Shotgun or Lav

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digitalinnovations

Well-known member
I know that they each have their places, but for the productions that I do I can use either in most situations. I am curious what the feedback is on the two.

I am ready to do one of two things. The first is purchase a Rode NTG1 or NTG2 setup (mic, boom, wind protection, etc.). The second is I currently have a pair of AT 2100 lav systems with the AT829 mics. The sound from the AT829 is OK (read acceptable but always looking to improve) for what I need most of the time, but I think the body of the mic is too large and too obtrusive. What are my options to switch out the mics and keep the UniPaks? I don't have a ton to drop on the lavs, so please keep that in mind.

I was looking around B&H and found a couple mics there. Does anyone have any experience with the AT MT830cW? It is suppose to be a smaller mic from I can tell, but how is the sound and pickup? I also noticed the Audio-Technica AT898CW lav mic, how does this mic stand up? I also read on the AT898 it can hidden underneath clothing, how does this work (not only on this mic but any lav mic)? This is something I would be REALLY interested in (keeping the lavs completely out of sight) but wouldn't you get rubbing noises and muffled sound?

As you can tell I am fairly new to this audio side of things. I would GREATLY appreciate your advice on these issues. I am definitely looking to step up my "audio game" and I know there are a lot of you with the knowledge to help me do so. Thanks in advance!
 
the at899 is a good sounding mic for the money. I would rather have a countryman emw if I wanted an entry level lav.

A shotgun or hyper boomed over talent will always sound better than a lav when used correctly.
 
Well, it looks like I will be going with the Rode NTG-2 setup. I will of course have the AT 2100s to used as needed and possibly get some different lavs later. I haven't used a shotgun before, but it looks like that is better sound option. Any tips for a first time shotgun/boom user? What is optimum distances for the best audio pickup using the NTG-2? Thanks for the help!

*EDIT* Does any have any info on the mounting of lavs under clothing?
 
Showing my inexperience here, but what is the difference between the hyper and shotgun? I am assuming the NTG-2 is a shotgun, but what mic would be the equivalent in a hyper? I shoot probably 75% indoors and 25% outdoors (most of the outdoors is B-Roll).
 
I have been doing some research trying to sort this all out. So the hyper mic picks up a wider pattern and the shotgun is more narrow making it difficult to pick up 2 people that are not standing right beside each other correct? What is everyone's thoughts on the Rode NT3 hyper? But by purchasing a hyper does that mean I cannot/should not use it outdoors where as I could use the NTG-2 indoors it just might be more difficult for multiple people. Thoughts?
 
I am going to suggest doing more research here before you buy. You can use a hyper outside with a rycote baby ball bag 20 mm it will reject less off axis sound, but it can work. If you shoot mostly inside, I say go for hyper. They sound better in reflective enviornments and that is what most interiors are.
 
I am doing just that now, trying to find some discussions on the various mics, etc. I am trying to get as much info as I can before purchasing. I do appreciate your help!
 
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