The Professional's Source Since 1973
  • Help
Ask Our Experts800.952.1815
Hello, Log InAccount & Orders

Join Bild Expo 2025 - Presented by B&H

Video Chat with a Pro Audio Expert - Live

Sanken CS-3e Short Shotgun Microphone

BH #SACS3E • MFR #CS-3E
Print
Sanken CS-3e Short Shotgun Microphone
Key Features
  • For Film, TV & Location Recording
  • Lightweight, Short Design
  • 3 Capsules for Sharp, Even Directivity
  • 50 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency Response
With three capsules for even sharper, more uniform directivity than that of the CS-1e or CS-M1, the Sanken CS-3e short shotgun microphone gives professional sound recordists high-end audio quality for capturing clear dialogue, foley, and sound effects in challenging environments.
More Details
In Stock
Free Expedited Shipping
Protect Your Gear
Add a protection plan from $199.99
Savings Available:
Save Up to $15.00
Ask an Expert
800.952.1815

Sanken CS-3e Overview

With three capsules for even sharper, more uniform directivity than that of the CS-1e or CS-M1, the Sanken CS-3e short shotgun microphone gives professional sound recordists high-end audio quality for capturing clear dialogue, foley, and sound effects in challenging environments.

Its long and focused reach, low noise, and strong output yield top-tier audio performance in a lightweight design. Plus, it features a selectable 100 Hz low-cut filter for minimizing rumble and bass buildup. Thanks to the CS-3e's multi-capsule design, proximity effect is nearly eliminated while maintaining a consistent tonal signature at various distances.

The CS-3e shotgun microphone exhibits a steady supercardioid polar pattern across the frequency spectrum, allowing it to attenuate the 90° off-axis points by about 14 dB from 1 to 2 kHz, by 18 dB at 4 kHz, and by 24 dB at 8 kHz. For independent and major film, television, and location recording gigs, the CS-3e is Sanken's flagship mono shotgun microphone.

3-Capsule Design
In order to achieve high directivity in middle-low frequencies, traditional shotgun mics would need a length of over 39 inches. Though only 10.6" long, the CS-3e grants reliable supercardioid polar performance even in the mid-lows due to its 3-capsule design, which uses three directional condenser elements in a front-back array to combine line mic performance and second-order pressure gradient response in a single system.

The CS-3e picks up targeted frontal sound sources with clarity over a wide frequency range—even in noisy ambient environments or in long reverberation spaces—by rejecting undesired noise and sounds coming from the rear and sides.
Professional Sound Quality
The CS-3e was built for use by professional videographers and veteran sound recordists alike. Its 50 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response incorporates a gentle rise above 5 kHz to increase intelligibility without sacrificing neutrality. Its low self-noise of 15 dBA and high sensitivity of -28 dB produce signal purity that's ready to be mixed.
Phantom Powered
Thanks to its 3-pin XLR output and compliance with 44 to 52 VDC phantom power, the CS-3e 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.
Ideal for Mounting on a Boompole
Since the CS-3e isn't bundled with a mic clip or shockmount, consider the separately available Rycote INV 7HG MKIII shockmount. It is perfect for mounting the CS-3e on a boompole or traditional mic stand, and it prevents the transfer of vibrations to the microphone. The CS-3e's body features a lusterless black finish to prevent distracting visual reflections.
Add a Windscreen to Minimize Wind Noise
To reduce unwanted wind noise from light breezes, fans, heaters, and air conditioners, add a foam windscreen such as the Sanken CS-3FW (available separately). For maximum reduction of wind noise in outdoor shoots, consider the Rycote 18cm Super-Softie windshield (also available separately).

Sanken CS-3e Specs

Key Specs
Polar Pattern
Supercardioid
Element Type
3x Condenser
Controls
Low Cut/HPF
Frequency Response
50 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
120 dB (1% THD)
Analog Output
1x XLR 3-Pin
Power Sources
Phantom Power
Microphone
Polar Pattern
Supercardioid
Element Type
3x Condenser
Sound Field
Mono
Orientation
End Address
Controls
Low Cut/HPF
Pad
No
Filter & EQ
Low-Cut Filter: 100 Hz
Circuitry
Solid-State
Performance
Frequency Response
50 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
120 dB (1% THD)
Off-Axis Rejection
13 dB at 60°
26 dB at 120°
>28 dB at 180°
Sensitivity
-20 dB
Equivalent Noise Level
15 dB (A-Weighted)
Connectivity
Analog Output
1x XLR 3-Pin
Power
Power Sources
Phantom Power
Operating Voltage
48 V
Physical
Color
Black
Mounting Thread Size
No Mount Included
Dimensions
ø: 0.75 x L: 10.63" / ø: 19 x L: 270 mm
Weight
4.23 oz / 120 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
0.925 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
13.3 x 3.6 x 2"

Sanken CS-3e Reviews

See any errors on this page?

question

Does this has extreme wether proof design and RF rejection like NTG3 and Senn MKH416?
Asked by: Rama Chandra Se
The Sanken is fairly robust in adverse weather, but it is not weather-proofed. Its directionality is comparable depending on the environment.
Answered by: Mark S.
Date published: 2022-11-10

question

Hi, I just ordered this mic a couple weeks ago. So far it has not shown to turn on or record any audio, nor did I receive an instruction manual with it. I have plugged it into my canon 5d mark III and also a Zoom H5 recorder, and both have giving me no sound from the mic and some plug in noise. No levels are shown to record. I have not been able to find any troubleshooting pieces on line. Can you help me?
Asked by: Kyle W.
You need to have a Phantom P48 pre amp for this mic, it doesn't work without it. Condenser mics needs P48 and sometimes some older style power for the electronics inside the mic, i.e. T-Power which is used which is 12V compare to 48. But in this case you'll just need P48. Zoom H5 definitely will supply P48 for the mic. It won't be the best supply of phantom power, because it's just not the greatest quality, but it'll work for sure. To be more clear how to set up P48 on H5, look in to page 96 of H5's manual or scroll to page 96 in PDF.www(dot)zoom-na(dot)com/sites/default/files/products/downloads/pdfs/E_H5_0.pdf
Answered by: Kirill B.
Date published: 2020-02-02
  • y_2025, m_4, d_24, h_4CST
  • bvseo_bulk, prod_bvqa, vn_bulk_3.0.42
  • cp_1, bvpage1
  • co_hasquestionsanswers, tq_2
  • loc_en_US, sid_406096, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=HAS_STAFF_ANSWERS, direction=DESCENDING)]
  • clientName_bhphotovideo
Whatever You Need, We've Got It