ReelSEO ► Video Production Tips ► Using a Shotgun Mic - Types of Microphones for Video: Part 1 [Reel Rebel #9]

Using a Shotgun Mic - Types of Microphones for Video: Part 1 [Reel Rebel #9]

  |  11 months ago   |  
Using a Shotgun Mic Types of Microphones for Video: Part 1 [Reel Rebel #9]

Most often when you’re making your video, you’re going to be gathering audio to go along with it.  Audio is an important part of your final product, and it’s very easy to mess it up.  Today on Reel Rebel, Stephen Schweickart begins his 2-part review of microphones for capturing great audio, starting with an overview of what a shotgun mic is, why it's one of the most popular types of microphones, and how to properly use it.

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SEE ALSO: When and How to Use a Wireless Lavalier Mic – Types of Microphones for Video: Part 2 [Reel Rebel #14]

Overview of Shotgun Microphones

A shotgun mic is a long, cylindrical microphone that excels at picking up sounds in front of it, as it rejects sounds to the sides and rear. Shotguns have a narrower focus than an average microphone. They do a great job of picking up the frequencies the human voice produces. Their sound grabbing and voice-capturing abilities make them a great choice for picking up on-camera dialog.

Advantages

  • A shotgun mic will help you to eliminate clothes rustles.  When you use a lapel mic, you can hear the rustling of your clothes on your video.  You won’t have that with a shotgun mic.
  • You’ll be able to pick up more ambient and natural tones.  If the mic is properly pointed at the sternum, not the mouth.

Disadvantages

  • Someone usually has to hold a shotgun mic.  This can be difficult if you’re working on a tight budget.  Sometimes you may not be able to pay someone to do that for you.
  • Shotgun mics can also limit your video size.  When you’re shooting a video, if you go too wide, you’ll catch the boom operator in your shot.

Stay tuned for part 2, where we will cover proper use of a lapel or lavalier mic.

Posted in Video Production Tips, Videos About Video
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About the Author -
Mark Robertson is the Founder and Publisher of ReelSEO, an online information resource dedicated to the fusion of video, technology, social media, search, and internet marketing. He is a professional online video marketing consultant and video marketing expert, popular speaker, and considered to be a passionate leader within the online video and search marketing industries. View All Posts By -

What do you think? ▼
  • SWFL-TV Southwest Florida Visitors Television

    A shotgun mic whenever possible.

  • ReelSEO

    Yeah, I (Mark Robertson) need to get one. I typically just do interviews at conferences and such and use a handheld interview mic but it would be ideal I suppose to have a boom with shotgun.. Or, would that pick up too much ambient noise from surrounding conference attendees?

  • http://vzaar.com Meghan Grosso

    Nice video!  I am curious why Stephens wearing a lapel mic in a video about shotgun mics?

    • http://www.reelseo.com/ reelseo

      Meghan Grosso LOL. ...  that's a great observation ;-)  

      • http://vzaar.com Meghan Grosso

        reelseo Guess we'll have to tune in to part 2 to find out ;)

  • SWFL-TV Southwest Florida Visitors Television

    A shotgun mic whenever possible.

  • ReelSEO

    Yeah, I (Mark Robertson) need to get one. I typically just do interviews at conferences and such and use a handheld interview mic but it would be ideal I suppose to have a boom with shotgun.. Or, would that pick up too much ambient noise from surrounding conference attendees?

  • http://vzaar.com Meghan Grosso

    Nice video!  I am curious why Stephens wearing a lapel mic in a video about shotgun mics?

    • http://www.reelseo.com/ reelseo

      Meghan Grosso LOL. ...  that's a great observation ;-)  

      • http://vzaar.com Meghan Grosso

        reelseo Guess we'll have to tune in to part 2 to find out ;)

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