Upgrade from your camera's onboard mic to the Shure VP83 LensHopper Shotgun Microphonecamera-mount shotgun microphone for better sound, less noise, and more focused directivity. Its long battery life, 3-stage gain switch, and selectable bass roll-off make it well suited for mobile journalists, vloggers, and run-and-gun shooters.

Featuring rugged metal construction while remaining compact and lightweight, the VP83 is designed to be a reliable partner for your portable video rig. Its integrated shockmount attaches directly to your camera or tripod and impedes camera handling noise and vibrations transferred through a tripod. To reduce noise from light winds, the VP83 is equipped with a foam windscreen. Attached to the VP83 is a coiled 3.5mm TRS cable, so you'll never be missing the cable you need when hurriedly hooking up the mic to your camera.

Mobile Journalist, Vlogger, Run & Gun    For Cameras and Portable Recorders    130-Hour Run Time via AA Battery    Gain and Bass Roll-Off Switches    Attached 3.5mm TRS Output Cable    Power Switch with Battery LED    Compact and Lightweight    Windscreen Reduces Wind Noise    Integrated Shoe/Tripod Shockmount

The omnidirectional microphones found in most cameras pick up sound from all directions, yielding too much ambience and noise. The VP83 uses a supercardioid/lobar polar pattern to focus on sound in front of the mic while attenuating portions of side- and rear-entry sound. Its sensitive condenser capsule and low-noise electronics produce more detailed audio and less hiss than traditional microphones built into cameras.

A coiled cable is permanently attached to the VP83 to provide efficient hookup to your camera without manual cable management. The cable's 3.5mm TRS plug is wired in dual mono, which delivers the mic signal identically to both input channels on your camera or portable recorder.

A single AA alkaline battery powers the VP83 for up to 130 hours of operating time. The power/battery LED will be turn red to warn of low battery levels. Approximately 13 hours of run time remain once the low-battery indicator lights up. To conserve battery life during periods of inactivity, use the power switch to turn off the mic or remove the battery from the battery compartment. NiMH or lithium AA batteries may also be used.

Traffic and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems can create a buildup of low-frequency noise that reduces the intelligibility of your audio. When dealing with such factors, activate the low-cut filter to roll off bass frequencies without compromising the integrity of midrange and high frequencies.

Optimal recording levels are crucial to avoiding distortion and lessening noise. The VP83 features a 3-stage gain switch to accommodate common scenarios. The 0 dB setting is recommended when capturing sounds that are slightly louder than typical speech levels. Use the -10 dB option to prevent distortion from loud sources such as concerts or sporting events. Switch to the +20 dB position for quiet sources or typical speech levels.

The VP83 utilizes an integrated Rycote Lyre shockmount to isolate the mic from vibrations and mechanical/handling noise. The bottom of the shockmount features a camera shoe mount with a 1/4"-20 thread, ensuring simple attachment to your camera or a tripod (available separately).

The foam windscreen on the VP83 is designed to lessen undesirable wind noise from breezes, fans, heaters, and air conditioners. For maximum reduction of wind noise in outdoor environments, acquire a furry windshield such as the Shure A83-FUR (available separately).

The VP83's cast aluminum housing provides a durable, rugged frame for rigorous operation in a variety of environments. It also offers enhanced RF immunity to mitigate unwanted audio artifacts from cellular and RF devices.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can I use this to record podcasts, without video?

A: Yes, you can use it on or off a camera and you can select and mp4 format that is appropriate for podcasts.

Q: 2. im im using garageband 2016 ish version . . is there a noise gate/noise reduction setting in there can use? . . or noise gate software i can buy from you guys for about $100?

A: Garageband does include a noise gate setting. There are various tutorials available online that can help you find where the control is within the app and activate it, based on your current version. In addition, the Shure VP83 does also feature a low-cut filter to help eliminate unwanted background noise and room ambience. You can turn this on/off using the lower of the two switches on the back of the device.

Q: 3. Can this mike/recorder generate a slate tone for syncing audio and video?

A: The VP83F does not have a slate tone function. When using this device it is recommended that more traditional slate methods be used in order to aid in syncing your audio with video in post. Please reference this helpful video for further information: http://bcove.me/s3dedt18

Q: 4. Is there an auto gain option?

A: This microphone offers manual gain controls from its MENU only.

Q: 5. Could I use this as a boom mic interview style (placed above the talent) with an extension cable?

A: Yes, you can use the VP83 with an extension cable and mount the mic on a boompole or stand. The bottom of the camera shoe mount attached to the shock mount has a 1/4"-20 female thread which you can use to attach the mic to a boompole or stand. You may need to use a thread adapter. Tripods typically have a 1/4"-20 thread, but most boompoles have a 3/8" thread and most microphone stands have a 5/8" thread. For a boompole or stand with a 3/8" male post, you can use the Impact Small 3/8"-16 Female Threaded Adapter to 1/4"-20 Male Threaded Post (B&H # IMCA103) . For a microphone stand with a 5/8" male thread, you can use the CAMVATE 5/8" Female to 1/4"-20 Male Mic Stand Adapter (B&H # CAC0988). For an extension cable, you can use the Hosa Technology Stereo Mini Male to Stereo Mini Female Cable - 25' (B&H # HOSMMSMF25) or any similar aux cable in the length you prefer.

Q: 6. Can you connect the mic to a recorder instead of a camera using the red output jack and record to the recorder? So you don’t have to use a SD card.

A: Yes. This is designed to record to both an SD card and or a camera /recorder

Q: 7. Will the Shure vp 83 work with a LUMIX g9? I see the mike comes with a TRS cable to input to the camera and the G9 has a TRRS audio input.

A: Yes, the Shure VP83 is compatible for use with the Lumix G9. The mic input on the camera is a standard 3.5mm TRS connection. It is TRS and not TRRS, which is the common connector for most mobile devices. So the VP83 will connect directly to the mic input on the camera with no adapters needed.

Q: 8. Will it work directly with my Panasonic hc-v800?

A: Yes, the Shure VP83 LensHopper Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone is directly compatible with the Panasonic HC-V800 Full HD Camcorder.

Q: 9. Can this be used without using the flash recorder?

A: The Shure VP83F can be used without using the recorder functionality.

Q: 10. Is this a mono or stereo mic?

A: This is a monophonic microphone.