10 Best Long Distance Microphones Reviewed For 2021
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If you are performing on a huge stage, then you will certainly need a long-distance microphone.
When discussing coordinated amplifiers, normally we have the main priority sound sources outdoors, and there are no resonation impacts with this.
So the main factor is the separation of the sound source object from the receiver.
Alongside the separation, the sound force drops fundamentally, and in longer ranges, it meddles with different sounds like windy sounds and other sounds in the environment.
At the point where the separation is about 100 m, sound weight drops more than 40 dB when compared to a separation equivalent to 1 m.
Sound level at 20 dB is not exactly another natural commotion, and numerous standard amplifiers are not touchy enough for such a solid level.
Hence, why you need a long-distance microphone!
Table of Contents
IN A HURRY? HERE’S OUR FAVORITE PICKS…
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Sound Shark Long-Range Microphone - Premium Kit | View on Amazon | ||
 | Audio-Technica AT875R Line/Gradient Shotgun Condenser Microphone | $239.00 $169.00 | View on Amazon | |
| | Audio-Technica AT875R Line/Gradient Shotgun Condenser Microphone | $239.00 $169.00 | View on Amazon |
Last update on 2021-05-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10 Best Long Distance Microphones Reviewed
Now, let’s check out our top ten products!
1. Sound shark Microphone
- The Sound Shark provides a great alternative to shotgun microphones. (Because of the feedback caused by it's high...
- The Sound Shark can capture audio from 30 feet, or more, compared to 3 to 5 feet for a typical shotgun mic.
- Record a speaker from up to 6 feet as if they were wearing a lapel mic.
- Reject more peripheral sound than a shotgun microphone, and record outdoors with much less wind noise
- A high quality omni-directional lapel mic with 3.5mm TRS connector is included in this kit (requires plug-in...
Last update on 2021-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a parabolic dish that allows you to attach a microphone to it, it amplifies the sounds and narrows the pickup pattern of the sound.
It’s able to capture any sound despite the conditions of the area be it windy, stormy, or rainy, and even on calm days.
The shape of the disk enables it to prevent windy noises and any type of unnecessary noise in the background.
It turns one’s omnidirectional microphone into a long-range microphone, enabling it to be effective in capturing sounds from 30 degrees to 50 degrees.
It has a similar technology design to the television which can capture sounds from different spots.
It’s designed to focus more on the original sound and reject the sounds coming from the back and the sides.
It has a custom accessory bracelet that allows flash show accessories like the LED lights, which are to be mounted to the base of the parabolic collector.
However, it’s small enough to be mounted directly on a video camera and light stand tripod.
It’s flexible, durable, and allows the videographers to record long-range videos during weddings without having to disturb the ceremony.
The bride and the groom don’t need microphones when giving out the vows since its able to capture their voices without them using any mic.
Moreover, during events, the videographers can capture long-range voices without any background noise.
One of SoundShark’s greatest advantages is its odd arch which encompasses the mic, the shield removes the commotion behind you and gets more solid from the subject and fewer foundation clamors.
The SoundShark works admirably well at catching sounds (and the sound that you need) – it’s a splendid microphone.
Pros & Benefits:
- Long-range pickup
- Wind resistant
- Flexible and durable
- Highly compatible
- Eliminates background noises
- Risk-free
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2. Technica AT875R
- Designed for video production and broadcast (ENG/EFP) audio acquisition
- Extremely short length (under 7 inch ) ideal for use with compact digital cameras
- Provides the narrow acceptance angle desirable for long distance sound pickup
- Excellent sound rejection from the sides and rear of mic
- Tailored response minimizes camera and handling noise
Last update on 2021-05-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Technica 875R is a short microphone of about 7 inches long with a small diameter.
It’s a compact model that has a good directional characteristic with an effective rejective sound that starts from a 60-degree angle.
This type of model works best for an on-camera solution and it can be used with a tripod stand or a boom pole.
It’s one of the most affordable compact microphones, for its price, it has an outstanding sound quality and I can recommend it to anyone interested in a good long-distance microphone.
If perhaps you’re on a tight budget and you badly want to buy a microphone, then this is the best fit for you.
Its dynamic range helps it produce one of the richest sounds with perfect clarity, its frequency pattern is well balanced with a slightly debated high-end bulging at a rate of 5 kHz, which results in a warmer presence.
Therefore, all the vocals that are recorded using this microphone come out naturally and undistorted.
It has a fixed 12 dB locative roll from about 120 Hz and below, with this, it helps to eliminate low-frequency noises that are common for all directional microphones.
These microphones sound pretty much like a professional device that doesn’t produce any audible hisses whatsoever, since it’s designed to prevent surrounding noises.
It’s a short model affordable microphone that still offers a well and decent quality build.
It has a very solid feel which is simplified compared to the professional model, and its strong build helps it to withstand any type of harm, thus it’s durable.
This type of microphone uses an XLR output and it requires phantom power, this means that it cannot be plugged into the camera.
However, you can plug it in a microphone preamp, zoom, or even a similar recorder that can power up the device.
Its packaging includes a standard foam windscreen that does an excellent job, even though it looks way cheaper.
If you’re filming outside more often or frequently and you’d like to have windscreen protection, then you should get a Micover windscreen.
The package also comes with a stand clamp and a mounting adaptor for placement on the ⅜-16 threaded stands.
If you’re using the XLR for the first time then you’ll have to buy the wire separately, you might need to check up the Mogami wire.
Pros Benefits:
- Has a favorable fantastic price
- Excellent quality for the buck
- Good directional characteristics
- Compact build and sturdiness
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3. Rode NTG2
- Designed for video production and broadcast (ENG/EFP) audio acquisition
- Extremely short length (under 7 inch ) ideal for use with compact digital cameras
- Provides the narrow acceptance angle desirable for long distance sound pickup
- Excellent sound rejection from the sides and rear of mic
- Tailored response minimizes camera and handling noise
Last update on 2021-05-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a shotgun short-range microphone that produces an accurate sound, and also provides a superb amount of background sound rejection.
It’s a lightweight microphone but it still offers a solid look and touch, moreover, despite all these, it’s one of the most high-quality workpieces ever.
NTG2 is one of the most popular microphone models today due to its remarkable overall quality and its affordable price.
It has the narrowest pickup pattern among the short shotguns family and therefore, it offers an extended working range.
Rode NTG2 has a very smooth and almost ideal frequency pattern.
It produces sounds that are of high-quality, accurate, and with minimum coloration.
The sounds produced are relatively rich and it’s so sensitive that it has the ability to capture every slightest detail in its range.
This type of microphone barely encounters any issues with environmental change, and the option for a roll-off also helps reduce the low-frequency noises.
Although, it would be better if the roll-off was a bit aggressive.
The maximum SPL of the microphone is a bit high since it ranges at -131 dB at 1% THD, this makes it more usable in a very noisy and loud environment, where one is required to shout for them to be heard.
Its noise figures are pretty much average (18 dB-A weighted self-noise), but for a microphone going at this price rate, it’s magnificent and understandable.
It also reduces the popping and sibilance sound – NTG2 keeps all the nuisance down to the minimum.
Its design is pleasant, durable, and the company offers a 10-year warranty for the microphone.
While using the NTG2 for the first time, it might be a bit difficult for you to find the roll-off switch which is located below the surface, so for you to switch it on, it would require tiny thin-like stuff like a jewelry screwdriver.
It has a super-cardioid polar pattern, and it uses a condenser-type capsule that converts sound waves to electrical signals.
Pros & Benefits:
- It has great accuracy
- A pretty natural sound
- Has a narrower pickup pattern
- Excellent quality for the price
- Durable and lightweight
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4. Rode NTG1
- Broadcast sound quality
- Low noise circuitry; low handling noise
- Condenser transducer
- Rugged metal construction
Last update on 2021-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is an affordable and budget-friendly shotgun condenser microphone that offers the best audio quality.
Rode NTG1 handles any unnecessary noise, and it’s available at a considerably low price yet, it still offers an outstanding audio output quality.
The Rode NTG1 has a very rugged and audible metal design, this enables it to endure any misuse and mismanagement for a long time.
It has a weight of 105 grams which makes it an easy and confident item to handle.
Its specifications include a low noise circuit, super-cardioid polar pattern, and a rugged metal design.
It induces the microphone clip wind shield and zip case, however, it broadcasts sound quality, and has a 10-year warranty if you register your microphone.
It has a frequency response range of 20 Hertz to 20 kHz, this makes it able to capture bass sounds quite well.
You shouldn’t worry about the low-frequency noise since it’s equipped with a switchable 80 Hertz high pass filter.
The high pass filter helps to attenuate the lower frequencies, this reduces the low-frequency noises like the wind or breath sounds and also, any mechanical vibrations from handling.
It’s considered a vintage model mic which is used in many casual affairs and probably professional purposes as well.
This microphone doesn’t have an XLR cable, so you’ll have to buy one if you don’t have any.
You’ll also need an H4n’s 48 volts phantom power for the microphone to operate, however, it can also use the AA battery to provide its power.
Pros & Benefits:
- Great at eliminating windy noise
- Way better at staying where you want it
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5. Sennheiser MKH416
- 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 is a professional microphone, it’s a renowned industry-standard mic for filmmaking, voiceovers, documentation, and television.
It mainly uses a condenser that has an externally polarized high-quality capsule that can easily tolerate severe conditions very well.
It features a fantastic rich and natural clean tone or voice, and this requires a little or fewer postproduction effects on it.
The total amount of rejection produced is not too tight, and it has a perfect sweet spot for voice-overs therefore, it’s a multifunctional mic as well.
I will not be wrong when I say that the sound produced by this microphone is epic, moreover, its frequency pattern has been tailor-made with precision.
Its midrange is flat or silent since it has a very natural sound that can be compared to even beats of a non-shotgun microphone, so long as the user remains in the sweet spot.
It doesn’t make a lot of off-axis since that’s what the microphone is trying to reject.
The sound produced by this microphone is very clean throughout the specter, especially at the rich low end that it offers – it’s just amazing.
However, the highs are noticeably brightened, there is a lot of air and openness around the microphone which gives it a virtual zero direction.
It’s very sensitive and it barely needs much gain, moreover, it’s also very rare for you to hear any static or noise unless you are in a completely soundproof room.
It rejects a reasonable amount of extraneous sound, but this shouldn’t make you think that it offers a tighter pattern.
Its pattern is more compared to the hyper-cardioid microphone which is commonly used for micing indoors.
It best suits the voice-overs, unlike all the other shotguns hence, it has a double purpose namely, indoor voiceovers and outdoor recordings.
This microphone is relatively compact, it’s 250 mm in length and 19 mm diameter, plus it weighs 175 grams.
Pros & Benefits:
- The price tag is well deserved
- Very solid and durable
- Industry-standard
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6. Neumann KMR82i
- Interference tube microphone with shotgun directional characteristic
- Interference/pressure-gradient transducer
- High lateral and back attenuation
- 45°-recording angle
- Switchable filter or preattenuation features
Last update on 2021-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The KMR 82i is a type of microphone that is used to record voices that can be captured over long distances.
This type of microphone has an advantage over other microphones because it doesn’t change the tonal balance of the sound source during movements.
Kmr is a 250 g shotgun microphone which is very useful when it isn’t required to be positioned close to the sound source.
They are used on stage during presentations or during broadcasting and thus, aren’t required to be visible.
Its low power consumption and less sensitivity to wind and handling noise make it a perfect match for on-location work.
It’s an interference tube microphone with shotgun directional characteristics, it also has an interference/pressure-gradient transducer with high lateral and back attenuation.
It has a recording angle of 45 degrees, a switchable filter or pre-attenuation features, and extensive accessories for outdoor use.
Neumann shotguns use a transducer in conjunction with a pressure gradient transducer.
The basic principle is that, if the wavelength of the frequency is longer than the length of the tube, then the microphone will work as a pressure gradient transducer.
At a larger frequency, it acts as an interference sound transducer.
Compared to other microphones with a similar directivity, the KMR 82 has a very good response for impulse and a considerably high level of output.
Similarly, it features extremely low self-noise and it’s less sensitive to pop noise and wind as well.
On polar patterns, the microphone device is placed inside an acoustically open tube that specifically houses it but has a high flow resistance.
Besides, it has a lobe shape pattern with a pick-up angle of 45° hence, aiding in tonal balance determination of the respective audio material.
The KMR handling is generally easy without any whiplash effect due to its well-balanced center of gravity, which is coupled with its small dimension.
Its low wind sensitivity and organized noise handling make it the perfect tool for gathering news.
Pros & Benefits:
- Double purpose: video making and voiceovers
- Fantastic and very clean sound quality
- Natural tone and robust richness
- The price tag is well deserved
- Very solid and durable
- Industry-standard
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7. Rode Videomic Pro+
- A true shotgun microphone designed for camcorders, DSLR cameras and portable audio recorders as primary and...
- The 1/2" condenser capsule provides broadcast-quality audio via a 3.5mm connector with an incredibly low self-noise...
- The Rycote Lyre based shock mounting system provides isolation from external factors that may cause unwanted rumble...
Last update on 2021-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Rode VideoMic Pro Plus is an upgraded adaptation of the VideoMic Pro, and the primary distinction is the size.
VideoMic Pro+ is impressively greater and weightier than its competitor, and even though the specs may be comparable generally, the Pro Plus offers a generous distinction with regards to directionality.
VideoMic Pro+ rejects foundation commotion substantially more forcefully while zeroing in on what’s in front.
This redesign doesn’t come without any financial commitment, the Pro Plus is more expensive than the VideoMic Pro but it’s totally worth it.
Since not every person knows about the previous model, I will repeat its highlights and draw out into the open a lot of little enhancements.
Rode VideoMic Pro+ offers a low self-clamor of 14 dBA, which assists with decreasing the murmur when utilized in a tranquil setting, or when not positioned close enough toward the subject.
Moreover, it has a functioning enhancer circuit, which permits the delivered electrical signal to be boosted by as much as 20 dB or x10 when estimated in volts.
But for what reason is this significant?
Indeed, the short answer is that it’s a DSLR mic, and when utilized with camera preamps, this can bring about superior sound quality.
This mic has a two-stage high pass channel level, 75 Hz, and 150 Hz move off, which is a helpful element.
Without the low pass, the mic could over-burden if you accidentally blow in it, additionally, it can sift through low recurrence thunder, vibration, and different pointless commotion.
One intriguing component of this mic is that it naturally controls when your camera is fueled on.
It recognizes the greater part of the cameras yet not every one of them, so in some cases, you may need to control it physically.
All the mic controls are additionally advanced and they recall their state upon power cycling the gadget, moreover, the quality also changes based on the lighting.
It utilizes a separable 3.5 mm TRS-TRS link, which is obviously in a way that is better than the non-separable link on the non-Plus form.
Not just because you can undoubtedly discover a substitution, but you can now likewise plug a more drawn-out link and use it with a blast, much the same as you would with a full-size shotgun without playing with expansions.
Very few would have considered utilizing a DSLR mic like that yet, this really works and viably, especially if you need to catch a more extensive shot while keeping the sound clean.
Meetings could be a genuine model, or essentially if you can’t draw near enough, you can zoom in a piece and expand your blast forward.
This microphone produces a clean sound with a very little self-noise of 14 dBA.
It has a very high dynamic range of about 120 dB and a speed range of 134 dBA maximum SPL.
Pros & Benefits:
- High gain, high-quality sound
- Rechargeable, replaceable batteries
- Has a highly directional pickup pattern
- Low self-noise (14 dBA)
- High dynamic range
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8. Sennheiser MKE 600
- Pronounced directivity
- Maximal rejection of side noise
- Switchable "Low Cut" filter minimizes wind noise
- LyxPro Professional Boom Pole with Internal coiled XLR cable makes it faster and easier to set up and use
- Ideal for field recording, ENG, EFP, video production, TV and film applications
Last update on 2021-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sennheiser MKE 600 is an awesome quality 10″ short-range shotgun.
Albeit considered a section model, which is accessible at a rather unobtrusive value, it has a pretty much good performance!
It might seem humble, however, it’s positively more advantageous than both AT897 and Rode NTG2.
It likewise performs incredibly well in both the close and open territories without depending on post EQ.
It appears Sennheiser took the best of both mics for their MKE 600 and afterward, improved it significantly further.
The frequency pattern of this microphone is epic, it’s reasonably flat and its upper range has a 2-3 dB which gives it enough space not to sound dull.
Sennheiser MKE 600 is very small and lightweight, so besides blasting, it goes even well with DSLR cameras.
A stun mount goes with the bundle (MZS 600) which additionally makes it suitable for a simple on-camera application, and it doesn’t feel shaky as well.
For blasting, you should get some arachnid stun mount; luckily they are very modest.
The standard windscreen froth is to some degree, horrible, but you are given the choice to add a couple of bucks and get a great shaggy windshield (Auray WSS-2014) – this is a decent move from Sennheiser!
Not at all like Rode who will push you a pointless froth which you will never utilize at any rate, and then, have you spend another amount for their WS6 or an identical windsock.
Likewise dissimilar to NTG-2 and AT897, this shotgun has some all-around planned controls.
You won’t require any pins as you can without much of a stretch, switch it with your fingernails.
It has a basic on/off switch, which assists with bantering while on, unlike the NTG-2 and AT897.
All the little irritations that we’ve had with the NTG-2 and AT897 (both sound and plan nature) are not present in the MKE 600.
Pros & Benefits:
- Fantastic sound quality
- Transparent, natural tone, low noise
- Well-thought-out design with accessible controls
- Good for any situation
- Better windscreen (optional)
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9. Audio Technica AT4053B
- Specially engineered to meet the most critical acoustic requirements of professional recording, broadcast and sound...
- Hypercardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound...
- Direct-coupled, balanced output results in a clean signal even under high-output conditions
- Transformerless circuitry virtually eliminates low-frequency distortion and provides superior correlation of...
- Switchable 80 Hz hi-pass filter and 10 dB pad
Last update on 2021-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Audio Technica AT4053b is another hyper-cardioid mic, usually utilized by videographers indoors.
Hyper-cardioids should have smaller pickup designs than super cardioids.
However, this doesn’t appear to be the case with the AT4053b, which is among the largest pickups in its group and is even outperformed by the super-cardioid MKH 50 from Sennheiser.
It offers heaps of lows that make a rich sound, however, it simply doesn’t sound as spotless and it can get boomy when very close.
The highs are itemized, however, it moves off altogether before the long-off pivot, which scarcely gives it any preferred position over a nice shotgun, except if you are micing various people at once.
AT4053b certainly sounds rich yet not clean, when compared with costly shotguns – this is particularly evident when very close.
The mic has a turn-off switch which helps without a doubt yet, it doesn’t kill the sloppy inclination.
Pros & Benefits:
- Rich and has a natural sound
- Ideal for miking multiple persons
- Not too picky about reflections
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10. Audio Technica AT4073a
- With an overall length of just 9.17” and weight of just 3.5 oz, this microphone adds virtually no heft to the end...
Last update on 2021-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a lightweight shotgun microphone with a condenser capsule and a patented interference tube which provides good directivity.
It’s highly remarkable due to its high sensitivity of 70.8 mV/Pa and low noise of about 14 dB.
It has a switch on it that enables it to pass a high pass filter of about -12 dB or octave at 150 Hertz.
This kind of receiver has a straight on-pivot recurrence reaction, this empowers it to give the greatest rejection of sounds from both the sides and the back of the mouthpiece.
Its uncommon polar lobbing has been diminished, and it has significantly helped in keeping up a high uniform off-pivot reaction.
Pros & Benefits:
- Fairly priced
- Fantastic sound quality
- It’s good for any situation
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Final Thoughts
What we get to see is that for all of these microphones to work great, they’ll all need you to angle them properly.
Some of the microphones cost a whole fortune but it’s for the best.
If you have a great long-distance microphone that offers you a good quality sound despite the distance you’re in, then you should treasure it.
I have discovered that 90% of the microphones here ensure that the wind or background noises are well eliminated.
So before purchasing any type of microphone, always check how far it can be able to collect the sound, its sensitivity, durability, and also compare the prices of its alternatives.
Did you find the perfect microphone yet?
