Side by side
DPA 2017 vs Sanken CS-M1
DPA 2017
39 positive (91%) · 4 mixed (9%) · 0 negative (0%)
Trust + time weighted: +93%
AI summary — not a quote
The DPA 2017 is highly regarded by location sound professionals as a versatile, modern shotgun microphone known for its neutral sound profile and exceptional durability. It is frequently cited as a superior alternative to the industry-standard Sennheiser MKH 416, particularly due to its lighter weight and better performance in reflective indoor environments, while maintaining high reliability in extreme humidity.
Pros
- Excellent resistance to humidity and condensation, performing well in tropical and forest environments
- Neutral and natural sound profile with a flat frequency response
- Compact and lightweight, making it an ideal choice for long days on a boom pole
- High SPL handling and robust build quality described as 'indestructible'
Cons
- Lacks the signature 'bassy' character found in the Sennheiser MKH 416
- Reach is good for its size but does not match longer specialized shotguns like the Sanken CS3-E
Top excerpts
DPA 2017 or the CS-M1 you already have.
I recently upgraded my shotgun mic from the S Mic 2 to the DPA 2017.
if you stretch your budget to the 2017 it will be lighter and offer superior clarity.
My boom setup is a MKH50 and DPA 2017, with a Zoom F8n Pro recorder.
For your first mic I’d get a DPA 2017. (This mic will grow with you and is very versatile. It’s the same price as a 416 only 50 years newer. This is a buy once cry once mentality on this purchase and you’ll thank yourself in the future.
Sanken CS-M1
30 positive (88%) · 2 mixed (6%) · 2 negative (6%)
Trust + time weighted: +82%
AI summary — not a quote
The Sanken CS-M1 is a highly praised short shotgun microphone valued for its exceptionally compact 10cm form factor and lightweight design. It is frequently recommended for narrative work and on-camera mounting, especially when using wide-angle lenses where longer microphones might enter the frame. While it is versatile enough for both indoor and outdoor use, it is noted for having a very narrow pickup pattern and less reach than traditional long shotguns like the Sennheiser 416.
Pros
- Extremely compact (10cm) and lightweight, ideal for on-camera mounting and wide lenses
- High SPL handling (137 dB) makes it suitable for loud environments like clubs
- Excellent sound quality that satisfies post-production requirements
- Versatile performance in both indoor and outdoor settings
Cons
- Very narrow pickup pattern can make it difficult to capture two people talking simultaneously
- Less outdoor reach compared to longer shotgun microphones like the Sennheiser 416
- Indoor pickup is narrower than competitors like the Sennheiser MKH50
Top excerpts
Sanken CS-M1 is great because it's small. Will need a 48v phantom power source/audio adapter.
I have a 2017 and I use a Radius 180 (intended for my Sanken CS-M1 and I decided otherwise)
the Sanken CS-M1 is a great mic for indoors but it's not as wide as the other mics, the pick pattern is really tight in comparison.
It does seems amazing. For now it’s out of budget, in my country is around 700€, so definitely a little bit too much.
Incredible sound. Supercardioid/lobar so it’s aggressively directional but has a very nice off axis response to encompass everything in your frame, while rejecting any quiet operator noise like heavy breathing after doing something strenuous to get a shot. Zero handling noise, even in rough situations. Weighs 55 grams and is 10cm long