What Is A Shotgun Mic?

A shotgun mic is a unidirectional microphone that must be pointed directly at its sound source for proper recording. Shotgun mics are most sensitive to capturing sound entering the front of the mic while softening sounds that enter from the sides or rear of the mic as opposed to omnidirectional mics which capture audio from every direction. Shotgun mics are so named because the body of the microphone is shaped like the barrel of a shotgun. In filmmaking, they are used with boom poles or they can be mounted to a camera.

Unidirectional shotgun mics have three different kinds of pickup patterns: cardioid, supercardioid, and hypercardioid.

The most common unidirectional microphone is the cardioid. Its sensitivity pattern is shaped like a heart, hence its name “cardioid.” While versatile enough to use for a variety of different purposes, cardioid mics are frequently used at red carpet events as well as other live news and sports broadcasting events in which you may want to give viewers a better idea of the action and movement occurring in the space.

Supercardioid microphones offer more isolation than cardioid mics. They can be more resistant to feedback than cardioid mics, but they are stricter in limiting the movement of the subject, requiring the person speaking to remain directly in front of the mic more consistently. Supercardioid microphones are great for capturing audio from specific sources and are the most commonly used boom mics on controlled film sets.

Hypercardioid microphones offer the most rejection of sounds approaching the sides of the mic. Typically used in instrument recordings, they provide the best rejection of background noise but also require the most precise positioning of the person speaking.

Learn more about each of the pickup patterns of unidirectional shotgun mics and how to decide which microphone to use for your project:

“How to Choose the BEST MICROPHONE!!!” by Aputure

If you are looking for boom operators or sound mixers/recordists for your next project, visit our online Nevada Production Directory to find experienced Nevada production crew and support services or drop by our office and pick up a free printed directory!

If you offer production and film-related services in Nevada and are not yet listed in our Production Directory, you can learn more about how to sign up for the NPD here.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is deemed to be accurate and true to the best of our knowledge. All data and information provided on this site is for informational/entertainment purposes only. If there are any inaccuracies, you may submit corrections and sources by visiting our Contact page. Nevada Film Office makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site & will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. We do not sponsor or endorse anyone in our posts nor do we receive compensation of any kind in exchange for providing information about specific websites or resources unless otherwise noted, so please check for references, business licenses or credentials as you feel necessary.