Audio-Technica Audio Technica ATR-55 Camcorder Condenser Shotgun Microphone

Great step up from built-in mic on consumer camcorders

Strengths: better isolation from tape mechanism, uni-directional

Weaknesses: no battery light, weak/flimsy mounts

Summary: I studied video production, and have a background in audio.

This microphone fit exactly what I needed it for: a step up from the built-in microphone on my consumer-level camcorder.

Built-in mic = bad, because: it is very near the tape-mechanism of the camcorder, so that's a lot of extra noise; its pretty much "omni-directional" meaning all sound, no matter where it is relative to the lens, is recorded pretty loudly.

The ATR-55, mounted on the top of a camcorder: is further from the tape-mechanism, so there's less noise; is uni-directional, so the sound in front (or wherever the mic is pointed) is recorded louder than sound behind it.

The bigger "weakness" is that the mounts broke within a few weeks, but when I emailed Audio-Technica, they sent me replacements right away (free).

100% of People (8/8) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?

  Report this as inappropriate.

 There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.

ATR55 Review

Strengths: Powerful pickup of sound, Unidirectional helps in reducing ambient noise, clear sound when doing interviews, overall value for the money

Weaknesses: Wish length is smallar to camcorder size, Wish it had a Mono to Stereo Adaptor and a case for the Mic as the foam windscreen tend to get compressed while travelling. No light to indicate Battery Charge

Summary: Went for the ATR55 Mic after reading medium to poor reviews for ATR25. Purchased a Mono to Stereo 3.5 mm plug adaptor from Radioshack, to avoid hearing only in the left channel on the TV or do the painful remixing in the Computer. Used the Mic with Canon ZR500 Camcorder in hand holding position. Yet to buy a L flash bracket adaptor. Took the Mic to Memorial day reenactment, and the sound was a big plus point. It added life to the film, as I could feel that I am being part of the act(Canon and Rifle fires were pretty good). Since the angle of receiving by the Mic is less, its better to use a headphone while filming, to make sure the Mic is pointed at the right direction. It helps in eliminating the pathetic motor noise found in Canon ZR line camcorders. Overall I think its a good creative tool investment and I dont regret it.

89% of People (8/9) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?

  Report this as inappropriate.

 There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.

Worth Buying

Strengths: Good sound at wide angle

Weaknesses: Lots of noise at telephoto setting.

Summary: Used it to record a school play roughly 50 feet from the stage. Blocked out the audience noise around me and reduced the echo off the cinderblock wall immediately behind me. The sound on the videotape was 100% better than without the camcorder mic only.

79% of People (11/14) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?

  Report this as inappropriate.

 There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.

The microphone is of reasonable size, good quality ...

Strengths: low noise, good directionality, good sound, impressive side lobe cancelling

Weaknesses: none that I have noticed

Summary: The microphone is of reasonable size, good quality and the performance is quite good for the money. It does exactly what I need and works well at a distance of about 30 feet from the stage.

76% of People (25/33) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?

  Report this as inappropriate.

 There are 3 comments for this review. Read all comments. Post a comment.

• I just purchased the same microphone, but when I use it, both in ...
• What you're probably hearing is motor noise from your tape mechan...