Focus Check podcast ep72: What are your ULTIMATE mirrorless camera features? - WATCH or LISTEN now!
Focus Check podcast ep72:The ULTIMATE mirrorless camera?
Education for Filmmakers
Language
The CineD Channels
Info
New to CineD?
You are logged in as
We will send you notifications in your browser, every time a new article is published in this category.
You can change which notifications you are subscribed to in your notification settings.
Atomos is dipping their toes deeper into the audio game with the launch of the StudioSonic Shotgun Mic, a compact, directional microphone built for video professionals, solo shooters, and mobile creators. Known primarily for their video monitor-recorders, Atomos is now expanding into sound with a mic that feels practical and straightforward for field use.
The StudioSonic can be used either wirelessly over 2.4GHz or as a wired mic via USB-C or 3.5mm analog output. The USB-C port features Atomos’s proprietary locking connector, the same type used across devices like the Ninja Phone and Shinobi II. This setup gives users a more secure connection that holds up better in active shooting conditions.
Audio is captured using a supercardioid condenser capsule at 48kHz/24-bit. A built-in OLED screen provides quick feedback on gain levels, filter status, and battery life, all directly on the mic.
These features are aimed at users who need gear that adapts quickly and holds up in real-world production. The wireless and wired flexibility is useful for those who frequently switch setups. The locking USB-C connector is a welcome touch, especially for those tired of fragile, easy-to-bump cables.
The dual low-cut filters help reduce unwanted rumble from wind, footsteps, or handling, and the high-frequency boost can make speech sound more present. The onboard gain dial allows for quick level adjustments without needing to dive into menus. Having an OLED display for live monitoring helps keep things simple and reduces second-guessing during shoots.
These accessories give users everything they need to mount the mic on a camera or boom pole, run it into a recorder or computer, or use it as a compact voiceover mic.
The StudioSonic has a lot in common with the RØDE VideoMic NTG, which also blends USB-C digital output, analog support, onboard controls, and a compact shotgun design. What sets the Atomos offering apart is the addition of built-in wireless with a dedicated receiver, the longer battery life in wired mode, and the secure locking connector that matches other Atomos gear.
This mic is entering a space that is already overflowing with choices. Over the last few years, creators have been offered a constant stream of camera-top mics, wireless lav kits, portable podcast setups, and hybrid solutions. Many of them are excellent, but few are as clearly designed for production users who are already operating in the Atomos ecosystem.
One notable omission is the lack of 32-bit float recording, which has quickly become a sought-after feature as more creators look for extra headroom and worry-free gain staging in the field. Over just the past few weeks, we’ve noted the release of several audio recording systems that include 32-bit float recording, including the Hollyland LARK MAX 2 and the Sennheiser Profile Wireless.
Even my Zoom M3 MicTrak Stereo Shotgun Microphone, which I’ve had for years, includes 32-bit recording. TBH, I hardly ever use it with that microphone, but it is a nice thing to have when I need it. I’m sure many of you see 32-bit recording as fairly standard now and feel that its absence here is a noticeable omission.
StudioSonic may not bring new tricks to the category, but it provides a clean, well-integrated option for those who want fewer devices, tighter setups, and one less thing to babysit on set. It is a welcome addition for creators who value reliability, simplicity, and gear that fits their workflow without getting in the way.
The Atomos StudioSonic Shotgun Mic is now available for pre-order. Atomos expects to begin shipping in mid-July 2025. The MSRP is $249 or €249, excluding local taxes. For more information, visit atomos.com.
Have thoughts on the StudioSonic or your own go-to audio setup? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below. We’d love to hear what you’re using in the field.
Stay current with regular CineD updates about news, reviews, how-to’s and more.
You can unsubscribe at any time via an unsubscribe link included in every newsletter. For further details, see our Privacy Policy
Want regular CineD updates about news, reviews, how-to’s and more?Sign up to our newsletter and we will give you just that.
You can unsubscribe at any time via an unsubscribe link included in every newsletter. The data provided and the newsletter opening statistics will be stored on a personal data basis until you unsubscribe. For further details, see our Privacy Policy
Dave Kratz is a freelance documentary & commercial editor, and DP based out of Philadelphia, PA. His work includes films & series for Discovery Channel, History Channel, A&E, and HBO.