need advice re shotgun mic for EX1...

[Malcolm Hamilton]

Hi there,
I'm hoping you can advise me... my EX1 is on the way, should have it this week, and I'm ordering an extra battery and 16GB card, but definitely need a good shotgun mic.
Good sound is the priority, obviously, but I'd also like something that fits the EX1 properly, both in terms of length, and circumference.
So what would people recommend? Here are some possibilities:

- Sennheiser ME66 ($479 at B&H)
- Audio Technica 4073 ($569.95 at B&H)
- Sennheiser MKH-416 ($1,100 at B&H) is longer and more expensive
- Sony ECM-680 Stereo Shotgun Microphone ($850; a bit more than the first two, but I think you can get a rebate from Sony if you've just bought the EX)

If there's another, better possibility that hasn't occurred to me, please let me know.
Thanks in advance,
Malcolm

[Mark Pickering]

Malcom, be very cautious when doing this as there are some of us having technical problems when putting a shotgun on the ex. I am awaiting a solution as I currently have the me66 and have clipping problems. Read the following posts if you havnt already.

http://dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=117354

http://dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=115101

[Malcolm Hamilton]

Thank you Mark, for the timely advice.

I've read the threads you highlighted, and (I'm not good with the more technical elements) this is what I picked up on re the EX1's audio "peculiarities":

- it seemed to me, part way through the threads, that cheaper shotgun mics, like the Sony ECM-673 ($295 at B&H) or the Rode NT3 ($269) might be better than the more expensive ones (???!!!!)

- it seemed possible that phantom power causes some of these issues

ON THE OTHER HAND (after reading further)...

- Piotr concludes that all that's needed in the end, is to limit your shotgun mic's input sensitivity (sorry, Piotr, if I'm simplifying what you said)...

Is this what more technically-savvy EX1-owners conclude?

And if that is indeed the case, and all I have to do is limit the mic sensitivity, any advice about which mic I should get? (I want the best sound I can get, and I also want the thing to fit, not just on the camera, but on the camera when it's in the case... i.e. are the shorter models better regarding this?)
Cheers, Malcolm

[Benjamin Eckstein]

If you want short look at the Sanken CS-1. I opted for the longer CS-3e though which will work better on a boom, but the CS-1 is very short and likely a good option.

[Malcolm Hamilton]

thanks Benjamin... does it fit nicely and securely on the EX1?
M.

[Jonathan Bland]

Good thread.

A decent sound guy i know has recommended the Sennheiser 416.

Any thoughts?

[Dave Morrison]

The 416 is a sonic workhorse. You won't be unhappy, but put it in a Rycote or similar.

[Peter Wright]

I'm using a Sony ECM-678 which I previously used on my Z1 - excellent results, no audio issues.

[Serena Steuart]

The 416 is, I think, too long to mount using the standard EX mic mount;the 416 is a great boom mike. Mounting the mike on camera is always a compromise and it is better on a boom. I use a Rode NTG-1 without any of the problems mentioned in the other threads. I don't use low cut but of course outdoors always mount the mike on a boom in a Rycote windshield + deadcat (furry). I don't believe that the camera mount is adequate for carrying mike + effective wind protection, but others may do so.
http://www.rycote.com/products/full_...em/windshield/

[Jonathan Bland]

The Sennheiser 416 is 9.84 x .74 (250 x 19mm)
The Rode NTG-1 is 8.54 x .87" (217 x 022mm)

A little over an inch difference in length.

[Michael Rehfield]

I was a long-time user of the ME66, but recently got a used Sanken CS-1, which I find superior in both quality and form. It's very, very small, far shorter and thinner than the ME66 and 416, which made me worry about its "reach," but so far no problems, and no inadvertent inclusion of the softie in the upper right of the frame. The ME66 sounds very thin in comparison. The supplied mic mount on the EX1 will not fit the mic, which can be remedied with a couple of rubber bands wrapped around the base, or better yet, get a mic mount. I prefer the Rode SM5, as it leaves my shoe free.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...icrophone.html

[Malcolm Hamilton]

thank you all, for the info. If I go for the Sanken CS-1 (some other mics were highly recommended, but concerns were expressed about their length... I don't want to have to take my mic off the camera outdoors, to put it on a boom), I guess I should get the Rode mic mount; there's also a Rycote softie on the same B&H page (for $110) - - the odd thing is, even though it's listed as an accesssory for the Sanken CS-1, the Softie write-up says it's for the Audio Technica AT835ST or the Sony DXC-M7. Is it too long for the Sanken? Is there a better softie for use with the Sanken?
cheers, Malcolm

[Serena Steuart]

Originally Posted by Jonathan Bland

The Sennheiser 416 is 9.84 x .74 (250 x 19mm)
The Rode NTG-1 is 8.54 x .87" (217 x 022mm)

A little over an inch difference in length.

There you go, then.

[Collis Davis]

Malcome,

I own a 4073, which is a short shot gun that is appropriate for your EX1 in terms of size. Although I don't own an EX1, I can vouch for the sensitivity (reach) of this mic (not withstanding other reports about 48 v phantom powered mics).

Price at the Equipment Emporium is $539.95

Fred Ginsberg is the person to contact there. These people are extremely reliable and are knowledgeable about all things concerning audio.

http://www.equipmentemporium.com/Shotgun%20Mics.htm

Collis

[Akira Hakuta]

Originally Posted by Malcolm Hamilton

Thank you Mark, for the timely advice.

- Piotr concludes that all that's needed in the end, is to limit your shotgun mic's input sensitivity (sorry, Piotr, if I'm simplifying what you said)...

I have the audio problem with distortion and I can tell you that for my camera (which is in for repairs), adjusting the input sensitivity does not fix it.