What to Pair with NTG-3: AKG SE300B/CK93 or AT4053B?

S

Steve R

Well-known member
I've pretty much decided on the RODE NTG-3 for my shotgun / outdoor mic - but if I were looking to pair it up with a hypercardioid for interior and studio use, what would people recommend in the $500 - $600 range?

I've read here that both the AKG Blue Line SE300B/CK93 combo and the Audio-Technica AT4053B hypercardioids are a bit of a step up from the Octava - but of these two mics, which would you recommend for recording dialogue on interiors? Do either "match up" better with the NTG-3?

Thanks in advance for your help.
 
I say AT4053b.

From what I hear from Matt (forget his last name) here, who has both, the AT sounds better. Not that the AKG sounds bad, however, he found the AKG to be too susceptible to humidity. Also the alternate caps for that mic are not up to snuff with the hyper cap, so the modular nature of the mic is lost, since only the hyper cap is worth using. All the AT caps sound great.

I use the AT4053b and am very happy with the results. I use it for all indoor stuff.

 
I wouldn't worry too much about matching the sound of whatever hyper you choose with t hat of the NTG-3. About the only time that is an issue is when you're intercutting footage shot in the same location. Since you're using the hyper indoors and the 'gun outdoors, it is obvious the location's are not the same and the audience will accept the different timbres as being a natural consequence.
 
Steve House said:
I wouldn't worry too much about matching the sound of whatever hyper you choose with t hat of the NTG-3. About the only time that is an issue is when you're intercutting footage shot in the same location. Since you're using the hyper indoors and the 'gun outdoors, it is obvious the location's are not the same and the audience will accept the different timbres as being a natural consequence.
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+1
 
I can't speak for the AKG, but I do have the 4053b and think it is a pretty substantial improvement over the Oktava.

Grant
 
I have the AKG CK93 and it is a definite upgrade over the Octava. The Octava is very sensitive and bright. The AKG is less sensitive but noticeably fuller/warmer/richer sounding. I have been very happy with it. The AKG was a deal at $350 when I upgraded. Now that it is up to almost $500, the question is how does it compare to the Audix SCX1 and the AT4053B which are in the same price range. Based on comments I've read in here, I would expect the Audix and AT outperform the AKG. So given the current pricing, it might be worth the extra $12 to skip right up to the Audix or AT for an upgrade from the Octava. Alternately, you might find a deal in the Marketplace on a well taken care of AKG. Hopefully, some day we'll see a comparison between the AKG, Audix and AT hypers. Probably a real close race between the Audix and AT.

btw Steve, you won't regret the NTG3--great mike!
 
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I have two AT4053 mics and they're nice. However, if I were to do it all again I would get the Audix SCX1/HC. It's just as good as the 4053b, but it's actually made in the USA. Great mics come from every corner of the Earth, but I've got a soft spot for good US manufacturers.
 
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