Audio-Technica | advertisement feature
Audio-Technica’s ATV-SG1 offers clever recording options and a potential lifesaver when levels suddenly peak Safe and sound
nnovation is often the result of scrutinising a familiar piece of equipment, identifying the problems filmmakers encounter
and finding smarter ways of solving them. That’s exactly what high-tech Japanese brand Audio-Technica has done with the ATV-SG1 - and Pro Moviemaker readers clearly agree. Against tough competition from all the big players, it has been voted the winner of the microphone DSLR category in our Gear of the Year Awards. On the surface, the ATV-SG1 is like many of its high-end rivals as it’s a compact on- camera shotgun mic designed to capture clean, directional audio for any cameras that use a standard audio-jack plug. But Audio- Technica has packed in functionality that makes it far more versatile. The clever bit is its dual-channel architecture, which provides three different ways to record. For straightforward shooting, the microphone can send identical audio to both channels. But switch modes and the ATV-SG1 records its main signal on one channel while simultaneously creating a second version 6dB lower. Anyone who has recorded an interview only for their subject to suddenly laugh, shout or become animated will understand the appeal. If the main channel clips, the lower- level recording provides a shoot-saving backup. But there’s another trick that makes the ATV-SG1 even more useful for today’s solo filmmakers and content creators. Connect a compatible wireless lavalier receiver to its external input and the camera can record the ATV-SG1 shotgun on one channel and the
Game changed The Audio-Technica ATV- SG1 offers features that no other DSLR- style mic has, such as a safety track and wireless mount
There is a dedicated headphone output with volume adjustment so sound can be monitored at source, while adjustable gain and a low-cut filter give more control over what’s being recorded. An integrated shock mount helps isolate handling and camera vibration, while the supplied furry windscreen makes the mic better equipped for outdoor work. Even positioning has received some thought. A 12-sided mounting plate permits adjustment of the shotgun in 30° increments, while a sliding rail lets the mic move backwards and forwards. It’s useful when building compact camera rigs or aiming the microphone towards a subject who isn’t directly in front of the lens. Audio-Technica has also incorporated RF immunity technology to combat interference from the smartphones and wireless devices that inevitably surround modern productions. Power comes from an internal USB-C rechargeable battery with up to 24 hours of operation, making the ATV-SG1 practical for long shooting days as well as quick creator jobs. The affordable ATV-SG1 doesn’t merely promise better camera audio but delivers great sound, a backup when levels get lively and the option of simultaneously capturing a wireless mic – all without turning a compact camera into a complicated audio rig. That’s ultimately why it has resonated with our readers who have made it a winner.
wireless microphone on the other. There’s even an accessory shoe to mount the receiver directly onto the mic assembly. That means a creator filming an interview could have directional ambient or interviewer audio from the shotgun alongside a lav on the subject, with both feeds going directly into the camera’s stereo input. Or the solo-operator could ask questions and have them recorded on the lav mic, with the talking head covered by the shotgun mic. So there are lots of options, with no separate field recorder, which means considerably less kit to manage. Of course, clever features wouldn’t mean much if the fundamental audio wasn’t up to scratch. At the heart of the ATV-SG1 is a 100mm acoustic tube coupled to a newly developed 14mm diaphragm. The combination gives focused pickup with good rejection of unwanted surrounding sound, while voices come across clearly and naturally – exactly what’s needed for interviews, documentary shooting and pieces to camera. An integrated shock mount helps isolate handling and vibration
Take control There's a USB-C charging port plus headphone jack and volume control dial
More details at audio-technica.com
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