Audio-Technica: Gold standard sound with stereo shotgun

Posted on Jun 23, 2025 by Pro Moviemaker

Originally developed to record the Sydney Games, the unique Audio-Technica stereo shotgun is like three mics in one

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If you think all shotgun mics are created equal, the Audio-Technica BP4029 might change your mind. Originally developed to cover the Sydney Games, this stereo mic delivers rich, accurate sound in the toughest environments – making it a serious contender for location and studio work.

The BP4029 is a stereo shotgun with a twist. Unlike the mono mics typically used for close-up dialogue, this one brings stereo flexibility into the mix as it can effectively record distant sounds, cutting out off-axis noise.

Its dual electret condenser capsules – one line-cardioid, one figure-of-eight – are arranged in an MS (mid-side) configuration with provision for adjusting the width of the stereo image in post. That means you get the choice of internally matrixed stereo (with wide or narrow imaging), or raw MS outputs for post tweaking. So you can choose between a broad recording angle that captures more ambient noise, or a tighter angle where the rejection is greater and ambient noises are mitigated. No other mic offers this kind of flexibility straight out of the box.

For documentary shooters, sound recordists and ENG crews, that’s a real advantage. If you want to capture more of the natural environment, switch to a wide stereo pattern. If you need to tighten focus and reject off-axis noise, go narrow. You can even use it like a conventional mono shotgun mic for close-up dialogue. The BP4029 makes it easy, without swapping mics or losing fidelity.

It’s compact and lightweight too, measuring 236mm in length and weighing just 103g, making it easy to boom or mount directly to a camera. The mic comes with a Y-cable – a five-pin XLR to dual three-pin XLR – for discrete channel recording, along with a foam windscreen, stand clamp and hard case. It’s also phantom-powered and built to withstand the real-world rigours of field production.

A low-cut filter helps reduce unwanted rumble and wind noise, while excellent RF shielding ensures clean audio even in busy radio frequency environments like stadiums or city centres.

Sound quality is natural and uncoloured, with excellent clarity and stereo image definition. In fact, the ability to adjust stereo width in post is one of the mic’s strongest suits, especially for filmmakers who like to shape their audio environment in the edit.

The build quality is everything you’d expect from a pro-grade mic. Made from lightweight but tough aluminium, it’s designed to survive being thrown in a kit bag, rigged to a boom or perched on a camera for fast run-and-gun shoots. The included O-rings and thread adapters make it easy to fit on a range of mounts.

This is a premium tool for professionals who want reliable, flexible stereo capture without compromise. Whether you’re recording natural soundscapes, covering a fast-moving event or building immersive location audio, the BP4029 delivers.

In a sea of mono mics, this is a real standout. Fast to set up and packed with clever features, it proves that medal-winning performance isn’t just for sports broadcasters, it’s for all filmmakers.

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It’s no surprise the professional-quality Audio-Technica BP4029 won the XLR microphone of the year category in the 2024 Pro Moviemaker Gear of the Year Awards, as readers appreciated its audio accuracy, ease of use and great build quality. And it’s nominated once again in this year’s Awards, too.

The winners are voted for by YOU, filmmaking professionals. To cast your vote, go to our Gear of the Year page. And please vote for us!