Shotgun versus rifle mic

[Kombucha]

Quick question from a semi-noob.

Is there a difference between a shotgun mic and a rifle mic? From what I've heard and read, some people seem to think a rifle is more directional than a shotgun, whereas others think they're the same thing. A quick look on Wikipedia as well as sites like Thomann suggests the latter, as they have no mention of rifle mics.

 

[saads]

What do you plan on getting?

 

[moresound]

Rifle mic ?

 

[mixsit]

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=113817
Best of both worlds, close and far'..

 

[Kombucha]

It's purely theoretical really. I don't plan on buying either at the moment. I'm just curious.

 

[mixsit]

There's 'short shot guns that are very directional, and longer ones that are even more?

 

[Kombucha]

Does anyone have anything else to add? It doesn't look like anyone has tried to answer really...

 

[mixsit]

I did a little search. These guys call it a 'rifle;
http://www.proaudiosystems.co.uk/product-1980-2-17-86.html
But AT calls it a 'shotgun;
http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/resource_library/literature/4d5155e1aae93bd6/at8035_ss_e.pdf
Do a search at AT for rifle. Nada.

 

[XLR]

I've never heard or read the term "rifle mic". Mic pickup pattern categories as I know them, in increasing directionality, are: omni, wide cardioid, cardioid, supercardioid, hypercardioid, shotgun.

 

[moresound]

I've never heard or read the term "rifle mic". Mic pickup pattern categories as I know them, in increasing directionality, are: omni, wide cardioid, cardioid, supercardioid, hypercardioid, shotgun.

I've heard shotgun mics slantingly called bazooka mics but not rifle.

 

[XLR]

1. I figured it out. "Rifle mic" is an actual rifle (a small one) made to look like a mic. Did you see "The Bodyguard"? The hit-man posing as a TV camerman is trying to shoot Whitney Houston while she's on stage, and Kevin Costner dives in front of her to take the bullet. The mic on his camera is actually a small rifle. There ya go.

-----------------------

2. Since recording terminology is international, I imagine "rifle mic" is a result of "shotgun mic" being passed a few times between languages via the Google translator.

 

[suprstar]

mystery's solved folks,

 

[XLR]

Well, that's actually a rifle silencer mic.

edit:
Or a rifle-fired grenade mic.

 

[moresound]

Ya yes the SM16 assault microphone.

 

[mixsit]

mystery's solved folks,

Hah! I was looking for the Heil PR30' strapped to an M1 filiming sound for 'Brother's in arms' but couldn't find it.

 

[Paj]

Ya yes the SM16 assault microphone.

I wonder if Oktava has an MK-47?

Paj
8^)

 

[Kombucha]

Googling it shows quite a few examples of its usage. The first result is here:

http://www.4rfv.co.uk/equipment_sales_hire.asp?equipstr=R9W79LIQRQ41_2

Searching for the mic mentioned on that page shows most sources refer to it as a shotgun mic anyway. But "rifle mic" is definitely a term used by some people. Perhaps it's used more in the film business?

 

[dementedchord]

hey if ya wanna be one of the.0003% of recordists that call shotguns rifles... well have at...

 

[XLR]

Even rifle mic's can't compete in tightness of pickup pattern with the Daisy Red Ryder BBgun mic. It's not technically a rifle mic since it has a smooth bore barrel. But at .177 inch bore diameter it's the narrowest. And it's a vintage classic. Modern CO2 powered BBgun mic's have the narrow pattern, power, ease of use, but just don't have the vibe. Unlike the SM16 Assault mic, the BBgun mic's capsule is small enough to fit inside the barrel.

 

[XLR]

The Red Ryder BBgun mic in use by a young home recordist.