A mini shotgun mic is a kind of directional mic that is frequently used in video production. It is used to process or enhance sounds that are directly in the front and reject sounds from the sides and rear and ambient sounds in the room as well. In this article, we are going to discuss the following topics:
- Why is it advised to use the mini shotgun mic for filmmaking?
- How to use it?
- Answers to some frequently asked questions.
Four reasons to use small shotgun mic
If you want to achieve the following targets in video making, then you should use a shotgun mic:
To add more fun to videos
This is especially for TikTok creators. TikTok users utilize this app for amusement, excitement, and anything out of the ordinary. The news is routine, and routine is dull for TikTok users. As ridiculous as a little microphone may appear, it is perfectly in line with why we use TikTok in the first place. TikTokers only have a short second to attract the viewers’ attention, and a mini mic can quickly make them stand out from other normal videos.
To improve audio quality
Mini XLR shotgun mic makes you sound more natural. The captured sound is more like what you'd expect to hear as a spectator due to a combination of air, distance, and technology. It enables video makers to sound crisper and provide a better viewing experience for viewers. Nobody likes to watch an echoey video with scratchy sound, especially when the video is short.
Check the video of the SYNCO M1S mini shotgun mic review to see how it improves the audio quality. You can jump to 2:00 of the video to check the sound test.
To capture sounds in multiple scenarios
Mini shotgun mic for iPhone and suchlike devices performs well in the following applications:
- Voice Response: It records sounds effectively because of its pick-up pattern, which decreases background noise. This makes it simple to clean up the sounds without altering their naturalness.
- Live event coverage: Shotgun microphones make it simple to catch and record sound. They are useful for talking when there are loud noises. They minimize background noise, such as people chatting, making it easier to hear the person you want to speak or listen to!
- Location sound capture: Shotgun microphones are a fantastic device for recording voice responses. This is due to the fact that it only detects sound in one direction. As a result, it offers benefits for recording noises in congested places such as marketplaces, airports, train stations, and so on. This source method allows you to isolate certain sources while removing unnecessary background noise, ensuring that the sound remains audible.
To make the frame clean
Mini shotgun mic does a good job at hiding itself in the video frame. Thanks to its short shotgun design, it can stay outside the frame without blocking the camera lenses. Therefore, you are able to get high quality audio and video output.
How to use mini shotgun mic for DSLR and smartphone recordings?
When utilizing a mini shotgun mic for DSLR camera, keep the following tips in mind:
- Directly point the microphone at the target sound.
- Make sure the mic is as near to the target sound as feasible without being in the way.
The sound will be weak and difficult to comprehend if the boom mic is too far away. If the microphone is too close, it will take up too much background noise. Depending on the demands of the production, shotgun mics can be positioned on boom poles or put on stands. They can also be used as handheld devices, however this is less frequent.
Below are three tips in more details:
Keep an eye on where you point the mic
A narrow pickup pattern is one of the properties shared by shotgun microphones. This implies that you must properly position the microphone to enable the target sound to be within the pickup pattern.
It should be aimed directly at whatever you are capturing if it is mounted on the camera or a camera grip. When using a boom pole or an accessory mount, line up the microphone to aim at the sound source.
Monitor the audio
You can be fairly certain that your shotgun mic is recording the sound from the subject in view when it is mounted on-camera. If it is used off-camera, you are advised to use a headphone to monitor the audio in real time so you can adjust the placement to ensure optimal audio results.
Take control of your audio
Although we can program our cameras to make exposure, focus, and audio adjustments automatically, taking personal control of these settings enables us to produce the finest possible completed video. If that's what we want, high quality video will increase our views, subscribers to our YouTube channels, and paid gigs.
One aspect of that circumstance that we can readily grasp is the usage of a good shotgun mic and the knowledge of how to utilize it appropriately.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: When should I use an iPad mini shotgun mic?
A: A shotgun is a fantastic choice for capturing sound without any background noise. It's especially beneficial when you wish to isolate a certain sound source in a busy or noisy environment.
Q: When should I avoid using a mini shotgun mic?
A: Shotgun microphones are excellent for separating individual sound sources when chatting. They are, however, less than ideal if you need to record more than one sound source at the same time.
Q: What is the frequency response?
A: The frequency range response is typically between 20Hz and 20kHz. However, it is based on the manufacturer and the model.
Q: Cardioid VS super-cardioid microphone: What’s the difference?
A: A super-cardioid microphone is significantly more directed. It has the same directivity as a cardioid, but it lowers more noises in front of the microphone, generally by roughly 10dB.
Q: How to choose the best mini shotgun mic?
A: You can check the list below to narrow down the options.
- How much are you willing to spend on it?
- Is footprint significant to you? A hefty microphone is difficult to boom, and a long one may be visible on camera.
- How significant is side rejection to you? The directionality of shotguns varies.
- Do you intend to record in a quiet environment? This is when self-noise comes into play.
- Do you frequently record indoors and in small spaces?
- Is phantom power available on your recorder? If not, please make sure the microphone has a battery.
- Do you require conventional XLR or 3.5mm output?
- Do you plan to work in heavy humidity? If so, you'll need an RF-biased microphone.