10 Best Directional Microphones & Their Reviews For 2021
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A directional microphone sometimes helps with voice recording.
Whether you are a Youtuber, filmmaker, or starting a new podcast, sound clarity should be your priority; it’s undeniable that smooth audio can rank up your project and take it to another new level.
If the video quality is terrible but has a good sound quality, you could continue watching; on the flip side, however, it’s hard to continue watching a video with bad sound quality.
Depending on the environment where you record, you can use a microphone that picks up sound from every direction simultaneously or a microphone that is limited to a specific direction.
The quality of metals and materials used in the microphone will significantly affect your sound performance.
Knowing the kind of audio you want to record will definitely help you decide the type of microphone to buy.
The process of trying to choose the best directional microphone for you can be tiring.
Table of Contents
IN A HURRY? HERE’S OUR FAVORITE PICKS…
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | BOYA BY-MM1 Shotgun Video Microphone, Universal Compact On-Camera Mini Recording Mic, Directional... | 1,762 Reviews | $32.95 $29.95 | View on Amazon |
 | Blue Yeti USB Mic for Recording & Streaming on PC and Mac, 3 Condenser Capsules, 4 Pickup... | $129.99 $109.74 | View on Amazon | |
 | Canon Directional Microphone DM-E1 (Black) | $239.00 | View on Amazon |
Last update on 2021-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10 Best Directional Microphones Reviewed
Let’s take a look at our top ten products.
1. BOYA BY-MM1 Shotgun
- Fits for smartphone, DSLR camera camcorder and recorder. With 2 cable, one is TRRS; one is TRS Cable.
- No battery required-dud not need the battery, Just use it directly with your smartphones or DSLR cameras.
- Compact and light Weight----Only 86G/0. 19lb, with a portable leather case, you can take it anywhere.
- Frequency Response：35-18KHz +/-3dB; sensitivity +/- 1dB/ 0dB=1V/Pa, 1Khz; signal to noise Ratio: 76dB SPL
- Rugged metal construction and anti-shock mount, which can effectively reduce unwanted vibration, cable and handling...
Last update on 2021-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re looking for a portable, small and easy-use microphone, BOYA should be your choice.
Its compact and lightweight design will give you more freedom to move and record in different environments.
It comes with a real plug-and-play design, which means no battery is required to operate the microphone.
It’s basically made of aluminum and comes with a carrying bag, a shock mount, and a furry windshield which will provide the microphone with extra protection.
Mainly designed to suit your needs as a Youtuber, it improves the sound quality of videos as it comes with a built-in microphone with both TRS cable and TRRS output cable included.
The best thing about it is that you don’t need to worry about the battery dying out because of the plug-and-play design.
The included anti-shock mount will effectively reduce unwanted vibration and cable handling noise.
Shooting a vlog at home, school, market, or even in the jungle won’t be a problem for BOYA, because it will provide you with a great deal of flexibility, and high sound quality when shooting outdoors.
It’s also covered with that fluffy ball that will help you get a clear voice on a windy day.
Still, wondering if you should get BOYA?
Waste no time as this microphone comes at an affordable price that will match your budget.
Pros & Benefits:
- Fit for smartphone, DSLR camera camcorder, and recorder
- No battery required
- Compact and lightweight
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
2. BLUE YETI USB mic
- Custom three-capsule array: produces clear, powerful, broadcast-quality sound for YouTube, game streaming,...
- Four pickup patterns: cardioid, Omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns offer incredible flexibility,...
- Onboard audio controls: studio controls for headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and microphone gain...
- Legendary Blue Broadcast sound: makes the professional difference for recording, streaming and building your...
- Unique position able design: adjust and pivot the microphone in relation to the sound source to optimize your sound...
Last update on 2021-06-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This Blue Yeti microphone can record almost anything you can think of, and from any direction.
It’s unique for the high sound quality it provides, and its plug-and-play simplicity.
You can simply connect it to different devices and start recording immediately.
It’s perfect for those who don’t tend to spend much time looking for a microphone as it’s suitable for podcasting, vlogging, and streaming.
Yeti can record the nuances of speech exceptionally well, leaving little to no requirement for post-production.
It comes in different shiny colors- Cubano Gold, Shadow Grey, Red Onyx, and vivid blue.
It’s both a small and powerful microphone, compact size which is perfect for sitting on your desk and starts recording easily.
With the two pickup-pattern controls directly on the microphone, you are given a chance to record either a single source or multiple sources at once.
It also has a cardioid mode that can record sources that are directly in front of the microphone.
It’s also effective for podcasts with a single host podcaster or a multi-person interview on a podcast.
Pros & Benefits:
- Perfect for vocals, musical instruments, podcasting, voice-overs
- Mute button, gain control, and zero-latency headphone output
- Tri-capsule array
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
3. CANON microphone DM-E1
- Shotgun and Stereo (90 Degree/120 Degree) directional controls can be easily adjusted using the directivity switch...
- Included Wind Screen helps reduce peripheral sound from wind and other outside noise.
- Shock mount construction helps reduce camera operation noise and lens driver sounds.
- Frequency response of 50 Hz to 16 kHz.
- Built-in power supply of a single button-type lithium cell battery.
Last update on 2021-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
When the high-quality sound matters just as much as the visuals, Canon DM-E1 is your choice.
This microphone will take the sound quality of your video to the next level; it offers the versatility to capture the best sounds in different shooting conditions.
It also comes with a 90-120 degree stereo setting, giving you the ability to choose the correct sitting for each occasion, a shotgun set, and an integrated shock mount that will reduce any background or operational noises.
Canon microphone offers you a frequency response range of 50 Hz to 16kHz, giving you the ability to choose even subtle types of sound for more well-rounded audio.
No need to wait, and waste more time, you are ready to start recording once you open the packaging, as it connects via a 3.5 mm jack and is powered by a Cr2032 button-type battery, which comes included.
If you’re filming a video, recording a concert or simply interviewing someone, this Canon DM-E1 pairs perfectly with a Canon EOS digital camera.
Wherever your creativity takes you, this directional microphone is ready to record your masterpiece.
It’s enabled with a powerful check lamp.
The Directional Microphone DM-E1 allows you to easily check if you have enough battery life remaining for your next video.
Pros & Benefits:
- A built-frequency response of 50 Hz to 16 kHz
- A built-in power supply of a single button-type lithium cell battery
- Shock mount construction helps reduce camera operation noise and lens driver sounds
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
4. MOVO-VxR10 PRO External microphone
- PROFESSIONAL GRADE VIDEO MICROPHONE: Records high-quality audio with a variety of onboard controls and headphone...
- UNPARALLELED CLARITY: Highly accurate supercardioid delivers crisper audio than your standard directional...
- 1-YEAR WARRANTY: We’ve got your back! Our products are designed to ease your technical woes, not add to them. Our...
- BATTERY-FREE DESIGN: Microphone draws power directly from your phone or camera. Compatible with any recording...
- INCLUDES: Shotgun Microphone, Rycote Lyre Shockmount, Windscreens, Carrying Case, 3.5mm to TRS adapter, and 3.5mm...
Last update on 2021-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This universal microphone is lightweight and is available at a very affordable price.
It’s designed to improve the audio recorded via a camera’s built-in mic.
Comes with a windshield that is great for cutting out any unwanted sounds of strong wind.
It makes a good deal with onboard controls and headphone monitoring capability, which makes it compatible with any device you use and works great with your phone or camera.
The durable aluminum construction and battery-free design include a sturdy integrated shock mount to minimize handling noise.
You won’t believe how useful, and handy it goes as it works with iPhones, androids, cameras, camcorders, audio recorders, tablets, and laptops.
This product’s got your back as with the one-year warranty, it’s specially designed to ease your technical woes, not add to them.
Pros & Benefits:
- Battery-free design
- Professional grade of recording high-quality sounds
- Includes carrying case, shock mount, and windscreens
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
5. BLUE SNOWBALL microphone
- Transducer type: Condenser, pressure gradient with USB digital output
- Polar patterns: Omni directional or cardioid
- Frequency response: Position 1-3: 40-18kHz
- Sample/Word rate: 44.1kHz/16-bit
- Weight: 460 gram; Dimensions: 325 millimeter (circumference); Gloss black finish
Last update on 2021-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Blue has built a well-known and respected name in the world of microphones, and for a good reason as its offerings vary from entry-level to professional.
It’s recommended for people just getting into streaming, podcasting, or recording a voice-over for video as the mic is well-made and excellent for capturing accurate, natural sounds.
It’s also a very affordable option from a company known for its high-quality pro-level mics.
The snowball is a very basic microphone that offers three selectable patterns for sound capture, with a simple 3-position slider on the back that changes the snowball to either cardioid, Omni, or cardioid with a 10-DB pad.
The Blue Snowball mic employs a unique style and is available in black or white.
The orb-shaped snowball has a plastic cover that exposes a metallic grille at the front of the mic next to the blue logo, and also on the opposite end.
A status LED is designed to be at the top front face; it lights up when the USB cable connects to both the mic and the recording source.
The Snowball Ice is compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10, and Mac OS 10.4.11 and higher, and requires USB 1.1/2.0 (or newer) and 64MB of RAM.
The sturdy metal construction also tells you how much Blue cares about the quality of the product, and it’s easily detachable for storage and transport.
The mic also delivers solid audio from a distance of about five to six inches, but with the vocalist slightly off-axis.
Pros & Benefits:
- No drivers needed to be installed because it’s easy plug-and-play directly to your Mac or PC
- Makes crystal clear audio to YouTube recordings
- Adds narration to your home movies, record vocals, and creates podcasts
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
6. Audio Technica AT2020 microphone
- Condenser microphone with USB output for digital recording
- High quality A/D converter with 16 bit, 44.1/48 kilohertz sampling rate for superb audio
- Headphone jack with volume control allows you to monitor the microphone signal with no delay
- Mix control allows you to blend your microphone signal and prerecorded audio
- High output, the internal headphone amplifier delivers superior clarity and musical detail as well as more volume...
Last update on 2021-05-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
First of all, the price and quality are great; it contains more steps to get audio to your computer than a simple plug-and-play mic.
It’s great for professionals and those who want crystal clear audio for voice-over and podcasting and not afraid of a little tinkering.
Audio Technica is one of the few microphones that offer good sound quality at an affordable price; it’s considered a workhorse because it has so many strings to its bow.
It has the ability to reproduce all the subtle changes in voice application due to its attention to acoustic details; it’s perfect for recording acoustic guitars and other acoustic instruments as well.
When it comes to design, Technica isn’t only a tough-looking directional microphone but also a nice-professional look.
The pivoting stand mount provides a secure and stable placement of the mic in your position of choice.
No doubt, it’s a well-built microphone.
The audio Technica is built like a tank, tough and comfortable in a way you can use for a studio shouting, various uses aren’t an issue anymore.
The sensitivity of this microphone is at its best; it’s very sensitive to the sound source that is directly near to it and rejecting any sound from behind.
AT 2021 delivers sounds between 20Hz and 20kHz, which will ensure signals are collected from a very wide range.
It’s designed to respond greatly to spoken words, as well as sung, and balanced to pick-up on nuances.
With the gain levels suitably adjusted, it can deal with whisper or death metal screams, but you might need decent pop shields to combat plosive sounds.
Pros & Benefits:
- Specially priced package includes Audio Technica AT2020 with all items as packaged by Audio Technica
- Balanced XLR microphone cable for connecting the microphone to a recording interface or mixer
- Sonic sense one-year extended warranty
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
7. RODE video microphone compact on-camera
- Compact microphone designed to improve the audio quality of your videos - only 80 millimeter (3") long and 42gm...
- No battery required (powered by camera plug-in power - min 3V)
- Includes Rycote lyre shock mount and deluxe furry windshield
- Please note: for new iphones you need to purchase an adapter as iphone requires a 1/8th Jack
Last update on 2021-05-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The covering of this microphone is all metal, and it has a very solid feel, including a suitable long cable which is perfect for plugging into your camera without flopping and rolling over.
Thanks to its powering system that allows you to move freely without attaching any battery, as it’s powered by your camera’s external mic input and doesn’t require a separate battery.
The video mic is compact and won’t add too much extra heft to your camera setup, measuring 0.8 inches (HW) and weighing 3.3 ounces, it’s extremely lightweight and easy to hold
Recordings will be not only crisp, clear, and mostly transparent, but the mic is easy to manipulate given the excellent physical controls.
The shock mount ensures that a moving camera will have stable audio with no mechanical sounds interfering.
This microphone is the perfect companion for vloggers, run and gun filmmakers, travel videographers-who look for a compact, lightweight mic that will elevate their sound significantly above what most cameras deliver.
It’s also a good option for young YouTubers looking for an affordable mic that delivers a more open, less directional sound, due to its cardioid polar pattern(focusing on sound from the front while rejecting sound from the sides)
You will be surprised by the sound quality you’ll get, with the selectable high-pass filter (at 80hz) for reducing rumbling noise.
Supported with the high-pass and gain pad, that will be so handy if you’re shooting outdoors where all the traffic noise would ruin your recording.
They are specially designed to reduce unwanted sounds from your video.
With the RODE mic, you will never be caught out with no batteries, as the mic uses your camera’s plug-in power.
Pros & Benefits:
- Includes Rycote lyre shock mount and a deluxe furry windshield
- No battery required
- Comes in a compact, easy-hold size, and designed to improve the quality of the video
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
8. Shure SM7B Cardioid Microphone
- ONE MICROPHONE FOR EVERYTHING - Studio Recording, Home Recording, Podcasting & Streaming. The SM7B Is Trusted By...
- STUDIO VOCAL RECORDING - The SM7B’s Dynamic Cartridge With Smooth, Flat, Wide-range Frequency Response Produces...
- PODCAST & BROADCAST - Found In The Top Podcasting Studios Around The World, The SM7B Air Suspension Shock Isolation...
- STREAMING CONTENT - Professional Live Streaming Starts With A Microphone Capable Of Capturing Exceptionally Clean...
- PROFESSIONAL XLR CONNECTION - The XLR Connection Along With An Audio Interface Allows You More Control Over The...
Last update on 2021-06-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a high-level microphone; it’s not for those making their first trial into the recording world.
It gives reliable performance and is made of top-grade construction.
Its noise attenuating technology that lends itself to clear recordings makes it beloved by professional musicians.
As the Shure SM7b has optimized its shielding, there’s no electromagnetic hum, and no mechanical noise transmission because of the internal shock mounting it has.
It comes with one of the best pop filters around, it’s highly effective, no matter how close you get to the microphone.
It also comes with an external windscreen; it’s great to use for close-talking into the microphone, without any hissing, lisping or plosive pops.
The Shure SM7B also comes with two cases: an excellent case for the microphone and one for the windscreen.
The connection for this microphone is the standard XLR.
It offers sound quality that’s flawless and crystal clear, that’s why it can be used for podcasting, as well as singing.
Actually, it has been used to record some of the bestselling pop songs in music history, including the inimitable Micheal Jackson’s Thriller.
When getting the Shure SM7B, be sure that you are getting a complete microphone package, with the pop filter and windscreen leaving no need to purchase external components.
It’s ideal to be used in recording setups for recording vocals and instruments due to its incredibly versatile, wide, flat frequency response, and cardioid polar pattern that makes it highly recommended for recording extra sensitive sound levels.
Pros & Benefits:
- The wide-ranged, flat frequency response gives clean, natural reproduction of music and speech
- Effective “air suspension” shock isolation that eliminates mechanical noise transmission
- Great and effective pop filter that reduces the need for any protection against explosive breath sounds
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
9. Sennheiser mkh 416 microphone
- Increased directivity due to interference tube principle
- Rugged, suitable for adverse climatic conditions
- Equivalent noise level weighted as per CCIR 468 3: 24 decibel
- Current consumption: 2 megaAmphere
Last update on 2021-05-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This microphone is a professional’s favorite since its release, especially with the rise of Youtube and podcasts.
It’s perfectly designed for use in film, radio, television, and outside broadcast applications.
When it comes to features and design, the Sennheiser is a compact pressure-gradient microphone with a short interference tube.
Supercardioid\lobe pattern, supplied with the MZW415 windscreen, and featuring high directivity, low self-noise, and feedback rejection, high consonant articulation, the MKH 416 can handle difficult exterior filming and reporting conditions without any difficulty.
The Sennheiser is ideal for voice-overs and this why.
Its ultra-directional means that it picks up audio that is in front of it better at a longer distance than a standard condenser microphone.
It has a hypercardioid pattern that rejects any sound coming from behind it at about 120-degrees.
The 416 is also different from regular microphones in that it uses something called RF biasing rather than the more common DC-biasing.
If you’re reading a script while recording, this mic will sound incredible; the 416 can be a little away from your mouth without catching room sound noise.
Another reason you should pick this microphone is that you can spend less time worrying about the p-pops, as the pop-filter for the plosives included.
The Sennheiser microphone has built its popularity for years, it’s used in every aspect such as film, television, radio, and outside recording activities.
It has also been gaining popularity as a voice-over microphone as it provides high-quality sounds.
The MKH416 is perfectly designed to perform well in outdoors recording, holding all features to give you a flawless record.
Despite its somewhat narrow polar pattern, it offers a good range of recording space.
Rejecting background and unnecessary noise preserves clarity and brightness.
Thanks to its compact design, that makes it easy to set up and use when you’re on the go.
Pros & Benefits:
- Suitable for adverse climatic conditions
- Increased directivity due to the interference tube principle
- Equivalent noise level weighted as per CCIR 468 3: 24 decibel
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
10. RODE NT3GB microphone
- Superior broadcast sound quality
- High Sensitivity
- Super-cardioid polar pattern
- Designed to withstand adverse environmental conditions
- 50% less self-noise than the majority of shotgun microphones
Last update on 2021-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
With the RodeNTG, you can go anywhere; it’s the perfect option when recording in demanding environments where condensation is an issue.
It has RF bias technology and makes it almost completely resistant to moisture, whether you’re shooting indoors or outdoors, the NTG will capture sound clearly every time.
It’s manufactured of solid brass and available in either anti-glare, nickel-plated finish, or matte black, yet it’s still compact-sized and lightweight.
No need to worry about holding heavy equipment along to your shooting location as it weighs just 163 g.
We can tell about the performance using three words, and it can’t be better!
The Rode NTG is so surprising.
High sensitivity allows it to produce a strong output without the need for extreme gain at its preamp.
Changing angles won’t be an issue for NTG; it will provide consistently outstanding performance in terms of the gentle rise at high frequencies and rumble-free audio at low frequencies.
The NTGB does a wonderful job of minimizing any handling noise, thanks to the balanced output.
The microphone utilizes a longer cable run while the low self-noise and highly sensitive condenser element prevent any hissing sounds, which made this microphone ideal for news anchors.
A water-resistant aluminum storage cylinder, pouch, windshield, and mic clip are included with the RODE NTG-3.
The NTG3B can be compatible with a variety of audio recorders, mixer adapters, and field recorders, as well as built-in preamps on many camcorders and cinema cameras, because of its 3-pin XLR output and compliance with 44 to 52 VDC phantom power.
NTG3B has a strong windscreen to reduce unwanted wind noise from breezes, fans, heaters, and air conditioners.
For maximum reduction of handling noise and wind noise in indoor or outdoor environments, consider the Rode Blimp furry windshield and shock-mount suspension system (available separately).
Pros & Benefits:
- No handling-noise
- High level of sensitivity
- Featured for professionals
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve checked this list, hopefully, it’ll be easier for you to make a decision.
When buying a new microphone, you must take into consideration several things.
These include your shooting environment, your recording goals, your device, and your budget.
There are plenty of great options outside that would match your characteristics so choose wisely, and carefully.
If you want a single recommendation, that would be the Blue Yeti microphone.
Remember if you have a clear sound directional microphone, you have an idea spoken loud.
