BEST MICROPHONE for Stereo (Rode vs. Rode) ??

G

George D.

Well-known member
Of these two mics, which one is better for recording sound with the 7D, or any camera for that mater, and why? They are both about the same price, and both camera mountable.


1 - Rode NTG-2 Condenser Shotgun Microphone (Is this one "stereo"?)

2 - Rode Stereo VideoMic - Camera Mounted Microphone


Thanks.
 
Neither are stereo mics, and don't need to be for filmmaking since voices are Mono sources. Stereo mics are good for music and ambience, but are unnessicary for dialogue.

The NTG-2 is the better mic for sure (I own one), but the videomic sounds great and will simply interface directly with the 3.5mm mic input on the 7D since the NTG has an XLR output. However, if you're serious about sound, you'll get the mic off the camera (on a boom), and record into a seperate audio recorder. The on camera shotgun is good for in your face ENG interviews and bumping up quality from the internal mic.

Hope that helps you out!
 
Since you limited yourself to those two mics, I won't go much farther. But there is a lot farther to go. You don't give use much info to help you. What type of shooting do you do. Both mics would have benefit depending on the circumstances.

This recent post discusses most of your issues, except for the stereo:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=218207

I would recommend you read the stickies at the top of the Audio section.

First thing, for the most part, camera mounting any mic will pretty much suck for good audio. And for a DSLR, you will probably need a way to better control your audio than just plugging a mic into your cam.

The NTG-2 is a good quality shotgun type mic that is not stereo. It will be most appropriate for outdoor dialogue.

The stereo vid mic would be ok for events, like music, where you wanted stereo. This is a very limited circumstance and if you are moving around, you audio will be inconsistant. Unless you do events like this all the time, a stereo mic will be limiting and there are better ways to get stereo done. Most audio is recorded mono.

Grant
 
I personally dislike both of them, the videomic serves a purpose for more entry-level cameras, but I think the NTGs sound way too boxy (not the 3, of course).

I remember seeing a video where they tested several mics, the NTG-2, the AT-897 and the ME66.

The AT-897 was the most natural sounding. It's not very directional and it's output is very low, you need GOOD preamps with this mic.

I was quite amazed by the price x performance ratio of the AT-875, however it lacks bass, you need some EQ for good sounding voices with this mic.

What's your budget anyway?

And I could not recommend more the JuicedLink if you're going for single system audio, it has a great preamp.
 
ggrantly said:
Since you limited yourself to those two mics, I won't go much farther. But there is a lot farther to go. You don't give use much info to help you. What type of shooting do you do. Both mics would have benefit depending on the circumstances.

This recent post discusses most of your issues, except for the stereo:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=218207

I would recommend you read the stickies at the top of the Audio section.

First thing, for the most part, camera mounting any mic will pretty much suck for good audio. And for a DSLR, you will probably need a way to better control your audio than just plugging a mic into your cam.

The NTG-2 is a good quality shotgun type mic that is not stereo. It will be most appropriate for outdoor dialogue.

The stereo vid mic would be ok for events, like music, where you wanted stereo. This is a very limited circumstance and if you are moving around, you audio will be inconsistant. Unless you do events like this all the time, a stereo mic will be limiting and there are better ways to get stereo done. Most audio is recorded mono.

Grant
Click to expand...


Thank you for that info.

I shoot wildlife, "close" wildlife and would be using the mic mostly for ambient sounds, animal calls, and very occasionally an interview.

The VideoMic "IS" a stereo microphone, but after what you all have been telling me, it now comes down to, just WHICH is better for my purposes regardless if it's stereo or not?

Would I need some kind of adapter to hook up the NTG-2 mic to the Canon 7D ?

For now, a separate sound recorder will have to be in my future.

Thanks again.
 
George D. said:
Thank you for that info.

I shoot wildlife, "close" wildlife and would be using the mic mostly for ambient sounds, animal calls, and very occasionally an interview.

The VideoMic "IS" a stereo microphone, but after what you all have been telling me, it now comes down to, just WHICH is better for my purposes regardless if it's stereo or not?

Would I need some kind of adapter to hook up the NTG-2 mic to the Canon 7D ?

For now, a separate sound recorder will have to be in my future.

Thanks again.
Click to expand...

Shotgun mics are NOT 'telephotos for sound' so whether either one would be good for wildlife is a matter of conjecture. It all depends on how loud the sounds are that you're trying to capture. The optimum working distance for a 'gun mic is about 30 inches from the source when the source is norrmal human speech - translate that volume level into what you encounter when shooting your subjects.

You definitely need an adapter with the NTG-2. Its output is mono, balanced, on an XLR connrector. Your camera input is stereo, unbalanced, on a mini TRS connector. You need something that will go between and the best option IMHO is an adapter/preamp device such as the Juicedlink adapters that allow you to mic multiple mics, adjust levels, etc.
 
If you're recording dialogue outside, yes, a shotgun like the 897 would be the right tool. I find the NTG-2 a more natural sounding mic personally, and it can run on battery to. For indoors a hyper may be a better choice. Stereo mics are for music and ambiance.
 
Chadfish said:
If you're recording dialogue outside, yes, a shotgun like the 897 would be the right tool. I find the NTG-2 a more natural sounding mic personally, and it can run on battery to. For indoors a hyper may be a better choice. Stereo mics are for music and ambiance.
Click to expand...

The Audio-Technica takes batteries too, AND Phantom in the future.

And, as you know, I want it mainly for wildlife in the field, and a directional mic will help me better "aim" it at the target I believe. I also want ambiance, and I think I can get that by just maybe panning the mic.

For example; I think the Audio-Technica will do better aimed at a bird nest 10' away to pick up the sounds of mom feeding the little 'uns.

80-90% of the time wildlife sounds are added later anyway.

If this mic works out well, I won't have to buy another one for the Scarlet or RED-One. At least, that's my plan.
 
George D. said:
...
For example; I think the Audio-Technica will do better aimed at a bird nest 10' away to pick up the sounds of mom feeding the little 'uns.

...
Click to expand...

10 feet away from such a subtle source I doubt you'll pick up anything at all except some wind noise. Take a look a parabolic mic for such tasks, they're the only mic design that will actually amplify distant sounds and are a favourite choice of birders.
 
George I have the NTG-3 as well as the NTG-2, and I find the NTG-3 to be much more sensitive and bright than the NTG-2 (which is similar to the AT875). The sensitivity is important because the more you have to turn up your mixer/recorder the more noise you get. And the brightness of the mic would be better suited for higher pitched sounds like birds.

Though I have to admit that I've never tried nature recordings, and I don't know if a shotgun is a good or bad choice. I would think that it should be protected with a blimp of some sort. But I do know that the NTG-3 at 700.00, is a clone of the MKH-416 that goes for 1,200.00, and would be a better choice, and ann all around great shotgun to own.

PS I can bring mine over and do an A-B comparison when your get your AT897. Otherwise there is a NTG-2/NTG-3 comparison I did in the 2nd half of this video. I believe I had to turn the NTG-3 down 6 db to match the NTG-2. That's twice the volume!

 
Oops I just remembered you said you are constrained by your budget significantly George. For nature, and brightness and sensitivity, it may (I say "may" as I'm not sure) be good to look into the Sennheiser ME66/K6 shotgun. Personally I'm not a big fan as it is brighter than I like, but I have used it at work. But that brightness may help pick up the wee birdies and little high pitched sounds of the forest. ANd it's a sensitive mic, again that is great for quiet sources such as a distant bird.
 
George D. said:
I've decided to get the Audio-Technica AT897 for now. It will do nicely for my purposes in the meantime.
Click to expand...

As previosuly mentioned, you're going to need a Camera XLR Adapter like the juicedLink or a Beachtek to use the AT897 with a 7D.

Also, if you're shooting outdoors you better have more winder protection than the foam windscreen that comes with the mic. A Rycote softie is the way to go. This one is the right size for an 897:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/267890-REG/Rycote_033042_Standard_Hole_Softie_Windscreen.html
 
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