Shoeps CCM 8 L – Microphone

The bidirectional pattern on this thing is a game-changer for documentary work—the 0°/180° axis means I can catch two people facing each other without the mic hogging the frame. Single diaphragm keeps the sound incredibly natural, and it's tiny enough to rig anywhere.

I needed a mic for tight interview spaces, and the side-address pickup of this model solved my issues with bleed from nearby cameras. The single diaphragm gives it a natural, focused sound even when the subject moves slightly off-axis. It’s quickly become my go‑to for documentary work.

The microphone's bidirectional pickup pattern is incredibly useful for capturing two-person interviews without the usual bleed. I was surprised by how clean and natural the audio sounds from the side axis, perfect for documentary work.