Rush
DVXuser Sponsor
Ken Plotin and I tested these mics side by side and hooked up to his DVX100A. I will preface by saying that we are NOT professional audio engineers, and the opinions expressed here are purely those of two experienced shooters. We used no devices to measure the output of quality of the mics, only our ears and the level indicator on the DVX100A.
We used Sennheiser HD-280Pro headphones, chosen by our customers for best overall dynamic range for the price of $80. Subject was at 6 feet from the mics. Mics were hard-wired with the exact same length cable to the camera. We tried each mic into both ears through input-2, and then one mic into each input, listening to each one separately. We recorded both and played them back.
Here are our results:
1- Gain: 40-50% higher output with the ME-66. We had to turn up the gain on the DVX twice as far to get the same audio level with the 897.
2- Range: 897 has softer, warmer human voice, in a closed environment. More neutral mid and upper-high range. Good for interviews in quiet places. ME66 has accentuated upper-mid and high range quality, making it sound crisper and more defined. Good for all-around shooting, run and gun, events, and interviews.
3- Distance: Since we had to turn up the 897 twice as loud to get the same level as the ME66, we figure the ME66 will get better audio at greater distance from the subject, because camera gain is not being used as much.
4- Power Module: ME66 has a removable power module K6 which allows the use of longer/shorter shotgun mic elements. 897 is fixed.
5- Accessories: 897 comes with a case, foam, and clip for mounting on a mic stand. ME66 does not.
6- Roll off switch: Both have this feature.
7- On/Off switch: Only the ME66 has this feature.
8- Length: 897 is 1" shorter.
9- Price: 897 is $95 cheaper.
Overall: Both mics proved to be excellent performers with different features. Hope this helps everyone make their decisions!
We used Sennheiser HD-280Pro headphones, chosen by our customers for best overall dynamic range for the price of $80. Subject was at 6 feet from the mics. Mics were hard-wired with the exact same length cable to the camera. We tried each mic into both ears through input-2, and then one mic into each input, listening to each one separately. We recorded both and played them back.
Here are our results:
1- Gain: 40-50% higher output with the ME-66. We had to turn up the gain on the DVX twice as far to get the same audio level with the 897.
2- Range: 897 has softer, warmer human voice, in a closed environment. More neutral mid and upper-high range. Good for interviews in quiet places. ME66 has accentuated upper-mid and high range quality, making it sound crisper and more defined. Good for all-around shooting, run and gun, events, and interviews.
3- Distance: Since we had to turn up the 897 twice as loud to get the same level as the ME66, we figure the ME66 will get better audio at greater distance from the subject, because camera gain is not being used as much.
4- Power Module: ME66 has a removable power module K6 which allows the use of longer/shorter shotgun mic elements. 897 is fixed.
5- Accessories: 897 comes with a case, foam, and clip for mounting on a mic stand. ME66 does not.
6- Roll off switch: Both have this feature.
7- On/Off switch: Only the ME66 has this feature.
8- Length: 897 is 1" shorter.
9- Price: 897 is $95 cheaper.
Overall: Both mics proved to be excellent performers with different features. Hope this helps everyone make their decisions!