Shotgun Microphones Shootout - Audio-Technica AT875r AT897 vs Sennheiser ME66 MKH60

In this video, we discuss 4 shotgun microphones, in 4 different price range.
List of gear used and mentioned in the article:
Audio-Technica AT875r: amzn.to/2jzOkEb
Audio-Technica AT897: amzn.to/2niraHm
Sennheiser ME66/K6: amzn.to/2niL1Gn
Sennheiser MKH60: amzn.to/2AkO7fZ
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[@joshlzo]

AT875r 3:28 - AT897 6:34 / (Wind Test) AT875r 3:35 - AT897 6:40

[@danielgaudet6114]

The MKH 60 doesn't have a high-cut filter, but a high-frequency boost. You would usually use it when you place the mic in a windscreen/blimp to help bring up the higher frequencies that would be attenuated because of the windscreen. Out of all the 4 microphones, it's the only one that's an RF condenser mic which helps in high-humidity/rain and is classified as moisture-resistant. Also, it has quite a lower noise-floor than the other 3 mics which could be important for more quiet scenes. That being said, it is an expensive mic and no longer being made. The newer MKH 8060 is a bit cheaper (but still a lot of $$$), smaller and sounds very good as well, but it doesn't come with any filters or pad (but you can add a low-cut filter module for ~$479 USD).

[@colonelbostwick9847]

Epic comparison, Marc. Makes it 1000 times easier to choose a mic when videos like this are available. Quick Question- Which Dead Cat did you use on the at875r in the video?

[@skakdosmer]

Thanks for this test. I already own the ME66, and I still think it sounds better than almost all other shotgun microphones, except the MKH 416.

[@AngloSaxon1]

These sound as though they would be good for both Podcasts and Voiceover.

[@Pabula]

really like the shootout, thanks for sharing it, hoping to see more in the future.

[@TheVideoProGuys]

Pabula thanks! We plan to make more videos like these for sure! Thanks for watching!

[@StarOasis26]

@ 3:22 this is what I was hoping for to have someone test these mics like that with in on axis turning to 180 off axis. . Thanks much.

[@Bassotronics]

"Windy" windy. :) "Eye cut filter" :)

[@CGP_Films92]

Dude, thank you so much for this video! I was going to get the AT897, but I watched the beginning demo featuring the AT875r and that changed my mind completely! I'm new to XLR mics, so this video helped me out a ton. Thanks again!

[@koni-video]

I'm choosing between ME66 and AT897R, what do you recommend?

[@lazarwolftube]

oooh, yumm, a turd of the price^^

[@AudioJanitor]

I've probably watched this like 10 times :). - Bought the ME66 , 64 and 67 + AT897R since ! Thanks!

[@koni-video]

I'm choosing between ME66 and AT897R, what do you recommend?

[@GLASSHEAD]

excellent review thanks

[@TheVideoProGuys]

GlassHead Entertainment thanks! We try to do honest reviews and remain as neutral as possible in them!

[@sanjagani]

Thank you for comparison of these mics. I am in market searching a good mic for interviews. One candidate is AT8035. Have you used this before? One question: how much gain should I set my H4n Pro to in order to get peaks around -12db? My voice is as loud as yours. Current problem with my awesome AT897 is that though I set gains to 100 on H4n Pro peaks never hit -12db in any situation. Mic stays around one feet far from my mouth.

[@TheVideoProGuys]

1) as for the AT8035, I've read that the 897 is better in terms of reach, it sounds fuller and has less echo. That would explain the price difference! 2) I'm not much used to the Zoom products, more of a Tascam user here! If I remember correctly, under 5 out of 10 on my C100 internal preamp gives a decent enough sound quality. I would say that on my DR-40, which goes from 0 up to 90, it sits around 40 in terms of gain, which is decent enough too. Hope this helps!

[@sanjagani]

Thank you for your time to answer my question. So the comments you made are true for 897 or AT8035? They are both similarly priced on amazon.

[@TheVideoProGuys]

@@sanjagani the reply was for the AT897. I guess the AT8035 would perform similarily, except that the AT897 would have an overall better performance. I would go for the AT897!

[@neilseiffer]

I've been using my AT897 for many years with: direct to camera Canon 5D Mark 3, Panasonic DVX 100 (XLR), and now with Lumix S1H and Ninja V recorder, as well as Tascam DR-40. I usually record low Db settings and boost in post, so I cancel out ambient noise when recording.

[@hoodaffairstv]

Been trying to research this sennheiser me66 and me64 im liking what I hear out of them

[@FrumPilot]

I really liked your reveiw. I was thinking of the apeture Diety , your thought? thanks

[@TheVideoProGuys]

Frum Pilot Hi, unfortunately we never had the pleasure to work with the Diety yet but we hear good things about it. We will try to get our hands on it for our next microphones video.

[@thestingyham1188]

Marc, would the at897 work best up close for commercial voiceover work? I see people use the 875r sometimes, but it sounds very wispy to me on the highs. Thanks.

[@sung_yun]

I think both the AT875R and AT897 are awesome microphones, especially considering the price. (See the review of top podcast microphones at Podcastage: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZPKYpavbaaIrKs. I thought AT875R sounded just as good or even better than Shure SM7B and Electro-Voice RE20 and almost as good as Neumann KMS105). I purchased an AT897 so I can use for VO and video. This review has been very helpful. Thanks.

[@runningintohistory]

I am currently trying to decide between the 897 and 875 for indoor interviews. How are you liking the 897?

[@sung_yun]

Unhesitatingly I can say there's really no debate between those two, I'd go with AT897. I don't know why this AT897 is under the radar. I use this often with my BP4073 and MKH-416. I also like to use my Shure KSM137 and KSM141s, which I prefer over my KM184 pair.@@runningintohistory

[@runningintohistory]

@@sung_yun thank you.

[@vmtz2001]

Listen carefully. The cheaper mics have dirty fuzz around the edges that goes splat when you process. I had a Deity S2, convinced it was a good alternative to MKH 416. I wasn’t happy. I got an actual 416, it’s much cleaner. It tolerates s’s and plosives much better.

[@maldonadocorrea]

El at 897 para VoiceOver puede servir ?

[@bluenightsky]

AT897 is my preference. A lot less harsh on those "sss"

[@TheVideoProGuys]

It is my go-to mic as well, but it really needs a preamp to get something good. Otherwise the noise floor is raised with it when you boost the volume, as it doesn't have a hot output. But the overall sound from it makes it my favorite too!

[@joshdiditt]

Great video!

[@sunsetwhite]

Hey! How can I find that grip? It looks comfortable

[@skakdosmer]

Windy is like Cindy.

[@WasatchSasquatchUtah]

yep wrong pronunciation

[@Estarrioltube]

Thank you for this video, it's very useful even years later

[@antoineinniss5586]

Hey bro, great review of the shut gun microphones. My interest, is in the audio technica at897. What's your honest take on it .... Why does it require more gain? What's the self noise like, when you raised the gain? Can you honestly recommend it for voice over work ? You do know, that high self noise in microphones, is not going to be good for voice over work. Thanks in advance for your honest opinions and advice

[@JacobMcAllister]

What recorder did you use for this test?

[@Joshua-iz1go]

Super helpful! Just bought a used at897 and was curious. Seems good all around other than the need for some gain and maybe not the best wind performance

[@PjotrII]

I noticed in this test (unless it just blew harder winds at that moment) but the 897 was the only one picking up wind noises. :-/

[@maldonadocorrea]

para voiceover cual me recomiendas? me gustaron todos igual.

[@maldonadocorrea]

por cierto excelente video . felicitaciones

[@asjesus1]

AT897

[@highlycreativedigital5472]

the mkh 60 is good i like the hi frequency boost it digs out the vice through a blimp

[@Hexspa]

Do you have any experience with the MKE600?

[@ripwildy2022]

How would you say the AT897 compares to the iSK Little Gem?

[@TheVideoProGuys]

Arnab RS I would say that the iSK might be more versatile as it can be used pretty much in any environment, but the AT897 performs quite well even indoor. Since it's acquisition, the AT897 is probably my favourite mic for dialog. Needs the use of some work in post because of it's lower output, but sounds very good. Price and versatility wise, the iSK wins as it delivers great audio for a cheap price.

[@ripwildy2022]

"AT897 is probably my favourite mic for dialog" That pretty much has me sold, to be honest! On a bit of a side note: how well would it perform for foley work?

[@TheVideoProGuys]

Arnab RS for foley it gives a pretty accurate rendition of the sound, but I would go with the Tascam TM-PC1 for that purpose! That mic gives you exactly what you hear.

[@Hexspa]

The 897 has much lower noise than the 875r. Is that due to your ambient conditions, the preamp, or the mic itself?

[@TheVideoProGuys]

The Mic itself, it has a lower output as well, so you need to adjust either when recording, or like in this case, in post to ensure all the mice were competing on the same level.

[@Hexspa]

@@TheVideoProGuys Got it. Thanks. 🙏

[@mvoo27]

What audio device you used for this video?

[@TheVideoProGuys]

As far as I remember, all microphones were plugged directly into the camera, a Canon C100. No preamp or other recording device, just the Mic directly into the camera.

[@joonajks]

Would you recommend this AT875R mic over the Rode NTG 2 for KZbin talking head videos?

[@TheVideoProGuys]

Personally yes, since the signal is more hot, so with basic gear you will get great results. If you have access to a preamp, then both mics will work just fine. But the 875r is definitively, to my ears, more pleasant than the NTG2. Hope it helps!

[@joonajks]

@@TheVideoProGuys thank you!

[@papykog7772]

Great Review thank you, possibly saved me some moolah!

[@antoineinniss5586]

the best microphone test, is one thats done straight out of the box...the objective in any test, is to allow the viewer / consumer / purchaser, to hear the true, real audio quality of the microphone....app[lying eq, compression etc defeats the purpose of the mic test....it misleads the viewer, into believing that the mic in question, really sounds great, only to be disappointed after purchasing....what you should have done, was to do the raw test first, before processing and editing in post, then do the after processing test.

[@TheVideoProGuys]

That's true, we'll keep that in mind for our next Mic shootout!

[@antoineinniss5586]

@@TheVideoProGuys ok man...I appreciate your honesty and humility...thanks...I'll be looking out for your next mic shoout

[@fredster122]

Thank you for the video, very helpful. Question, what make and model shock mount do you use for the 875r? :)

[@TheVideoProGuys]

fred it's a DIY kit using the RØDE Pistol Grip 2 and the Rycote Lyre suspensions. I've installed them using 2 aluminum pieces. It's a version that allows the use of a 3" PVC pipe cut to make a Blimp with some fur all around. I'll try to make a video about that as well!

[@mychalsimmons4177]

AT875 R !!!!

[@TheVideoProGuys]

Mychal Simmons for the price I think it's the best bang for the buck and also the most versatile microphone in this test!

[@Texturas75]

​@@TheVideoProGuyshow come? It doesn't have as good of-axis rejection as it's bigger brother.

[@jos4340]

what is the accesory un min 3:31?

[@TheVideoProGuys]

Hi José, it's a DIY grip shock mountm, but multiple companies makes them, like Rode and Sennheiser

[@mvoo27]

Did you any post processing in this Test? In wich device you recorded the sound?

[@TheVideoProGuys]

There was no post-processing work, except an upward compression, to raise the audio level (level recorded at around -20dB). Same settings were used on all mics.

[@mvoo27]

@@TheVideoProGuys OK, wich device did you use for recording?

[@ПолинаАбрамович-и9м]

Спасибо за видео, очень помогли.

[@maldonadocorrea]

Si tuvieras que elegir tu favorito cuál sería ?

[@TheVideoProGuys]

Well, for the price, the AT-875R is a versatile one, give great output and works in many situations. The AT897 on the other hand is more directional, quieter but for interviews, it's my favorite one. It would really depend on the result you're after. For a go-to Mic that will work in most situation, then I'd recommend the 875r. But, the real answer is the one that sounds the best to you! My partner is more on the Sennheiser side, I'm still pleased with the Audio-Technica for my part. To each is own!

[@webcinematv3469]

2:40 5:00 14:20

[@webcinematv3469]

10:20 13:30

[@stevensmith4099]

This might just be me, but when I was listening to the MKH 60 off axis test I thought, "What is he saying, I can't hear him." The reason it is a $1500 mic is because truthfully it is a wider pickup, so you can pickup dialogue from more than one speaker, however when it goes off axis it drops to almost nothing. Excellent for indoor dialogue and makes it easier for the boom op. All of these mics are excellent and would do the job on a professional video shoot when used right. Excellent review and comparison! I appreciate you doing all these tests!

[@Hexspa]

Watch out for that 'eye-cut filter'! Now I know why you're wearing the protective lenses. Great review.

[@webcinematv3469]

3:40 6:45

[@BensBoringVideos]

7:34 - The question is, how big of a turd are we talking about here?

[@mychalsimmons4177]

MKH 60 Waaaaaaaaay over priced

[@AndyKunkel]

So I have the AT875r, I use it directly on my Canon C100, but I'm not too happy with how "bright" it sounds, especially during run and gun shoots like wedding receptions to concerts. The sound just isn't full enough for my liking, not enough low end. Recommend a replacement?

[@TheVideoProGuys]

Well, the 875R is probably the most versatile mic that I own. On the other hand, the 897 is the one that sounds the best to my ears, but the output is lower. If you have to record in quiet places, I wouldn't recommend, but reception and stuff like that, it would deliver a great performance. It's also quite directional, so you would pick mostly what you point it at. Other that this, probably James would tend to recommend a Sennheiser instead. Personally, I haven't been impressed much, considering the price, hence my preference for Audio-Technica. For most shooting, interviews and talking, I usually end up with my AT897 directly in the C100 and it's just fine. Hope it helps!

[@AndyKunkel]

@@TheVideoProGuys AWESOME! Thanks for the input. The 875r isnt bad, just bad for my type of work. Definitely going to get the 897. I'm fine with picking up what I'm pointing at, just as long as I get a more FULL sound, with clear lows and highs. I do put an audio recorder on a stand to catch the WHOLE venue but when I need to, switch over to the shotgun sound. Again thanks for your input, SUBBING.

[@TheVideoProGuys]

If it might help, in these type of events, I tend to place multiple recorders on stands (kind of "surround sound" capture) and then, you can mix in post with what you need. Recently, I shot something in a church where we weren't allowed to Mic the priest. Thankfully, I placed a recorder on the hotel, and two others in the back of the couch. I got everything covered, while not ideally, but still. On a side note, if you want clean and full sound, you shouldn't limit yourself to only 1 or 2 sources. The more you have to work with, the more control you have on your final audio. Hope it helps!

[@AndyKunkel]

@@TheVideoProGuys thanks! The more the better