In addition to the new shotgun mics from MXL, Rode has added a digit to their highly directional line:
RØDE ANNOUNCES NEW SHOTGUN MIC By George Petersen
At the recent NAMM show, there was a sneak preview of the NTG3, which expands RØDE's shotgun microphone offerings with a premium, high-performance model. For broadcasting, film/video production and field music/effects recording, the NTG-3 represents the company's third-generation shotgun mic design. Its 10-inch-long, ¾-inch-diameter body is ideal for on-camera, boom or handheld use, with low handling noise and ultra-low self-noise performance (EIN is 13dBA, per IEC 651). Other specifications include a 40 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response; a sensitivity rating of -32dB (±1dB re 1V/Pa @ 1kHz); 130dB maximum SPL handling (1kHz, 1% THD into a 1k-ohm load) and a nominal impedance of 25 ohms. The externally-RF biased, true condenser capsule has a high level of RFI rejection and requires standard 48VDC phantom power.
This Australian-made mic ships with a mic clip, windscreen, carry pouch and storage/transport cylinder. Water resistant and nearly indestructible, the latter is an anodized aluminum tube that resembles a Maglite flashlight. Intended for rough field conditions, the cylinder's removeable threaded end caps provide easy access to the mic, which is kept protected within a foam inner lining. The NTG3 includes a 10-year warranty and has a street price of $599. Options include mini (33- to 81-inch) and full-size (33- to 120-inch) extendable boom poles, shock-mounts and a fur-style windshield.
For more information, visit the RØDE Website at www.rodemic.com. (MIX)
Shotgun tests
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
More Letters and Notes
Lots of response to the Mic-shootout games. We are working on expanding the scope. Keep the suggestions coming. Your input is what it's all about.
You are asking for some specific tests and we hear you:
How about adding a Berhringer B-2 Pro to your under $200 microphone test line-up?
Keith Nelsen
Keith,
Thanks for your note. We will add the B-2 Pro to our list of "try and gets."
In the meantime, we will share what we have heard from others. The B-2 Pro is a dual-diaphram multi-directional condenser that is very sensitive. The multi-directional makes it useful for many other applications besides Voiceover. It has a reputation for being somewhat sibilent--a little harsh in the high frequencies. That should be easy to clear up in post production. We really do need to test one to see (or hear) for ourselves.
You are right, we need to look at more mics in that $150 range.
Thanks again for your note
You know we can't try mics at dealers any more. So lots of us noobies would appreciate being able to hear the low-end stuff such as AT2020s, B1s and USBs through low-end pres, such as Art USB and Studio Projects, etc.
Great site! Load it up !!!
Rob
You are right, Rob. It is very tough to get a mic to try, especially if you don't live near a big dealer. (I thought the internet was supposed to change all that). Our original goal was to find possible mic choices that are a little out of the main stream of mass hype and peer pressure. We also wanted to plug into the "value" factor.
When you sift through the "you should buy this mic 'cause I got one," to the "I've got this one and it works great for me," we realize that maybe we need to try more of the "works great for me" mics.
If we can help you find the best match-up for the best investment, then you need to hear one recommendation against another. It's a matter of simple comparisons.
Thanks to our buddies and cohorts in the business, we are getting to hear some outstanding gear. Keep sending 'em gang. But we do need to listen to the basic standards that are available now. That means establishing a rapport with the dealers and manufacturers. We have had mostly positive inquiries from some pretty heavy hitters in the biz and as they watch your response to these tests, may decide to get more involved.
My question to you....should we accept advertising from these dealers and companies if it means getting more product to test? You and I want to continue to keep the test as straightforward and unbiased as possible....and they still will be--even if there are ads. But sometimes you may ask the question, "Are they just saying that to help the advertiser?"
Hey, I'm having fun here too. And I am also learning something, just like you.
Keep sending your suggestions and recommendations, especially on how to kick it up a notch.
On that note I'll tell you that I've been talking to Ed Gambill about the Peluso mics (Yeah, I know. I thought we were talking intro priced mics). We're working with Ed on some big news and opportunities for you soon. Keep checking.
You are asking for some specific tests and we hear you:
How about adding a Berhringer B-2 Pro to your under $200 microphone test line-up?
Keith Nelsen
Keith,
Thanks for your note. We will add the B-2 Pro to our list of "try and gets."
In the meantime, we will share what we have heard from others. The B-2 Pro is a dual-diaphram multi-directional condenser that is very sensitive. The multi-directional makes it useful for many other applications besides Voiceover. It has a reputation for being somewhat sibilent--a little harsh in the high frequencies. That should be easy to clear up in post production. We really do need to test one to see (or hear) for ourselves.
You are right, we need to look at more mics in that $150 range.
Thanks again for your note
You know we can't try mics at dealers any more. So lots of us noobies would appreciate being able to hear the low-end stuff such as AT2020s, B1s and USBs through low-end pres, such as Art USB and Studio Projects, etc.
Great site! Load it up !!!
Rob
You are right, Rob. It is very tough to get a mic to try, especially if you don't live near a big dealer. (I thought the internet was supposed to change all that). Our original goal was to find possible mic choices that are a little out of the main stream of mass hype and peer pressure. We also wanted to plug into the "value" factor.
When you sift through the "you should buy this mic 'cause I got one," to the "I've got this one and it works great for me," we realize that maybe we need to try more of the "works great for me" mics.
If we can help you find the best match-up for the best investment, then you need to hear one recommendation against another. It's a matter of simple comparisons.
Thanks to our buddies and cohorts in the business, we are getting to hear some outstanding gear. Keep sending 'em gang. But we do need to listen to the basic standards that are available now. That means establishing a rapport with the dealers and manufacturers. We have had mostly positive inquiries from some pretty heavy hitters in the biz and as they watch your response to these tests, may decide to get more involved.
My question to you....should we accept advertising from these dealers and companies if it means getting more product to test? You and I want to continue to keep the test as straightforward and unbiased as possible....and they still will be--even if there are ads. But sometimes you may ask the question, "Are they just saying that to help the advertiser?"
Hey, I'm having fun here too. And I am also learning something, just like you.
Keep sending your suggestions and recommendations, especially on how to kick it up a notch.
On that note I'll tell you that I've been talking to Ed Gambill about the Peluso mics (Yeah, I know. I thought we were talking intro priced mics). We're working with Ed on some big news and opportunities for you soon. Keep checking.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
How about a little Game (or contest)?
Place your bets! Keep it fair! Put your money where your ears are!
A few of you have asked for a head-to-head shootout between some of our most popular mics with some of the newer models. I think that's a great idea.
But what, how? What about a "guess the mics" shootout to start with? And the suggestion we shootout mics used in "imaging" would be most telling.
What do you think? Let's match up some strong mics against the "Darth Vader" of imaging mics--the Sennheiser MKH416. And perhaps you have to pick which mic is which. How about that? Think you have the ears to tell the difference?
Now, if we could just hear from a gear dealer or manufacturer to put up a little prize incentive to make it interesting.
Seriously, if this sounds like a good idea to you...or if you have a better idea...let me hear from you soon. email me right away. Let's do something crazy.
A few of you have asked for a head-to-head shootout between some of our most popular mics with some of the newer models. I think that's a great idea.
But what, how? What about a "guess the mics" shootout to start with? And the suggestion we shootout mics used in "imaging" would be most telling.
What do you think? Let's match up some strong mics against the "Darth Vader" of imaging mics--the Sennheiser MKH416. And perhaps you have to pick which mic is which. How about that? Think you have the ears to tell the difference?
Now, if we could just hear from a gear dealer or manufacturer to put up a little prize incentive to make it interesting.
Seriously, if this sounds like a good idea to you...or if you have a better idea...let me hear from you soon. email me right away. Let's do something crazy.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
New Mic Choices Kick it up a Level.
Well, I sort of told you it was coming. Mic companies adapting and changing product and introducing new product to meet new demands.
MXL has released the news about a whole cabinet full of new ideas and directions.
MXL News.
Scroll down and check out those additions to the "Mic Mate" line. I like the looks of the "Mic Mate Pro" with phantom power and headphone monitoring. I already really like what I hear with the V88. Hold-on--They added a new V87 with transformer output, good for narration and more.
Just when I'm convinced that USB might sound great for voiceover--They come out with the USB 009-24 with built-in headphone monitor, mixer and input gain and 24/96 digital resolution. (What else do you need?)
You already know we do a lot of audio for video, particularly Cable TV and web. So, I am particularly interested in those new shotguns. As I understand it, these won't necessarily compete with the Sennheiser MKH416 or simularly priced high-end units, but sound great for everything else. They seem to be in the catagory of models like the Rode NTG-1. I can't wait to hear them. Also, what's up with that FR-200-b. It says it's a stereo, battery powered field recorder. HUH?
As a matter of fact--what's up with all the new stereo mics? If you are using, or think you have use for a stereo mic, let me know.
That's all I have to share about these new products for now. I really hope we get to hear some of these new ideas to see how to best apply them to everybody's needs. Aren't these grand times?
Oh yeah, there's more coming.
MXL has released the news about a whole cabinet full of new ideas and directions.
MXL News.
Scroll down and check out those additions to the "Mic Mate" line. I like the looks of the "Mic Mate Pro" with phantom power and headphone monitoring. I already really like what I hear with the V88. Hold-on--They added a new V87 with transformer output, good for narration and more.
Just when I'm convinced that USB might sound great for voiceover--They come out with the USB 009-24 with built-in headphone monitor, mixer and input gain and 24/96 digital resolution. (What else do you need?)
You already know we do a lot of audio for video, particularly Cable TV and web. So, I am particularly interested in those new shotguns. As I understand it, these won't necessarily compete with the Sennheiser MKH416 or simularly priced high-end units, but sound great for everything else. They seem to be in the catagory of models like the Rode NTG-1. I can't wait to hear them. Also, what's up with that FR-200-b. It says it's a stereo, battery powered field recorder. HUH?
As a matter of fact--what's up with all the new stereo mics? If you are using, or think you have use for a stereo mic, let me know.
That's all I have to share about these new products for now. I really hope we get to hear some of these new ideas to see how to best apply them to everybody's needs. Aren't these grand times?
Oh yeah, there's more coming.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
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