your scene without getting disruptions from the surrounding noise.
While this shotgun mic is lightweight, it is also durably built. It is made with a rugged aluminum material that allows you to use it even in the harshest filming environments you get to have. Additionally, this shotgun mic only requires one AAA battery to work, unlike most of its counterparts requiring 9-volt batteries to operate. It is also incorporated with a quick-wake and mic-sleep function that further lets you save much-needed battery. Thus, you don’t have to be on your guard, awaiting the sudden shut-off of your mic because this shotgun mic has a low-battery indicator, as well, that enables you to prepare for a quick shooting pause and battery change—a cost-effective alternative that’s recommended for both amateurs and professionals alike. Consequently, this mic’s battery should last you up to a hundred hours of shots.
This unit has a standard frequency response range of 20 to 20,000 Hz. Nevertheless, it has terrific dialogue pickup. It lets you have dialogues that are crystal clear, replete with the usual distortions and noise that are present when using run-of-the-mill alternatives. Another budget shotgun mic on this list, this option is worth considering.
Pros
- Compatible with a lot of devices
- It uses one AAA battery
- Durable construction
- Great audio quality
- Uses Rycote shock mount
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Low-battery indicator
Cons
- No accompanying case
Deity S-Mic 2 – Best Waterproof Option
Key Features
- Frequency Range: 50 Hz – 20 kHz
- Maximum SPL: 130 dB SPL
- Impedance: 75 ohms
- Sensitivity: 32 dBV/Pa at 1 kHz
- Equivalent Noise Level: 12 dB A-Weighted; 24 dB CCIR
Deity has another superb, yet more expensive, boom mic alternative. This is the Deity S-Mic 2 Condenser Shotgun Microphone. The S-Mic 2 is a popular choice for both beginners and intermediate filmmakers. It’s a well-constructed microphone that offers superb audio quality, as well.
This shotgun mic uses an ultra-low off-axis correlation that provides you with comprehensive broadcast sound coverage, having a frequency response range of 50 to 20,000 Hz. Because it produces only as low as 50 Hz frequency sounds, you get to eradicate a lot of external noise from your dialogues. Incorporated with a super-cardioid polar pattern, it further isolates and picks up the dialogue from the direction you’re aiming it at. Thus, combining this function with its off-axis rejection capability of -18 dB, you are assured that this boom mic only obtains the dialogues that are crucial to your scenes.
This unit has a waterproof hard case that offsets the impact of even the most brutal shooting environment you have. Its case even has a rubber o-ring seal that further protects your equipment from harm. Plus, this shotgun mic is constructed with gold-plated circuitry that’s computer-generated and an all-brass body that further solidifies its durability.
This shotgun mic is a superb recommendation for anyone who’s planning to purchase a durable option. With a price that’s way before five hundred bucks, you get more than your money’s worth. Nevertheless, one customer complained that his unit arrived damaged. If this occurs during your purchase, contact customer support immediately and request a replacement.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Superb noise reduction
- A popular choice for both beginners and intermediate filmmakers
- Excellent audio quality
- Off-axis rejection capacity of -18 dB
- Waterproof
Cons
- It may be delivered as damaged
Sennheiser Pro Audio MKH416-P48U3 – Best High-End Shotgun Mics Pick
Key Features
- Frequency Response: 40 Hz – 20 kHz
- Polar Pattern: Lobar, super-cardioid
- Sensitivity: -32 dBV/Pa at 1 kHz
- Peak Sound Pressure Level: 130 dB SPL
- Self-Noise (A-weighted): 13dB
Another Sennheiser product for this list, the MKH416-P48U3, is a boom mic high-end alternative that you can consider. I already know that Sennheiser produces some of the best boom mics for a wide range of filmmaker types. If you have more money to spare, you should purchase this unit and experience an upgraded dialogue clarity for your films.
High-end condensers are popularly attributed with their capacity to produce really low self-noise. This unit is no different as it has a super low self-noise of just 13 dB. If you combine this feature with its high sensitivity rating, you are assured that, with this boom mic, it will obtain high-quality dialogues from your preferred direction effectively.
To provide you with a more vivid example, if your scene is focused on a couple conversing in the middle of a park, your boom mic efficiently picks up their words despite the ambient sounds present and even the other conversations happening near them. Such is the tremendous capacity of this boom mic that merely reiterates the exceptional quality of the Sennheiser brand.
A boom microphone uniquely different from a lot of its competition, this wonder utilizes a couple of mic types—an inference tube microphone and a pressure gradient transducer. While the former offers decreased self-noise, combining these two mics provides both a lobar pattern for the higher-end tones and a super-cardioid design for the low- and mid-range ones. Such an intuitive mechanism offers real-time optimization of your mic’s recording audio capacity.
This unit provides you with more than your money’s worth as it has superbly advanced functions that you do not typically find in the low-end and mid-range alternatives.
Pros
- Low self-noise
- Dual mic types integrated into the design
- Superb dialogue detection
- Surrounding noise cancellation
- Intuitive mechanism
Cons
- Expensive
The Verdict
To sum up our discussion, below are the best boom mic options you should check out:
- Best Overall—Rode VideoMicPro
- Best Plug-and-Play Option—Sennheiser Pro Audio MKE600
- Best Budget Pick—Rode VideoMic GO
- Best Line-Gradient Option—Audio-Technica AT897
- Best Lightweight Option—Deity V-Mic D3 Pro
- Best Waterproof Option—Deity S-Mic 2
- Best High-End Shotgun Mics Pick—Sennheiser Pro Audio MKH416-P48U3
