MXL FR-304 Professional Shotgun Microphone
The MXL FR-304 Shotgun Microphone is a professional yet cost-effective microphone for video, broadcast and production audio capturing.
The FR-304 features exceptional audio quality and low noise with its condenser element and FET output stage. The directional pickup minimizes off-axis noise and achieves maximum pickup distance. The microphone's condenser element is powered by a 1.5V AA battery for over 160 hours or by an external 48V phantom power source.
- Battery and Phantom Power
- The FR-304 is powered by a 1.5V AA battery for over 160 hours or by an external 48V phantom power source.
- Professional Audio Results
- Exceptional audio quality and the directional pickup necessary to minimize off-axis noise and achieve maximum pickup distance.
- Quiet Output Stage
- FET preamplifiers ensure a low noise floor and maximum audio gain on output.
| Transducer | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Shotgun |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-20kHz |
| Dynamic Range (Typical) | 102dB |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 72dB |
| Maximum Input Sound Level | 124dB |
| Power Requirements | 1.5V AA Battery or 48V PPS |
| Output Impedance | 100 ohms |
| Output Connectors | 3-pin XLR |
| Pad | No |
| Low Frequency Roll-Off | No |
| Dimensions | 14.5" (370mm) |
| Weight | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
67%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Good audio (5)
- Easy to use (4)
- Lightweight (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional recording (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (4)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 6 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about MXL FR-304 Professional Shotgun Microphone:
This has turned out to be a terrific microphone to replace the broken one on my Sony Prosumer camcorder. It picks up sound much better than the mic it replaced. I'm just confused with the power settings, as there is no on & off button. Consequently, even when you're in a save-power mode (it runs on a AA battery), the light still blinks as if it's in use. None of the three settings turns that light off. So I don;t now how much my battery is being drained, if at all. That makes it dangerous to go out and shoot with this mic unless you're confident you have a full battery. Overall though, I really like this mike.
Pros
Cons
- Poor Sound Quality
- Unreliable
Best Uses
- Sound Mixer Setup
Comments about MXL FR-304 Professional Shotgun Microphone:
The pick-up on this mic is extremely poor. Its rough and Aggresive Polar pattern only worsens the quality of the mic.
I would only recommend use of this mic to be used with a Field Sound Mixer Setup. Other than that, the pickup would be too low to use in Production.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about MXL FR-304 Professional Shotgun Microphone:
I use this mike to record on location. It works quite well. Sound is clear, but bit too high (easy to correct in post). Good choice for budget productions. Excellent starter shotgun.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional Recording
Comments about MXL FR-304 Professional Shotgun Microphone:
I bought this microphone honestly because I needed a microphone for interviews on a documentary that I was working on, and I saw that it was only [$], and I said to myself "even if this is awful, it's all that I can afford" and it ended up being perfect!
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Limited Functions
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
Comments about MXL FR-304 Professional Shotgun Microphone:
The mic itself is good for what I do as a film maker but there are a couple of downsides to it. First off this mic is directional which means where ever the mic is pointing it picks up the sound which I was expecting for but I was expecting to pick up sound at further distance, which it didn't. Second the mic is phantom power and battery power also, my Sony HDR-FX7 doesn't have XLR connectors so I have bought the BeachTek DXA-4 for my Sony HDR-FX7 when I connect it to the adapter it didn't power my mic. How ever even though it is in fact battery powered I have a little bit of problem with it. I use 1 AA battery which it requires to turn it on it's easy to insert it but it's hard taking it out because of the tight space that it has. My finger nails hurt when I tried taking it out so I had to use a flat object to take the battery out. Finally third of all there is no off button on the mic which makes my battery waste power from it's juice the only way to turn it off is too take the battery out.
P.S. The mic comes with a black windscreen and holder in the package.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
- Film Dialogue
- Professional Recording
Comments about MXL FR-304 Professional Shotgun Microphone:
I just used it for ADR and will be using it for a feature film. Sound is a bit muddy but easily fixed in post. Great for the price!
Displaying reviews 1-6
Cables
-
- Original: $17.99
- Save: $1.80
- Price: $16.19
- GBP 10.31
Shock Mounts
-
- Original: $49.95
- Save: $4.99
- Price: $44.96
- GBP 28.64
Windscreens
- Price: $29.95
- GBP 19.08
Cases & Protection
- Price: $69.99
- GBP 44.58
What's in the Box
- 1 Year Warranty
Why Shop at B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via any UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority shipping methods by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don’t turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you’ll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We’ve made iPhone and Android mobile apps available for your service and shopping convenience. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page to download.
See sample Newsletter
Help
Company Information
B&H Resources
