Audio-Technica AT897 Review

Shotgun Microphone

3,244 reviews
audio-technica.com
Audio-Technica
  • For Indie Films & Video Production
  • Ideal for High-Gain Preamps
  • AA Battery or Phantom Powered
  • Selectable 80 Hz Low-Cut Filter
  • Smooth On-Axis Tone
  • Gentle Presence Boost
  • Windscreen Reduces Wind Noise
  • Lightweight Housing

Introduction

In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 3,244 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Audio-Technica AT897. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.

Ratings Based on Features

These results are a summary of user reviews of the Audio-Technica AT897. For example, 86% of 151 users who have commented on the Sound quality of the Audio-Technica AT897 have given positive feedback.

86%
Sound quality
86% of users are satisfied, based on 151 reviews
86%
Value for money
86% of users are satisfied, based on 151 reviews
100%
Sturdiness
100% of users are satisfied, based on 151 reviews
Average Rating (3,244 ratings)
90%
B&H Photo Video ( 664 ratings )
90%
Amazon.com ( 151 ratings )
90%
Amazon.sa ( 144 ratings )
90%
Amazon.ae ( 144 ratings )
90%
Amazon.co.uk ( 143 ratings )
90%
Amazon.ca ( 143 ratings )
90%
Amazon.com.mx ( 143 ratings )
90%
Amazon.com.br ( 143 ratings )
90%
Amazon.de ( 143 ratings )
90%
Amazon.it ( 143 ratings )
90%
Amazon.com.tr ( 143 ratings )
90%
Amazon.es ( 143 ratings )
90%
Amazon.in ( 143 ratings )
90%
Amazon.nl ( 143 ratings )
90%
Amazon.se ( 143 ratings )
90%
Amazon.pl ( 143 ratings )
90%
Amazon.com.au ( 143 ratings )
90%
Amazon.sg ( 143 ratings )
90%
Amazon.cn ( 126 ratings )
90%
Adorama ( 10 ratings )
100%
Guitar Center ( 1 ratings )
80%
Musicians Friend ( 1 ratings )
80%
Reverb ( 1 ratings )
100%
Show more

Highlighted Customer Reviews

Showing 21 to 40 of 167 Reviews

I love it

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Aug 4, 2010

Reviewed by Ryan on B&H Photo Video

I'm a young filmmaker, and this is my first shotgun mic, so clearly I'm going to be excited no matter how phenomenal or mediocre this microphone is. Compared to the built in camcorder mics I'm used to... this bad boy is life changing. I will say that it comes with a windscreen, which is not explained in the description. I bought a windscreen because of that and haven't used it at all because (frankly) the one in the box is better. I love this mic and will use it all the time. Anyone looking for a good microphone in this price range... you get what you pay for, which is coincidentally a high-end microphone. ps, I bought it with the 'MM-4 Mic Mu ff f/Azden SGM 1X' and they work great together. ... More

Good Mic for interviews

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Mar 5, 2012

Reviewed by mike on B&H Photo Video

Been using this mic with my Zoom H4N and my 5D MK II and have been impressed every time I use it. Most of the recording I've done with it have been in busy and loud conventions and trade shows where I've needed to record interviews. The mic excels in these situations and would recommend it to anyone doing gigs such as these.

Great audio, great price!

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Feb 27, 2011

Reviewed by Richard on B&H Photo Video

I'm using the AT897 in two scenarios. First, on-camera on my Panasonic AG-HMC150 for wedding film making. Second, on mic-stands for theatrical performances. In both scenarios, this mic does an excellent job in capturing directional audio. The frequency response is nice and even, though there is a low-cut switch for high-bass environments. And the fact that this mic is both phantom- and battery-powered is a huge plus. There is some handling noise, but I've seen that in almost every shotgun mic in this price range. As long as you don't move the mic around too much (or have a nice shockmount), you'll be fine. Build quality is excellent... as you would expect from Audio Technica. ... More

My favorite microphone for a low price.

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Mar 7, 2016

Reviewed by Nate from October Films on B&H Photo Video

I've shot two features and three shorts with this microphone, and they all sound fantastic. It's very easy to work with this audio, especially if you go through an external recorder. Even if you go through a DSLR and the preamps make a hissing noise, the audio is good enough that you can take it out in post with minimal problems.

Perfect For My Application

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Dec 25, 2012

Reviewed by Keaton on B&H Photo Video

I got this microphone with plans of feeding it into my Tascam DR-40. I just did my audio tests and it sounds wonderful. I can hear very little noise, if any at all. It will take just a little bit of fiddling with the settings but once you get it right you can definitely hear the quality of this product. This is a great way to get high quality sound for a prosumer price. Note: I rate on a price to quality ratio. I do NOT rate on overall quality as I have not experienced top level quality, therefore leaving me with nothing to compare this product with. ... More

Ads

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone
$249
B&H Photo Video
Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone
Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Kit with Shockmount and XLR Cable
$299.9
B&H Photo Video
Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Kit with Shockmount and XLR Cable
Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Location Recording Kit
$621.69
B&H Photo Video
Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Location Recording Kit
Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Kit with Shockmount and XLR to 3.5mm Cable
$297.9
B&H Photo Video
Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Kit with Shockmount and XLR to 3.5mm Cable
Audio-Technica AT897 Line + Gradient Shotgun Condenser Microphone
$249
Guitar Center
Audio-Technica AT897 Line + Gradient Shotgun Condenser Microphone
Audio-Technica AT897 Line + Gradient Condenser Microphone
$249
Adorama
Audio-Technica AT897 Line + Gradient Condenser Microphone
Audio-Technica AT897 Line + Gradient Condenser Microphone W/H&A Pro Windshield
$279
Adorama
Audio-Technica AT897 Line + Gradient Condenser Microphone W/H&A Pro Windshield
Audio-Technica AT897 Line + Gradient Shotgun Condenser Microphone
$249
Musicians Friend
Audio-Technica AT897 Line + Gradient Shotgun Condenser Microphone
Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone
$249
Reverb
Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone
Audio-Technica AT897 Line/Gradient Shotgun Microphone
$249
Zzounds
Audio-Technica AT897 Line/Gradient Shotgun Microphone

Great shotgun mic for the price

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Mar 2, 2011

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

Can't say anything bad about it. it really does what it needs to do it comes with a nice box and some accessories. the fact that it came with a padded box showed me that Audio-Technica actually cares about there product. I know there are reviews out there that say this mic is not up to par with some of the big mics out there but honestly I think it sounds great and would be proud to make a movie using this mic. If you are on a tight budget but still need a good reliable shotgun mic this will not fail you. :) only down side to this mic is that it is a little long for an onboard camera mic. but that did not stop me from putting it on my canon xha1. :) ... More

Great Mic Great Price

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Jan 25, 2011

Reviewed by Daniel on B&H Photo Video

I am using this primarily with my Panasonic AG HMC40 for independent Film Productions and I've been very happy with it's performance. Test footage that I've run with the mic on camera have exceeded my expectations. I was able to isolate the sound of a coffee pot percolating with just enough ambient noise to sound natural. It's a perfect match for independent film making with HD digital camcorders. This mic actually had a better signal to noise that many more expensive mics. It's a great mic and easy on the buget.

wow

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Jun 25, 2011

Reviewed by d rob on B&H Photo Video

i was monitoring audio while directing a small crew shoot and asked the cameraman to hold the headset while i talked to the talent. i took 2 steps and he said wow. this is xlnt. then everybody else had to take a turn hearing it. this was the first time this crew had used a boom mike (but not me) and we were all impressed.

Great size for DSLR

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Sep 10, 2011

Reviewed by Tanque Verde Viscomm on B&H Photo Video

Using a universal shock mount, I mount this SG to my DSLR while shooting video on a 60D. Sound quality is good and the length works out well for not getting in the frame while using a wide lens. Not much else to say, it works as it should, doing a good job at isolating sound at the front of the lens. The size does play a factor when the mic is set up on the top of the camera and you decide to shoot some stills. It gets in the way of your eye getting in on the viewfinder. Still possible, but a bit uncomfortable. Just plan ahead! ... More

Can't beat it for the price.

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Dec 18, 2010

Reviewed by Ernest M. on B&H Photo Video

Using it with a boom for small-crew doc-style web videos and broadcast spots shot on the 5-D. Have run the mic into the camera (in a pinch) and into various digital recorders. Sound is clear, crisp, natural. There is some mic hiss that is easily removed in Soundtrack or any other audio app. With a bigger budget, I'd let the sound guy bring a better mic. However, when I'm running and gunning with one assistant, this is the choice. Highly recommended for low budget productions, or advanced hobby stuff.

Very good mic

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Nov 20, 2011

Reviewed by sch15m on B&H Photo Video

I use it for short films and interviews, i use it conjunction with a zoom h4n external digital recorder and it is great. The sound quality is superb as long as you keep it at the direction of the subject So far i've had no problems with it

Great sound for the price!

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Oct 1, 2008

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

* Usage: As camera mic replacement. Wedding Videography. Small Focus Groups/One on One interviews. * Great: Sound for the money. Works great in almost all environments I've tested them in. Of course closer to sound source the better most the time, but it picks up MUCH better than my Canon A1 mic. Even loud receptions! Works great when paired with another and pointed at DJ or band speakers and ran to my Edirol H4. Sounds like you are there. * Not so great: None yet. I own 2 and buying another 2 soon.

Good mic and kit for my HDV videocam

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Oct 30, 2008

Reviewed by k9kev88 on B&H Photo Video

I ordered the AT897 kit from B&H, which includes the shockmount and XLR to mini-plug adapter. It was ready to go, right out of the box and worked perfectly. This kit is just a great deal from B&H! The shotgun mic is mono, but the included XLR-mini adapter feeds the signal to both channels (stereo mini plug) which is excellent for input to my HDV camcorder. The AT897 comes in a very nice padded case as well. The sound was fantastic - significantly better than the on-board camer mic - which you would certainly expect.

Short mic, small cost, but big sound!

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Sep 20, 2009

Reviewed by Joseph on B&H Photo Video

I am using this mic for studio video work. I have used a lot of mics for studio work and I have always trusted AT, but I am new to video work and have not purchased a shotgun mic before. I purchased this mic A. because of the cost B. because of the size Although I mainly shoot in studio I was looking for a mic that would be small enough to fit in a camera bag. And every square inch matters! This mic has a very clear sound at 10 or 12 feet away, I would be wary on taking it further out without getting to much outside noise. So far so good though. ... More

Superior, professional mic

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Mar 5, 2018

Reviewed by Jeff the TV guy. on B&H Photo Video

We now have four of these, and they get used in all sorts of situations, always providing excellent, professional results. The SPL rejection from the sides is excellent. We have used them on fixed rigs overhead on news desk sets, and also on a handheld boom pole. Solid. Professional.

Good microphone for the money

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Feb 8, 2011

Reviewed by Monopodder on B&H Photo Video

This microphone is our workhorse. We have three, and they are all still working after three years of near daily use. We use them on our video cameras. And we also pair them with a Sennheiser wireless transmitter for hand-held interviews. Only problem is the Sennheiser transmitter's locking mechanism eventually wears down the metal ring in the microphone that is meant to keep the transmitter from falling off. Handle with care and this should last you.

Very good mic

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Jun 1, 2011

Reviewed by timbearden on B&H Photo Video

For the price I couldn't beat it. It is a very good mic. I use it for weddings and have done three with it already. Very little background noise. Great for interviews and such. Things I don't like is that it is a bit long. I don't see it in my camera, however if I put a windscreen on it then I see it in the camera. Which can be a problem. Not exactly what they say by unobtrusive length. Plus it isn't as loud as I thought it might be.

Great for video work, on-camera or boom.

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Sep 28, 2014

Reviewed by Scott on B&H Photo Video

After using an AT-875R for a few weeks and finding it very noisy and tinny, I switched to the AT897. What a difference! Good, balanced response, a comfortable length, and excellent directionality make this mic a joy to use, and from the first shoot our sound was improved tremendously. I use the mic mostly on a boom, but it produces fine sound when used on-camera as well. Use on a wireless boom is a snap thanks to the mic's ability to operate from a single AA battery -- no need for phantom power!

Worth Every Penny

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

May 2, 2010

Reviewed by Marchuleta Productions on B&H Photo Video

I use this shotgun mic with a Panasonic AG HMC40 camcorder. Sometimes I mount it using the pearstone shockmount which was included with this mic. Sometimes I use it with the Panasonic XLR adapter. I usually get best results when I use with my boom pole. The mic is great because it doesn't pick up a lot of background noise. The audio is clear and robust. Great product worth every penny. I shoot a variety of different events. I most recently used this to film 5 minute interludes for a poetry show.

Multi-usage mic

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Jun 5, 2011

Reviewed by James on B&H Photo Video

Beyond the excellent performance of this short shotgun, I bought this AT mic as the on-camera answer for my Canon 7D.... Which also works as a hand-held and wireless with a plug. For trade show interviews sound quality and run n' gun, its excellent. The Pearstone shockmount works well and very durable.

Showing 21 to 40 of 167 Reviews