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 41 to 60 of 167 Reviews

Great shotgun mic

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Jun 20, 2010

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

I'm an aspiring field recordist/sound designer and this shotgun mic fit perfectly in my student budget. So far I haven't had any problems with the AT897. It picks up sounds really well and blocks out most of the directional sounds. I did a lot of research before I made a purchase on my first shotgun mic and I'm certainly glad that I made the choice to buy this one. I would definitely recommend this shotgun mic for anyones first shotgun!

Great for Prosumer Video

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Oct 2, 2010

Reviewed by SWAMP Josh on B&H Photo Video

I bought this for the Texas A&M ScreenWriting, Acting, and Movie Production (SWAMP) Club. Since it is equipment checked out regularly by our members, we needed something versatile and sturdy. I tested it after we got it and it is exactly that. It works great and I have no doubt we will buy another one soon.

Great value for the money

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Oct 12, 2009

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

I use the AT897 mounted on a Pearstone Universal shockmount to a Canon XHA1 camcorder. Things I like: Good sensitivity Narrow acceptance angle Superb sound quality Good off axis rejection with smooth LF roll-off. Solid short construction does not interfere with wide angle lens coverage. Things I do not like: None.

Great Starter Shotgun Mic

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Aug 19, 2012

Reviewed by mjreed on B&H Photo Video

After reading numerous reviews on many shotgun mics that work well for video/DSLRs, I went with the AT897. This is a great starter mic that gets me in the game and doesn't bust my budget. I hope to upgrade someday, but this little mic gets the job done for now. I bought it bundled with a shock mount and transformer here at B&H so I could mount it on my DSLR. There was a hiss when recording directly into the camera. I followed a number of recommendations on trying to eliminate it, but it still faintly remained. Still, I'm not disappointed with it. The size is perfect and the price is right. ... More

Great bang for the buck.

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Aug 16, 2012

Reviewed by Rob55 on B&H Photo Video

I bought the AT-897 to use with my Panasonic HMC-150 camera and also on a boom. The sound quality is excellent for a reasonably priced mic. It's compact and lightweight and can be powered by either an external phantom power source or a single internal AA battery. Likewise, build quality is also excellent and I was pleased to see Made in Japan on the label. The included foam windscreen does a fairly good job in non-windy conditions, but I recommend a proper windscreen and suspension like the Rycote S-330. And, as is typical with Audio-Technica, a nice case is included.

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

Solid Microphone

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Dec 14, 2013

Reviewed by Kirk on B&H Photo Video

This mic is a solid mic, especially for the price. The pick-up is good and the quality is great for the price. It is well built and durable. I have compared the quality of this mic with a $ shotgun before. It was a little bassier than the other mic and the pick-up was not as strong. Once we boosted the level to match the other mic it held up pretty well. The more expensive mic was a little more natural sounding, but I was very impressed with this mic. So much so that I bought one.

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.

Excellent value mic (with Canon XF100)

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

May 1, 2012

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

I use this mic exclusively with my Canon XF100. The fit is not totally tight, but using the rubber rings supplied with the mic work sufficiently well and make a nice shock absorber. The mic length is perfect for this camera and never interferes with vision. It's also light, which complements the Canon's light and small build, making it easy to pack'n'go. Most importantly, the sound is fabulous and for the money, this mic is GREAT value ... it just works. Highly recommended!

Fabulous shotgun mike

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Jan 3, 2009

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

I have four of these mikes. They are fabulous as an on camera mike backing up a mike on an interviewee. In a sit down interview we always use it as an overhead boom on a separate channel from the subjects lavaliere. Great nat sound pickup. We use it for everything except the handheld and lavaliere use.

Great shotgun mic for audio reporting

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Nov 10, 2014

Reviewed by ReporterE on B&H Photo Video

I really like the sound quality of this microphone -- it works well with my Tascam 100 MKii, and the length of this shotgun is perfect. I can fit all my gear perfectly into a small backpack. The sound is bright and clear, and is my go-to for interviews and even voice-tracking.

Great bang for the buck

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

May 13, 2013

Reviewed by Dr. V. on B&H Photo Video

I am using the AT897 in the field for video recording of documentaries and in the studio for ADR. It is a great mic for the price range and very dependable. Frequency range is excellent and would recommend this mic for any Video Producer.

Great Mic!

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Aug 15, 2011

Reviewed by Nease on B&H Photo Video

I was looking for a mic that is robust, and has great sound, and this mic is exactly that! Whether you're doing a lot of run & gun shooting or filming in a controlled environment, this mic is a great option for the price!

Thought it would isolate more

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Feb 27, 2013

Reviewed by Erik H on B&H Photo Video

I was hoping it would isolate the sound in front of it more but it's still good. I do not have much experience with shotgun mics so not sure how it is supposed to sound compared to other mics. It was nice that is has a battery and can also get juice through the XLR cable. I use it either by itself and a field recorder like the Zoom or on top of a Panasonic GH2.

Good Microphone

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Feb 17, 2013

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

I used this for a professional project where we outside on a driving range in windy conditions and it worked very will. Paired with the Rycote Softie it hardly had any wind in 15-20 mph gusts. It was a little quiet at times, but sound was always clear and could be turned up in post. If you need a good starter shotgun mic, this is probably the one.

Excellent for the money

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Dec 23, 2012

Reviewed by Maddy'sDad on B&H Photo Video

I had one of these for a couple of years and I just bought a second. Obviously there are better mics out there with more detail but for the money I think it is a very good choice with no glaring weaknesses. I use it with a Zoom H4n and phantom power and it sounds excellent. On battery power it is good too - I would say it is slightly better with the phantom power.

Seems like a great mic on first trial

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Aug 30, 2010

Reviewed by Earthquake on B&H Photo Video

My only complaint is the location of on/off switch for battery use. It is located at the same area as the mic holder on a pro camcorder like the Canon XH A1S and therefore inaccessable. Good thing the mic uses phantom power and the cam furnishes it.

No problems that I've noticed

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Apr 11, 2015

Reviewed by chandler on B&H Photo Video

I use the AT897 for recording sound in my films. Before this, I was using the rode videomic for all my sound. The original one. It was decent, but just plugging this mic into my zoom h2n recorder made a huge difference. I could hear the difference just in the recorder's built-in speaker. This mic will do finely if you don't have an MKH 416 or NTG3.

Just Perfect

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Nov 19, 2012

Reviewed by Joseph John on B&H Photo Video

This shotgun mic has a clean audio, sturdy construction, and has a not to long not to short, perfect distance. Also it has a good price for what it does. If you are looking for a good all around shotgun mic, this is it! I am very happy with it.

Great Starter Mic

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Mar 14, 2011

Reviewed by Chris on B&H Photo Video

I am using this on a boom pole connected to an H4n unit to record audio for short movies etc... I love the sound I am getting out of this mic. I previously used only the audio coming into the camera through a rode videomic and while that worked well, now syncing that audio up to what I get out of the AT897 is way better. Much cleaner sound and less noise.

Great Microphone For Off Camera

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

Jun 1, 2011

Reviewed by Robbie Boyette on B&H Photo Video

I bought this in order to eliminate the use of the on-camera mic while shooting scenes for @I wanted to get rid of the noise when I'm moving around with the camera. I mounted it on my boom stand that holds my overhead mic and put a wireless transmitter on it.It works PERFECTLY. Great sound, no more squeaking noises when I'm changing positions with the camera and the volume is now consistent.

Showing 41 to 60 of 167 Reviews