A shotgun mic for streaming is a flexible tool for capturing natural, focused sound for television and film, sporting, environmental recordings, live events, voice-overs, or vlogs. Its narrow pickup pattern blocks out noise from the sides and partly from behind, so the sound stays centered on your subject. High-quality models are light enough to attach to a camera or hold on a boom pole all day, and they’re usually tough enough to handle the bumps and challenges of outdoor recording. This article delves into the world of streaming shotgun mic, exploring:
- What is a shotgun mic?
- Are they good for streaming?
- Key questions to consider when choosing a suitable one for your streaming
- Three SYNCO top picks to use
- Tips for using it for streaming
What is shotgun microphone?
Shotgun microphones are easy to recognize by their long, slender tube shape. These highly directional mics have a narrow pickup pattern, making them especially sensitive to sounds directly in front while reducing noise from the sides and rear (known as “off-axis” sounds). This precise sound capture makes them ideal for recording audio from a distance without losing clarity, allowing placement further from the source while maintaining high-quality detail. Because of these qualities, they are widely used in film and video production, especially for capturing dialogue, as well as for sound effects (Foley) and ambient audio. The shotgun mic for streaming is a good example. They can be on camera shotgun microphone or be attached to a boom.
They come in various sizes, from compact to extended lengths, and can include features like USB connectivity, built-in high-pass filters, and gain adjustments. Typically, there are three main pickup patterns:
- Supercardioid: This pattern is narrow, picking up sound directly in front of the mic while rejecting off-axis noise.
- Hypercardioid: Similar to supercardioid but with an even narrower pickup and slight rear sensitivity.
- Ultracardioid: This is the narrowest pattern, making it less ideal for boom-mounted use since even minor movements can cause the subject to fall off-axis due to its extreme directionality.
Are shotgun mics good for streaming?
Yes, shotgun mics can be a great choice for certain streaming setups. The main advantage of them lies in their strong directionality and ability to reject off-axis noise. This means you can place them a bit farther from your mouth and still capture clear, rich audio, with less background noise compared to other types.
This setup works especially well for gaming or livestreams where you don’t want the mic visible on screen, or for filmed podcasts where you’re sitting on a couch or around a table with guests and want to keep the shot uncluttered.
They are built for vocal clarity, making them ideal for both streaming and podcasting. They’re also versatile, serving well for other uses like recording interviews or on-the-go filming.
How to choose the best shotgun mic for streaming?
Selecting a shotgun mic for streaming can be challenging, given the many factors to weigh. To simplify your decision, here’s a checklist of questions that can help narrow down your options:
- What’s your budget?
- Are weight and size important for you? Heavier mics are harder to use on a boom, and longer models might show up on camera.
- How important is side rejection? Shotguns vary in how well they reject off-axis noise.
- Will you record in a quiet environment? In these cases, the self-noise is especially important.
- Will you be streaming indoors or in tight spaces? Some spaces may require a different type of mic.
- Does your recorder offer phantom power? If not, ensure the mic has its battery.
- Do you need an XLR or 3.5mm output?
- Will you work in humid conditions? An RF-biased model might be more reliable in high humidity.
What to use: 3 top picks sold at Moman Store
Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll have a clearer picture of what’s needed for your streaming setup. Here are three top picks sold at Moman Store that cater to different streaming needs: from compact designs to professional-grade mics for extended sessions.
SYNCO U3: Budget shotgun mic for streaming with compact and magnetic design at $79
The SYNCO U3 is a mini shotgun microphone designed for live streaming. Featuring a heart-shaped directional pattern and interference tube technology, it captures sound from the front while reducing background noise. It supports devices like iPhones (with a Lightning adapter), Android phones, and cameras, with automatic TRS/TRRS compatibility for effortless use. The U3 offers adjustable gain (0-15dB) and real-time monitoring through a 3.5mm jack, ensuring clear audio. Its magnetic design allows easy attachment to metal surfaces or cameras, and with just 2 hours of charging, it provides up to 40 hours of recording time.
SYNCO D1: Twitch stream shotgun mic featuring 180Hz high-pass filter and dual charging options at $129
The SYNCO D1 is specially designed for long streaming sessions, offering reliable performance with exceptional audio quality. It features a 78dB SNR and -32dB sensitivity, capturing clear, detailed sound without the need for excessive pre-amplification. The 180Hz high-pass filter eliminates low-frequency noise, ensuring clean, focused audio even in noisy environments. Built with durable brass and a matte finish to reduce reflections, the D1 is versatile and easily connects to cameras, mixers, and other recording devices via 3.5mm-XLR or XLRM-XLRF cables. With dual charging options—48V phantom power or an AA battery lasting up to 100 hours—it’s perfect for extended use in streaming applications.
SYNCO D2: Professional shotgun mic for streaming with low self noise and wide frequency response at $199
The SYNCO D2 is a professional hypercardioid shotgun microphone ideal for streamers, filmmakers and audio professionals. With its ultra-flat frequency response (20Hz to 20kHz) and extremely low self-noise (12dB A-weighted), it captures accurate and natural sound while minimizing ambient noise. Built with solid brass construction and a gold-plated XLR connector, it ensures durability and interference-free signal transfer, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor recording. Its hypercardioid polar pattern enhances directionality, focusing on the desired sound source while effectively rejecting off-axis noise. The SYNCO D2 is your go-to for high-quality audio recording in challenging environments.
How to use streaming shotgun mic?
When using a shotgun mic for live streaming, a few practical tips can help you achieve the best sound quality.
- Place the shotgun mic slightly above, below, or to the side of your sound source to keep it out of the camera’s view.
- Avoid pointing it toward hard surfaces like tile floors, brick walls, or hard ceilings, as these can reflect sound waves, introducing unwanted noise or a hollow effect. A heavy blanket on a reflective surface can help absorb some of this sound.
- Since it is especially sensitive to wind noise, avoid moving it quickly, and consider using a foam windscreen.
- To reduce handling noise, use a shock mount with rubber isolation on a stand or boom.
- For scripted videos with a boom operator, ensure they have a copy of the script. If multiple speakers are involved, the operator will need to carefully follow the dialogue, aiming the mic at each person accurately while keeping it out of the frame. This can be tricky with long booms, sometimes over 20 feet, and requires precise timing and positioning for consistent audio.
