Whether you’re new to sound recording or you’ve captured high-quality sound waves for a long time, it should come as no surprise that each variety of microphone has its own benefits and disadvantages depending on your needs.Shotgun microphones are very common for video camera applications and audio recording in general. Although, a parabolic microphone is another option for many types of sound recording. In this article, we’ll discuss the various differences between these types of microphones and recommend our top picks for each type.
What Are the Differences Between Shotgun Mics and Parabolic Mics?
The most obvious difference between shotgun mics and parabolic mics is found in their appearance.
Parabolic Mics
Parabolic mics feature a parabolic reflector that helps focus and capture sound from a long distance. You may have noticed parabolic microphones on the sidelines at football games and other sporting events. While parabolic mics have higher sensitivity over long distances than shotgun mics, they don’t necessarily produce the best sound quality.
Shotgun Mics
Shotgun mics are directional microphones. They feature a single long microphone tube that you must point at the target sound source to gather sound waves. Because they don’t feature a parabola, shotgun mics are much more compact and inconspicuous, but they also have a shorter range.
When Should You Use a Shotgun Mic?
Shotgun microphones typically feature one of three pickup patterns: supercardioid, hypercardioid, and ultra cardioid. Supercardioid is the most common. In each of these pickup patterns, the highest sensitivity for sound is right in front of the microphone. This makes them ideal in situations with distracting background noise.
Shotgun mics are helpful when audio quality is important, like in videography, podcasting, and instrumental recording.
Here are some of our favorite shotgun mics to consider:
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Shotgun Interference Tube Microphone
As one of the top microphones on the market for use as a boom mic, the Sennheiser MKH-416 is ideal for a variety of indoor and outdoor filming applications. Not only is the sound quality excellent, but it’s also humidity resistant, so you can feel confident in the security of your investment.
Rode Microphones NTG5 RF-Bias Broadcast Shotgun Microphone
While the Rode NTG5 is incredibly compact, it doesn’t sacrifice audio quality. It’s lightweight and interference resistant, and this professional-grade shotgun mic packs a lot of technology into a small and affordable package.
Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone
When mounted atop a camera or camcorder, this small-yet-powerful microphone stands up to any cinematic expectations. With exceptional directivity, maximum rejection of side noise, and multiple powering options, the Sennheiser MKE 600 is a great option for filmmakers who need a compact and flexible kit.
Audio-Technica AT897 Line + Gradient Condenser Microphone
At an impressively affordable price point, the Audio-Technica AT897 offers smooth, natural on-axis sound recording. With excellent sound rejection from the sides and rear, plus the capability of capturing long distance sound, this microphone ticks all the boxes for filmmakers whose expectations exceed their budget.
Audio-Technica BP4029 Stereo Shotgun Condenser Microphone
With the Audio-Technica BP4029, audio engineers can select a wide pattern with more ambient pickup or a narrow pattern with a higher rejection rate. And with the microphone’s internal left and right stereo modes, this shotgun mic has expansive applications both in music and video recording.
When to Use a Parabolic Mic?
Parabolic mics excel when the source of the sound is far away. The parabolic dish can help you capture distant, long-range sounds like far off bird calls. Law enforcement and sports networks use these microphones so they can overhear distant conversations.
If you’re looking for a reliable parabolic mic, here are some great options to consider:
Klover Sound Shark ACC Equalized Microphone XLR Kit
If you’re shooting in potentially windy conditions, the Klover Sound Shark ACC XLR Kit is ideal. As the only parabolic kit on this list with an included microphone, this bundle offers many useful accessories that will help with recording audio on the sidelines, or while capturing bird calls.
Klover Sound Shark Parabolic Collector with Accessory Bracket
Designed for use with any lavalier microphone, this parabolic dish kit will transform your existing microphone’s long distance capabilities. The Klover Sound Shark Parabolic Collector is easy to set up and simple to use.
Klover Sound Shark ACC Base Kit
If you have a cylindrical omni-directional lapel mic, Klover’s Sound Shark ACC Base Kit is the ideal parabolic reflector for you. It comes with a wind cover and a secure accessory mounting bracket for using LED lights and other add-ons.
