Audio Technica ATR 55 Condenser Shotgun Microphone
The Audio-Technica ATR 55 Uni-Directional Condenser Shotgun Mic is designed especially for use with video cameras. The ATR 55 provides 2 range settings: Normal, for close- to medium-distance recording, and Tele for long-distance pickup. Comes with an attached 3 Feet cable with 1/8-Inch mini plug. A camera-mount, pistol-grip, stand clamp, foam windscreen, battery, and 1/4-Inch phone plug adapter come with the Audio-Technica ATR 55. Requires phantom power.
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars Non technical review of the Audio Technica ATR55 Shotgun Microphone by Jules Oille
Non technical review of the Audio Technica ATR55 Shotgun Microphone
by Jules Oille
Test conducted with Canon HG10 Camera
Conditions:
From my porch where traffic can be heard, you can hear the evening rush hour. At arms length, I held the HG10 Canon Camera from my face and spoke:
a) Without a microphone (only the HG10′s onboard microphone);
b) With the ATR55 microphone in normal mode and the wind filter; and
c) With the ATR55 microphone in tele-mode and the wind filter.
This is what I heard:
a) Without a microphone (only the HG10′s onboard microphone).
Lots of noise. If this was a movie, you’d hear wind and everything else. In a word, the sound is crap.
b) With the ATR55 microphone in normal mode and the wind filter.
Ambient noise is gone. I hear my voice but it is faint. I suppose indoor it is better. Considering I am only at arms length of the ATR55 I would have liked better sound reception, as such I am slightly disappointed.
c) With the ATR55 microphone in tele-mode and the wind filter.
My voice is clear and the ambient sound is gone. I am impressed by the audio quality. I am confident that I can use this microphone for general use for my hobby movies.
Overview
If you’re going to invest in a relatively good consumer camera with a microphone port, such as a Canon, spend a few more bucks and get a shotgun microphone. The ATR55 refurbished is about $40 and it makes a decent entry point. I’m glad I made this purchase.
5 Stars sounds good
It haves a great sound and I recommend it, its the best you can find for this price.
1 Star Mono Mic
I have a Sony VX2000, my internal MIC does a better job picking up sound than this piece does. A complete waste of $50 bucks, and its incredibly noisy and it records only in MONO. Would not recommend. I’m sure your internal MIC would be better than this MIC.
5 Stars Audio Technica ATR-55 Condenser Shotgun Microphone
The packaging for the product was great. Kept it very safe during shipping. The product also works great when you use it correctly. With it’s two modes it works for almost any situation that I’ve used it in.
4 Stars Great Value
This is by no means a high quality shotgun mic,
but it is fantastic for the price!
Well built consumer item.
I used it on my Sony VX2100 and it did the job great!
