Audio-Technica
AT897
Capture pristine audio with the Audio-Technica AT897, a high-performance short shotgun condenser microphone designed for professional film, TV, and broadcast applications. Its discreet 11-inch length is ideal for mounting on camcorders without obstruction. The AT897 excels in long-distance sound pickup, offering a narrow acceptance angle for clear, natural audio while effectively rejecting unwanted side and rear noise. Enjoy flexible dual power operation via battery or phantom power, and utilize the switchable low-frequency roll-off for precise sound shaping in demanding recording environments.
$269.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1314
/ 2337
#1314 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-47%
Below average
Element
Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser
/ Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser
Who it's for
- Compact and Versatile Design
- Dual Power Options
- Excellent Value Proposition
Who should skip it
- Limited Reach Compared to Longer Shotguns
- Higher Self-Noise
- Susceptible to Handling Noise
Key Specs
Element
Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser
Polar Pattern
Line + gradient
Frequency Response
20-20,000 Hz
Low Frequency Roll-Off
80 Hz, 18 dB/octave
Impedance
Phantom: 200 ohms; Battery: 300 ohms
Maximum Input Sound Level
Phantom: 129 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.; Battery: 115 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
Dynamic Range (typical)
Phantom: 112 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL; Battery: 98 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
77 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
Features
- Discreet short shotgun design
- Excellent long-distance audio pickup
- Switchable low-frequency roll-off
- Dual power capability
- Smooth, natural on-axis sound
- Superior side and rear rejection
- Ideal for ENG/EFP production
- RoHS compliant construction
What customers say
Consumers view the Audio-Technica AT897 as an exceptional value microphone, balancing performance and price perfectly between entry level and professional gear. Users consistently praise its outstanding clarity and highly directional pattern, which effectively rejects unwanted noise, making it excellent for crisp dialogue capture in demanding settings. The robust, all-metal construction inspires confidence in its field durability. A key convenience is the flexibility to operate using phantom power or a standard AA battery. While self-noise is slightly higher than premium models, the consensus is that the AT897 delivers reliable, professional-grade results, establishing it as a dependable tool for serious creators seeking a significant audio upgrade without a high cost.
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