Shotgun Mic Help

ollywood88

ollywood88

Well-known member
Hi Guys

a little help needed, I have owned a Rode NTG2 for a while now and never been quite happy

was looking to upgrade to either

1) Rode NTG4
2) Sennheiser Mke600
3) wait to stretch budget to NTG3

at at the moment between the two ntg4/mke600 I am leaning more towards the sennheiser.

Keen to to hear people's thoughts

thanks
 
I have the Senn MKE600, and like it very much. No experience with the NTG4. However, if you want a clear upgrade for a shotgun, then the NTG3 has a good reputation - it will be more mic than you'll get with the other options you mentioned. Again, that applies specifically to shotgun mics.
 
It might help to know what it is about the NTG2 that makes you not quite happy. (Noise level ... low end ... high end ... wind or handling noise ... physical size ... response pattern ... etc.) Then maybe we can suggest another mic that excels in that area.

- Greg
 
Thanks for your replies.

Never never been happy with the levels and actual sound of vocals.

To to be used with c100 preamps are great I know it only records 16bit instead of 24 but still great.

Just heard art great reviews from MKH600

thanks
 
Like I said, I have the MKE600 and like it. That said, some sound pros claim it doesn't quite have as much presence as more expensive mics and is too bassy. I don't agree, but opinions will differ.
 
I had a NTG1 (same capsule as NTG2) and did not like the sound of it as it had the electret mid range scoop I then have standardised on the AT875R as I like the sound but you need phantom power or an ext phantom psu for them.
 
Since this is more about what you like than "quality" I would go to a pro shop and try them out. Depending on how pro the place is you may be able to take one out connected to your recorder and shoot some tests. If not see if you can rent borrow a couple.

If you don't like the Rode sound I would not buy another one with out recording a test. Some people like really bright mics and some like fuller mics it is really not so much one is better than the other as it is personal preference. All of the mics mentioned are in the good or better range in quality.
 
I love the Rode NTG-3. The quality is great, even slightly off axis. See if you can play with one and then check on eBay for a used one.
 
If possible take Scott's advice and test drive before you buy. EBay can be great for bargains but I would prefer to buy used consignment/used from a trusted shop specialising in sound.I picked up a great sounding at 4073a for $199 US from a trusted LA shop. These shops stand behind the used gear they sell and have a rep to protect. FYI the 4073a is in the same quality range as a mkh 416 or rode ntg3 and are usually in the $ 200 to $450 range US..
 
I use the NTG4+ with my Panasonic HC-X1000. I'm really pleased with it, although due to the increase in length because of the extra battery compartment I find that sometimes it either creeps into shot (when mounted to the cam) or the buttons are covered by the mount of the camera which is quite annoying and makes the low cut button tricky to reach. I imagine the shorter NTG4 won't have that issue, although as others have said, try before you buy!
 
Thanks guys,

Still narrowing it down got my eye on a RODE NTG3 used from a uy on EBAY, If not found a great deal on the MKE600 Which is £185.00 GBP. and looking still at NTG4 I am trying to budget for NTG3 as its an investment for a longer period.

Thanks
 
i was in the same boat few years ago (ntg4 didn't existed back then), and i bought ntg3 instead of mke600, after short testing both, ntg3 for me was the clear winner, thou imho if money is a problem mke600 is definitely a great mic.
 
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