Best Boom mic, for all purpose under 700$ to plug whit ZoomH4N

nitrofrog

Member
Hello guys!!!

i got 700$ and i want to buy the best boom mic, (or shotgun) i can get., im from Argentina, and i dont got any experience whit that., some folks recommended to me a Sennheiser ME66/K6 or a SENNHEISER MKE 600, but it cost 400$, but i cant see any other in the up to 700$ rank, The Next sennheiser cost 1000$,...

what do you think? the Sennheiser MKE600 its ok? or i have to go whit a SHURE, OR another mics?

i want it for all purpose, voice indoor and outdoor, shotgun and boom.

i got a ZOOM H4N

please tell me if in the market i will got some better than SENNHEISER MKE 600, UNDER THE 700$...


THANKS TO ALL!!
 
The Rode NTG-3 hits your mark exactly, at $699. Do you already have a boom and shock-mount, or is that included in the $700? If so, then look at the NTG-1 and NTG-2.
 
Thanks edin90. i have the boom and shock-mount already. the 700us$ is only for a mic. but whit a RODE NTG3 i have to buy a phantom power and it is out of my budget.... is overthere any battery mic up to 700$ to plug whit my H4N?

thanks a lot for your info!
 
If so, then look at the NTG-1 and NTG-2.
I would suggest you read all the threads about how the NTG-1 and -2 and the H4n are NOT good direct pairings due to low mic output and subpar pre-amps in the H4n.

What I use and even though I have stuff that has played on national tv, it is looked down on......I use the Sennheiser ME series mics. But I also run a mixer in front of my H4n to overcome the the crappy pre's in the recorder.

Quick look on ebay (not my ad....just for price reference) http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sennheiser-...=US_Pro_Audio_Microphones&hash=item2327b6bed1
 
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Doesn't the H4n supply phantom power? I'm pretty sure it does.

In any event, I own the AT875, AT897, and the NTG3. The NTG3 is clearly the best mic of the three and it's price reflects that. It isn't really even close. However, the other two do have there own merits. The AT875 is very small, very inexpensive, is relatively wide do to its short length, and really hits above its weight. I use it for a minimalist field kit where it really fits well due to its size. The AT897 is a very respectable shotgun which can be internally powered similar to the GH2. I don't know if it sounds better than a GH2, but for the price, it offers very decent sound. However, much like the GH2, it isn't a really hot mic, so pairing it with a cheapo recorder is a recipe for disappointment. Mine works OK with a DR100, but if I had other options, I'd do something different. The audio quality is really similar between the two, but the 897 is has a more narrow pattern and it also has a roll off feature which is nice if there is rumbling background noise you would prefer to isolate.

Of the three, the NTG-3 has a much fuller sound and is significantly hotter which will really help you if you don't use a mixer. It fits your budget, it is a great mic for the price.

Grant
 
I also have been using the AT897, and like it.:thumbsup:

But you mentioned a budget of up to $700, so let me suggest a $600 alternative:
The AT4053B is a hypercardiod, not quite as directional as the supercardiod mics mentioned above, so it's more forgiving with a less experienced boom operator. 4053B owners rave about the high quality audio it delivers. (No, I've never used it, but I suggest you at least research it.) Also, many audio professionals say a hypercardiod works better than a supercardiod for interior shoots. (Supercardiod is what most of the shotgun mics are.)

-- Ken
 
I have had realy good luck with the AT 875r outdoors, and have gotten lucky indoors with it as well, and probably one of the best choices for a decent for both in and outdoors scenario.

Good luck
 
I will be using a Sennheiser MKE600 mic next week, so if you can wait I can give you my feedback then. The MKE600 looks like a very good low cost shotgun mic that might be good indoors. ( have to test first )

Are you shooting mainly indoors or outdoors?
 
I have had realy good luck with the AT 875r outdoors, and have gotten lucky indoors with it as well, and probably one of the best choices for a decent for both in and outdoors scenario.

Good luck

l totally agree with this and have five 875r mics that are used inside and out!
 
HELLO "TheDingo" .. i will shooting indoors... really want to know about your experience whit Sennheiser MKE600, please post it when you got it!!!
 
hello guys!! thanks for your help.. ill realy like a AUDIO TECHNICA AT4053b, i read some reviews and looks great for the 600$$... but someone got experience plugin into a ZOOM h4n? .. i heard the preamp of the H4N sucks, and the phantom power just drink all the batteries in 20 minutes... thats true?
ill have to go to external preamps? or this mic run well whit the h4n?
 
Have not used a 4053 specifically with the Zoom.. but it's common knowledge the Zoom's preamps suck. (at least on a pro level) But due to the AT4053's high output level (approx 20mV) the H4n would not be quite as noisy as with a lower output mic.. for instance a (10mV) Oktava 012.
Using Phantom Power would affect battery run-time in any device. A good quality external PP supply would help, but that's another piece of gear, cables and batteries. Running the H4n off A/C would eliminate the run-time issue, if that's possible. Take into consideration, Phantom Pwr. on the Zoom is switched globally, so an unbalanced device on the other channel could be a problem.
 
"Surprised no one has mentioned the Oktava MK012"
- IMO, while the Oktava MK012 sounds decent, due to it's low output and the noisy preamps of the Zoom and other budget recorders, I wouldn't recommend it for 'pro' use. However your expectations may be different.
 
"Surprised no one has mentioned the Oktava MK012"
- IMO, while the Oktava MK012 sounds decent, due to it's low output and the noisy preamps of the Zoom and other budget recorders, I wouldn't recommend it for 'pro' use. However your expectations may be different.

My expectation is different. But even so, this leaves the OP enough left over to get a preamp. And it gives him 3 mics in 1.
 
I will add my vote for Audio Technicas, 875, 835, the new version BP4073 (which I'm pretty sure is just a name changer). For Doc work I regularly use the stereo 835st. I have nothing against RODEs but I've used lots of really really nice mics and when I compared the ATs I concluded that they are durable and the best bang-for-the-buck. It is however possible if you shop long and hard enough to find a clean senn 416 not far off your budget number, a microphone that is a very good investment.

*sorry, just read you are in Argentina, PM me if you are interested in a clean AT 897
 
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