The Rode NTG-3... the poor man's 416?

I was shooting on Times Square two days ago and I kept changing form the NTg-3 to the 416 back and forth, just for the sake of it and to find any difference. I still think the 416 digs for the lines a tiny bit deeper than the NTg3, while the NTg 3 was easy on the boom specially for groups interviews. They both share high sensitivity for LF, but after rolling off on the Sd302, I found the 416 a little warmer, while the NTG-3 became kind of "flat"
This is not precise test, I was just playing around because I have the time, but it was a real situation comparisson. Anyway, all these differences were minimal. I think I would keep my 416 for now, just because I already own it. Tthe true is I don't like the sound of any of them in any special way, but the are great back ups for my neumann.
 
Times Square? I was just there a little over a week ago! (2 of the Fat Monster guys were there as well)... but the situation required wireless the entire time... so no NTG-3 tests in TS from me.
 
TS is the perfect place for the Sanken Cs-3 making you to look like a genius in front of the producers, but I wanted try the NTG-3 Vs 416 and Pro-Sound is right there, it was a perfect opportunity. What is your experience with the NTg 3 after cutting LF? Did u still like it?
 
MattinSTL said:
Times Square? I was just there a little over a week ago! (2 of the Fat Monster guys were there as well)... but the situation required wireless the entire time... so no NTG-3 tests in TS from me.
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I've been thinking of going wireless with the NTG3 but can anyone here tell me if this idea works: Applying the Sennheiser G2 Plug-In transmitter (SKP500G2) directly to the NTG3 and then use it without a boom op (meaning the use of a boom in a pole holder and a C stand with a grip head). I know the plug in can give phantom power but I have not tested this. I'm thinking that this idea would probably have too much front weight for the boom to hold but then again I'm just guessing.

If someone can kindly answer to this, I think I will be getting Guy's kit. Thanks!
 
Sectaguy said:
I've been thinking of going wireless with the NTG3 but can anyone here tell me if this idea works: Applying the Sennheiser G2 Plug-In transmitter (SKP500G2) directly to the NTG3 and then use it without a boom op (meaning the use of a boom in a pole holder and a C stand with a grip head). I know the plug in can give phantom power but I have not tested this. I'm thinking that this idea would probably have too much front weight for the boom to hold but then again I'm just guessing.

If someone can kindly answer to this, I think I will be getting Guy's kit. Thanks!
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Awesome. The Sennheiser SKP500 works great with the RODE NTG-3. I agree with Jordan though, a cable will always sound better than a wireless. I can however share a recent experience. I watched a one man crew that set-up interviews in a busy hotel lobby with Litepanels 1x1's on batteries and the same wireless SKP500. They were able to bang out a bunch of "testimonials" in a fast and efficient matter. If you're that close, make sure to set the Squelch on the Receiver to Maximum. You won't get a long distance, but you're also less prone to hits.
 
Matt,

When you say handheld are you implying using the mic with or without a shockmount and pistol grip?
 
Hey Matt,

You talk of the versatility of the NTG-3. I just bought one and love it so far. Have to agree on the case being bomber.

Question for you: Do you think it replaces the Octava M012 as an interior mic or would I would be wise to hang onto both for different shooting situations?

Please anyone feel free to chime in with your experience here.

Much appreciated,

Tai
 
Tai Lyon said:
Hey Matt,

You talk of the versatility of the NTG-3. I just bought one and love it so far. Have to agree on the case being bomber.

Question for you: Do you think it replaces the Octava M012 as an interior mic or would I would be wise to hang onto both for different shooting situations?

Please anyone feel free to chime in with your experience here.

Much appreciated,

Tai
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I have both of these mics as well and have the same question - is it really possible to use just one mic - the NTG-3 - for both outdoors AND indoors?

t
 
I am currently moving from using the likes of the NTG2 and ME66/K6 and looking at an NTG3. I have pretty basic kit consisting of a minx mixer and Marantz PMD660, unfortunatly the mixer is on the way out so may have to feed the Mic straight into the recorder or a DVX for a short while.

I have been told there are problems with doing this with the likes of a 416, will this hold true for the NTG3 too? could some explain the issues to me in camera operator speak??
 
Others have stated (i think it was Matt) that the ME66 and DVX do not work well together. Apparently, the ME66 signal levels are too hot to be properly controllable by the DVX audio circuit. I don't believe there are any issues using the 416 or NTG3 straight into the DVX.
 
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Hey Matt! I have the NTG-3 and LOVE it. I got the free blimp deal, and the free K-Tec Boom too. 525.00 of free stuff just for buying an awesome mic for half the price, yet sounds as good as the reigning champ. It's like I saved 1,000.00 in 1,700.00 worth of gear!

Any hoo - You mentioned the AKG CK 93 earlier, but expressed humidity concerns. I live in Arcata, Ca (Humboldt County) which is very rainy. I like the looks of the CK93, but you have made me pause. Is there some comparable sounding mic I should at least consider before jumping the CK93 bandwagon? Now I am using Rode NT3s for hyper needs, and love the sound. It's a heavy beast though. I'd like a nice lite hyper for my boom pole for pro gigs, and to put right on my EX1 when I shoot home movies. Sorry to go off the NTG-3 topic, so you can PM me.

Anyone is invited to chime in on the CK93. I'm in a humid area. Is that really a weak point of the AKG CK93? Is there another hyper in that price range to consider?

Thanks

Chadfsh

And BTW, the NTG-3 works great indoors, on camera! I would not do it for anything pro, but I was surprised how good it sounded (upgrading from a Senn ME66 & NTG-2). But for home movies using the NTG-3, it's so directional that you can barely make out my smart a**ed comments from behind the camera.
 
The NTG-3 uses RF-bias. The Sennheiser MKH series all use RF-bias, while none of the other popular mics do. Not only does it sound really nice, RF-bias means that a mic is basically impervious to moisture. The NTG-3 is a really great mic for the money, I just wrote up an article on it that will be appearing in HD Video Pro Magazine. I am so hyped on it, to me, it sounds better than the 416 and as good as the MKH 60 at less than half the cost.

I am a convert, I will be buying one. I wish that I still had the Schoeps CMIT-5U, I would love to compare the sound with the NTG-3. I think that the CMIT-5U would sound better, but I wonder by how much?

Dan
 
Ok, this is interesting. I wasn't aware that RF bias=humidity performance. I am guessing RF bias means there is an a/c bias voltage across the condensor having a frequency within the RF spectrum, ...is that correct? Aside from humidity performance, how does that differ from other mics, i.e. non-RF biased? Are they low-frequency biased, dc biased? The geekness wants to know.
Also, any chance of your review or portions of it showing up in your shotgun review stickie? I have made good use of your research and really appreciate your efforts Dan. Hopefully, that would not conflict with your relationship to the magazine. That info would be a great supplement if possible to add it there.

btw Chad, the AKG is relatively heavy.
 
gco said:
Ok, this is interesting. I wasn't aware that RF bias=humidity performance. I am guessing RF bias means there is an a/c bias voltage across the condensor having a frequency within the RF spectrum, ...is that correct? Aside from humidity performance, how does that differ from other mics, i.e. non-RF biased? Are they low-frequency biased, dc biased? The geekness wants to know.
Also, any chance of your review or portions of it showing up in your shotgun review stickie? I have made good use of your research and really appreciate your efforts Dan. Hopefully, that would not conflict with your relationship to the magazine. That info would be a great supplement if possible to add it there.
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Yes "RF bias" actually means that there is an RF oscillator in the microphone which uses the mic capsule as part of the inductance/capacitance ("L/C") tank to determine the frequency of oscillation. This effectively makes into a microscopic "FM transmitter" with a built-in "FM receiver" built right next to it. Typically sharing a common inductor.

Traditional condenser mics use DC bias. Either internally biased (i.e. "electret" which is like a charge "permanent magnet") or externally biased. The audio signal is detected as a very tiny change of voltage as the mic capsule capacitance reacts to the audible waves.

In addition to being a very tiny signal, it is also at an ultra-high impedance (we're talking billions of ohms = gigohms). This makes them ultra-sensitive to any kind of leakage from dirt or even airborne moisture. Some mics are more susceptible to humidity than others, mainly because of how they were designed.

Also because of this very tiny signal and very high impedance, traditional condenser mics can be more sensitive to interference from high RF fields. Mics which use their own RF fields internally are typically not as sensitive to external RFI.

IIRC, the RF "bias" scheme (bias in quotes because it isn't "bias" in the conventional definition) was pioneered by Sennheiser several decades ago.
 
puredrifting said:
The NTG-3 uses RF-bias. The Sennheiser MKH series all use RF-bias, while none of the other popular mics do. Not only does it sound really nice, RF-bias means that a mic is basically impervious to moisture. The NTG-3 is a really great mic for the money, I just wrote up an article on it that will be appearing in HD Video Pro Magazine. I am so hyped on it, to me, it sounds better than the 416 and as good as the MKH 60 at less than half the cost.

I am a convert, I will be buying one. I wish that I still had the Schoeps CMIT-5U, I would love to compare the sound with the NTG-3. I think that the CMIT-5U would sound better, but I wonder by how much?

Dan
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Hey Dan, what are your thoughts on the NTG-3 for use in interiors?
 
puredrifting said:
The NTG-3 is a really great mic for the money, I just wrote up an article on it that will be appearing in HD Video Pro Magazine. I am so hyped on it, to me, it sounds better than the 416 and as good as the MKH 60 at less than half the cost.

Dan
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Dan I agree the NTG-3 does sound better than the 416 .. and for the price will be the best value in mics for some time to come.

Ok I'm biased too .. but it was 2 years in development and mine is one of the first and when I heard it I called CEO Peter Freedman and he passed on some other notable comments the summation of which is ... it is a 416 eater.

Many pros think it's well underpriced and as you'd be aware .. in some quarters that's a distraction.

Not to me ... it has a wonderful warm 'analogue kind of sound' and does real justice to any voice.

Cheers.
 
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Hey Richard:

Thanks, that saved me a lot of typing!

The NTG-3 is okay for non-reflective dead interiors but most people have pretty live interiors. A hyper or super is a much better tool generally than a shotgun for interiors. I told RØDE that since the NTG-3 goes head to head with the 416 and comes out pretty well, they should pursue a cardioid that will go head to head with the Schoeps CMC641 that would sell for probably $1,000.00 to $1,200.00. It would be a big hit!

Dan
 
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