Thanks to Alex for sending this in. I'm sure we've all seen this cheap Shotgun microphone before, but there wasn't much information about it's performance. For around $35.00 dollars shipped, this video test shows that the HTDZ HT-81 Shotgun microphone is still better than using your onboard camera microphone. The microphone states it can also accept Phantom power. There seems to be some issues with a clicking noise during the setup with Phantom power, but no indication if it was 24v or 48v that was used. I'm guessing there should be more tests in this area, but on it's own 1.5v battery source, it performed well for a $35 dollar shotgun. Although it shows good quality sound, there's also no test of how tight the pattern is and what type of noise it can eliminate. It would be good to see this in use outdoors next to a busy highway or something. Here's the link to where you can grab the HTDZ HT-81 Shotgun Microphone for approx. $35 dollars shipped.
[update] There's some confusion going on with these Shotgun Microphones. After a bit of digging around, these Shotgun microphones can go under different names, but the listings show pretty much the exact same specificiations and images.You might find them being pushed as the professional 'HTDZ' series. There are two different lengths, one close to 15" and the other close to 11", but appears to have the same audio qualities. Perhaps the longer one has a longer pickup, not sure.
Here's the generic links to the 15" Shotgun Microphone Listings and 11" Shotgun Microphone Listings
which appears to be the same as the HTDZ series being shown in the video above.
Above: 15" Shotgun Microphone click image to find
Above: 11" Shotgun Microphones click image to find
Tony
Can you use this by just plugging it into a computer?
Andrew Mooers
Thanks for the view. Looking for a shot gun mic for new camera and this was very helpful in steering what to do! Thank you again!
Steve Armourae
My HTDZ 81 is better than many more expensive shotguns. Fantastic value for the price. I intend to use 2 to the mixer to give a more 3d sound
Jeremy boulerice
k this mic sucks balls i got it it started malfunctioning then it just broke.
Peter
Wow, thanks that sounds like crap I won't by buying one of those.
garen
There's apparently a new version now called HT-81a (notice the "a"), and it has different specs, apparently it's an improved version, but it costs twice (£50) as much as the original HT-81 (£25).
Has anyone used this new HT-81a ? Any reviews? Any advices? Is it worth the extra cash?
Elliot
Should I get short or long? Short is 2 bucks cheaper... IDK
do you know the difference?
Alan
Whats with the clicking sound which appears with external 48V phantom-power. I found several user comments with that problem.
PM
I suppose there is no version of a 'cheap shotgun mic' that comes with a battery level indicator is there? I guess the cheapest option with that in mind would be the rode videomic?
Jamal T.
hey Joey T., where did you get your HT-81 from?
Joey T.
Wow, I am thoroughly impressed. I just received the one labeled as an HT-81, and man, it's seems like a vast improvement over the over the ATR-55 (which is more expensive, god knows why). The directionality is really quite good, and the signal to noise ratio is much better. Best of all, it sounds great with dialogue! Very natural, very smooth, and thankfully low noise! I'm am ecstatic about this mic--Only $37!
Joey T.
Just ordered two of these; One labeled as a HT-81, and the other one just a generic that looked identical. I'll report back here and elsewhere a bit later...(yes I know how old this post is)
terry
Hey Emm! I bought this microphone a while ago. It works pretty well. I went to Radio Shack and got the mono to stereo adapter, then I got the 3.5 to 1/4 step down and I get stereo sound and no ACG hiss. Not bad at all for $25 dollars! I have it mounted on my DIY Cheesycam fig rig.
Emm
Post authorIs it connected directly to a DSLR? DSLR's will have AGC 'automatic gain control' that causes the noise. Unless you have a 5D Mark II + new firmware, which is why we use portable audio recorders.
Melvin
Hi,
I just received my HT-81 mic today but I cant seem to record anything because there is the hissing sound. Can anyone help me with that? Any idea if its the battery problem and what type of battery should I even be using?
Vítor
In theory, yes ...
The microphone comes with a cable with XLR female connector and a mini jack, that you connect to your computer and record it with a software...
Pingback:
3.5mm Mono To Stereo for Audio-Technica LAV Zoom Recorder » CheesyCam
Ton
Somebody help me.
This mic can be used with notebook?
Record on computer?
Motegi
I bought the same mic after this video review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYdjxvNK6fM
Other than the wind noise (needs a wind cover) it seemed to work well at a distance.
Vitor
I have no bought the same microphone...
In the video is this:
HTDZ HT-81 Super Electret Condenser Microphone Mic
And mine is this:
HTDZ HT-320A Super Electret Condenser Microphone Mic
It´s seems the same microphone but mine is more short...
flenoir
Hi,
Does anayone have tried the EC-330 Professional DV Stereo microphone sold by the same reseller.
it looks like a good alternative to the famous rode videomic
thanks
Julius Cardines
I see one for 25$ shipped? Would it be pretty safe to say this is the same one featured in the video?
Vitor
I bought this microphone in 2008 (or 2007... I don't remember) to use in my old Canon HG20 and works great...
Now in the 7D, it's better than the microphone of the 7D...
Emm
Post authorIt may be best used on a boom pole off camera. For on camera, the Sennheiser MKE-400 or Rode VideoMic would work great.
zic.ahmad
this mic seems very long..is it suitable to mount it on the 5D mark II?
Alex
Nice, thats what I call quick response! 😀
Check your mail again, I got another tip for you 😉
- Alex