Shure VP83 LensHopper Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Upgrade from your camera's onboard mic to the Shure VP83 LensHopper camera-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.
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.
Key Features
- 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
- Shure VP83 LensHopper Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
- AA Alkaline Battery
- Limited 2-Year Warranty