Audio Technica AT875R Shotgun Mic Review / Test

[@GX700]

I have this mic and i think its worth mentioning that it works on my camera (Sony RX10 MkII) with a simple XLR to 3.5mm cable.

[@Podcastage]

Björn Fischer really!? So you’re saying this works with simple plugin power of a few volts!?

[@GX700]

Podcastage For me it did. And the cable was 6 meters long because i had nothing else to test it out. Maybe you want to try it with your DSLR :-)

[@judeokunvideo]

can also confirm this, i saw your comment and had a similar cable lying around, i tested it out with my old Canon 70D and it worked, the audio quality still noisy but 1000% better than internal mic.

[@MajorTomMusic]

@@judeokunvideo Most condenser and electret mics can actually work like that. E.g., Behringer C2 works, so does Sony ECM-77B. However, any mic capsule needs at least 12v to produce quality sound. With 2.5v that comes from your camera the mic will sound like a 3-dollar 3.5mm PC mic.

[@TheMisterDavis]

This mic sounds really nice. I think I could see this being someone's first Shotgun mic before moving over to the Sennheiser MKH 416. Greaqt review, man.

[@FoodTechLife]

I have this mic and I like the way it makes my voice sound. It’s not as good as a dynamic mic to reject background noise. For example it picks up the sound of my PC fans while a RE320 or a Procaster doesn’t. If you want to use it on a DSLR type of camera you would need one of those small interfaces since it’s an XLR mic. Those range from $30 to $600. DSLR Video Shooter’s channel has a video on this. Edit: In regards to gaming vids - it’s just more comfortable to have a mic pointing at you rather than having to speak into one. And since this rejects more noise than a regular condenser mic it does feel appropriate to use.

[@2121cv]

We use this microphone for the news part of a local TV with handheld camcorders. With a windjamer, I find it has the following qualities: - no bass, no EQ during the editing, time saver - highlights the intonations of French voices - all the voices are correct (men and women) - technically easy to live with (output level) its peculiarities: - it is more cardio than canon. - correct for handling noise Its flaws: - neither water nor rain, because otherwise no sound - a sound more functional than beautiful. There may be a better solution, but we haven't tested so many mics! In SD, we used the Sennheiser MD21 dynamic microphone (simple and solid solution). Then, with wide-angle cameras and HD, this kind of mic were out of fashion. Hence the changes to K6, NTG1, NTG2, AT897 to finally move towards this compromise of the AT875r. Since outdoor presentations are back in vogue, dynamic microphones are coming back to the picture ... in HF.

[@PattenApproved]

I use this mic all the time and I love it. Works really well paired with the H4n (pre-2016 version)

[@Rubiks_LIVE]

this is my go-to mic for voice when I do livestreams. I love how this mic sounds on my voice. For under $200, I think it's a steal.

[@onzkicg]

What’s the effective distance from person speaking? I plan to get one but to record a band practice not sure if this will capture the room as is.

[@chaddonal4331]

@@onzkicg You probably don't want a shotgun (super narrow) mic to capture a room.

[@istvan.design]

I have this mic, I don't have the requirement to keep it out of the frame in youtube videos, but I have it when having zoom conferences. It works great.

[@HERCULES0070]

I apparently have an unnecessary requirement for myself LOL. I acoustically treated my office with moving blankets and put this microphone above me out of camera shot for a video game live stream. I appreciate the hard work you put into your content. You have brought me into a world of addiction to audio gear.

[@ConnorSpenoo]

Hello mate, I’m looking into it for gaming streams myself. Just wondering, how it’s going & if you’d suggest it after using it for a while?

[@mtmccornack]

I want to spill the beans... last summer I bought this mic for a Sony FX3 and/or a boom for a zeppelin. I almost got mad at Amazon for shipping "2!" until I noticed I only paid for one, so now I have both a dedicated shotgun AND a dedicated zeppelin boom mic! Then I noticed the FX-3 has 2 XLR inputs, so Hooray! (As far as the mics go... They sound alright, in fact I'd call it reasonably sufficient)

[@d3w4yn3]

Well then, this is a fantastic demo! Every test I would have thought to do, and then some! And I think a LOT! You out-thunked me!!! And this was definitely what I needed to help me make a confident decision!!!

[@Juandr47]

I was waiting for this for about a year! Thanks for getting g to it.

[@WASD20]

Thanks for the review.

[@OhanaFilms]

I wish all reviews got to the point quickly like your videos. Thanks!

[@IridiumAxle]

Thanks for the proximity effect test!

[@GX700]

Just did a quick test and it also works with the zoom H1!

[@leonarddai4998]

How do you connect at875r to zoom h1? Zoom h1 doesn't have phantom power

[@MEBoisv]

Love this mic. It's the one I keep on my Sony FX3

[@personaltrainersg]

You use the XLR handle for the FX3?

[@MEBoisv]

sometimes @@personaltrainersg

[@AliBaba-vw7mo]

oooohhhoohhohhhhhhh the re 20 ! excited for the review and the podcast episode

[@TheHurricaneHunterNickTHH]

Wow you uploaded this while I was thinking of a shotgun mic

[@nathano9637]

Nice review. You get it. TY for your work

[@MrMike304TV]

Excellent review. I've had this for years, great for run and gun videography.

[@shingAMarie]

I must say this is an amazing microphone. I have the Sennheiser 416 and the 8060 and this sounds almost like both of them. There is barely a difference, and I’m pretty sure your audience won’t be able to tell the difference.

[@Podcastage]

Thanks for sharing your input. I agree it's a pretty darn good mic especially for the price.

[@gabrielpereirag.defreitas6559]

dis mic sounds pretty nice on your voice!! really liked! Tks for your video!

[@billweaver2549]

I'd love to see a comparison between this and AT's next step up in price, the AT897 which I suspect has greater directionality, plus goes down to 20Hz (vs 90) in the specs with optional 80Hz rolloff. Being longer I imagine it could work on a simple desk stand and reach a suitable distance from the mouth. But I really want to hear whether there's a noticeable upgrade in sound quality for the extra $. Both are described as "Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser" - which sounds to me like it means electret condenser... is this the case? In my experience electret condensers sound thinner and lack bottom end but that doesn't seem to be the case here.

[@insanejughead]

Thumbs up simply because you mentioned that you think it's unnecessary to hide the microphone during anything being recorded with a camera. I enjoy seeing what microphone people use for their audio capture. Cheers, dude!

[@Podcastage]

Absolutely! I hadn't thought of that. Not only will you get better sound, but you can show all of us nerds what mic is being used! =) I like it!

[@insanejughead]

Yep, I see it only necessary for movies and those boring-as-fuck training videos one experiences at their new job.

[@poketrainernic]

Fantastic video! I'm having trouble coming anywhere close to the sound quality that you have. I have my Focusrite at about ~50% gain and I've tried with the microphone at 6" and 12" away from my mouth. I struggle with the sound being distant or with a lot of bass or rumble. One thing you don't mention in your video is what my Windows 10 microphone volume should be set at. I have it set to 50% like my Focusrite, but maybe that is incorrect? Any tips would be appreciated.

[@fiveday592]

I'd set your Windows mic setting (on the Focusrite device settings) to about 80 out of 100. I use the 2i2, and this puts the sensitivity at a decent place.

[@LanovedadAlmomento]

well, looks pretty good with a lumix g7x and this shotgun mic for vlogging, perfect weight and a good video/sound

[@Turbomike]

Thank you for this great review, helped a lot! All the best from Germany :)

[@Podcastage]

Absolutely. Happy to hear it helped. =)

[@Hobo_X]

I'd like to see a little higher quality shotgun mic tested by you and see how close it can come to sounding like a dynamic or condenser mic right in front of you but from about 2 feet away to be out of the video frame, just to see.

[@johnjackson8902]

hoboX10 Higher quality shotgun mics are pretty expensive. Even Sennheiser's 3.5mm DSLR shotgun mic is a couple hundred IIRC. And even that's apparently not great.

[@RyanJosephLong]

A very comprehensive review!

[@revokdaryl1]

Can this mic be used with a microphone activator? I'm thinking of using this with a Dynamite DM-1 in line preamp by SE Electronics to raise the gain.

[@tokec8471]

Which microphone can you recommend that captures at least keyboard sound? Under 200$ :)

[@MrHamit64]

Wow sounded pretty good with the guitar. But yeah these things are used more to icelate sounds. It's an interview mike. Or if yourre recording someone in a place with a lot of echo. That's mostly what these are for. From the vids I've seen. They don't really interest me cause ambiance stuff is what I'm into so these aren't something I'd pay much attention to. Love the full frequency response to it though.

[@jorgefnx]

MrHamit64 actually shotgun mics are designed to be used as outdoor mics. They start making weird thing in echoey environments because of the interference tube, which is supposed to cancel out the sound coming from the sides. But if the room is small and there is echo, the interference tube will start canceling some frequencies of the original signal too.

[@MrTsVideoEmporium]

this is what I'm after next :) ... well I'll now watch the review first haha ... thanks man !

[@MrTsVideoEmporium]

... ruddy good IMHO !!! haha ... OK, it's not up there with the best of the best but as a quirky mic that in research some pro VO's admit to having in their mic arsenal I think this shotgun is a buy buy buy ... When you're personally up on it it's really good on your voice, for VO work that proximity effect is better than expected ... it's around £140 in the UK, $180 in comparison, and as someone who puts out pro work but will admit to a little background noise at times this polar pattern should be useful. Ok the keybashing was more detectable that I'd of thought there but overall I dig the sound of the mic for my application, won't suit all but thank you so much for the review Bandrew ! P.S I find my venerable AT2020 just too hissssssssy for my high-esss ppppPOPPY-P natural voice :/ and my other mics the SE 1X is bassy as hell but almost too much but still my current daily driver, whereas my Blue Yeti that got me started seems to have degraded in quality over time, I also have a small. white condener mic, a BM700 which you dare not touch for handling noise, but ya know what ... It's got a great all round sound for VO, go figure !!!

[@DieFallRPG]

I like the change up to a shotgun mic review. I've been looking for mics that perform well for VO and some shotgun mics have solid reviews in that regard. Think you'll do some more shotguns?

[@AliBaba-vw7mo]

thanks for the review!

[@GiovanniStefani]

Great video. I too have the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd gen) and planning on using it with my Mevo+ live-stream camera. thanks for sharing!

[@Podcastage]

OOO! You got the Mevo+!!!! Let me know what you think of that!

[@GiovanniStefani]

Podcastage I will. At the advice of a AT engineer, I purchased a second AT875R. I plan on placing them in front of the PA speakers L/R (QSC K12’s) pointed slightly in to catch some of the stage. I will route these to channels 15/16 (linked and panned L/R) on my Behringer XR18 mixer. I will then output these channels to Aux 5/6 (linked and panned L/R) and route to my Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and stream the audio (via USB) to my Mevo+. This will provide the most degree of control and also provide a stereo feed although most channel inputs are centered and no real stereo separation. I could just send all the input channels to my Aux 5/6 sends but then that is just one more thing i have to deal with in a live performance. Having a good house mix and picking up some of stage floor to me is optimal. We’ll see how it goes. Will be streaming live this Saturday.

[@vanteal]

Could you start incorporating some older mics? Like ones from the 70's 80's or 90's? I'm sure there are some of us out there who had family members who are or were musicians, or know someone who was at one point, and they've got a pile of old equipment and mic's just gathering dust in a box. Like I have a close family friend who's a rocker and he's looking to see if he has any old mic's in storage I could have. I'm guessing they're going to need different power requirements to make them useable. So yea, it would be most helpful to not only get a kind of history lesson, but to learn how "if possible" to use them with modern Pc's or other equipment.

[@serchromo8326]

Hi. Is it possible to connect it directly to a minijack plug camera with the use of an adapter? Thanks for the video!!

[@local8381]

Hey Community of/and Podcastage, I've bought a mic, you've presented, the Tonor BM 700. But, the delivered USB-Adapter sound bad on Windows 10. Do you know, how can I improve the sound? Thanks for the answers!

[@yousavtv]

hello, Im a beginner filmmaker currently in the market for an inexpensive mic to improve the quality of my short films audio wise. If I were to purchase this mic can I directly connect it to my camera? (BMPCC4k) or would I have to purchase an external Audio source? Also the mic doesn't look like it comes with a wire, what is recommended to connect it to my camera or external audio source? Thank you.

[@Joeteck]

Wow, Made in Japan vs China... Gotta be good. This actually sounds better than the AT8035. Connecting this bad boy to a Zoom F6. Love your content!

[@weezyg.5724]

man thanks for the review very very helpful.

[@Podcastage]

Happy to help.

[@JMAudioEditions]

Curtis Judd just did a review on this so you may get more hits on this= but you do agr8 job man thanks!

[@unicornparade6159]

Interesting video. If you want to look at shotgun microphones it would also be interesting if you did videos on the Beyerdynamic MCE 85 PV and the Rode NTG1.

[@eamunozzzzzz]

In terms of background noise rejection how it compares to the rode ntg3 or ntg5?

[@fgabrieltomas]

"The mic is only 7" long..." you'll never hear me say that But on a side note but 3 of these because of this reveiw

[@FLOODOFSINS]

I grabbed the at897 for around $100. What do you think of the BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UMC204HD and BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UMC22

[@FLOODOFSINS]

Andrew M. Sheppard oh ok, I saw it on sale for $30

[@antoineinniss5586]

hey there bandrew....whats the noise floor of that shotgun mic....was the audio raw or processed and edited?

[@simonesanti8845]

Does the s mic2 which you reviewed worth the price difference with this audiotechnica ?

[@Dashcasts1]

I've always watched your vids and bought my first dynamic mic because of one of your vids. I know this vid is so long ago, but my voice is similar to yours and I'm curious about this microphone, would you recommend it for voice over or voice acting on a makeshift vocal booth out of my closet (with blankets, clothes etc.). Or would you recommend a different microphone like the Nt-1.

[@BlackWarriorLures]

Okay, this may be my next microphone.

[@Hexspa]

Here I am trying to get my mic out of the frame but maybe you’re right

[@maldonadocorrea]

podrias probar el at897 para voiceover???? gracias. geniales tus videos

[@MaxAver]

Many thanks! What about Beyerdynamic TG-V70D? It's hypercardioid dynamic mic.

[@Podcastage]

Interesting! Never even heard of it.

[@OrbitGuy]

Yes the TGs need some reviews on KZbin, was trying to find information and there is like... almost none except for the one shootout video.

[@icrodriguez21]

Hello there! Would you recommend this mic to record SFX outside?

[@pigeonpallz1733]

Please help ...... I want to start a KZbin channel for gaming and want something that will pick up just my voice or close to it but I have no idea what kinda mic to get . I have a mixer and would like to go xlr . thank you for your videos

[@filipcza]

Can I connect this straight to Zoom H1? Or does it need something in between?

[@natroyal5753]

Can you do a review of the Neewer shotgun mic plz

[@jorgefnx]

Nat Royal I've heard it's actually a condenser made look as a shotgun, but this one is way better that the neweer.

[@wyattedgecomb6297]

I have this mic and it's great with my DR-40 for some casual videography.

[@jib1823]

I just got this microphone and I don't know which recorder to use. I plan to use this mic for video production, does anyone have any recommendations? Please? Lol

[@ErnestoLozada]

Thanks really fine information

[@ggwpexe]

Pls boya by M1 vs BM 800

[@LearnwithAftab]

No sticker?

[@yourcanadianbrother8531]

i have a question, i recored and edit on my ps4, is there a mic you would recomend or is there a mic compatible with the ps4 ?

[@RYUEATSASMR]

What about self noise?

[@lukimraz]

Finaly! You bought the RE20!!! Congratulations :D

[@jorgefnx]

Lukasko Mraz well, it's not cheap whatsoever haha.

[@lukimraz]

I know but they are very good quality

[@jcims]

Hi there, do you have videos that cover good microphones for (work) video conferences (or maybe just a style/product recommendation)? I'd like something that I don't have to have in frame, so probably 12-16" in front of me above/between/below my display (probably above). Shotgun mics seem like a reasonable option to get some of the keyboard rejection (?) and possibly tolerate a bit more distance. Not sure if they are all condenser or dynamic but input there would be appreciated. I'd run it XLR to a to-be-determined audio interface. Edit: Oh, ideally

[@Joe_AK]

I've been trying to solve exactly the same problem. What did you end up buying? Do you have any advice?

[@DocciURL]

I see that RE-20... Maybe a review on that? :)

[@Podcastage]

Docci. Yup. Gonna be using it for the next few weeks before I review it.

[@antoineinniss5586]

hey bandrew. would you recommend this shotgun mic, for someone now into voice over, but low on cash for an upgrade at the moment. do you honestly think, it can deliver, until better can be done? thanks

[@mamandapanda185]

I consistently get compliments on my audio quality for voice overs, but do boost my mids a bit. I bought mine used on ebay. Did you end up getting it?

[@mariofannum3]

Would you recommend this mic if you have multiple people in the same room? I can do two condenser mics for two people, but not for three or four. I would like to do a gameplay video with four friends in the same room and someone suggested that I should use a shotgun mic. Any suggestions?

[@Podcastage]

I'd suggest some dynamic mics. You could get a Berhinger UMC404HD for $100, and then 4 XM8500's and I think that'd be a lot better option.

[@mariofannum3]

Thank you so much! Four xm8500s sounds good

[@maldonadocorrea]

Lo recomiendas para voice over??

[@hobbyrx2267]

Hey, is there much difference in sound in different DAWs when using the same eq, compressor settings?

[@hobbyrx2267]

New Channel lol... I hope it wasnt an expensive lesson learned. Where can I “sample” different microphone/DAW/hardware setups on my voice without buying. Im making audiobooks. Seems like car buying is easier than personalizing audio gear.

[@sneakwastaken]

NO STICKERS? RIPOFF!

[@bestofsidemen326]

Do you still like the shure sm7b as your mic im not sure becuase you dont use it anymore

[@Podcastage]

Best of Sidemen yes. It’s still my favorite mic. I just have to test these other mics thoroughly over weeks to erase my bias and offer a fair review.

[@medicaltranscriptionvideos2905]

Hi, does it have self noise?

[@TEST-gh4zs]

I buy rode Nt1 because of you sir, but after listen this microphone at875r,, Oh mannnnnn , really 😅😅

[@TheAT5000]

Does anyone know if someone has tested this mic from further away? I'm looking for a mic to record directionally up to 40 feet away and was considering this as an option

[@Podcastage]

I don't have that test, but at 40 feet away, I don't think a standard mic like this would be useful at all. The sound source you're micing up is likely to be fighting against a lot of ambient noise. You may need to look into parabolic dish microphones. I don't know anything about them, but I believe those are used for distances that far away.

[@TheAT5000]

@@Podcastage thanks for the info! Ambient noise in a controlled direction is kinda what we are looking for. I'll look up parabolic mics and give them a listen too. Thanks again!

[@hobbyrx2267]

Good job. Vp83f please

[@Kougeru]

3:30 lol actually it's VERY common to use shotgun microphones on guitar amps...

[@michaelacosta4739]

Hi. What headphones are you using on this video? Thanks.

[@Podcastage]

Sony MDR7506

[@REX4340]

Use a Zoom F3 to find out what this and other mics really sound like😊

[@Podcastage]

I don't have a zoom F3 so I'm not able to do that. Thanks for the suggestion though, I appreciate it.

[@S3vynty]

Do i have to buy the cord for this?

[@tristengrant]

yes.

[@mariofannum3]

You’re reviewing shotgun mics!!

[@Podcastage]

Occassionaly.

[@magnusgotander3954]

You are not a "Curtis Judd" but still I think you are a very good practical reviewer (I have seen a lot of you) with the intresting musician touch as well. A really good complement AND Curtis is NOT a musician ☺

[@humphrey3078]

I see that beautiful re20 hiding in the back :)

[@azadragibnehal2132]

Hey man, are you bored after doing so much mic reviews?

[@derSkedda]

Azad Ragib Nehal In the moment it sounds like that

[@Podcastage]

Azad Ragib Nehal not at all.

[@azadragibnehal2132]

If you aren't bored, keep it up, Bandrew!

[@derSkedda]

Podcastage that's nice. Even tho Im to poor to buy the mics I love your reviews

[@benabel886]

same exsact size as a D....................

[@rafloolx7944]

You seem so fed up doing mic reviews now 😂

[@Podcastage]

Raf Loolx not at all. I just had to stop being exaggerated with my voice because it was starting to damage my vocal chords.

[@TheRogueNinjaa]

Best condenser microphone for singing under $150

[@OrrinOgen]

you didn't throw the box!

[@Stickaroni]

shotgun mic? it looks more like a pistol hahahahaha kill me

[@FoodTechLife]

Spardy Pretend it’s a sawed off shotgun.

[@martinzhang5533]

The thumbnail somehow reminds me of a ruger .22 at first glance

[@Travelconquest]

This mic is great! I just got one and made a review on it on my channel as well :)

[@LittleDuckDuckGAME]

when youtube unsubs you from podcastage and you didn't realize it until now

[@Ak-pr1wg]

Next one Zoom h1

[@hoebentoet]

Let Booth junkie test this mic... Then you know must more about the mic

[@missgradenkoMC]

Hello podcastage

[@LucaMolteni84]

Dislike for imperial units

[@AverolMakarov]

this is a good quality, but it's $170 :/

[@epicstacker413]

AverolMakarov To be fair, good shotgun mics are bloody expensive. This is probably the cheapest, good quality shotgun mic you can get.

[@AverolMakarov]

wow

[@AverolMakarov]

this is a condenser shotgun mic so the quality is great

[@anniks4037]

ayoo

[@chickencoopowner]

pew