Best Boom Microphones Reviewed

If you’re a producer or sound engineer that needs to use microphones for any project, you probably don’t need an introduction to the best boom microphones.

Here is a list of the best boom microphones that should cover any project.

They are compact, portable, and highly durable; they feature exceptional sound fidelity, and they come with several accessories to help make your life easier in the studio or on location.

What Exactly is a Boom Mic?

The term “boom mic” can be a bit misleading. After all, boom microphones are usually just as small as any other microphone––in fact, they are sometimes smaller! The word “boom” in this case is used to describe the way that the mic is held.

Boom microphones are typically used during video production and in TV studios. You can also find them being used to recording in music studios, however.

Table of Contents

How to Choose a Boom Microphone for Recording

1. Audio Quality

One boom microphone is all you need to get good sound quality and be able to record audio at a variety of places. A single microphone can be used for multiple purposes, including recording music, speech recording, and voiceovers.

2. Portability

boom microphone for film

A microphone’s ability to be moved around will help you with your work when you need to move around a lot for different scenes. For example, you can move the mic to different places in order to get a better view of the subject matter.

Having a microphone that’s easy to use will make it easier for you to work efficiently. For example, you’ll be able to control the sound level and choose the right settings much more easily.

This microphone is great for recording small details that you need to hear clearly – like your own voice if you’re trying to record narration or dialogue.

3. Frequency Range

The most important factor is the microphone’s frequency range. A mic that works well on a wide range of frequencies will make the recording process much easier.

4. Impedance

The next important factor is the microphone’s impedance. Poorly designed microphones can have this problem, especially when they’re being used with amplifiers and other equipment. Ultimately, this matters because it determines how quickly the mic produces sound. It is particularly important because it can affect your ability to hear yourself during recording sessions over headphones or other speakers (or if you’re using a mixer or computer interface).

5. Noise Reduction

Another feature to consider is noise reduction. This helps to block out outside sounds and makes it easier for you to work efficiently and clearly.

6. Durability

The last factor that’s worth considering is the mic’s durability. If you’re going to be using your microphone a lot, it must be able to stand up to the test of time.

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7 Best Boom Microphones for Filming Outdoors

Audio-Technica ATR-6550 Video Camera Cardioid/Supercardioid Condenser Shotgun Microphone
Audio-Technica ATR-6550 Video Camera Cardioid/Supercardioid Condenser Shotgun Microphone
Crisp & intelligible pickup—far away or up close; Two range settings: "Normal" for close & medium distance; "Tele" for long distance
Rode NTG3 RF-Bias Condenser Shotgun Microphone with Storage Cylinder
Rode NTG3 RF-Bias Condenser Shotgun Microphone with Storage Cylinder
Designed and manufactured in RØDE's high-technology facility in Sydney, Australia
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Last update on 2024-03-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

1. Rode Video Mic Pro

best boom microphones

Rode VideoMic Pro R Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone,Black
  • A true shotgun microphone designed for camcorders, DSLR cameras and portable audio recorders as primary and reference audio
  • The 1/2" condenser capsule provides broadcast-quality audio via a 3.5mm connector with an incredibly low self-noise of just 14db
  • The Rycote Lyre based shock mounting system provides isolation from external factors that may cause unwanted rumble and vibrations
  • English (Publication Language)

Last update on 2024-03-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Rode Video Mic Pro is a best budget microphone for any kind of digital video recording studio. This microphone has an internal shock mount and a highly flexible boom pole that can be extended to reach out about three feet. The microphone is easy to mount on cameras. It uses a 3.5mm XLR input, and offers an audio signal that is at least comparable to the one from the built-in microphones in most camcorders. This microphone may not be the best boom microphone for DSLR, but it produces good quality audio and is a good deal for video-makers on a budget.

2. Audio-Technica ATR-6550

Audio-Technica ATR-6550 Video Camera Cardioid/Supercardioid Condenser Shotgun Microphone
  • Crisp & intelligible pickup—far away or up close
  • Two range settings: "Normal" for close & medium distance; "Tele" for long distance
  • “Tele” range setting to pick up dialogue and sound effects at a distance, while bypassing ambient noise
  • Designed especially for use with video cameras
  • 3.5 mm connector plugs into your video camera

Last update on 2024-03-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Audio-Technica ATR-6550 is a great cheap boom microphone for those on a budget but looking for a good quality of audio. This microphone, when stretched to its full length, can reach out over six feet and is highly flexible. The body of this microphone is made of strong metal and fits well into the hand of the user. It can easily mount onto camcorders and DSLR cameras as it uses the standard XLR input. The Audio-Technica ATR-6550 is not the best boom microphone for DSLR, but it is a good bargain at this price range and produces excellent audio quality.

3. Rode NTG3

Rode NTG3 RF-Bias Condenser Shotgun Microphone with Storage Cylinder
  • The NTG3 is a broadcast-grade shotgun microphone designed for the most demanding shoots that high-resolution broadcast audio.
  • It features RF-bias technology that yields superior resistance to moisture and condensation, making it suitable for outdoor shoots in adverse...
  • The NTG3 has a rich, warm sound and a tightly controlled polar pattern with exceptional off-axis performance with no coloration.
  • It is also highly regarded for voice-over work, where its natural tone and punch deliver exceptional performance for a wide range of voice types.
  • Exceptional 10 year warranty, backed by our international service and support network for complete peace of mind

Last update on 2024-03-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Rode NTG3 Condenser is one of the best boom microphones for DSLR cameras because of its three feet long cable that allows great flexibility to the camera operator. The microphone can be easily mounted on a DSLR or camcorder. This microphone is highly recommended for video makers who need a quality camera microphone for audio recording. It is also used by professional videographers due to its high quality sound and its impressive ability to pick up low-frequency sounds.

4. Audio-Technica AT897 

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The Audio-Technica AT897 is a good budget boom microphone for video recording. This microphone has a flexible boom that is made of metal and can be extended up to 3 feet in length. It comes with adjustable clip and an XLR input. The audio signal produced by this microphone is at least comparable to the one from the built-in microphones of most camcorders. The Audio-Technica AT897 is recommended for DSLRs or camcorders that have XLR inputs.

5. Sennheiser MKH416-P48U3 

Sennheiser Wired Professional MKH 416-P48U3 Short Shotgun Interference Tube Microphone,Black
131 Reviews
Sennheiser Wired Professional MKH 416-P48U3 Short Shotgun Interference Tube Microphone,Black
  • Compact pressure-gradient microphone with short interference tube for film, radio and television
  • Rugged and highly immune to humiditiy due to its RF condenser design, making it ideal for outside applications
  • Featuring high directivity, low self noise, high consonant articulation and feedback rejection
  • Transformerless and fully floating balanced output
  • Matte black all-metal body

Last update on 2024-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Sennheiser MKH416-P48U3 is a professional grade boom microphone for DSLR cameras. This microphone can be stretched up to 3 feet in length. It comes with a nickel based connector and a reinforced tie arm. Its audio signal is comparable to that produced by the audio track recorded onto the video camera itself. The microphone does not come with an XLR input, but this should not be much of a problem as most DSLRs come with XLR inputs built in.

6. Deity V-Mic D3

Deity V-Mic D3 Super-Cardioid Directional Shotgun Microphone with Rycote Shockmount and PERGEAR...
  • 🏆 |Broadcast Quality Sound|: Superior off-axis sound performance. Low noise circuitry, Extremely Low Distortion THD (<0.1%), High-grade SNR (max....
  • 🏆 |Smart 3.5mm TRS/TRRS Mic Output|: Out-of-the-box the V-Mic D3 is compatible with DSLRs, Camcorders, Smartphones, Handy Recorders, Laptop,...
  • 🏆 |Intelligent Power On/Off|: Deity V-Mic D3 features a one button on/off switch. When turned on the microphone is ready in Stand-By-Mode and...
  • 🏆 |Super Long Working Time|: The V-Mic D3 uses a single AAA for power. Alkaline AAA Battery – 166hrs. NiMH Rechargable Battery – 150hrs....
  • 🏆 |Lightweight & Durable|: The V-Mic D3 is the workhorse on-camera microphone you've always wanted. Built with a lightweight uni-body aluminium...

Last update on 2024-03-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Deity V-Mic D3 is a microphone with a very long cable that allows the user to stretch the microphone up to almost six feet. It is highly flexible and can be mounted on most DSLR cameras or camcorders. It uses an XLR input and has a metal body which makes it durable. This traditional boom microphone can pick up sound as well as produce audio quality similar to that of the one recorded by its built-in microphones. The Deity V-Mic D3 is a good boom microphone for DSLR cameras.

7. Sennheiser MKH 60

Sennheiser Pro Audio Condenser Microphone (MKH 60-1)
  • RF microphone (supercardioid/directional condenser)
  • switchable -10 dB pad, switchable low cut filter (-5 dB @ 100 Hz
  • High sensitivity
  • High directivity throughout the whole frequency range
  • Infra-sonic cut-off filter

Last update on 2024-03-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Sennheiser MKH 60 is the best microphone for DSLR cameras, which is considered as the best boom mic for Canon 5D Mark III, and also for Canon 7D. It has a condenser capsule with a low self-noise level and extended frequency response (20Hz to 20 kHz). It comes with a 4.8mm screw-terminated unbalanced output, as well as an XLR connector, and it can be attached to the camera without requiring any additional accessories. This microphone is highly recommended for DSLR cameras that have XLR inputs and in cases where no other external microphones are required.

FAQs

What is the best type of boom microphone?

The type of microphone that is used on a boom pole is often determined by the application that it’s being used for. If you’re using it for more speech-heavy applications, then a dynamic microphone would be recommended. If you’re using it for instruments or sound effects, then an omnidirectional microphone with a sensitive shock mount and windscreen is recommended. If you’re using it to record vocals then a condenser-type microphone would be recommended. If you’re using it to record a podcast, then a shotgun is recommended. If you need more than one microphone on the boom, then the Universal Boom Mounting Plate is the best choice.

How do I choose a boom mic?

Choose a boom mic that has the fewest moving parts and has as short of a cable length as possible. If you’re planning on setting up the microphone fairly close to the sound source, then choose a boom mic that can handle the amount of wind resistance (or “breathing”) that it would experience. While longer cables are typically more robust, it’s best to know what you’re doing before going too crazy with it.