If replacing Rode NTG2... what should I get instead?

I

ICD Films

Well-known member
Honestly don't know how I feel about this mic. Sometimes it's great, but usually it's just... okay. Yes mixing is a big part of it but I dunno, would be nice with a "richer" sound out of the box...

What should I get? Or should I spend that time/money on learning a bit more about audio instead? Seems to be lot of pro's too using NTG2 so, maybe not so much the mic... (?)

Thanks... using H4N btw. Very happy with that part, does all I need at the moment.
 
I think the goal with a shotgun is "clean" sound more than "rich" sound. You are trying to (as much as possible) totally isolate the dialogue from every other sound going on. That's it's job. There are better mics for sure. NTG-2 is an entry level mic, but maybe you're expecting it to do something it wasn't designed for.
 
The NTG2 is a shotgun mic, optimized for outdoor shooting.

If you are using it indoors, that might be part of the problem?
 
Another important part is your boom/mic technique. Being a boom-op is a very hard job, and it takes a great deal of practice to become proficient. Even an entry level mic, if aimed properly and relatively close in (not always an option with some shots), should sound reasonably full.

Not to start another discussion, but the quality of the preamps in the mixer will also make a difference. And we won't go into the skill of and equipment available to great dialog editors and rerecording mixers to polish the dialog prior to and during the final mix.

Yes, the equipment makes a difference, but technique both on the set and during audio post counts for a lot more.

No matter what you do the dialog is not going to sound like it was recorded on a real sound stage or replaced with ADR - unless of course you are working on a sound stage or replacing the production sound with ADR.
 
ntg-2 is a great mic, i highly recommend hanging on to it and expanding your kit and/or mic collection. When you're at the point where you need to upgrade it to a better mic, you won't have to ask, you'll know.
 
The NTG-2 is just OK, but not bad. However, the H4N is the weaker link in this circumstance because the quality of the pre-amps are very noisy/poor. Just changing that part of the equation will help a lot.
Begin with your ear, and listen to the difference:
http://www.wingfieldaudio.com/portable-recorder-noise.html
That's an NTG-1 they used for most of those tests. Astounding the difference between the various recorders.

I personally think the Sony D50 kicks the butt of most other portable recorders (not the mixers though obviously) however, you need a seperate XLR phantom supply. (I got a Denecke PS-2)
I heard these tests, and the next day my H4N was history.
If not, you might consider at least replacing it with the new Tascam DR100MII if you want built-in xlr's. It has a much better noise floor than the H4N, while still not at the level of the Sony's...
 
To reply to the original question, valid upgrades to the NTG-2 would include, in order of increasing price:

Rode NTG-3
Sennheiser 416 or MKH8060 (preferred)
Sanken CS-3E
Schoeps CMIT5U

Based on the comparative tests I've heard, all of these do have a "sturdier" low end than the NTG-2.

This does assume a short shotgun is the best choice in the first place, and that you're using it correctly and have already played with things like bass rolloff switches and other equalization options.

- Greg
 
Greg just mentioned, for the most part, the better quality mics that are most favored by the audio section at DVXuser (though he didn't mention any Neuman). All those mics are medium to short. I am wondering how many members here have or use long guns, what brands they are, and how often they are used?

Not trying to hijack this thread since it is relative to the op question since he didn't mention what type of work he did.

Grant
 
Greg Smith said:
To reply to the original question, valid upgrades to the NTG-2 would include, in order of increasing price:

Rode NTG-3
Sennheiser 416 or MKH8060 (preferred)
Sanken CS-3E
Schoeps CMIT5U

Based on the comparative tests I've heard, all of these do have a "sturdier" low end than the NTG-2.

This does assume a short shotgun is the best choice in the first place, and that you're using it correctly and have already played with things like bass rolloff switches and other equalization options.

- Greg
Click to expand...

I have the 8060, it has good clear, neutral sound and is excellent on self and handling noise, which makes for easier usage for those newish to booming. However, the MKH 8050 has a slightly more exaggerated low end, if that is what he is looking for.

@ggrantly - The Neuman 82i is pretty much the reference for long gun on most production sets, but has poorer handling noise than above for instance and is certainly vulnerable to humidity.

The Sanken CS-3e is also a reference for a good all around mic, with it's less expensive sibling the CS-1e a decent alternative.

Of course everyone still uses the Scheops CMC641 as THE ultimate reference, but you are going to pay a pretty penny for it.

I like this review done a few years ago:
http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/right_mic_brockett.html


Lastly, if the OP wants to "can-in" a more coloured and exagerrated low end, then obviously the Oktava MK012 hypercardiod is the way to go. It's not a shotgun granted, but for the money it does offer a nice way to underline certain male voices. Though it is very inexpensive, it will need a LOT of wind protection with a baby ball gag and a good shock mount in order to protect it from poor handling noise capacity. It will also need to be closer to the talent than a shotgun obviously. But decent trade-off nonetheless. Many pros don't take it seriously because they want the cleanest, most neutral sound possible, but I think it is really great for a lot of uses.
 
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I had an NTG1 and just did not like it at all as it had an artificial electret type sound to it, I now use AT 875R mic's and find them more natural and a better all round mic for indoor and outdoor use.

They have a good focussed sound too with plenty of gain and I now have five of them as my std small shotgun mic's.
 
As already mentioned, your limiting factor in driving any mic you may use will be the H4n.
Might I suggest you try your current mic with a nicer preamp before you decide to replace it.
Even a $3K mic can sound bad when driven by a poor preamp.

All the Best!

Dave
 
proxemity is everything when recording dialogue. The closer you get the better it will sound, thats where the richness comes in. most mics sound hollow when their to far away. As others said, preamps make a huge difference as well. Thats why many people like to add a tube in the mix, to warm it up.
 
fde101 said:
The NTG2 is a shotgun mic, optimized for outdoor shooting.

If you are using it indoors, that might be part of the problem?
Click to expand...

Spot on. That's my experience with this mic... great run & gun... not so great in studio.

Suggestions? Around the same price point.
 
You probably need to move towards a hypercardioid for indoors work. If you don't have a lot of cash, once again the Oktava is a good option.
 
What Greg said.

Shure has a new line of shotguns headed this way for review.

Regards,

Ty Ford
 
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