FYI: Sennheiser MKH-416 new for $600 at B&H for the next 24 hours

When I upgraded my shotgun to a NTG-3, it was touted as a less expensive alternative to a 416 with similar performance. I must say I have been entirely satisfied with the NTG-3. But at $600, it is tempting to buy and compare, and keep whichever is more to my liking. I would appreciate any comments from people that have used them both.

Grant

I thought I would add that I thought if I upgraded from the NTG-3, I would look at the Sunken CS3e, but that is in another price zipcode.
 
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I went ahead and bought one last night when the sale started even though I have the NTG3. I've been watching the 416 for years. I'll see which one I like better. I read lots of input before getting the rode 2 years ago. Heck, I should be able to sell the 416 for what I paid for it :)
 
Just bought one! Now planning on selling my rode ntg 3. Any idea what I can get for it? It's in like new condition and barely used.
 
There are quite a few sales on ebay. This month they sold in the range of $300 at the low end to $495 at the high end. The ones going for $495 are in perfect condition with the original box and papers. The $300 one was in very good condition including an aluminum case.
 
Wow, good prices on very good mics. 4073a should be added to list as quality mic that to many is interchangeable with 416 and ntg3, but usually found cheaper used.
 
meh, true cameramen don't give a flying flip about audio. :grin:

[ that's a JOKE, people. And the sale has expired anyway. ]
 
I'll have the 416 and the NTG3... and keeping both of 'em. I've compared the NTG3 to the 416 several times... they are similar mics, but I sold my 416 years ago when I upgraded to a CS3e... BUT... at that price yesterday? Nostalgia got the best of me... I had to get one. It'll be with me from now on.

The first NTG3 I had... crapped out at a bad time. Rode was very cool about replacing it quickly... and it's been rock solid for years since... but the 416 is a good mic too. It's got a proximity signature that the NTG3 doesn't have... and it's touted as a perk in the NTG3, but it's not a bad thing in the 416, and can be used to your advantage for VO and other voices that really jive with the 416 flavor.

I couldn't believe they sold these for $600 yesterday... there was no way I could not add one back into the kit. My NTG3 is the "going into locker rooms after a win" mic... I have no interest in risking a CS3e in that situation... but a 416 is another mic that's perfect for a tough spot.

If they had a similar deal on the 8060... I'd have to bite on that too. I wonder what the deal was with the 416... I almost think Sennheiser wanted to ensure a market presence. There's little doubt that you'll be more likely to see 416 on various productions over the next year... than you would have a week ago.
 
Mine just arrived today (thanks for the heads up on the sale, OldCorpse!). I'm a little concerned because the sound inlet (the piece on the tip of the mic) comes off really easily. I put the mic into the foam windshield, and when I pulled it out the sound inlet was left inside the foam. Is that normal?
 
iain.bason said:
Mine just arrived today (thanks for the heads up on the sale, OldCorpse!). I'm a little concerned because the sound inlet (the piece on the tip of the mic) comes off really easily. I put the mic into the foam windshield, and when I pulled it out the sound inlet was left inside the foam. Is that normal?
Click to expand...

No, it's not. I've never had that happen.
 
I pulled it out the sound inlet was left inside the foam. Is that normal?
- That's never happened to me, nor have I heard of that before.
Don't know about the counterfeit 416s, but I would not think B&H would stoop to that level. Ask for a replacment.
 
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