4th Gen. Focusrite Scarlett Series Interfaces – Solo, 2i2 and 4i4
October 19, 2023
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Shotgun mics are extremely directional, meaning they pick up whatever you point them at, and they reject everything else to various degrees. The polar pattern is usually Supercardioid.
In podcasting, broadcasting and movie production, shotguns are mostly used for on-location recording when you want to capture a speaker and not pick up ambient noise as much. Alex Blumberg from Gimlet uses the Audio-Technica AT8035 shotgun mic when he does his on-location interviews.
Also, some voiceover artists prefer a shotgun mic – often the Sennheiser MKH 416.
Here are a few shotgun mics:
And FYI, some people end up “pulling the trigger” and buying a shotgun mic. HAAAA – Oh come on, it’s funny! …..yeah, I know. [sigh] ….Carry on.
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3 Responses
A few pointers on shotgun mics.
1) They’re not magic. Directional, yes, but they won’t eliminate every noise from the back and sides.
2) Shotguns pick up everything you point them at, not just the thing you want. Point them at a presenter with a noisy road behind them and you’re going to hear that traffic beautifully.
3) With a bit of lateral thinking you can usually isolate the sound you want. Noisy road behind the presenter? Have the mic pointing up at them from below or down from above. They’ll be picked up and the road noise will be largely rejected.
4) Handling noise. Generally they don’t like being handled. If you have to handhold one then use something like a Rycote pistol grip.
5) They’re not always the best choice indoors. Small echoey rooms are the worst. Try a cardioid instead.
6) They’re still not magic. They’re better at recording distant sound than a lapel mic but closer is still better. Get as close as you can (within reason!)
Thanks Dan!
Almost forgot…
7) Don’t go outside unprotected. Stick a softie on there, or a super softie (my choice), or a blimp (bit OTT to be honest) – or at least a dead-cat. I promise you these are all things. Promise.