Gun microphone: description and features of use

To record professional videos, you need the appropriate equipment. In this article, we will consider the description of the equipment, review the popular models and talk about the features of using the device.

A cannon microphone is a sound recording device commonly used on television sets, movies, radio, or outdoor commercials and vlogs. With this device, sound technicians can record voice, nature noise and much more. As a rule, such products are intended for professional use only. They have a high build quality, which is why their cost is so high. But these microphones provide the clearest sound, clarity and clarity of recording.

The highly directional capacitor-type device achieves improved sound quality. Since the guns are highly sensitive and fragile, only professional operators who know how to handle such equipment work with them.

The cannon microphone got its name due to the ability to record sound from a remote source. The devices are capable of picking up waves at a distance of 2-10 m, depending on the sensitivity. The elongated shape can reach 15–100 cm. The higher this parameter, the stronger the level of suppression of secondary sound sources will be.

Let's take a look at the most popular cannon microphone models.

• Rode Videomic Pro. Ideal for a DSLR or mirrorless camcorder. The product is compatible with any device and is easy to use. The supercardioid capacitor-type device will provide crisp and clear recordings. A wide frequency range of 40–20,000 Hz will convey the full depth of sound. The product is lightweight and has a special shoe for mounting on the camera. The highly sensitive device detects every timbre of voice and note of a musical instrument. 3.5mm microphone jack is compatible with any device. A two-stage high-pass filter balances the recording quality. The cost of the product is 13,000 rubles.

• Sennheiser MKE 400. The product has an integrated gimbal, all-metal body and an integrated shoe for connecting to the camera. A highly sensitive supercardioid microphone with a frequency range of 40-20,000 Hz is able to reproduce the full richness and depth of the recorded sound. Power is supplied by one AAA battery. The price is 12,000 rubles.

• Shure MV88. USB model for smartphone with direct connection. The metal body in combination with the miniature dimensions give the product a statutory look. The device is designed for the most comfortable use, it perfectly records vocals, dialogues and musical instruments. Despite its small size, the gun is intended for professional use. The sound is clear, the bass is rich, and the wide frequency range allows you to convey the full depth of the sound. The device syncs with both IPhone and Android phones. You can use an adapter with Lightning. The price of the product is 9,000 rubles.

• Canon DM-E1. The device allows you to make high quality video and sound recordings.The product is easy to install and has a 3.5mm cable. The sensitive microphone provides rich and realistic sound, it perfectly reproduces both voice and musical instruments, including winds and strings. The frequency range of 50-16000 Hz allows you to convey the full depth of sound. This model is three-directional, if desired, you can choose a mode of 90 or 120 degrees, which provides high-quality stereo depending on the size of the studio. The third mode is designed to record dialogues and monologues in front of the camera without noise. The cost of the products is 23490 rubles.

The cannon microphone is not recommended for amateur purposes such as singing karaoke or performing on stage. Such products will be exchanged for work on radio and television broadcasts, as well as for sound recording in professional studios. When purchasing products, pay attention to the frequency range.

Look at the sensitivity, it is recommended to take devices with an indicator of 42 dB, which indicates a high sensitivity of the device and the possibility of recording from a distance.

The directivity of the microphone is also important. Most models are unidirectional and record the sound source directly in front of it. You can be sure that unnecessary noises or hiss will not get into the recording. There are some devices that allow ambient sounds to enter, they are usually used exclusively in studios or, if necessary, to record ambient sounds. The purpose of the gun is also important. There are models for a camera and a camcorder with a shoe connector and devices for a telephone with USB.

An overview of one of the models in the video below.