> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.podcastvideos.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Rycote HC 15 vs. HC 22: Which Shotgun Mic Do You Need? - URL: https://www.podcastvideos.com/rycote-hc-15-hc-22-shotgun-microphones-review/ - Published: 2026-09-24T20:00:20.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-24T20:00:20.000Z - Description: An in-depth look at Rycote's HC-15 and HC-22 shotgun microphones. Discover their self-noise, sound quality, build, and how they compare to the Sennheiser MKH 416. - Author: Staff Report - Tags: Audio Equipment, Recording, Business Rycote is best known for its microphone wind protection and shock mounts, but the company has now entered the production-microphone market with two shotgun models: the HC-15 and HC-22\. Both are aimed at professional sound work, and their first tests suggest they can hold their own against familiar options like the Sennheiser MKH 416. ### Key takeaways - The HC-15 and HC-22 share a similar sound, with the longer HC-22 offering a more focused pickup pattern. - Both microphones have a stated self-noise rating of 8.5 dBA and performed well in a quiet-room recording test. - The HC-15 suits camera mounting and tighter spaces; the HC-22 is a strong option for boom use. - They are sold with a hard case but without clips or wind protection, so plan for those additions separately. ## Rycote’s first production microphones The HC-15 and HC-22 are professional shotgun microphones made in the UK. The HC-15 measures 15.5 centimeters, while the HC-22 has a 22-centimeter interference tube. At the time of the review, they were priced at $779 and $799, respectively. Rycote keeps the included package simple: each microphone comes in a hard plastic case, without a clip or even a basic foam cover. That leaves buyers free to choose the mounting and wind protection that suit their setup. For location sound, though, those accessories should be part of the total cost. Rycote’s wind protection products are one option, including the lightweight Nano Shield system used in the outdoor samples. ## Sound and noise performance In listening tests, both microphones sounded clear and were judged comparable to the Sennheiser MKH 416\. The reviewer’s preference will depend on the job and on how the microphones handle sound coming from outside the main pickup area. Rycote lists self-noise at 8.5 dBA, a low figure for a shotgun microphone. A practical quiet-room test backed up that specification: after the recording was normalized for comparison, the silent portions reached a maximum RMS level near -70 dB. That test isn’t the same as a lab measurement, but it gives producers a useful sense of how the microphones behave in a quiet recording space. The review also tested rejection by moving a white-noise source around the microphone. The rear was about 13 loudness units quieter than the front. That’s useful isolation, though the MKH 416 rejected more in the same comparison. As with many shotgun microphones, off-axis sounds can also take on a different, somewhat swishy character rather than simply disappearing. ## Build and handling The microphones use gold Neutrik XLR connectors, a brass body and an aluminum interference tube. The construction feels appropriate for their professional price range. The balance also sits toward the rear, which can make a microphone easier to handle once wind protection is fitted. Both models performed well in the handling-noise test, and their relatively low weight is helpful for operators who hold a boom for long stretches. That matters in production work: a small difference in weight can become noticeable over a full day on set. ## Choosing between the HC-15 and HC-22 The models are essentially the same microphone in different lengths. The longer HC-22 has a more focused front pickup pattern, giving it a bit more isolation in practice. It is a natural fit for a boom, whether handheld or mounted on a stand. The shorter HC-15 is easier to fit on a camera and is useful in tighter spaces. It has a wider area of sensitivity in front, which may be an advantage when a sound source is moving or precise boom placement isn’t possible. It can also serve as a camera-mounted microphone for scratch audio. | Microphone | Best fit | Main difference | | ---------- | ---------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- | | HC-15 | Camera mounting and compact setups | Shorter body and wider front pickup area | | HC-22 | Boom operation | Longer tube and more focused pickup | ## Outdoor and RF tests Outdoor samples captured traffic with the microphones aimed both toward and away from the road. They showed how the pickup pattern can help reduce unwanted sound, while also making clear that rear and off-axis traffic may still be audible. The HC-22’s narrower front pattern gave it a little more separation. In RF tests with several wireless transmitters, there was no interference when the source was more than about 10 centimeters away. Interference appeared when a transmitter was brought extremely close to the microphone. For a wireless boom setup, keeping the transmitter a short distance from the mic should help avoid trouble. The review noted a 24-month warranty in the European Union; warranty terms may differ elsewhere, so check local coverage before buying. ## How they compare with alternatives The Sennheiser MKH 416 is a familiar alternative at a higher price. It offered stronger rejection in the rear test, though the reviewer felt that the Rycote microphones sounded similarly good. The RØDE NTG3 costs slightly less and has a bassier sound that may suit people looking for a richer voice tone. There isn’t one right choice for every production. For creators and production teams evaluating dialogue gear, the HC-15 and HC-22 offer another professional option with low stated self-noise, solid handling and a sound the reviewer found close to a well-known industry standard. At PodcastVideos.com, those practical details matter: the right microphone is the one that fits the camera, boom, location and workflow you actually use.