NTG-3 or other choice for a versatile 1-mic solution?

traviswears

traviswears

Well-known member
I'm a producer/DP who occasionally runs my own sound for basic interviews into an AF100 or H4N. For most of my jobs, I use an NTG-3 and wired boompole that one of my former clients owns.

Now, I'm wanting to pick up my own kit so save on pick-up time and the rental fee.

Most of what I shoot is indoors but I will be outside as well so I want something versatile that can work for both. From my limited research, it appears that the NTG-3 is more built for outdoor usage, but I never had a problem using it inside. Should I be looking into any other solutions or is this a good choice?

I plan on spending about 4-500 for the mic and then another 200 or so for the boompole. I already have XLR cables and a c-stand/mafer clamp combo to hold the pole.
 
If most of your work is indoors, I would get a hyper like the Audio Technica AT4053b or the Audix SCX1/HC (which is made in the USA). This way the majority of your work will sound optimal, instead of the other way around.
 
I would agree with Sam, and those are good suggestions. Unless you have someone operating the boom, then the slightly wider pattern of a hyper will be good too.

Also, if you don't have a boom op, is there a reason that you want an internal cable? If all it does is be on a stand, then any boom with the cable running on the outside will give the same result, and will be cheaper (though it may take one more minute to set up)
 
If you like the sound of the NTG-3, and have no issues with it's use on a boom - buy one for yourself. I'm afraid I just don't subscribe to the no shotguns indoors 'rule'. I totally agree that unskilled use of a shotgun indoors can introduce some unpleasant room sound from reflections, but used properly, I have never had any issues. A hyper, casually aimed towards the subject sounds better - but why aim casually? Aim properly!
 
Paulears brings up a good point that was also my first thought when I was going to reply, but since the mic will be on a stand I would opt for a slightly bigger pattern, even though an NTG-3 will probably sound good as long as the target doesn't move much (and people can still move around a lot during interviews).

Then again, if you've used the NTG-3 in several different situations and is happy with the result, there's not much reason to use something else (and the NTG-3 is probably one of the best choices in it's price range).
 
Jema said:
Also, if you don't have a boom op, is there a reason that you want an internal cable? If all it does is be on a stand, then any boom with the cable running on the outside will give the same result, and will be cheaper (though it may take one more minute to set up)
Click to expand...

I used a pole with cable for a year or two and recently have set it up with a cableless pole. The cableless pole is messy and inefficient. I prefer a more streamlined approach. Plus, I can pass it off to a PA or 2nd camera op to boom a scene if I need to in a pinch.
 
From what I've tested (not a lot of testing) the NTG-2 sounds great to pick up dialog indoor. Provided it's quiet and not echo like a church to start with.
Video comparison of a couple mics, with and without a preamp (JuicedLink CX211) on channel right and compared with an Azden EX-503 lav on the left. Make sure to cut either one or the other to fully hear the difference:

Sure, an Hyper would be better for "most" situations.
 
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