when will my mic die?

Steve Laramie

Steve Laramie

Veteran
Iv had my NTG2 for about 3 years now and its been taking a beating and heavy use. No visible scars but Its fallen from a boom pole once or twice (with windscreen on). It works fine right now. But im wondering when I should buy a new mic. I am not focused on sound so I don't have a spare mic. When should I upgrade?
 
Q: WHEN WILL A MIC DIE?
A: When you break it.

Your mic should last for decades unless you mistreat it: use it for a hammer, have your dog fetch it, let your kids use it for a magic wand & Star Wars swords or use it to stir paint. If a mic can survive a bad owner then it's next enemy is oxidation on connectors & switches. You can help your mic survive by keeping it clean & dry and storing away when not being used. If the mic is working well & safe, I'd say just "keep it" and rest easy knowing your dog isn't chewing on it over in the corner.
 
Murphy's law says it will die when you need it the most. With a great rig like the HVX200, you are shortchanging your video work and limiting your ability to provide sonic quality on par with the camera. One type of microphone does NOT fit all circumstances.

The Rode is considered a decent mic as a super cardiod pattern goes, but why not try some something else to broaden your capabilities?

Read at least one sticky if not 2 (above in the sticky section) by puredrifting to get a feel for how to open your horizons and improve your overall product quality. Also, there have been many past threads in this audio section about the differences between mics.

Why not upgrade to a better quality mic and use the Rode as a either a back up or a "B" mic. Do you shoot mostly indoors or outdoors? Some mics are better for one or the other. Ever do any interviews? Lavs are the way to go there unless it's a standup on the street interview where a handheld hyper cardiod might be better.

Do you mic for room tone or atmosphere? An Omni directional is better for that. Ever do any boom micing with a moving person? Regualar Cardiod might be better for that. And so on.

Don't depend on your on camera mic because it will not be up to the job if your Rode dies if it falls off the boom again, etc..

Ken
 
I would get a good hyper to add to the kit instead of replacing that mic. The hyper will be more versatile than the shotgun. I have only been using an AKG CK93 for everything. Cam mounted and boomed indoors and outdoors.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top