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Audio-Technica has unveiled two new on-camera shotgun microphones: the ATV-SG1 and the ATV-SG1LE. The flagship ATV-SG1 brings dual-channel flexibility and a lavalier integration option to a compact, Japan-manufactured package, while the streamlined ATV-SG1LE targets content creators who want quality audio without the added complexity. It is worth noting that those microphones are first for the company in this category in about ten years!
Audio-Technica, a company with over 60 years of experience in sound technology and a well-established reputation in broadcast audio, is entering the competitive on-camera shotgun microphone market with this new ATV series. Both models share the same 100mm acoustic tube and newly designed 14mm large-diameter diaphragm, drawing on Audio-Technica’s broadcast heritage. The market for this category has grown increasingly crowded over recent years, with players ranging from RΓDE’s VideoMic GO II to the more feature-rich JOBY Wavo PRO, so it will be interesting to see where the ATV series lands in real-world use.
The ATV-SG1 is the more capable of the two microphones and positions itself clearly for professional run-and-gun or single-camera productions where audio reliability matters. At its core is a 100mm interference tube paired with a newly designed 14mm large-diameter diaphragm, which Audio-Technica says delivers high sensitivity and low noise for natural voice reproduction. An integrated shock mount addresses handling noise from camera movement, while the company’s patented RF noise-immunity technology aims to eliminate interference from nearby smartphones and other electronic devices.
The mic’s standout feature is its matrix switch, which lets users configure the stereo output in three ways: duplicate left/right channels for straightforward dual-mono recording, a primary track on the left with a -6dB safety backup on the right, or a primary shotgun track on the left alongside a wireless lavalier feed on the right. That third option is particularly practical: an external input jack and accessory shoe allow a wireless lav receiver to be mounted directly on the microphone, feeding both sources into a single stereo camera input. For solo operators covering events or interviews where a second audio device isn’t an option, this is a meaningful workflow advantage.
Additional controls include a low-cut filter to attenuate wind, traffic, and HVAC noise, plus a stepless gain knob on the rear of the unit for on-the-fly level adjustment. A headphone jack with its own volume control enables real-time audio monitoring without an external mixer. Battery life is rated at up to 24 hours from the built-in USB rechargeable cell, which should cover most single-day shoots comfortably.
Both the ATV-SG1 and ATV-SG1LE feature a 12-sided shoe mounting plate that allows the microphone to rotate in 30-degree increments, useful for capturing off-axis sound sources without repositioning the camera. On the ATV-SG1, the sliding rail system also lets users shift the microphone forward or backward on the mount, which can keep the mic body clear of the camera frame or make room for other accessories on a busy hot shoe. It is a practical design touch, similar to what we have seen on competing products such as the Atomos StudioSonic.
The ATV-SG1LE is the more accessible model in the range, designed for content creators, YouTubers, and anyone who wants reliable on-camera audio without navigating multi-channel configuration menus. It connects via a TRS-to-TRS cable and draws power directly from the camera’s plug-in power supply, requiring no battery or charging. Audio-Technica claims its patented plug-in power circuitry preserves an extended dynamic range and high maximum SPL despite the passive power arrangement, which sets it apart from budget mics that typically sacrifice performance for convenience.
The ATV-SG1LE uses the same 100mm acoustic tube and 14mm diaphragm found in the ATV-SG1, along with the same RF noise-immunity technology and integrated shock mount. At 130 x 35mm / 5.12 x 1.38in, it is compact enough to suit smaller mirrorless and DSLR setups without throwing off the camera’s balance. A wind muff is included for outdoor use. What the ATV-SG1LE does not offer is the safety track recording, external lavalier input, gain knob, headphone monitoring, or rechargeable battery of its bigger sibling. For straightforward single-operator video work, those omissions are unlikely to be missed. For professional shoots, however, the step up to the ATV-SG1 is clearly justified.
Both microphones are available now. The ATV-SG1 carries a U.S. MAP price of $249, while the ATV-SG1LE is priced at $119. Each comes with a wind muff, and the ATV-SG1 also includes a TRS cable for connectivity.
Audio-Technica’s dual-model approach neatly separates the professional and creator markets, with the ATV-SG1’s lavalier integration and safety track offering genuine utility for solo operators who need redundancy from a single camera. Are you considering the ATV-SG1 or ATV-SG1LE for your kit, and how does the pricing compare with what you currently use? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!
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Johnnie Behiri is a documentary filmmaker with more than three decades behind the camera: he learned the craft in daily television news gathering, filmed for Japan's public broadcaster NHK, and spent eight years shooting and editing for BBC News. He joined cinema5D in 2011 and has co-owned and co-run CineD and MZed ever since. Johnnie writes many of CineD's camera reviews, co-hosts our weekly Focus Check podcast, and heads CineD's manufacturer relationships and product development.