Description

Every professional videographer needs a good shotgun microphone in their arsenal, and the AT897 has been the benchmark product in this field for over a decade.

Measuring 27.9 cm and weighing less than 150 g, this short shotgun microphone operates on battery or phantom power and delivers exceptional long-distance pickup thanks to the narrow angle provided by its line-with-gradient polar pattern. It also features a natural, smooth on-axis sound and excellent off-axis rejection from the sides and rear of the microphone. Powered by a standard 1.5V battery, the AT897 offers up to 1200 hours of operation.

It’s worth noting that the AT897 performs slightly better with phantom power than with battery power; the microphone’s sensitivity increases from 8.9mV/Pa to 10mV/Pa, and the maximum SPL rises from 115 to 129 dB.
The AT897 can be used on a boom pole, a tripod, handheld for interviews, or directly mounted on a camera. Its small size allows it to remain out of frame and deliver very precise sound capture.

Key features:

Precise, rich, and natural sound
Excellent performance-to-price ratio
Compact and lightweight microphone
Narrow pickup angle
Easily mounts to a camera or DSLR without adding noticeable weight and stays out of the frame for wide shots
Outstanding for long-distance recording compared to other competing shotgun microphones in this price range
Excellent rejection of sounds from the sides and rear
Switchable low-cut filter to eliminate unwanted noise
Operates on battery or phantom power
1200 hours of battery life with a single 1.5VAA battery
Effective protection against interference from nearby cell phones and other unwanted radio frequencies
Robust, high-quality construction

Designed for video and radio production applications (ENG/EFP)

Length perfectly suited for electronic journalism, outdoor recording and other specialized uses

Comes with a tripod clamp, foam windscreen, battery, threaded adapter, and protective case.

The AT897 is ideal for beginner or professional videographers looking for an affordable yet high-quality directional microphone. Like most short shotgun microphones, it is easy to use and proves very versatile in all circumstances (outdoor recording, miking, on or above a camera).

Features :

Capsule: Permanently polarized capacitor with fixed plate and fixed load.
Directivity: Line + gradient.
Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz.
High-pass filter: 80 Hz, 12 dB/octave.
Sensitivity: Phantom: -40 dB (10.0 mV) ref 1V/Pa. Battery: 41 dB (8.9 mV) ref 1V/Pa.
Impedance: Phantom: 200 ohms. Battery: 300 ohms.
Maximum SPL: Phantom: 129 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% THD. Battery: 115 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% THD.
Dynamic Range: Phantom: 112 dB, 1 kHz at max SPL. Battery: 98 dB, 1 kHz at max SPL.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 77 dB, 1 kHz/Pa
Phantom Power: 11-52V DC, 2 mA typical
Battery Type: 1.5V AA/UM3
Current/Life: 0.4 mA / 1200 hours typical
Switch: Flat, attenuating (integrated)
Weight: 145 g (5.1 oz)
Output Connector: Integrated 3-pin XLRM type

Low-cut filter

The AT897 is equipped with a switchable attenuation filter, which is intended to reduce the capture of unwanted ambient noise, room reverberation, and vibrations transmitted mechanically by the recording device.

Line + Gradient Directivity

Audio-Technica in-line condenser microphones combine a directional (« gradient ») capsule and an interference tube to also eliminate sound from behind. Typically, the interference tube in this type of microphone can be extended to reduce the
pickup angle and thus increase the pickup distance. Short in-line condenser microphones do not have as long a range as longer models, but their wider pickup angle is often preferred in certain situations where accuracy at the source is less critical.

1.5V battery or phantom power

The AT897 short shotgun microphone can be powered in two ways, ensuring maximum versatility. You can use it on a professional camera or recorder equipped with XLR inputs with phantom power, or with a 1.5V AA battery (included) on any device with XLR inputs.

Accessories included:

5.8″-27 Threaded Foot Clamp (AT8405A)

foam windproof windproof windscreen (AT8134)

threaded adapter for 5.8″-27 to 3/8″-16,

portable protective case.