rode shotgun microphone

Ed Kishel

Ed Kishel

Veteran
Has anyone either used, or found any reviews on the Rode NTG1 or 2 shotgun microphones? Ive googled them and searched these forums and connot find any reviews on this mic. Its been billed as a AT897 killer, but I have not found it in any mic roundup or other compairisons.

From what little I have read its a fairly new mic. I will do most out door shooting and use it with a boompole.

I just got my $300 DVX rebate and want to put it towards the best shotgun I can get for the money.
 
I bought a NTG-2 a few weeks ago, but the day my boom and softie arrived I had a seizure and, well, haven't had a chance to mess around with it too much. I have, however, plugged it into my camera and with the dial at about 1/3 and the mic about 18 inch from my mouth: it sounded pretty natural. This is only compared to the tests I've heard other guys do here, since I own only this mic and the Oktava I got yesterday (which I haven't tried yet!) I am shooting the 26th of this month and next week my crew and I will be doing some major "practice" with my audio set up, so I'll have more for you then.

Sorry, I realize this post isn't very helpful after all. I heard great things about this mic also, so, because of that and the low price I'm giving it a shot.
 
I just recieved some NTG-1's and NTG-2's in stock, and this post prompted me to do a quick A/B comparison. I compared the NTG-2 to the AT897, since those are both in your price range. I have to say, I'm very pleasantly surprised with the NTG-2. It has a hotter output than the 897, which is nice, and I think it sounds a little more natureal. For $249 (MAP), it's a friggin' KILLER deal. You can give it 48v phantom power, which is what I was doing, or you can power it off of a AA battery, which I haven't done yet. If it were me, I'd go with the Rode on this one.

-Dave
 
Joe/Dave, thanks!

These are the two mics I have come down to. At B&H, they are selling both with a small kit: a camera shock mount and a 1.5' right angle xlr cable.

AT897 with shipping=$291
NTG2 free shipping=$250

It is a $40 difference. I know of AT, Rode- I know their studio mics are well liked. I wish I knew how to read these spec sheets: selectable HPF? per IEC651? Line=gradient vs supercardiod? Its tough because you cant go in to a store and demo these, and to rent them both would cost about 1/3 of the price. Dave, your quick test helps, but I am leaning towards the AT until I can find first hand experience/or reviews.
 
I understand your feeling, but I would recommend the NTG-2 in this case. I think it sounds better, and you can put the extra cash towards the Rode "deadcat".

-Dave
 
The Rode NTG-2 is the way to go. I have been using them for the last couple of months, and they sound great. I also use the Rode NT-4 (X/Y stereo), and it is perfect for a more, "omni-directional" sound. Rode's $200-$300 mics, sound like everyone else's (ie. Sennheiser / AT) $500-$800 mics. It is amazing. Lightwave makes some great wind protection for the new rode shotguns, and rycote or K-tek make some killer shock-mounts and acccessories.

Go with the Rode NTG-2.

-intro
 
Lightwave makes some great wind protection for the new rode shotguns, and rycote or K-tek make some killer shock-mounts and acccessories.
Click to expand...

What about that windprotection and mount that comes with the Rode NTG-2? Are they any good? Or do I need to buy also those? I'm also thinking of buying this Rode, I already have NT-2A and love it! :thumbsup:

Just noticed that something already comes with the mic:

"RODE NTG 2, Directional Condenser Microphone, Broadcastsound quality, condenser transducer, low noise circuitry(signal/noise 76dB, equiv. noise 18dB SPL) low handlingnoise, battery (1.5V) or phantom powered P48 (44 V - 52V), frequency range 20 - 20,000 Hz, @ 80 Hz 12 dB/octave,max SPL 131 dB, weight 161g , also ideal forFilm/TV/Video, incl. stand mount, windshield and zip pouch"

Thanks.
 
But please be aware that these mics are not replacements for a Sennheiser 416, or a Sanken CS-3 and a few others. These mics cost more, are more sensitive, have less selfnoise and sound better. There's a reason for the price difference.

Even the difference between a Senneheiser ME66 and 416 is audible.

Regards,

Ty Ford
 
Nice. I've wondered about these mics for awhile. I've always heard great things about Rode mics. I'm glad to hear that these are no exception. Thanks, guys!
 
Is there is link to the specs. I couldn't find one. I'd be leary of a mic that doesn't have published specs.

-Dave
 
Dammit! Do you people know how hard this forum makes it to choose between an AT897, ME66 and NTG2! The road winds on and on, further into darkness, confusion and statistics on reach and self noise.

Any opinions would be swell (about the mics that is, I already know Im crazy.)

Tim
 
For the money, the Rode NTG-2 blows the pants off the Sennheiser ME66/K6 combo, and its half the price! It doesn't keep up with the MKH-416 (or AT equivelant), but I wouldn't expect it to... It has a very natural sound, with a more realistic "there" sound, without sounding "tinny" at all. My experience with the NTG-2 has been boom mounted for the most part. On camera is the worst way to compare / use shotgun mics (not useful much past 4-5ft from the camera).

Also, the Lightwave Systems Windscreens and covers are the 105 series. The Miniscreen (MS-105) and the minisock (MSC-105) are a great, lightweight combo, and still a huge improvement over what is included with the Rode mics. Though, these are still not a replacement for full blimp (high wind) windscreens, they are perfect for everyday use.

I happen to like the Sennheiser MZS20-1 suspension / shockmount, but Rycote softies are great also, and noticeably lighter. K-tek makes some great shockmount / suspension sytems too.

I hope that helps.

-intro
 
I get the feeling generally that there is not much respect for the ME66 round here, and I can easily agree with that. But how bout Rode vs AT897?

Just to add my two cents: I think the Rycote Softy/Pistol Grip combos rock. Very adaptable in the field for lots of different uses.
 
The NTG-1 and NTG-2 both come with foam pop filters that will work until the wind whips up too much. Rode has a dead cat for the VideoMic. DOn't know iff they are planning something similar to fit over the pop filters for the NTG-1 & 2.

Regards,

Ty Ford
 
Just to clarify, the NTG-1 is the same mic but just phantom only, correct? All the specs are the same (except it's shorter)?
 
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