Shotgun Microphone Research – My Top Picks
- Ben Hardie
- Aug 12
- 2 min read
Working with The Wiggles over the years has meant spending a lot of time around cameras, lights, and of course, microphones. Recently, their production team asked me to help choose a new shotgun mic for filming, so I did some research to see what’s out there right now.
As I started comparing options, I thought it might be useful to share what I found here. Whether you’re filming interviews, creating YouTube videos, or working on a production set, a good shotgun mic can make a huge difference to your sound.
The mics I looked at were:
After watching reviews and listening closely to how each performed, the Sennheiser MKH 416 stood out as my number one pick. It just had that clear, full, professional sound you hear in a lot of TV and film work.
My Shortlist
Industry standard for a reason. Beautiful clarity, strong background noise rejection, and a sound that works in so many situations. If you want something that’s trusted by pros all over the world, this is the one.
2. RØDE NTG3
This one comes close to the MKH 416’s sound but at a friendlier price. It still has that warm, full tone and would be a fantastic option if you want something professional without going all the way to the top of the budget range.
3. Rycote HC-22
The surprise in the mix for me was the Rycote HC-22. I watched this review and was impressed. Not only does it sound great, but it’s also a beautiful microphone to look at. The case it comes in is one of the nicest I’ve seen — a sleek design with a magnetised lid that just makes it feel premium before you’ve even plugged it in.
If you want to see a direct comparison between the RØDE, Sennheiser, and Rycote models, this video is well worth a watch: Shotgun Mic Comparison.
Final Thoughts
While my top choice for The Wiggles’ production team is the Sennheiser MKH 416, the RØDE NTG3 and Rycote HC-22 are both strong contenders depending on budget and style preferences.
If you’re in the market for a shotgun mic, I’d say watch a few reviews, have a listen for yourself, and think about where you’ll be using it most. The right mic can make all the difference to the quality of your audio, and it’s an investment that will last for years.
Additional links if you're interested
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