Best "Bang For Your Buck" XLR Mic In The $200-300 range?

K

KyranFord

Well-known member
What is the best "bang for your buck" mic my boom operator can use? I want to get something in the $200-300 range, preferably closer to $200.

As a former Azden SGM-1x user, we wanted to go with the Rode NTG-2, but would it be much of an upgrade? We would be using this for narrative film.

Thanks!
 
seeing is I have both of those mics, the rode is miles ahead. It is a pretty signifigant upgrade. More than the price suggests. A shotgun mic is not really very good indoors. You may be better off keeping your azden, but work on proximity,( thats a huge issue with that mic.) Then get a good dynamic mic for indoor use. I think you would be better off having both situations covered, than having a really good shotgun, then nothing for indoors. Just my 2cents.
 
+1. The Rode NTG-2 is a great buy, Rode have sold many thousands. I recommend you also buy the Rode WS-6 Deluxe Wind Shield .. I've heard the demo video for their retailers, with a 12" table fan going full blast 2' directly in front of the WS-6 .. you can't hear any wind.

http://www.rodemic.com/accessories/ws6

A couple of points. Don't instal an elcheapo battery and if you run your NTG-2 on its battery and then swap over to 48volts, don't leave the battery installed and maybe forget it .. just in case it leaks. :( Rode get warranty calls about that, it's not covered.

And shortly after the excitement dies down :) go the Rode site and register your new NTG-2 for its free 10yr warranty. HTH.

Cheers.
 
I'm partial to the Audio Technica AT897.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/300615-REG/Audio_Technica_AT897_AT897_Short_Condenser.html

Compared to the Azden, the AT897 1 inch shorter and 3 1/2 ounces heavier, and to my ear sounds better. AT897 weight and length are essentially the same as the Rode NTG-2 but the AT897 is almost $40 cheaper. I haven't used the Rode before but again, I do love the quality of the 897. Honestly, can't go wrong with any of them, but for me the AT897 hit all the right notes.
 
maranfilms said:
get a good dynamic mic for indoor use. I think you would be better off having both situations covered, than having a really good shotgun, then nothing for indoors. Just my 2cents.
Click to expand...
Dynamic? Maranfilms may have meant 'cardioid' or 'hypercardioid'. Dynamic mics typically have a very low output and must be used in very close proximity to the sound source... for instance a hand-held vocal mic... generally not suitable for boom work.. inside OR out.
 
Id vote for the Audio Technica AT875r, Very flexible in different environments, and just sounds good, unless the boom op botches it. lol

GG
 
Imaginate said:
Best mic for indoors for your buck

Oktava MK012

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Oktava-MK-012-01-Cardioid-Black-Silver-Mic-New-/360232956672?_trksid=p2992.m185&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC.OPJS%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUA%26otn%3D20%26pmod%3D350545629946%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D7197084361359870444#ht_946wt_1141
Click to expand...

Absolutely. Tremendous and much more suited to interior work. BUT be careful as very sensitive to wind and handling noise, so if booming need a baby ball gag which is about the same price as the microphone itself. With an additional $100 modification the microphone can be made to sound like an $1100 Neumann km84 from several reputable modders.
 
A $5 foam windscreen on the 012 is usually adequate for interiors.. unless your right under an HVAC vent or whipping the boom around like a fly fisherman... but in those cases, the windscreen is the least of your problems. The Rycote Invison shock mount works good with the 012. However even with that, it can be a problem with inexperienced operators, but of course that goes for any mic. If your considering an 012 read-up on it's other pitfalls... quality control issues, counterfeits, ect.
 
good catch, i was actually reading an article on dynamic about five min before i wrote that.:) was still in my brain.
 
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