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Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

BH #AUAT897 • MFR #AT897
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Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone
Key Features
  • For Indie Films & Video Production
  • Ideal for High-Gain Preamps
  • AA Battery or Phantom Powered
  • Selectable 80 Hz Low-Cut Filter
Well suited for indie films, nature recording, and documentary projects, the Audio-Technica AT897 shotgun microphone features smooth on-axis tone and great off-axis sound rejection while its housing remains short enough for camera-mounted operation. Plus, it can be operated via phantom power or a battery for flexible compatibility.
More Details

Audio-Technica AT897 Overview

Well suited for indie films, nature recording, and documentary projects, the Audio-Technica AT897 shotgun microphone features smooth on-axis tone and great off-axis sound rejection while its housing remains short enough for camera-mounted operation. Plus, it can be operated via phantom power or a battery for flexible compatibility.

The AT897's moderate sensitivity delivers optimal performance when paired with high-gain, low-noise microphone preamps. With a selectable low-cut filter at 80 Hz, the AT897 is capable of delivering clear sound while attenuating rumble and bass buildup. Plus, its full-spectrum frequency response utilizes a gentle increase in high frequencies to enhance intelligibility.

The durable housing ensures rugged dependability while maintaining a light weight that won't burden your boompole or camera, and the included accessories accommodate mounting the AT897 to a mic stand, boompole, or camera-mount microphone holder.

Quality Sound
The 11" long AT897 uses an interference tube and a supercardioid polar pattern to yield focused on-axis directionality while attenuating rear-entry sound and rejecting sound at the sides. This makes the AT897 far more effective at capturing distant sources than the omnidirectional mics found in most cameras.
Bass Roll-Off
The high-pass filter can be set to flat or 80 Hz to roll off low-frequency noise from common sources such as air conditioners and traffic.
Battery or Phantom Powered
Thanks to its 3-pin XLR output and compliance with 11 to 52 VDC phantom powering, the AT897 is compatible with a variety of handheld audio recorders, field recorders, and mixer adapters as well as built-in preamps on many camcorders and cinema cameras. When using devices that don't offer phantom power, the AT897 may be powered by a single AA battery (included).
Ideal for Boompole Mounting
The AT897 includes a mic clip for easy placement on a mic stand or boompole. Alternatively, mount the AT897 in the Audio-Technica AT8415 shockmount (available separately) to impede the transfer of vibrations between your boompole and the mic. The AT897 also includes two rubber O-rings that expand the microphone's diameter to fit the larger mic holders found on many high-end cameras.
Windscreen Minimizes Wind Noise
The AT897 has a foam windscreen to reduce unwanted wind noise from breezes, fans, heaters, and air conditioners. Enhanced attenuation of wind noise is possible with the addition of an optional windshield such as the Rycote 15 cm Super-Softie, which also provides high immunity to rain.

For maximum reduction of handling noise and wind noise in indoor or outdoor environments, consider the separately available Rycote Windshield Kit 4, a complete windjammer, windshield, and shockmount suspension system.
UPC: 042005132409

Audio-Technica AT897 Specs

Key Specs
Element Type
Condenser
Polar Pattern
Lobar / Supercardioid
Controls
Low Cut/HPF
Frequency Response
20 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
129 dB (Phantom Power, 1 kHz, 1% THD)
115 dB (Battery Power, 1 kHz, 1% THD)
Analog Output
1x XLR 3-Pin
Power Sources
Phantom Power
Microphone
Sound Field
Mono
Element Type
Condenser
Polar Pattern
Lobar / Supercardioid
Orientation
End Address
Circuitry
Solid-State
Pad
No
High-Pass Filter
80 Hz, 18 dB/Octave
Filter & EQ
Low-Cut Filter: 80 Hz, 18 dB/Octave
Gain Adjustment
No
Controls
Low Cut/HPF
Performance
Frequency Response
20 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
129 dB (Phantom Power, 1 kHz, 1% THD)
115 dB (Battery Power, 1 kHz, 1% THD)
Off-Axis Rejection
>5 dB at 60°
>20 dB at 120°
20 dB at 180°
Sensitivity
-40 dBV/Pa (Phantom Power, Open Circuit Voltage)
-41 dBV/Pa (Battery Power, Open Circuit Voltage)
Dynamic Range
112 dB (Phantom Power, 1 kHz, at Max SPL)
98 dB (Battery Power, 1 kHz, at Max SPL)
Connectivity
Analog Output
1x XLR 3-Pin
Power
Power Sources
Phantom Power
Operating Voltage
11 to 52 V
Battery Type
1x AA (Included)
Physical
Color
Black
Mounting Thread Size
5/8"-27 Female (3/8"-16 Female with Included Adapter)
Dimensions
ø: 0.83 x L: 10.98" / ø: 21 x L: 279 mm
Weight
5.11 oz / 145 g (Microphone)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.75 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
19.65 x 4.6 x 2.45"

Audio-Technica AT897 Reviews

See any errors on this page? Let us know

question

better than at875?
Asked by: Anonymous
The AT897 is slightly more directional due to the length of the tube, as well as the option to self power via AA battery. These would be the major differences.
Answered by: Jeff P.
Date published: 2018-08-27

I'm looking to shoot two or three people in one ...

I'm looking to shoot two or three people in one shot, with the boom overhead on a stand. Mostly indoors. Would this mic capture everyone's dialogue if there is no boom operator to move to the speaker?
Asked by: Jason
A shotgun mic should be used to pick up dialog from one person, or professional sounding audio. If you use it to pick up two people, the sound will become thin. I would suggest using a boom person, or setting up two mics in a stereo configuration.
Answered by: Steve
Date published: 2021-02-25

question

What does the limited 1 year warranty cover?
Asked by: Pierre S.
The Limited 1-Year Warranty covers failure due to defects in the manufacturing process.
Answered by: Mark S.
Date published: 2018-08-27

I’m shooting a film on an iphone. Is there a way ...

I’m shooting a film on an iphone. Is there a way to connect this mic with the phone?
Asked by: Natalia
The Saramonic LC-XLR Female XLR to Lightning Microphone Adapter Cable for iOS Devices (B&H # SALCXLR) can be used to connect the AT897 to your iPhone You will need to use a battery to power the mic since the iPhone can not supply phantom power. The other options for cables are the Saramonic SR-XLR35 XLR Female to 3.5mm TRRS Microphone Cable for DSLR Cameras and Smartphones (B&H # SASRXLR35) combined with the Apple Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter (B&H # APLAADAP). The MXL Female XLR to 3.5mm Male TRRS and 3.5mm Female TRS Multimedia Adapter Cable for Select Dynamic Microphones (B&H # MXMMCABLE) provides a 3.5mm TRS headphone tap which allows you to monitor the sound while recording. This cable can also be combined with the Apple Lightning adapter for use with an iPhone.
Answered by: Lisa S
Date published: 2019-10-23

question

Slide switch up or down for phantom power ?
Asked by: George B.
Neither. The switch is a low cut filter. If a AA battery is inside of the microphone, you do not need phantom power. If there is no battery inside, then you need phantom power.
Answered by: Andrea O.
Date published: 2018-08-27

question

What is the length of the XLR cable that comes with this kit?
Asked by: Anonymous
There is no XLR cable included in this kit. You receive the Kopul LMT100 XLR to mini adapter which is 18 in length and allows you to connect directly to a camera or portable digital recorder.
Answered by: Jeff P.
Date published: 2022-10-12

Does it come with a windscreen?

Does it come with a windscreen?
Asked by: Matt
Yes, it comes with a foam windscreen that is effective in breezes up to about 7 mph.
Answered by: John
Date published: 2020-07-06

question

I'm encountering A LOT of fuzz in the background when recording with this straight into my 5dMKii does anyone have a solution?
Asked by: Anonymous
Yes, record into a better quality recorder like something from Tascam. The 5dMKii audio isn't that great and it could be your cords or any adapters you're using causing extra unwanted noise.
Answered by: Charles M.
Date published: 2018-08-27
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