Shotgun Mic experiences

Austinv

Well-known member
Im looking for a good mic! I have seen that a lot use the Rode NTG2. Im looking for a mic that I can use on camera and on a boom in indoor and outdoor conditions.
 
I like my NTG-2, but it needs to be relatively close to the subject. However, it has a pretty good pickup pattern and it delivers quality audio for its price range. I would definitely get another one in a pinch, but you may be better off saving for something a little better.
 
Like anything else, you get what you pay for. What's your budget?

I would suggest a better used mic rather than a new mic, but it depends on your time-frame.

I have found the medium shotgun to be o-so-useful in just about every condition- On-cam, boom, hand-held, plant- you name-it, I've done it.
 
The only shotgun mic I have used is my Sanken CS1. It is so nice!! I found it for about half price $400 on the boards here and worth every penny. I believe you get what you pay for.
 
Sennheiser has a nice modular kit if you ever wish to expand using the K6 power unit. Its a bit pricier than most other mics though
 
I can get the NTG2 for around $300 it comes with the shock mount and a windscreen. I have heard good reviews on all the mics im just up in the air about what to choose.
 
I use the Rode and I'm happy with it as an on-camera mic with shock mount. The sound is good if I work close to the subject, which I often do. Yes, the Sennheiser is nicer, but twice the price. Otherwise, I clip a wireless Sennheiser on the subject.
 
Ya i stumbled upon that site and listened to them all, the K6 does sound slightly cleaner but the price is way to much.
 
You may want to look into the AudioTechnica AT897. Works well on my camera, and I find the sound to be clean and full. I've never used a Rode or Sennheiser so I've nothing to compare to, but the AT897 is worth a look. See what others think.

Cheers,

John
 
i use a Rode NTG-1 but i'm no audiophile so i can't really comment other than i'm completely happy with it.
 
I'm a fan of the ME66/K6 combo. It's a standard workhorse for both camera-mounted shotgun work as well as a low-cost boom mic. If you need an even greater level of directionality, the ME67 may be added to your kit (or purchased with the K6 instead of the ME66).

I've used the AT897 for booming (not as a shotgun) and have never been impressed. It's too noisy. You can hear it in the side-by-side tests (above). This noise becomes an even bigger problem when booming because your subject will not be as close to the mic as she is in these videos.

I have no experience with any of the Rhode mics, however, from the side-by-side, it sounds like a good quiet mic. Perhaps accentuating the bass side of the spectrum? If price is an issue, I'd spring for the Rhode. But if you can spend more, my money is on the K6 and either the ME66 or ME67 (ideally both) as a great all-in-one kit to have for shotgun, studio and booming applications.
 
yea price is an issue the ~500 level is the most i can go.

but i've read a lot stuff on these forums and others saying the me66 is overpriced and isn't as good as the rode (ntg2).

thats why I was going with at4073a, so the rode nt3 over the at4073a?
 
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