Sanken CS-3e Short Shotgun Microphone

The Sanken CS-3e Short Shotgun Microphone offers professional sound recordists the premium sound quality required to capture clean dialogue, foley and sound effects in demanding production environments with the Sanken CS-3e Short Shotgun Microphone.

Its long and focused reach, low noise, and strong output yield top-tier audio performance in a lightweight design. Plus, it features a selectable 100 Hz low-cut filter for minimizing rumble and bass buildup. Thanks to the CS-3e's multi-capsule design, proximity effect is nearly eliminated while maintaining a consistent tonal signature at various distances.

The CS-3e shotgun microphone exhibits a steady supercardioid polar pattern across the frequency spectrum, allowing it to attenuate the 90° off-axis points by about 14 dB from 1 to 2 kHz, by 18 dB at 4 kHz, and by 24 dB at 8 kHz. For independent and major film, television, and location recording gigs, the CS-3e is Sanken's flagship mono shotgun microphone.

3-Capsule Design

In order to achieve high directivity in middle-low frequencies, traditional shotgun mics would need a length of over 39 inches. Though only 10.6" long, the CS-3e grants reliable supercardioid polar performance even in the mid-lows due to its 3-capsule design, which uses three directional condenser elements in a front-back array to combine line mic performance and second-order pressure gradient response in a single system.The CS-3e picks up targeted frontal sound sources with clarity over a wide frequency range-even in noisy ambient environments or in long reverberation spaces-by rejecting undesired noise and sounds coming from the rear and sides.

Professional Sound Quality

The CS-3e was built for use by professional videographers and veteran sound recordists alike. Its 50 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response incorporates a gentle rise above 5 kHz to increase intelligibility without sacrificing neutrality. Its low self-noise of 15 dBA and high sensitivity of -28 dB produce signal purity that's ready to be mixed.

Phantom Powered

Thanks to its 3-pin XLR output and compliance with 44 to 52 VDC phantom power, the CS-3e is compatible with a variety of handheld audio recorders, field recorders, and mixer adapters as well as built-in preamps on many camcorders and cinema cameras.

Ideal for Mounting on a Boompole

Since the CS-3e isn't bundled with a mic clip or shockmount, consider the separately available Rycote INV 7HG MKIII shockmount. It is perfect for mounting the CS-3e on a boompole or traditional mic stand, and it prevents the transfer of vibrations to the microphone. The CS-3e's body features a lusterless black finish to prevent distracting visual reflections.

Add a Windscreen to Minimize Wind Noise

To reduce unwanted wind noise from light breezes, fans, heaters, and air conditioners, add a foam windscreen such as the Sanken CS-3FW (available separately). For maximum reduction of wind noise in outdoor shoots, consider the Rycote 18cm Super-Softie windshield (also available separately).