Rode NT2 output levels?

G

Giganova

Well-known member
Hi guys --

I have a Rode NT-2 shotgun mic but was surprised that I have to put the gain on my Tascam DR-100 field recorder all the way up to 10 (max) to get usable sound levels when I want to record a narrator sitting 1-2 foot away. (Phantom power on or alternatively, with a fresh AA battery in the mic). Is this expected or do I have a lemon?

Thanks,
Stefan
 
Nope, not a lemon. The NTG family of mics is well documented for low output level. You will want an external pre-amp or mixer to bump that level up to usable, without causing your Tascam pre's to inject noise. Insert it ahead of the tascam (or other lower priced recorder) and let it provide the pre-amp'ing.

I have the H4n......same issue when using an NTG2.
 
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Thanks for the info, Doc!

I use a very small and mobile DSLR rig and can't add more amps/preamps.

Do you think the new Sennheiser MKE 600 might have a hotter output signal? Might upgrade to that or better mics. I am starting a new film and audio needs to be stellar.
 
You would be better suited if you kept the NTG (it is a decent mike), and found a 1-2 channel pre or field mixer.
 
Try the JuicedLink Riggy if you are on a DSLR - affordable great N/S ratio.

Got one on my Blackmagic camera, works like a charm.

Frank
 
i use a JuicedLink CX211 betwwen my NTG-2 and my H4n. This combo gives me a stronger and cleaner signal.

You can hear an example and see how i connect them here:

 
Thank you guys, that was super helpful!

I just ordered a SoundDevices Mix-Pre-D that will allow me to bring the Rode NT2 and the Sennheiser wireless lav up to the same level. From there, I intend to record on my Tascam DR-100, and feed the output to my Nikon D600 DSLR (for backup and syncing in post).

Do you think that's a good strategy or should I dump the Tascam and go straight from the SoundsDevices to the DSLR?

Thanks!
 
No... by injecting the audio into the camera....you are downgrading the audio. Record and resync in post.

Edit: saw you said it would be a camera scratch track. Yes.....as long as the recorder is providing the actual audio......anything in camera should just be used to re-sync to external audio recordings. But always remember: GIGO.....garbage in....garbage out. If you don't capture it good on set.....you really can't fix it. So really focus on getting good placement and great technique.

With the audio chain you will have.....it shouldn't be too hard....now it's just about level of experience/knowledge. That's always a good position to be in.....never to be able to blame the gear..........
 
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Doc Bernard said:
The NTG family of mics is well documented for low output level. You will want an external pre-amp or mixer to bump that level up to usable
Click to expand...
I second that. I'm using the same setup (except for the recorder) than eiker_ir:
eiker_ir said:
i use a JuicedLink CX211 betwwen my NTG-2 and my H4n. This combo gives me a stronger and cleaner signal.
Click to expand...

I've got some very nice and clean audio tracks using this setup. And honestly, for the price (unless you'd be living out of that as work), it's a very nice and affordable solution.

That being said, with that MixPre-D, you'll be fine. It's just the "better" solution, at a different cost!
 
Just wanted to thank you all for your help!

Got the Sound Devices mixer and a bunch of cables today. I'm routing the Rode NT-2 and a Sanken COS-11X lav mic through a Sennheiser Evolution wireless pack into the SoundDevices mixer and from there into the Tascam DR-100 (and from there into the DSLR for backup and syncing).

The sound is really phantastic and seeing the audio levels with the bright LEDs and being able to make quick adjustments is really priceless.

The setup is heavy, but I can still shoot handheld with my rig, if needed.
 

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