Best Shotgun Condenser Microphones of 2025

Nicole Kim Avatar
Nicole Kim
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2025

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Shotgun condenser microphones are highly directional microphones that are designed to capture sound from a specific direction while rejecting ambient noise from other directions. They are commonly used in film and video production, broadcasting, and other applications where capturing clear, focused audio is essential. Shotgun mics are typically mounted on a boom pole or camera and are ideal for capturing dialogue and other targeted sounds in noisy environments. They are also highly sensitive, allowing them to pick up subtle nuances in sound, making them a favorite among professional audio engineers and sound designers. Overall, shotgun condenser microphones are a must-have tool for anyone serious about capturing high-quality audio.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Sennheiser Professional MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone Cover #TOP 1
Sennheiser Professional MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Audio-Technica AT875R Shotgun Condenser Microphones Cover #TOP 2
Audio-Technica AT875R Shotgun Condenser Microphones
ftb score rating icon 9.8
RØDE VideoMic GO II Microphone Cover #TOP 3
RØDE VideoMic GO II Microphone
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Shotgun Condenser Microphones

#TOP 1

Sennheiser Professional MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone

505453
Black
Sennheiser Professional MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone Cover
SENNHEISER Professional Shotgun Microphone with XLR-3 to 3.5mm Connector for Video Camera/Camcorder, Black (505453)

The Sennheiser Professional MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone is designed for video cameras/camcorders to effectively attenuate noise from the sides and rear while picking up sounds coming from the direction in which the camera is pointing. It has a switchable "Low Cut" filter that minimizes wind noise and can be powered by phantom or battery. It comes with a foam windshield and shock mount, making it an ideal video camera/camcorder microphone that can handle the most demanding filmic challenges.

What We Like
High directivity
Switchable "Low Cut" filter for minimizing wind noise
Can be powered by phantom or battery
#TOP 2

Audio-Technica AT875R Shotgun Condenser Microphones

(2) AT875R
Audio-Technica AT875R Shotgun Condenser Microphones Cover
Audio-Technica (2) AT875R Shotgun Condenser Microphones Ideal for Video Production and Broadcast Audio Acquisition

Experience professional audio with the Audio-Technica Shotgun Mic. Designed for video production and broadcast, this mic is compact and offers excellent sound rejection from sides and rear. The tailored response minimizes camera and handling noise, providing clear audio. With a narrow acceptance angle, it captures long-distance sound effectively. Operating on phantom power, it ensures optimal performance for your recordings.

What We Like
Professional audio quality
Compact and lightweight design
Excellent noise rejection
#TOP 3

RØDE VideoMic GO II Microphone

VMGOII
Black
RØDE VideoMic GO II Microphone Cover
RØDE VideoMic GO II Ultra-compact On-camera Shotgun Microphone with both 3.5mm and USB Outputs for Filmmaking, Content Creation, Podcasting and Video Calls

The RØDE VideoMic GO is a lightweight shotgun microphone designed for effortless audio capture. With a 3.5mm TRS output and a digital USB output, you can easily connect it to cameras, smartphones, tablets, and computers. You won’t need to worry about batteries or complicated settings, making setup a breeze. Additionally, it comes with a deluxe windshield and an innovative isolation mount that minimizes unwanted noise from handling, wind, and bumps, ensuring your recordings are clear and professional. This convenience makes it perfect for filmmakers, podcasters, and anyone needing high-quality audio.

What We Like
Lightweight and compact
No battery required
Multiple output options
Effective noise isolation
#TOP 4

SYNCO XLR Shotgun Microphone with Hyper Cardioid Pola Pattern

SYND201
Black
SYNCO XLR Shotgun Microphone with Hyper Cardioid Pola Pattern Cover
SYNCO XLR Shotgun Microphone, Shotgun Mic D2 Hyper Cardioid Directional Condenser Mic with XLR Connector, Video/Audio Recording for Camcorders, Shotgun-Microphone-XLR-Condenser-Mic

The SYNCO XLR Shotgun Microphone features a hyper cardioid pickup pattern that isolates your voice and filters out other noises, delivering clear and warm sound for filmmakers, broadcasters, and voice overs. Its built-in bass boost enhances low-frequency detail, while the solid brass body guarantees a high anti-interference performance, even during outdoor audio recording. The gold-plated 3-pin XLR output and 48V phantom powering make it compatible with various audio recorders, camera, and mixer adapters. The microphone is also lightweight and ideal for boom-pole mounting.

What We Like
Clear and warm sound
Built-in bass boost
High anti-interference performance
Gold-plated 3-pin XLR output and 48V phantom powering
Ideal for boom-pole mounting
#TOP 5

Rode NTG-1 Shotgun Condenser Microphone

NTG1
Black
Rode NTG-1 Shotgun Condenser Microphone Cover
Rode NTG-1 Shotgun Condenser Microphone,Black

The Rode NTG-1 Shotgun Mic is a directional condenser shotgun microphone that offers exceptional audio quality. With its highly focused pickup pattern, it captures sound directly in front of the microphone while minimizing background noise. This makes it ideal for recording interviews, dialogues, and other audio in noisy environments. The microphone is also equipped with a multi-pattern condenser, allowing users to choose from different pickup patterns to suit their recording needs. Additionally, the Rode NTG-1 Shotgun Mic is designed with a sleek and durable construction, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Whether you're a professional filmmaker or a content creator, this microphone provides clear and crisp audio recordings, enhancing the overall quality of your productions.

What We Like
Directional pickup pattern
Noise reduction
Multiple pickup patterns
#TOP 6

Audio-Technica ATR6550x Condenser Shotgun Microphone

ATR6550X
Black
Audio-Technica ATR6550x Condenser Shotgun Microphone Cover
Audio-Technica ATR6550X Condenser Shotgun Microphone

The Audio-Technica ATR6550x Mic is a versatile condenser shotgun microphone designed for use with cameras. With its two range settings, "Wide" and "Far," this microphone offers crisp and intelligible pickup from close or far away. In "Wide" mode, the mic functions as a standard cardioid condenser, focusing on your desired sound source while blocking noise from the rear and sides. This is perfect for capturing clear audio in close or medium distance. Switching to "Far" mode narrows the polar pattern to supercardioid, allowing the mic to pick up sound from a distance while bypassing ambient noise. This is ideal for long-distance recording or capturing audio in noisy environments. The ATR6550x Mic comes with a camera shoe mount, microphone stand clamp, foam windscreen, and AA battery, making it a convenient and reliable choice for capturing high-quality audio.

What We Like
Crisp and intelligible pickup
Two range settings for versatile recording
Blocks noise from the rear and sides
#TOP 7

Sony ECMVG1 Shotgun Microphone

ECMVG1
Black
Sony ECMVG1 Shotgun Microphone Cover
Sony ECMVG1 Shotgun Microphone, Black

The Sony Shotgun Microphone is a uni-directional electret condenser mic that is phantom powered, ideal for capturing clear audio from a specific direction. This feature helps to reduce background noise, ensuring your recordings are focused and professional. With its sleek black design, this microphone not only looks stylish but also offers high-quality sound. Whether you're filming interviews, documentaries, or vlogs, the Sony Shotgun Microphone provides crisp and precise audio, enhancing the overall quality of your content.

What We Like
Uni-directional for focused audio
Phantom powered for clear sound
Reduces background noise

BOYA XLR Microphone BY-BM6060

BOYA
Black
BY-BM6060
BOYA XLR Microphone BY-BM6060 Cover
BOYA XLR Microphone, Shotgun Microphone BY-BM6060 with Shockmount Windscreen Mic for Camera DSLR External Condenser Professional Microphones for Video Interview ENG Film

The BOYA XLR Microphone BY-BM6060, also known as the BOYA XLR Shotgun Mic, is a professional condenser microphone designed for various occasions, from interviews to films and TV programs. With its super-cardioid shotgun capsule and extended length, it captures accurate directional sound, highlighting the forward target sound source and reducing side and rear sounds effectively. The microphone also features a low-cut filter function, allowing users to eliminate low-frequency noise from air conditioning or traffic while recording. It supports two types of power supply: 24-48V phantom power supply via the 3-pin XLR audio output interface or one AA five batteries power supply. The solid alloy-aluminum body construction prevents radio-frequency interference, ensuring high-quality sound. The BOYA XLR Microphone BY-BM6060 comes with a shock mount, foam windscreen, fur windshield, zipper bag, and user manual.

What We Like
Super-Cardioid Directional Sound
Low-Cut Filter Function
Two Types of Power Supply
#TOP 9

Rode NTG-2 Shotgun Mic

NTG2
Black
Rode NTG-2 Shotgun Mic Cover
Rode NTG-2 Multi-Powered Shotgun Microphone,Black

The Rode NTG-2 is a directional shotgun condenser microphone that can be powered by battery or phantom power. It comes with a windscreen, zip pouch, and St mount. This microphone falls under the category of multi-pattern condenser microphones.

What We Like
Can be powered by battery or phantom power
Includes windscreen, zip pouch, and mount
Directional shotgun design captures clear audio from the front

BOYA XLR Microphone BY-BM6060

BOYA BY-BM6060
Black
BY-BM6060
BOYA XLR Microphone BY-BM6060 Cover
Boya XLR Shotgun Microphone BY-BM6060, Super-Cardioid Condenser Mic with 24 48V Phantom Power for Camera Camcorder Film Interview TV Program Recording Podcast

The BOYA XLR Microphone BY-BM6060 is a shotgun condenser microphone that is designed for video production and broadcast audio acquisition. It is ideal for interviews, independent films, TV programs, documentaries, promo videos, and studio recordings. The microphone comes with a 3-pin XLR output that is compatible with 24-48V phantom power supply, and can also be powered by one AA battery. The BY-BM6060 features super-cardioid characteristics and low-noise circuitry noise. The package includes a suspension shock mount, fur windshield, foam windshield, and cold-shoe mount with 1/4” thread for easy mounting on DSLR camera or stand.

What We Like
Ideal for video production and broadcast audio acquisition
Compatible with 24-48V phantom power supply or one AA battery
Features super-cardioid characteristics and low-noise circuitry noise
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a condenser shotgun microphone?

A type of microphone characterized by an extremely directional polar pattern. Shotgun mics may be condenser or dynamic, but are almost always built with a long (8 to 24 inch) tube protruding from the front.

2. What are shotgun mics best for?

Vastly superior to onboard camera microphones, shotgun microphones are often used by filmmakers who want better audio quality when making videos. They are often mounted to the hotshoe of the camera, but can also be placed on the end of a boom, a camera rig, or even put on a mic stand or tripod.

3. What is the difference between a condenser microphone and a shotgun microphone?

Cardioid mics have an upside-down heart-shaped pickup pattern – they capture mostly from the front, not so well from the sides, and reject sound at the rear. The shotgun microphone narrowly focuses on whatever is directly in front of it (even sounds at a distance), rejecting sounds from the sides and the rear.

Editor's Notes

During our shotgun condenser microphone research, we found 24 shotgun condenser microphone products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 11,628 customer reviews through our big data system to write the shotgun condenser microphones list. We found that most customers choose shotgun condenser microphones with an average price of $213.02.

The shotgun condenser microphones are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of shotgun condenser microphones, including Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, Rode, SYNCO, Sony. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 281 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Nicole Kim Avatar

Nicole Kim has been a music teacher and a private piano instructor for six years now. She is a very talented musician who plays piano to a high standard and won several awards in international piano competitions. Lately, she has been sharing her music expertise online, giving incredible tips on how to select the right musical instruments.