Need buying advice

N

Nasi Goreng Satir

New member
Hello,

This is the first time I have ever posted on DVXUser.com after two months of only looking around, and now I really need some buying advice.

I am interested in buying a used Sennheiser MKH 416 P48 Shotgun Microphone, and I got 2 offers that I can't miss because of the price.

The first one is the 416 that is in 'good working' condition. Casing included. Looking at it it has some scuffs on its skin that make it look like it has been used a lot of times. Its price is $347.

The second one is said to be in fantastic condition. Casing not included, but it comes with a professional Sennheiser shockmount/clip. It has a great look with some minor cosmetic wear. The price is $614.

I basically can't decide between 'good working' or 'fantastic' because they are just uttered words without my being able to hear the actual performance. I have greater interest on the $614 one, but am still wondering whether the shockmount/clip is worth the extra dollars or not.

I've also heard good things about the Rode NTG-3, but the lowest price I could find is no less than $700.

So which one do you think I should purchase?

I eagerly await your reply. Thanks before.
 
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I would put my $$$ into the better mic. If possible, purchase the mic with a 3 day return agreement, so you can send it back if it is not up to par for some reason. The mic is about $1,100 new, so you are still getting a good deal. Once you get it, plug it in (turn on phantom power...) and record some test footage with you intended recording set up. If you want to use it outdoors, don't neglect a full blimp system with furry cover and shock mount.
 
Thank you. Will follow your recommendation. I have just learned that the $614 one even comes with a cable. So I'll be putting my money on that one.:thumbup:

Any other recommendations on more things I should buy? Money is not a problem but I'm aiming to take the spending into minimum. I have followed several recommendations before that I should buy a used 416 but I do know there are some things that I should buy new. Any pointers on what are them?

I will shoot mostly outdoors, but am now seeking also a hypercardioid microphone for indoors. Heard the Oktava MK012 is one of the best, but it's hard to find it where I live.

Pardon my grammar. I don't live in an English speaking country.
 
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Nasi... Welcome to the forum.

You're correct in your observation that the Rode NTG-3 is advertised at the USD $700 level. However, dvestore.net has some amazingly-priced NTG-3 kits available. Guy--who runs the store--is an active member on this forum and welcomes questions of all types if you contact him directly.

Scroll to the bottom of this link: http://www.dvcreators.net/rode-ntg-3-shotgun-mic/ for a great outdoor kit including mic, boom, blimp and cables. If you price out the individual components, you'll find you're getting the mic for under USD $500. If you need a blimp and boom, this is definitely worth looking at.

I'm not trying to dissuade you from the 416. It is--after all--the industry standard shotgun. However, indications are (i.e. I don't own one myself) that the NTG-3 holds its own in the realm of pro location sound. Check out the thread Matt started here: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=160061 for more detail.

The NTG-3 is something you should consider. Especially if you're starting to build a kit and want to do so affordably.

With respect to hypercardiod's--it's not the case that the Oktava is "one of the best". It has a good reputation on this board as a high-performing mic in its price range. However, once you factor in a) handling noise and b) accessories you'll need to counter handling noise (i.e. BBG windscreen), there are other mic's you might want to consider. Personally, I own the AKG CK93 Hypercardiod (i.e. with powersupply) and have had great results with it. You should be able to find it for under USD $400.

If you went with the NTG-3 kit and the CK93, you'd have a very solid kit that would serve you well for many years. And, you could pick up all of this gear new for just a little more than the price of a new Senn 416. Something to think about.
 
I would get the used one. Although cosmetic is nice, so what. As long as it's sonically the same, should be good to go. I like the 3 day trial option. Rycote shockmount is about $100. Psc and audio technics are cheaper. 25 foot xlr about $25. Those plus cheaper mic is still less than the other. Just make sure it is p48 and not T powered if that's what you need
 
TVSound said:
Just make sure it is p48 and not T powered if that's what you need
Click to expand...
Not to say that there's anything wrong with a T-powered mic (IMHO T-power is the only way to go if you're working around transmission towers), but its something you need to know. If it is T-powered, don't despair; if your mixer or recorder doesn't supply T-power, just add another $100 to your budget for a PSC +48V Phantom to 12V T power transformer.
 
SMuir, could you explain your reasoning about T power and transmission towers? That's a new one to me
 
Yes, I'd like to know too. Are you talking power line transmission towers like high voltage or radio/tv transmission towers and RF rectification? Big difference in the spectrum and types of filtering.
 
:dankk2:
Thank you all for the reply. I have looked into dpFilms's links and a friend of mine who is also a filmmaker has just bought the Rode NT-G3 with the blimps, boom and all. So he sends you a huge thank you:beer:
 
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