A shotgun microphone, also known as a “shotgun mic” or “shotgun,” is a highly directional microphone that is often used in the film and video production industry. The name “shotgun” refers to the microphone’s long, narrow shape, which is designed to capture sound from a specific direction while minimizing unwanted background noise.

Shotgun microphones typically have a super-cardioid or hyper-cardioid polar pattern, which means that they are most sensitive to sound coming from directly in front of the microphone, while rejecting sound from other directions. This makes them ideal for capturing dialogue in noisy environments, such as on a film set or during a live event.

Shotgun microphones are typically mounted on a boom pole and held by a boom operator, who positions the microphone close to the sound source, such as an actor’s mouth. They can also be mounted on a camera or a separate stand.

There are several popular shotgun microphones used in the film industry, including:

Sennheiser MKE 600

The Sennheiser MKE 600 is a popular choice for on-camera use in film and video production. It has a super-cardioid polar pattern and low cut filter, which helps in reducing wind noise and handling noise.

Rode NTG3

The NTG3 is a high-quality shotgun microphone that is known for its durability and versatility. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and is great for capturing dialogue, voice-over and sound effects.

Shure VP89S

The VP89S is a high-performance shotgun microphone that is great for capturing clear and natural dialogue. It features a switchable low-cut filter and a switchable pad, making it suitable for a wide range of recording situations.

Azden SGM-250

The Azden SGM-250 is a professional-grade shotgun microphone that offers excellent off-axis rejection and high-frequency response. It’s great for capturing clear and natural-sounding dialogue, even in noisy environments.

Audio-Technica AT8035

The Audio-Technica AT8035 is a professional-grade shotgun microphone that offers excellent off-axis rejection and high-frequency response. It’s great for capturing clear and natural-sounding dialogue, even in noisy environments.

Conclusion

These are some of the most popular shotgun microphones used in the film industry. However, the specific microphone used will depend on the needs of the project and the preferences of the sound recordist.