Little more than half the length of the CS-1e, the Sanken CS-M1 moisture-resistant ultracompact shotgun microphone is designed for capturing dialogue, foley, and sound effects in sterling sound quality while always staying out of the shot. Compared to the CS-1e, the CS-M1 is advantageous when used on close-range sources that don't produce extended bass frequencies.

For independent and major film, television, and location recording gigs where you need a space-saving mic that remains a featherweight on boompoles or short-lens cameras, the CS-M1 is ideal. It's short interference tube and consistent off-axis tone also make it well suited for indoor use.

The microphone exhibits a supercardioid polar pattern at low and midrange frequencies, and transitions to a lobar pattern at high frequencies, allowing it to attenuate the 90° off-axis points by about 10 dB from 250 Hz to 2 kHz and by over 14 dB at 4 kHz.

CS-M1 Ultracompact Shotgun Microphone    Rycote Shoe/Boompole Shockmount    Rycote Windshield Reduces Wind Noise    Ultracompact & Moisture-Resistant    No Switches, Buttons, or Dials    70 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency Response    Supercardioid at Low & Mid Frequencies    Lobar Pattern at High Frequencies    Low 16 dBA Self-Noise    Ultrahigh Sensitivity of -22 dB

When working outdoors in humid environments, moisture and condensation can cause many mics to fail. The CS-M1's rugged design and purpose-built components provide optimum resistance to humidity and hostile temperature changes, assuring dependable signal quality in a variety of environmental conditions.

The CS-M1 was built for use by independent videographers and demanding sound recordists alike. Its frequency response incorporates a rise in treble peaking at 9 kHz to increase intelligibility and a natural bass roll-off below 70 Hz to mitigate rumble. Its low self-noise of 16 dBA and ultrahigh sensitivity of -22 dB produce signal purity that's ready to be mixed.

Thanks to its 3-pin XLR output and compliance with 44 to 52 VDC phantom power, the CS-M1 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.

Since the CS-M1 isn't bundled with a mic clip or shockmount, consider these separately available options to mount the CS-M1 and prevent the transfer of vibrations to the microphone. The Rycote INV-6 shockmount is perfect for mounting the CS-M1 on a boompole or traditional mic stand, and you can get a 3/8"-16 to shoe adapter to allow attachment to a camera's shoe. The CS-M1's body features a matte black finish to prevent distracting visual reflections.

The CS-M1 has a urethane windscreen to reduce unwanted wind noise from breezes, fans, heaters, and air conditioners. For maximum reduction of wind noise indoors and outside, consider the Rycote 7cm Classic-Softie furry windshield (available separately).

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. This question is directed to B&H staff - you must have heard about the RF interference problem with this mic? There is a YT video about it. I want to purchase but am wondering if Rode has solved the problem or it's just a small number of mics? No one has stated if it's a part problem/xlr cable problem/shielding problem, etc. Anyone know the details?

A: We have not heard of any customers experiencing problems with RF when using the NTG5. We reached out to Rode as well for more information and to find out whether they were aware of any issues with the NTG5 regarding RF or if they had seen the video you mentioned, which none of us were able to find. Rode has not had any reported problems with the NTG5 and if you have in fact purchased the NTG5 and are experiencing problems with RF, they do want to know about it and would like for you to contact them directly for assistance. Or the mic was purchased from B&H, please do let us know about it. It is certainly possible that a bad cable or a damaged input or circuitry on a camera, recorder or mixer can be the source of RF problems, but there should not be any issues that are created by the mic itself.

Q: 2. Will this microphone fit on a Rode blimp ?

A: Yes it will. This Rode blimp RYWKNTG will work with the Sennheiser MKH 416.

Q: 3. Does the Rycote Shockmount come with a short XLR cable that threads through the handle?

A: No it does not come with a XLR cable in box

Q: 4. Can this be powered by batteries or only with phantom power?

A: All phantom, all the time, sweet pea. As a Pressure Gradient Mic, doesn't even take batteries.

Q: 5. Can the ntg3b plug directly into a Sony a7s2? Or is the ntg4+ the only one with a built in phantom?

A: The NTG-3 requires an external phantom power source and is not directly compatible with the a7s2. The Rode NTG-4+ features a built in rechargeable battery that will allow for direct connection to the camera as well as the Rode NTG-2 which is able to accept a AA battery for power.

Q: 6. Can I use this with a Canon 7D?

A: The Sennheiser MKH-416 require phantom power which your camera will not provide. In order to connect to a Canon 7D you will require an additional adapter box that will provide power to the mic as well as offer level control such as the Beachtek DXA-SLR Ultra. You may also wish to record to an portable digital recorder which will offer a higher quality recording than the camera can provide. In this case audio and video would then need to be combined via software.

Q: 7. Can I use this with a dbx 286s Microphone Preamp?

A: Yes.

Q: 8. My use case is I'm planning to have this as a boom and the talent may walk 2-3 feet around. (training - in front of a screen). The mic will be positioned overhead : How will the performance be impacted as a result? Is this still the mic for such a task?

A: This shotgun mic is highly directional, and any shift off axis from the front of the mic will result in a drop off in sound from the presenter. To use this mic, a boompole operator would need to follow the person with the mic as they move. If that is not an option, a lavalier mic on the presenter would be a better option to ensure that no matter where the presenter moves to, the audio is captured. Here's an example of a wired lav solution, B&H # SOECM77B.

Q: 9. Cheaper alternative?

A: The BP4073 Line and Gradient Condenser Microphone from Audio-Technica is well suited for capturing speech and audio in feature film recording, broadcast and theater sound reinforcement applications. The microphone measures just 9.17 in length, and weighs 3.5 oz making it ideal for long-term use on the ends of boompoles and handheld mounts.Its wide frequency response, Line + Gradient pick up pattern and low noise result in transparent audio reproduction. An 80 Hz hi-pass filter switch minimizes low-frequency noise and ambiance, while the 10 dB pad switch provides added headroom when capturing transient (peak) audio signals. The BP4073 is RoHS compliant, providing RF (radio-frequency) interference free operation. Designed for use in broadcasting, film/TV production and theater sound reinforcement applications Direct-coupled, balanced output ensures a clean signal even in high-output conditions Innovative acoustic design provides same directivity as mics up to 50% longer Switchable 80 Hz hi-pass filter & 10 dB pad Rugged housing made of lightweight structural-grade aluminum alloy RoHS-compliant - free from all substances specified in the EU directive on the reduction of hazardous substances (RoHS)

Q: 10. Does this mic come with a protective case?

A: the Sennheiser MKH416 will ship with a foam lined protective case.