Sanken CS1 - Short Condenser Shotgun Microphone

Comments about Sanken CS1 - Short Condenser Shotgun Microphone:

A good microphone for a good price.

Comments about Sanken CS1 - Short Condenser Shotgun Microphone:

I've been doing sound recording work for some years now for TV commercials, movies,AVPs and documentaries. I've been using these popular mics, but when the CS-1 came about, I was very impressed with its specs and got one immediately .

When it finally arrived, first thing I did was to compare it side by side with my present "dependable" mic. I was blown away immediately by the CS-1, I can't believe how it rejected background noise and the impeccable crystal crispness of the sound it picks up, and with a short barrel at that.

Low ceiling booming is no problem any more and with its light weight, my boom operator likes to use it more often.

To test its narrow polar pattern, I used it to zero in on the source (the particular tree) of crickets which is ruining my shoot. It pointed the troublesome source eventually. That's how directional it is.

So when I got the chance again, I got myself another unit cause I might need to do stereo recording and I want 2 CS-1s to be at the helm.

I also want to mention the very good after sales service of Sanken.
Weather in the Philippines is so unpredictable. One time, on location,
it rained unexpectedly and my boom op was too late in covering the CS-1 with a plastic bag. The mic got wet and I was getting a static noise .

I E-mailed Sanken Japan after work and told them what happened. They told me since it was under warranty yet, to send it back to the factory. In less than 2 weeks, my Sanken was back from Japan and it works like brand new again.

Comments about Sanken CS1 - Short Condenser Shotgun Microphone:

This microphone is most useful when shooting in a "single mic-on-camera"situation. We make observational documentaries and often there isn't the opportunity or the desire to interrupt the action to fix a radio mic or inject another crew member (sound recordist) into the mix. This Sanken mic seems to eliminate umwanted environmental noise and deliver crisp and clean dialog. We've found it most useful while recording pictures and sound while driving in a motor vehicle, or in busy outdoor locations.