SENNHEISER ME-66/K6 vs Rode NTG-2???

Well...

Well...

They sound different. Is one "better"? It's more a personal choice.

Let me put it this way: I worked for a production company that had a Sennheiser ME66/K6.
When I left, I bought myself a Rode NTG-2. Because it was cheaper.

I have never regretted it, because the NTG-2 certainly doesn't sound any "worse" or "cheaper" than the Sennheiser. I never ran side-by-side comparisons, and I'm not a picky enough listener to be able to tell any quality difference in previously recorded footage. I've been equally pleased with the sound from both.

I did, however, try to use much cheaper and more basic wind protection, and that was I mistake I quickly fixed.

-Stephen

P.S. You can listen to samples from both mics here:
http://dvestore.com/theatre/mics_guide.html
 
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better yet get the at4073a it sounds much nicer than the me66 for the same money. Do not get the me66 go for the ntg2 if you can't spring.

It is usually better to do it right the first time, so just go for the at4073a, ktek kzepp and 12' gitzo cf pole and be done. Oh, then there is the mixer, headphones cables etc...
 
The opinion on the forums here seems to be that the ME66 is not the best-sounding mic that Sennheiser produces, and that most would rather have an NTG-2, if it were up to just those two. I don't have enough side-by-side experience with the two mics to voice a solid opinion. I have a gut feeling, but that's not worth sharing.

You'd probably do well to check out that Audio-Technica. I've been hearing good things about their AT875R, I just don't know who sells them in my area!
 
I've never used any three of the suggested mics, but I can definitely tell you that I've been very pleased with AT's small diaphragm condenser based mics (I own a number of them in my recording studio) and I've been equally disappointed with Sennheiser's small diaphragm based mics (I have used the studio, non-shotgun version of the ME66 and was very unimpressed). I've never purchased Rode mics for my own studio because I've been unimpressed with them when I've used them in other studios.

So yeah, my money would be (and is since I'm buying a shotgun soon) with AT.
 
we've got the senheiser at our studio and is perfectly average. I guess i expected more.
 
While I am a fan of the K6 series, the ME66, in my opinion is one of the worst possible entry level shotgun mics. You're never supposed to use a shotgun in an untreated room, but interiors with the ME66 are just awful. You get a cold, hollow sound from all the reflections in the room. Exteriors are mediocre - you can pretty much spot which productions use the ME66 in film festivals.
 
If you're working with the K6 series, and shooting indoors, I would highly recommend getting the ME64 cardioid, which is about $200 on its own. It's a world of difference from the ME66 in certain types of rooms.
 
Some interesting comments here.....

The K6 series are designed to be pretty neutral in sound - ie: designed to capture as is and not to have a "sound".

They are also surprisingly good in damp conditions as I am continually being told by wildlife recordists.

For bullet-proof quality use in all conditions the pros use the MKH 416 or MKH 60 - these are RF condensers and are a different design to all other condensers - but it makes them perfect for use in the wet - which is why they are the industry standard in the Film and TV industry.
 
Tips in the wet

Tips in the wet

A good way of dealing with rain is to get some quilt batting from a fabric store (it's what they stuff inside quilts) cut it to a size, and wrap it around your zeppelin windscreen, using elastics to hold it. Leave the front of the mic open.

The quilt batting won't alter your sound much, won't make noise when rain hits it because it's nice and soft, and once it absorbs a whole lot of water and gets heavy, you can just wring it out.
 
davbeisner said:
I've never used any three of the suggested mics, but I can definitely tell you that I've been very pleased with AT's small diaphragm condenser based mics (I own a number of them in my recording studio) and I've been equally disappointed with Sennheiser's small diaphragm based mics (I have used the studio, non-shotgun version of the ME66 and was very unimpressed). I've never purchased Rode mics for my own studio because I've been unimpressed with them when I've used them in other studios.

So yeah, my money would be (and is since I'm buying a shotgun soon) with AT.
Click to expand...


Forget all that.... I was on a shoot the other day where we had one and was really disappointed with the sound. So now I'm getting the K6 instead.
 
From my experience, the K6 series from Sennheiser aren't as bad as it's being repped in this forum. The ME66 and the ME64 do sound good when it's being used by someone who knows how to handle themselves. I've been on low budget films where I will have my own set of favorite microphones and the director's set of microphones. There's a huge gap between our sets, an AT897 and a Schoeps. Any microphone works only if you know its limit and characteristics. Nothing beats experience and knowledge.

If you can find a used ME66/64 for a much lower price than a new Rode NTG-2, then get it. If not, go get a new Rode NTG-2 rather than a new ME series microphone for half of its asking price.
 
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