About Us
The Professional's Source Since 1973
  • Help
  • 800.952.1815
Hello, Log InAccount & Orders
My Cart
Video Chat with a Pro Audio Expert - Live

Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Microphone

BH #AUAT897 • MFR #AT897
 166 reviews
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.
In Stock
$249.00
$42/mo. suggested payments for 6 Mos.
with the credit card.§ 
Protect Your Gear
Add a protection plan from $36.99
Configuration
Microphone
With Location Recording Kit
With Shockmount & XLR Cable
With Shockmount & XLR to 3.5mm Cable
Similar item at a lower price: Senal MC24-EL Long Shotgun Microphone$179.95
Ask Our Experts
800.952.1815

Audio-Technica AT897 Overview

  • 1Description
  • 2Quality Sound
  • 3Bass Roll-Off
  • 4Battery or Phantom Powered
  • 5Ideal for Boompole Mounting
  • 6Windscreen Minimizes Wind Noise

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

Microphone
Form FactorStand/Boom Mount
Sound FieldMono
Operating PrincipleLine Gradient
CapsuleCondenser
Polar PatternLobar, Supercardioid
PadNone
Tone AdjustmentNone
Gain AdjustmentNone
IndicatorsNone
WindscreenFoam (Included)
Performance
Frequency Range20 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL129 dB SPL (Phantom Power, 1 kHz, 1% THD)
115 dB SPL (Battery Power, 1 kHz, 1% THD)
Off-Axis Rejection>5 dB at 60°
>20 dB at 120°
20 dB at 180°
Impedance200 Ohms (Phantom Power)
300 Ohms (Battery Power)
Sensitivity-40 dBV/Pa (Phantom Power, Open Circuit Voltage)
-41 dBV/Pa (Battery Power, Open Circuit Voltage)
Dynamic Range112 dB (Phantom Power, 1 kHz, at Max SPL)
98 dB (Battery Power, 1 kHz, at Max SPL)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio77 dB (1 kHz)
Power
Operating Voltage11 to 52 V
Operating Current Consumption2.0 mA (Phantom Power)
0.4 mA (Battery Power)
Battery Type1 x AA (Included)
Approximate Battery Life1200 Hours
Physical
ColorBlack
MountingMic Clip/Stand Adapter (Included)
Included CaseHard Case
Dimensionsø: 0.83 x L: 10.98" / ø: 21 x L: 279 mm
Weight5.11 oz / 145 g (Microphone)
Packaging Info
Package Weight1.75 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)19.65 x 4.6 x 2.45"

Audio-Technica AT897 Reviews

Greatest Mic Ever!!!!!

By Craig
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-06-20

and I've had this mic for many many many years and use it almost daily. I use it right next to the MKH-416 and you would be hard pressed to tell the difference between the two. This is the greatest mic of all time iMO

Came up short

By Scott
Rated 2 out of 5
Date: 2021-02-25

I bought this microphone for my trip to Yellowstone tomorrow, hoping to pick up the howling of the wolf packs, but the microphone does not come with any cables to hook up to my camera. Disappointed in this purchase.

Comes in a suitcase

By Chris
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-09-08

This mic arrives and works in style. Buy it

Great mic, great price

By Phil
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-06-14

I ordered this mic after reading and watching lots of reviews. And I'm not disappointed. It sounds good, has good pickup, and good off axis rejection. I would have liked a smaller case to carry it in, but that's not a big deal.

Superior, professional mic

By Jeff the TV guy.
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2018-03-06

We now have four of these, and they get used in all sorts of situations, always providing excellent, professional results. The SPL rejection from the sides is excellent. We have used them on fixed rigs overhead on news desk sets, and also on a handheld boom pole. Solid. Professional.

Great Quality audio for films

By WarTorn Productions
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2017-05-31

Sturdy, affordable, crisp. No problems so far and we've used it on set at WarTorn Productions multiple times.

Most under rated mic ever!

By Craig
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-03-14

I love this mic. I've been using it for many years and when I did a side-by-side comparison to the 416 i couldn't tell a difference. Save a ton a money and get this mic

I love it

By Matthew
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-03-01

Been using it for about three months now with my Canon XA 50. Used for both interviews and vocals. Sound quality is awesome. For the price point I consider it a great value. I highly recommend it.

See any errors on this page? Let us know

YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

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
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
  • y_2023, m_6, d_10, h_24CST
  • bvseo_bulk, prod_bvqa, vn_bulk_3.0.35
  • cp_1, bvpage1
  • co_hasquestionsanswers, tq_9
  • loc_en_US, sid_300615, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=HAS_STAFF_ANSWERS, direction=DESCENDING)]
  • clientName_bhphotovideo