Audio-Technica BP4029 (AT835ST) Review
Stereo Shotgun Microphone
- For Video, Broadcast & Sound Designers
- Switchable Low-Frequency Roll Off
- M-S Mode and Left/Right Stereo Modes
- Suitable for Camera Mounting
- 5-Pin XLRF Cable to Two XLRM Connectors
- RoHS Compliant
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 16 of 16 Reviews
Good balance of function and form
Audio-Technica BP4029 (AT835ST) - Stereo Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by MS on B&H Photo Video
I use this mic on a Sony A1U HDV camcorder. If you know that camera you know that requires using the XLR set add-on. While this mic doesn't have the very best spec's (signal to noise, dynamic range) compared to other professional camera-mounting mics, the price and size make it a great fit for this camera. Audio Technica has a similarly priced stereo shotgun mic but it is several inches longer. This one already sticks out from the lens a couple inches, so that one, though better on paper via spec's, would be too large to be used practically (esp handheld) on a relatively smaller camcorder like the A1U. There are other mic's from other manufacturers, again, with better spec's but at 2-3 times the price and usually with a larger form factor. While I have not done an A/B against other stereo shotgun mics, the built in mic pre's on the A1U XLR set aren't the most awesome (noisy at higher gain) and HDV only does 320kbps audio anyway, so I think it's well suited. The built in M/S matrix modes are great to have. The are just what they say, narrow and wide stereo. When you have the time and ability to mix the audio later, the discrete M/S mode gives that flexibility as well. I had been looking for something that wasn't too expensive that offered this mixing feature, so it was a nice find. It does not come with a 5-pin to 1/8 stereo plug like some other stereo (more consumer type) mics do. I am not sure if it would run off of 9V mic power on a camcorder (my cam' has this kind of input as well) even if you have the cable. I run 48V phantom power to it from the XLR inputs and it might work only on that. So, you might have to have a truly pro camcorder for this. XLR inputs seem to be a req'd feature to be called pro at least for the B&H and Sony classification. The stereo image is quite god and playback on headphones is very life-like. For example, if your phone rings while recording something and you listen back on headphones, it can fool you and make you think it's ringing while listening to playback. The only drawback I have noticed so far, and I think this is typical of external mic's mounted on camcorders, is that it is quite sensitive so if your program material is on the quiet side, the mic tends to pick up a little bit of the camera mechanical noise (tape heads, etc) and well as any hand held noises, adjustments, etc. On a tripod with a varizoom and louder program/ambient I don't think this would be an issue. Overall a good fit for my camera and needs. ... More
An excellent microphone for video!
Audio-Technica BP4029 (AT835ST) - Stereo Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Michael on B&H Photo Video
I've had this microphone for about two months, and I am extremely happy with it. I am using it primarily with a Canon XA20, but I have also used it with a Sound Devices MixPre-D, and it works great with both. I have used it on-camera at one wedding, and I am very impressed at how well it can pick out a voice from across a big table during a noisey reception yet still produce a pleasing stereo image. I have used it for interviews, both on-camera and overhead, and I feel like the result is better than a lavalier. On my XA20, I have it mounted (with the supplied O-rings) wih the foam windscreen butting against the camera's microphone holder. It seems quite long, but even with the lens zoomed at its widest, it is not in frame. (However, it does cast a shadow when using the infrared light.) Mounted this way, the front of the microphone does tend to droop down slightly in the holder. The microphone's frequency response curve is not exactly flat. The signal is a little weak in the lower frequencies and hot in the higher frequencies. A male voice could use a little EQ. Self-noise is imperceptible, but ambient room noise is more apparent in stereo than it would be with a mono microphone. Note that because this is a stereo microphone, it has a 5-pin XLR connection (most XLR audio connections are 3-pin monaural). A very well-made adapter cable is supplied that splits to two 3-pin XLR. The cable is 24 long, not including the connectors, which is quite excessive for a compact camera like the XA20. ... More
Stereo BUT you get three channels!
Audio-Technica BP4029 (AT835ST) - Stereo Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I have a Rode Video Mic and a Sennheiser ME66 short shotgun mic. The BP4029 (AT835ST) is better than both of these mics put together... and then some. Why? Because it can be a mono short shotgun that is VERY loud and focused for its size (just a little longer than the Rode and much shorter than the ME66/K6). It is also a narrow and wide stereo mic AND it is also an M+S matrixed mic that can be easily separated into three channels (Middle and Left and Right) in post production audio editing software. Even with my handy Zoom H4N I can exploit mono, stereo and M+S recording with ease. M+S Matrixing allows you to balance a crowd in loud room with a single voice or a bird's chirping in a tree beside a babbling brook. If you shot with a DSLR and like to travel light, get this and a Zoom H4N - You'll be VERY happy! ... More
Great stereo microphone
Audio-Technica BP4029 (AT835ST) - Stereo Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I have purchased both the BP4029 and AT835ST stereo microphones and primarily use them for outdoor sports audio mixing environments such as baseball, football, soccer, etc. They also serve me really well for gathering ambient sounds, as I do professional audio recordings for TV and radio companies like NPR and National Geographic. You get 3 stereo modes with these microphones: L/R Narrow, L/R Wide, and M/S mode. They reproduce a really great stereo image, that is easily only found sometimes in mics costing $1500-$2000. I have recorded sources 50 yards away, and they come through very clean. My one complaint: wish the manufacturer would provide a thicker windscreen. Comes with a standard windscreen, that doesn't hold up too well, even in low level wind conditions. You definitely need to buy an additional thicker windscreen, windjammer, or windshield kit. ... More
Brilliant performer for the money
Audio-Technica BP4029 (AT835ST) - Stereo Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Matthew on B&H Photo Video
Given that this mic predates the widespread use of DSLRs for video production, the only thing that could make this better would be an internal battery option, so it did not require phantom power via XLR. But even if youre shooting with a DSLR, youd almost certainly be short-changing your audio quality and S/N ratio by plugging such a high quality mic into a DSLRs terrible mic preamp. I use this with a Sony professional camcorder with dual XLR inputs and phantom power, as well as with a full-frame DSLR--but in that case it is plugged into a Zoom H6 audio recorder. In both of those applications, it performs well. I upgraded from an entry level Audio Technica short shotgun mic, and I waited for years, hesitant to spend more than three times the money just for a microphone. But early indications suggest that I have gotten what I paid for. Side noise rejection and the ability to get really good audio from a subject from a few feet away is vastly improved. Some have complained about the recessed switch and needing specialized tools. A standard paperclip works brilliantly. Problem solved at a cost of zero. Whether using for run-and-gun or proper boom usage, this is an excellent piece of hardware that, while not inexpensive, is still a great value compared to other truly professional caliber offerings. ... More
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One microphone that does the job of three
Audio-Technica BP4029 (AT835ST) - Stereo Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video
The BP4029 is a versatile microphone ideal for documentary makers who want to travel with the minimal kit. I purchased this microphone from B&H back in 2008 and it has become my go-to microphone in most situations because I can use it in three different ways: 1. As a mono shotgun. I configure the microphone to discrete Mid-Side and connect an XLR-5F to XLR-3M adapter cable (to connect the Mid channel only) between the microphone and the boom pole; this way, the rest of the signal chain sees the BOP4029 as a mono microphone. 2. As a stereo shotgun with selectable width. I use the microphone (configured to LR-Wide or LR-Narrow depending on the desired effect) on a boom or pistol grip for recording stereo ambiance or sound effects. 3. As a versatile on-camera microphone yielding mono or stereo as needed. I use the microphone (configured as discrete Mid-Side) on the camera with Mid to Channel 1 and Side to Channel 2 (that's now the microphone is wired). While I'm editing, I'm using channel 1 as the primary dialogue channel. I will only use channel 2 if I want to use the sound of someone talking to the left or right of the camera. If I want to use a portion of stereo ambiance from a camera perspective, I'll use the Voxengo MSED plug-in to convert the discrete MS audio clip to stereo. The proof is in the pudding; take a look at the blog post Is the Audio-Technica BP4029 the perfect cinma-vrite microphone? (google the title, and it comes right up) to listen to examples of videos produced using the BP4029 in this manner. Sometimes I have to use one of several lavs; other times, I need a dynamic cardioid or omnidirectional reporters microphone. However, most of the time, one of these configurations (along with an adapter cable if needed) of the Audio-Technica BP4029 provides the best sound recording option. ... More
Excellent M/S mic overall
Audio-Technica BP4029 (AT835ST) - Stereo Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Bruce on B&H Photo Video
In terms of low cost and convenience it is hard to beat the BP4029. With two capsules in the compact body it is easy to use in the field and to mount and cover with a windscreen. Although it has a slide switch to change the M/S into a LR Wide and LR Narrow, and a roll off switch, for some reason these are recessed into the body of the mic and it requires a very small flat head screw driver to make changes. Very small as in 1.45mm or 0.05 inch wide at the tip. This mic does not have the climate-resistant capsules found in the Sennheiser 418s and so Audio Tecnhica recommends avoiding high humidity environments which can be a limitation in the use of the BP4029. I don't know why Audio-Technica chose not to provide a good mic tube as is found with Rode and Shure mics. Instead one gets a flimsy 19 long box for the 9 long mic. I bought a waterproof case for the mic to protect it from humidity as an added expense that would not have been needed with the Sennheiser mics. ... More
The best equipment investment I've ever made!
Audio-Technica BP4029 (AT835ST) - Stereo Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Iv'e been using this microphone for at least a decade now, if not longer. Not quite sure. It's been so amazingly dependable, with the most intense quality that when I compare it to things like the Rode or even the 416, this comes out so much ahead, cause it's close enough as a mono source, but having the stereo and M/S if you prefer is just wonderful. I've used this for pretty much everything I've done personally and for my clients. It's been just as rugged and dependable and awesome as anything I've ever seen or gotten. It's just a great all around performer, and yep.. i'm gushing. Get this while you can! ... More
Wonderful Tool for Field Audio
Audio-Technica BP4029 (AT835ST) - Stereo Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by JP Audio, Inc. on B&H Photo Video
Just got this mic and immediately started using it for a run-and-gun style feature film and it is a charm! A great field mic for the price! I absolutely love the selectable x/y pattern!!! You can really hear the difference. Very convenient for capturing different types of sound sources, especially on the fly. If you need a solid stereo sound, but don't want to pay big dollar for it? This mic is it!
Excellent Mic
Audio-Technica BP4029 (AT835ST) - Stereo Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Sandrino on B&H Photo Video
I use this mic with my DSLR and my Canon X10 & XF100. This mic performs extermelly well as a mono, stereo, M+S. It is compact, clear, crisp and worth every penny. I have mics twice the price and they are not as functional or clear and useful as these. Hence, I have 4 of them for all my video needs. The XLR inputs are great and work great with my X10 and XF100. With the Zoom H4N these mics work great on my DSLR.
very natural sound quality
Audio-Technica BP4029 (AT835ST) - Stereo Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by piolin on B&H Photo Video
The package arrived only a week after the order. I thank for very quick shipment. This microphone is designed for outdoor recording, but I use it indoor also with video camera for the concert, etc. This microphone is very natural sound quality, and surprised the quality, when recording the distance of 50-80 feets in narrow mode in piano recital. I couldn't feel the distance and so clear sound. This microphone is usable for a multi-use and look forward to outdoor indoor.
Good Value
Audio-Technica BP4029 (AT835ST) - Stereo Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Around Jingletown on B&H Photo Video
A good mid/side mic for the money (I just can't afford anything much more expensive). While I haven't really tried the canned L/R modes, the M/S mode is sensitive and works well when properly processed in something like Soundtrack or Logic after recording. I use this as both an on-camera and boom-mounted mic outdoors and at events, and the results have been exactly what I was hoping for.
I would buy this microphone again
Audio-Technica BP4029 (AT835ST) - Stereo Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Markus on B&H Photo Video
I use this microphone to record in nature and I can see through the 3 settings very well the perfect sound. Until today, I noticed no wind or noise sensitivity. For me, the switch to use is a little bit difficult(too small).
love the presence of stereo
Audio-Technica BP4029 (AT835ST) - Stereo Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Jason on B&H Photo Video
very directional, with good stereo presence and useful adjustability. Very quiet self noise.
Very natural sound
Audio-Technica BP4029 (AT835ST) - Stereo Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I am amazed at the natural sound the microphone produces. The options to configure M/S and L/R stereo including narrow and wide are very convenient. The box contains o-rings which I was not aware of. Overall, I am very happy with the purchase.
Smaller than I thought but sooo amazing
Audio-Technica BP4029 (AT835ST) - Stereo Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Amazing!!
