Audio-Technica Cardioid Normal & Tele Condenser Shotgun Video Camera Microphone

This mic worked fine for about 4 years until I started using it near the pool. I believe moisture did it in finally. _Great camera/cell-phone mic for home use for the money (you need a TRRS-to-TRS adapter to use this with a computer). For in-room or close-up outdoor recording the cardioid setting worked great, either from the camera or hanging from a boom. Noise only really became a problem using the more powerful supercardioid setting, but I found I could clean it up using noise-removal apps in post production (download Audacity sound editor free). Supercardioid picked up my dad talking in a soft voice from 15 feet away, but hiss needed to be removed in post. _Because I used this to make semiprofessional music videos for Youtube, to improve the recording quality and remove hiss, I bought an iRig cell phone amp for this (best used at no more than 1/3 volume to reduce noise).

On multiple devices this microphone suffers from a DC hum and audio comes through very faint. Tried it on two laptops both plugged into power and on battery. Also tried it on a Canon 5DmkII with same result. $5 junk mic sounds better.

I am a musician and wanted audio and video recordings. For audio, I used this with my Tascam 5 recorder...Excellent sound reproduction!..Video..I used my JVC Verio video camera...Wonderful audio with 1080p Video...Sounds great using surround sound audio. I would recommend this mictophone!

Just got it out of the box and tried it on my ipad2, which is why I bought and the mic doesn't come on at all? Tried it on a Canon Vixia HFG10 and have the same results...nothing. Now I have to spend additional money to get a replacement or my money back. How can you package any product without an instructional manual. This item doesn't come with any instructions at all. I will not be using this company again.

I am using the ATR-6550 with a Canon VIXIA HF R300 and getting room hiss and a low hum, even when sound is on auto. Any suggestions?