What is the best shotgun mic on a budget?

[AnAverageJoe]

Originally Posted by bcgood

You didn't say the magic word.

LOL Please

[bcgood]

Here is a sample with my new 416. It was recorded outside with me holding the mic. I didn't process this at all so you might need to turn your speakers up some. This is the raw wave file straight from the recording, it is a 16 bit 48khz recording.

[bcgood]

Here's another sample of my new Sennheiser 416 through a better Class A tube pre.

No processing at all, this is a 24 bit 88.2 wave sample.

[smsjr]

Got to love a man with a 416, a sense of humor, and a willingness to share both.

Thanks for the sample, that was great!

Steve

[bcgood]

[Jim vanBergen]

glad you bought a solid mic and love the results!

Sometimes (like with shotguns and Schoeps, for example) , you DO get what you pay for!!!

JvB

[XLR2XLR]

I am quite surprised that the RODE NTG2 has such a high noise floor?

RODE have a pedigree for some of the worlds quietest microphones. very surprising indeed.

Any owners care to comment?

[AnAverageJoe]

Originally Posted by XLR2XLR

I am quite surprised that the RODE NTG2 has such a high noise floor?

RODE have a pedigree for some of the worlds quietest microphones. very surprising indeed.

Any owners care to comment?

I might pick up one for the heck of it. Any Samples?

[James0b57]

After using the MKH60 and the Schoeps CMIT5u (I own and use both), I acquired an AT897 for use in less than ideal situations.

But I am quite impressed with its sound to cost ratio. ME66 killer, for sure. I would recommend it over the Rode Videomic. Unfortunately I have not heard the Rode NTG2, so I cannot make comment on that.

In the price range of ~$250, you don't need a second opinion, just get an AT897 and save yourself the headache.

Short shotguns I've heard listed in order of my fave:

1 - schoeps cmit5u
2 - mkh60

(and three very different mics tie for third
3 - Neumann kmr81i
3 - sanken CS3
3 - mkh416

4 - AT4073a
5 - AT897
6 - AKG blue line (cost to reward ratio issue, but otherwise better than at897)
(sorry haven't heard the Rode NTG3,2, or 1)
7 - ME66
8 - Rode Videomic

Get an at897 if you are just starting out.
Get an MKH416 if you have alot of cash, but don't know what you're doing. Others might recognize the mic and think you know something.
If you know what you're doing than you don't need my advice.

[Matti]

BB List and Trew Audio and some others

Matti

[websta]

Originally Posted by santacore

I made the mistake of buying cheaper mics when I was starting out wished I hadn't. Save your coins and get something you'll want to hold on to for a while.

Hey everyone... been a fan of GS for a while, wish I found this thread sooner.
I just picked up a at8035, and I really dig it. It suits an entry level audio guy like myself. (with a very limited budget). I don't mean to sound like a dick on my first post, but a senn 416 isn't in the $300-$400 dollar range. I'm enjoying all the posts (yes the 416 samples are the best). But for the sake of broke cats like me that are just getting started, I'm still confused what mic is a good choice. I have no regret with the at8035, but for the sake of someone looking for an inexpensive consumer/prosumer microphone.... whats the verdict??? I would hope a $1000 mic sounds better that a $300 mic!!! I'm saving up for a 416, but I couldn't wait. I had to start recording!!!! I only quoted santacore cuz you and a few others in this thread admittedly started out with cheap shit as well..... I'm guessing for the same reasons (budget and excitement to start recording)???? On that note I'd like to mention that the main reason I picked up the at8035 was because I'm using a zoom H4n, and the onboard mic's were really pissing me off. For that reason... it's made a world of difference for this newbee. Thanks for listening, and BC.. your samples sound great. I am curious what the difference is between the at897 and the 8035???

[chris319]

I recently had to do some audio recording (close-miked interviews) in an acoustically dicey environment. I picked up an MXL FR-300 shotgun and am very pleased with the results. A little help from Mr. EQ makes it even better.

[Savagery]

Originally Posted by James0b57

...
Get an MKH416 if you have alot of cash, but don't know what you're doing. Others might recognize the mic and think you know something.
If you know what you're doing than you don't need my advice.

Haha, awesome.

[Matti]

Buy a used zeppeling type windshield ( Rycote usually ) and nobody sees if you have a mic at all...
-Used for carrying a bottle of good whisky through customs etc.

Matti

[SDDP]

Originally Posted by James0b57

After using the MKH60 and the Schoeps CMIT5u (I own and use both), I acquired an AT897 for use in less than ideal situations.

But I am quite impressed with its sound to cost ratio. ME66 killer, for sure. I would recommend it over the Rode Videomic. Unfortunately I have not heard the Rode NTG2, so I cannot make comment on that.

In the price range of ~$250, you don't need a second opinion, just get an AT897 and save yourself the headache.

Short shotguns I've heard listed in order of my fave:

1 - schoeps cmit5u
2 - mkh60

(and three very different mics tie for third
3 - Neumann kmr81i
3 - sanken CS3
3 - mkh416

4 - AT4073a
5 - AT897
6 - AKG blue line (cost to reward ratio issue, but otherwise better than at897)
(sorry haven't heard the Rode NTG3,2, or 1)
7 - ME66
8 - Rode Videomic

Get an at897 if you are just starting out.
Get an MKH416 if you have alot of cash, but don't know what you're doing. Others might recognize the mic and think you know something.
If you know what you're doing than you don't need my advice.

Thanks for all the input. I've been using the AT 897 for sometime now, mostly ADR and Foley using a Presonus Eureka (with Digital AD card).

And about to get a new mic and the 3 I am looking at is the MKH 416, MKH 60, and the Sen KMR81.

Would like something that's easier to match adr with production here in LA, CA.
I know most use the 416. It's in a room that has been accoustically treated, which is pretty dead.
I know the 416 has a noticible axis variation if the talent moves off (for matching performance) and the 60 has a touch wider off axis or polar pattern. But the 416 still has the good O'l sound to it.

So now I am confused which to get.


Any input would be greatly appraciated.

-Sean