Deity S-Mic 3
A pro-tier XLR shotgun positioned as MKH 416-class boom-pole dialogue pickup for well under half that reference's price, requiring 48V phantom power. It's aimed at filmmakers capturing dialogue on a boom for production sound. It's not for run-and-gun shooters on cameras lacking XLR inputs or phantom power; this is a dedicated location-sound mic, not a plug-in-power vlogging option.
Scores
BreakdownHideOverall76±3Caliber-forward blend — tier caliber + within-tier price rank 30%, value 25%, confidence 20%, compatibility 15%, upgrade path 10% — renormalized over applicable dimensions; excluded here: compatibility (no ecosystem dimension).
Scores
BreakdownHideCaliber-forward blend — tier caliber + within-tier price rank 30%, value 25%, confidence 20%, compatibility 15%, upgrade path 10% — renormalized over applicable dimensions; excluded here: compatibility (no ecosystem dimension).
The ± band on the overall score reflects sourcing confidence — wider when fewer specs are verified.
How each score is computed: our scoring methodology.
Specifications
| Spec | Value | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| mic type | shotgunSourced | Sourced |
| connection | XLRSourced | Sourced |
| phantom power required | yesSourced | Sourced |
3/3 detail specs sourced. Amber rows are flagged for verification — we show them as reported, not confirmed.
Verdict
Best for
- Boom-pole dialogue shotgun — MKH 416-class pickup for less than half the price
Who should skip this
- Cameras without XLR inputs or 48V phantom
Where to buy
List price $399
Prices are a guide and can change — confirm the current price on the retailer's site before buying.
Prices last checked Jun 15, 2026 — retailer prices change often, so click through for the current price.
Some links may be affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you; rankings are never influenced by it.
Compatibility
No platform-specific compatibility requirements — this works in any standard photo / video setup.
Upgrade path
Buying today, the Sennheiser MKE 600 scores higher for less — the smarter pick in microphones unless you specifically want this one. See it →