The phrase "ENG shotgun"
has come about as an informal means of referring to
moderately-priced (compared to true condenser) directional
microphones. All of these microphones are commonly described
as permanently polarized, fixed charge, or electret
condenser design.
Electrets are definitely a major step up from dynamic
mics and are suitable for ENG, corporate, and other
applications where budget, convenience, ruggedness,
and self-contained mic power may be important.
Unlike regular condensers that require higher voltages
to operate (12 to 48 volts), these electret mics require
only a nominal voltage of 1.5 volts. A single battery
contained within the microphone body provides the necessary
power. Since the electret condenser microphone is self-powered,
it can be plugged directly into the regular low impedance
"dynamic" mic input of professional mixers
and recorders.
We do believe it is important to point out that, although
all of these ENG shotguns offer excellent value for
their moderate price, they do not offer the high sensitivity
and extended reach of the more sophisticated (and more
expensive) condenser models.
