TOP 5 SHOTGUNS! (for those with a budget)- READ THIS! - DVXuser.com -- The online community for filmmaking

timapter · 01-09-2006, 08:02 AM

Ok, so you're new to audio. You're trying to choose a mic. You have only a certain amount of cash. You want to do a, b, and c with it. Before you ask a question thats been answered before, read this.

The low downs below are for the 5 short shotgun mics everyone here talks about. The fields of comparison are price (based on bhphotovideo.com), what the heck it does, and a ranking from 5th best to best for overall sound quality (i.e. how GOOD it makes things sound, what its reputation is).

If you want the best you can afford, start at Number 1, and work your way down until the price works for you. And remember: Short guns don't work for every situation. And you'll also need a suspension system, and a windshield.

If anyone owns these mics, PM me and lets find a way to get audio samples linked up next to each mic. Even better would be an A B C D E comparison, but I dunno if anyone owns all 5!

Here goes....

timapter · 01-09-2006, 08:03 AM

Revision 1 - See end of thread for "HOW YOU CAN BE CONFUSED WHEN BUYING"

POSITION 5:
THE AUDIO TECHNICA AT897

PRICE: $279.95

WHAT THEY SAY IT DOES:
"The Audio Technica AT897 is a short shotgun condenser microphone designed for audio capturing in video and broadcast applications. The microphone's unobtrusive length of 11" (279.40mm) ensures that the microphone remains out of the frame when mounted on compact, consumer video cameras.

The microphone's narrow pick up pattern enhances signal reproduction when capturing audio at long range. Excellent off-axis sound rejection minimizes noise and ambiance, emphasizing the desired signal. A wide frequency response provides accurate sound reproduction of signals registering at various frequencies. A low-cut frequency switch eliminates noise and hum registering at the low frequency range. The microphone operates on a single 1.5v AA battery or 11V - 52V phantom power."

WHAT IT REALLY DOES:

Signal/noise ratio: 77 dB, 1kHz at 1 Pa

Dynamic range: Phantom: 112 dB, 1kHz at Max. SPL
Battery: 98 dB, 1 kHz at Max. SPL

Weight with battery: 5.1 oz

The AT897 costs more than the RODE NTG-2 and is a similar mic in many ways- Its decent.

On the plus side: It can be run on non-phantom wireless systems because it's battery operated. Its also an Audio Technica mic, which means fairly high quality control. Most users here state that the mic sounds much better than it costs.

On the downside, the output isnt as hot as I personally would like it, and this means its less suited for "straight into camera" use - camera preamps will make the signal noisy when you turn up volume to compensate. The Mic is best used with an external preamp or mixer. Its also quite heavy according to spec and compared to the others.

This could be a pro or a con, but the mic is not drastically directional. For a perfectionist or someone in a relatively high noise location, this sucks. For an inexperienced boom op look to cover two targets, this is ok.

POSITION 4:
THE SENNHEISER ME66 CAP with K6 POWER UNIT

PRICE: approx. $450

WHAT THEY SAY IT DOES:
"The Sennheiser ME66 short shotgun microphone is a popular choice among video, film and ENG / EFP professionals. The capsule features a highly directional, cardioid polar pattern yielding great attenuation at the sides of the microphone, maximizing pick up at the front. The result is a focused pick-up in highly ambient environments. A wide 40-20,000Hz frequency response provides detailed, accurate signal reproduction. The ME66 capsule takes advantage of the K6 modular power supply. The K6 houses a standard AA alkaline battery and is also capable of excepting phantom power from outside sources. It's compact design allows mounting to video cameras. The ME66 is at home in event videography, ENG / EFP use, video depositions, corporate media applications and film."

WHAT IT REALLY DOES:

Signal/noise ratio: 84 dB

Dynamic range: 115 dB typical

Weight with battery: 3.93 oz. (110 g)

The Sennheiser ME66 is most commonly hit for its price relative to its quality, however its one of the most common mics in use for videography and broadcast/documentary use.

On the plus side, its light. The lightest in this comparison. It can be run on non-phantom wireless systems because it's battery operated. Its also fairly well made for a mic made of plastic. They dont break often.

On the downside, Its darn expensive, most probably due to the fact its part of a modular system and most people only use the ME66 cap. The quality of the sound is often referred to as inferior, and colouration of off-axis sound is, IMO, really horrible. As directionality goes, the mic is far from surgical. I often feel you're mainly paying for the brand "Sennheiser" and the hopes it'll sound like a MKH416.

POSITION 3:
THE RODE NTG-2

PRICE: $249.95

WHAT THEY SAY IT DOES:
"The {new} RODE NTG-2 is a lightweight condenser shotgun microphone, designed for professional applications within the film, video, television and production industries.

The NTG-2 provides a balanced low impedance output stage and operates either from an internal 1.5 V battery (AA) or 48 V to the P48 standard. A wide bandwidth and controlled polar response coupled with low noise SMT electronics, makes the NTG-2 the perfect choice for film, video engineering and voice-over work. The NTG-2 is extremely lightweight making it ideal for mounting directly to video cameras or on boom poles.

The NTG-2 comes complete with mount and windshield.The windscreen effectively suppresses wind noise when recording outdoors in moderate conditions."

WHAT IT REALLY DOES:

Signal/noise ratio: 76 dB

Dynamic range: 113 dB

Weight with battery: 161 g approx. (5 oz.)

The Rode NTG-2 is the cheapest mic on comparison here. Its decent. But it's sure not what they used on "Spiderman".
On the plus side: An inexperienced boom operator can get by with its wider acceptance angle. You can also run it on a non-phantom wireless system because it's battery operated. Output is hot enough to use the mic plugged straight into the camera (if you have to). It, according to most users here, sounds very natural.

On the down side: Its pretty heavy (approaches the 416's weight). Its far from premium quality, but its natural and will do the job.

POSITION 2:
THE AUDIO TECHNICA AT4073a

PRICE: $549

WHAT THEY SAY IT DOES:
"The Audio Technica AT4073a is a transformerless, externally polarized line + gradient capacitor microphone. It has been specially created to meet the critical long distance pickup demands of broadcasting, film/TV sound, professional recording and theater sound reinforcement.

The AT4073a features a broad band, linear on axis frequency response, with maximum rejection of sounds from both the sides and the rear of the microphone. Rear polar lobing, common in shotgun microphones, has been greatly reduced and the off axis response remains highly uniform. The resultant lack of sound coloration on and off axis makes the AT4073a particularly useful for miking dynamic action in film/TV audio as well as in "spot" miking techniques in the music studio or theater."

WHAT IT REALLY DOES:

Signal/noise ratio: 80 dB, (1 kHz @ 1Pa, A-Weighted)

Dynamic range: 112 dB

Weight with battery: 4.0 oz. (114 g)

The AT4073a is considered by many to be the cheapest mic that can be considered "pro", and is highly competent is most production fields. Although on stats, the mic doesn't beat the ME66, in sound it (IMO) destroys it.

On the plus side: This is the second lightest mic on test. Not much colouration of off axis sound. Nice tight pickup pattern. High quality construction (dont know of any breaking yet). Excellent, excellent sound compared to what it costs (Can be compared to mics that cost much more).

On the downside: Although Ive never heard of one breaking, it feels very fragile, even more so than the plastic ME66. Only runs off phantom, so you'll need a supply for that - be it camera, mixer, phantom enabled wireless adaptor or external preamp.

POSITION 1:
THE SENNHEISER MKH416

PRICE: $1099.95

WHAT THEY SAY IT DOES:
"The MKH 416 transformerless, RF condenser is designed as a combination of pressure gradient and interference tube microphones. Very good feedback rejection, low proximity effect, 130 dB/SPL. Rugged and resistant to changing climate conditions. Ideal for boom, fishpole, and camera mounting.

Its excellent directivity and compact design, high consonant articulation and feedback rejection make the MKH 416 a superb all-around microphone for film, radio and television, especially for outside broadcast applications."

WHAT IT REALLY DOES:

Signal/noise ratio: 81 dB

Dynamic range: 117 dB

Weight with battery: 5.82 oz. (175 g)

The MKH416 is used worldwide and its been that way for a long time. It's the classic mic that most other short shotgun mics are compared to.

On the plus side: Its sound is hard to beat. Warm, and real with very precise pickup, and little off axis colouration. It's almost DIFFICULT to break, thanks for its metal shell. You shouldn't ever need to replace this mic if you are a sound professional.

On the downside: Its the heaviest of the 5 mics, but who cares its kicks ass. Its expensive, but its quality warrants it. It is incredibly precise, which can be very dangerous in the hands of an inexperienced boom operator.

Conclusion:
If you guys don't agree with my opinions expressed here, PLEASE post and correct me or say how YOU feel. I'm happy to shuffle the positions, and adjust the content if its the truth and the forum feels I'm wrong.

Hope this is a useful thread for beginners...
Tim

MattinSTL · 01-09-2006, 08:18 AM

Wow! Beautiful post! If possible you should paste a the frequency and polar charts next to the mics.

timapter · 01-09-2006, 08:28 AM

Thanks, I will do that... just need to find URL's for the pictures on the net cuz I got nowhere to host my own ones.

Right now, gonna take a break: My eyes hurt from all that typing and googling.

mmm · 01-09-2006, 09:22 AM

Can this be made a STICKY please.

Bigmagic · 01-09-2006, 09:43 AM

Well this verifys my recent purchase of the Rode NTG-2 for exactly the reasons mentioned. I researched this same type of info for over a month before I ordered it and listened to countless comparisons on different sites. While I doubt this one thread will be the only source people will use to make their decision it will certainly help. My mic hasn't arrived yet(ordered Friday evening). Thanks for sharing.

timapter · 01-09-2006, 09:53 AM

There never will be just one source, but the idea of this thread is to give new users a focussed crash course on the mics so they dont ask the same questions over and over.... If we all contribute maybe we get a general opinion that is correct.

MikeGreen · 01-09-2006, 05:02 PM

GREAT JOB TIM!!
I spent most of July and August doing basically the same research, and your results are spot on. Personally, I opted for the AT4073a over the 416 due to price.

petelms · 01-09-2006, 05:13 PM

Thanks, Tim! Already printed it out! Nice.

stabwound · 01-09-2006, 05:36 PM

Great post! Speaking as an audio newbie, I find this stuff invaluable, as I'd much rather put valuable time towards production rather than research.

I'm inclined towards the Rode nt2 (or the Oktava 012) because of budgetary reasons. I'm also sure I'm not sophistcated enough to appreciate an expensive mic.

Surprised you didn't include the Oktava 012 hypercardoid though... it seems to be on everybody's top five.

Thanks!!

Edited: I just realized the post said "Shotgun mic"... the Oktava's a HC. Sorry!!

01-09-2006, 08:02 AM	#1
timapter Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: JHB, South Africa Posts: 1,376	TOP 5 SHOTGUNS! (for those with a budget)- READ THIS! Ok, so you're new to audio. You're trying to choose a mic. You have only a certain amount of cash. You want to do a, b, and c with it. Before you ask a question thats been answered before, read this. The low downs below are for the 5 short shotgun mics everyone here talks about. The fields of comparison are price (based on bhphotovideo.com), what the heck it does, and a ranking from 5th best to best for overall sound quality (i.e. how GOOD it makes things sound, what its reputation is). If you want the best you can afford, start at Number 1, and work your way down until the price works for you. And remember: Short guns don't work for every situation. And you'll also need a suspension system, and a windshield. If anyone owns these mics, PM me and lets find a way to get audio samples linked up next to each mic. Even better would be an A B C D E comparison, but I dunno if anyone owns all 5! Here goes....

01-09-2006, 08:18 AM	#3
MattinSTL Rapier-Witted Sound Guy Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Saint Louis, Missouri Posts: 5,894	Wow! Beautiful post! If possible you should paste a the frequency and polar charts next to the mics. __________________

01-09-2006, 09:22 AM	#5
mmm Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: NE of London, UK Posts: 2,302	Can this be made a STICKY please. __________________ http://www.lunarfilm.co.uk http://www.mikemarriage.com

01-09-2006, 09:43 AM	#6
Bigmagic Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: x0\|Edwards\|USA\|\|0\|0\|MO,Missouri Posts: 564	Well this verifys my recent purchase of the Rode NTG-2 for exactly the reasons mentioned. I researched this same type of info for over a month before I ordered it and listened to countless comparisons on different sites. While I doubt this one thread will be the only source people will use to make their decision it will certainly help. My mic hasn't arrived yet(ordered Friday evening). Thanks for sharing. __________________ "Forgiveness is between them and God. It's my job to arrange the meeting"

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01-09-2006, 08:03 AM	#2
timapter Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: JHB, South Africa Posts: 1,376	Revision 1 - See end of thread for "HOW YOU CAN BE CONFUSED WHEN BUYING" POSITION 5: THE AUDIO TECHNICA AT897 PRICE: $279.95 WHAT THEY SAY IT DOES: "The Audio Technica AT897 is a short shotgun condenser microphone designed for audio capturing in video and broadcast applications. The microphone's unobtrusive length of 11" (279.40mm) ensures that the microphone remains out of the frame when mounted on compact, consumer video cameras. The microphone's narrow pick up pattern enhances signal reproduction when capturing audio at long range. Excellent off-axis sound rejection minimizes noise and ambiance, emphasizing the desired signal. A wide frequency response provides accurate sound reproduction of signals registering at various frequencies. A low-cut frequency switch eliminates noise and hum registering at the low frequency range. The microphone operates on a single 1.5v AA battery or 11V - 52V phantom power." WHAT IT REALLY DOES: Signal/noise ratio: 77 dB, 1kHz at 1 Pa Dynamic range: Phantom: 112 dB, 1kHz at Max. SPL Battery: 98 dB, 1 kHz at Max. SPL Weight with battery: 5.1 oz The AT897 costs more than the RODE NTG-2 and is a similar mic in many ways- Its decent. On the plus side: It can be run on non-phantom wireless systems because it's battery operated. Its also an Audio Technica mic, which means fairly high quality control. Most users here state that the mic sounds much better than it costs. On the downside, the output isnt as hot as I personally would like it, and this means its less suited for "straight into camera" use - camera preamps will make the signal noisy when you turn up volume to compensate. The Mic is best used with an external preamp or mixer. Its also quite heavy according to spec and compared to the others. This could be a pro or a con, but the mic is not drastically directional. For a perfectionist or someone in a relatively high noise location, this sucks. For an inexperienced boom op look to cover two targets, this is ok. POSITION 4: THE SENNHEISER ME66 CAP with K6 POWER UNIT PRICE: approx. $450 WHAT THEY SAY IT DOES: "The Sennheiser ME66 short shotgun microphone is a popular choice among video, film and ENG / EFP professionals. The capsule features a highly directional, cardioid polar pattern yielding great attenuation at the sides of the microphone, maximizing pick up at the front. The result is a focused pick-up in highly ambient environments. A wide 40-20,000Hz frequency response provides detailed, accurate signal reproduction. The ME66 capsule takes advantage of the K6 modular power supply. The K6 houses a standard AA alkaline battery and is also capable of excepting phantom power from outside sources. It's compact design allows mounting to video cameras. The ME66 is at home in event videography, ENG / EFP use, video depositions, corporate media applications and film." WHAT IT REALLY DOES: Signal/noise ratio: 84 dB Dynamic range: 115 dB typical Weight with battery: 3.93 oz. (110 g) The Sennheiser ME66 is most commonly hit for its price relative to its quality, however its one of the most common mics in use for videography and broadcast/documentary use. On the plus side, its light. The lightest in this comparison. It can be run on non-phantom wireless systems because it's battery operated. Its also fairly well made for a mic made of plastic. They dont break often. On the downside, Its darn expensive, most probably due to the fact its part of a modular system and most people only use the ME66 cap. The quality of the sound is often referred to as inferior, and colouration of off-axis sound is, IMO, really horrible. As directionality goes, the mic is far from surgical. I often feel you're mainly paying for the brand "Sennheiser" and the hopes it'll sound like a MKH416. POSITION 3: THE RODE NTG-2 PRICE: $249.95 WHAT THEY SAY IT DOES: "The {new} RODE NTG-2 is a lightweight condenser shotgun microphone, designed for professional applications within the film, video, television and production industries. The NTG-2 provides a balanced low impedance output stage and operates either from an internal 1.5 V battery (AA) or 48 V to the P48 standard. A wide bandwidth and controlled polar response coupled with low noise SMT electronics, makes the NTG-2 the perfect choice for film, video engineering and voice-over work. The NTG-2 is extremely lightweight making it ideal for mounting directly to video cameras or on boom poles. The NTG-2 comes complete with mount and windshield.The windscreen effectively suppresses wind noise when recording outdoors in moderate conditions." WHAT IT REALLY DOES: Signal/noise ratio: 76 dB Dynamic range: 113 dB Weight with battery: 161 g approx. (5 oz.) The Rode NTG-2 is the cheapest mic on comparison here. Its decent. But it's sure not what they used on "Spiderman". On the plus side: An inexperienced boom operator can get by with its wider acceptance angle. You can also run it on a non-phantom wireless system because it's battery operated. Output is hot enough to use the mic plugged straight into the camera (if you have to). It, according to most users here, sounds very natural. On the down side: Its pretty heavy (approaches the 416's weight). Its far from premium quality, but its natural and will do the job. POSITION 2: THE AUDIO TECHNICA AT4073a PRICE: $549 WHAT THEY SAY IT DOES: "The Audio Technica AT4073a is a transformerless, externally polarized line + gradient capacitor microphone. It has been specially created to meet the critical long distance pickup demands of broadcasting, film/TV sound, professional recording and theater sound reinforcement. The AT4073a features a broad band, linear on axis frequency response, with maximum rejection of sounds from both the sides and the rear of the microphone. Rear polar lobing, common in shotgun microphones, has been greatly reduced and the off axis response remains highly uniform. The resultant lack of sound coloration on and off axis makes the AT4073a particularly useful for miking dynamic action in film/TV audio as well as in "spot" miking techniques in the music studio or theater." WHAT IT REALLY DOES: Signal/noise ratio: 80 dB, (1 kHz @ 1Pa, A-Weighted) Dynamic range: 112 dB Weight with battery: 4.0 oz. (114 g) The AT4073a is considered by many to be the cheapest mic that can be considered "pro", and is highly competent is most production fields. Although on stats, the mic doesn't beat the ME66, in sound it (IMO) destroys it. On the plus side: This is the second lightest mic on test. Not much colouration of off axis sound. Nice tight pickup pattern. High quality construction (dont know of any breaking yet). Excellent, excellent sound compared to what it costs (Can be compared to mics that cost much more). On the downside: Although Ive never heard of one breaking, it feels very fragile, even more so than the plastic ME66. Only runs off phantom, so you'll need a supply for that - be it camera, mixer, phantom enabled wireless adaptor or external preamp. POSITION 1: THE SENNHEISER MKH416 PRICE: $1099.95 WHAT THEY SAY IT DOES: "The MKH 416 transformerless, RF condenser is designed as a combination of pressure gradient and interference tube microphones. Very good feedback rejection, low proximity effect, 130 dB/SPL. Rugged and resistant to changing climate conditions. Ideal for boom, fishpole, and camera mounting. Its excellent directivity and compact design, high consonant articulation and feedback rejection make the MKH 416 a superb all-around microphone for film, radio and television, especially for outside broadcast applications." WHAT IT REALLY DOES: Signal/noise ratio: 81 dB Dynamic range: 117 dB Weight with battery: 5.82 oz. (175 g) The MKH416 is used worldwide and its been that way for a long time. It's the classic mic that most other short shotgun mics are compared to. On the plus side: Its sound is hard to beat. Warm, and real with very precise pickup, and little off axis colouration. It's almost DIFFICULT to break, thanks for its metal shell. You shouldn't ever need to replace this mic if you are a sound professional. On the downside: Its the heaviest of the 5 mics, but who cares its kicks ass. Its expensive, but its quality warrants it. It is incredibly precise, which can be very dangerous in the hands of an inexperienced boom operator. Conclusion: If you guys don't agree with my opinions expressed here, PLEASE post and correct me or say how YOU feel. I'm happy to shuffle the positions, and adjust the content if its the truth and the forum feels I'm wrong. Hope this is a useful thread for beginners... Tim

01-09-2006, 08:28 AM	#4
timapter Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: JHB, South Africa Posts: 1,376	Thanks, I will do that... just need to find URL's for the pictures on the net cuz I got nowhere to host my own ones. Right now, gonna take a break: My eyes hurt from all that typing and googling.

01-09-2006, 09:53 AM	#7
timapter Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: JHB, South Africa Posts: 1,376	There never will be just one source, but the idea of this thread is to give new users a focussed crash course on the mics so they dont ask the same questions over and over.... If we all contribute maybe we get a general opinion that is correct.

01-09-2006, 05:02 PM	#8
MikeGreen Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Windsor, CT Posts: 100	GREAT JOB TIM!! I spent most of July and August doing basically the same research, and your results are spot on. Personally, I opted for the AT4073a over the 416 due to price.

01-09-2006, 05:13 PM	#9
petelms Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Helsinki\|Finland\|Europe Posts: 545	Thanks, Tim! Already printed it out! Nice.

01-09-2006, 05:36 PM	#10
stabwound Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 354	Great post! Speaking as an audio newbie, I find this stuff invaluable, as I'd much rather put valuable time towards production rather than research. I'm inclined towards the Rode nt2 (or the Oktava 012) because of budgetary reasons. I'm also sure I'm not sophistcated enough to appreciate an expensive mic. Surprised you didn't include the Oktava 012 hypercardoid though... it seems to be on everybody's top five. Thanks!! Edited: I just realized the post said "Shotgun mic"... the Oktava's a HC. Sorry!!