September 08, 2011
AT875r Review
I recently purchased the Audio-Technica AT875R for my video camera. I use a Panasonic AG-HVX200, which is a great video camera, but the onboard microphones on it are not so great. The upgrade to the AT875R has been well worth the investment. If you are looking for a short, phanton-powered XLR shotgun microphone for your video camera or camcorder, this one is a fantastic buy, because of the sound quality and the price.
The AT875R is designed for video production and broadcast audio. This is the shortest shotgun microphone that Audio-Technica has. It is easy to mount the microphone on a DV or HD camcorder, and since it is quite small, it doesn't add so much extra weight. It is the perfect XLR shotgun microphone for smaller video cameras.
This microphone offers a narrow acceptance angle of line + gradient design. It also features smooth, natural-sounding on-axis audio quality and excellent off-axis rejection of sound arriving from the sides and rear of mic.
I find it works very well for capturing good quality sound in front of the camera, while minimizing the sounds from the side and behind the camera.
The sounds quality is in my opinion stellar. It is clear and crisp, and I do not think you can get better sound quality for a microphone in this price range. In fact, most microphones costing more than twice the price don't sound any better.
Features
- Designed for video production and broadcast (ENG/EFP) audio acquisition
- Extremely short length (under 7") 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
- Operates on phantom power only
- RoHS compliant-free from all substances specified in the EU directive on hazardous substances
Summary
My take - the AT875R is the perfect camcorder mounted short shotgun. It's small, inexpensive and the ideal candidate for on-camera use. After adding this microphone to my video camera, the improvement in sound quality for my video work is truly remarkable.
Support What I do
Please support my family by buying from these companies. Get the Audio-Technica AT875 Short Condenser Shotgun Microphone Kit from B&H Photo Video. Or the AT875R from Amazon.
Buy the AT875R from Amazon
By Robert Renman - www.dolphinstreet.com
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