Which Shotgun
 

I've been using a AT897 for my weddings and am in need of purchasing a new mic. I haven't really used anything else. Do you guys have any suggestions on which shotgun might be the best bang for the buck? (I wouldn't mind if it was a bit cheeper in price)

Thank you

I have two for you...

As I Hear It - Choosing the Right Microphone
Low Cost Shotgun Microphone Comparison

Dan

Dan,

thanks for the links.

Mark

Josh,

Why do you want new shotgun mic?

Regards,

Ty Ford

Dan:

A great resource, thanks!

Jeff

You are welcome guys.

I am thinking I will need to review/test the Rode Mics sometime this year because they seem to have just grown in popularity over the past year or so. When I wrote the last mic article, the Rodes were still kind of "underground". Also, Ty recommended the Audix SC-1 that I would like to try as well. Did try to obtain the AKG Blueline mics but they would not cooperate.

I shot at a movie premier last night with my HPX170 with the Audio Technica AT875r mounted on camera. I was working alone and managed to shoot red carpet interviews. I had the camera about a foot from the actors and the audio was totally usable. Didn't sound as good as it would from a boom, but for a noisy, crazy situation like a typical red carpet setup, it worked out really well.

This cheap little mic continues to impress me every time I use it.

Dan

Dan, the NTG-3 will be a VERY pleasant surprise!

At897
 

The AT897 was a friends of mine, he let me borrow it for a while. I am purchasing a mic so I didn't know if you guys had any thoughts on different ones.

I got the AT875 last year - initially as a small 'travel' option for my remote shoots where taking tons of gear is not an option. I also take along the AT4035a.
These two mics are amazing - especially the AT875 for the money. I find myself using these all the time.

After reading Dan's review, and wanting a small, good quality shotgun, I bought an AT875R.

For on camera, travel, impromptu boom/clip and other uses, this mic is great.

There is nothing like it considering size, price, sound, low-handling noise, and versatility:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...r_Shotgun.html

Slightly off topic but, How good is the schoeps cmit 5u? The clips that i have heard of it sound really good. Is there anything better in the similar pricerange?

Here's a review in Mix Magazine:
Schoeps CMIT 5 U shotgun mic in Mix magazine product review of the Schoeps CMIT 5U shotgun microphone

It has been very popular in Hollywood.

If I did sound for a living, the CMIT5u and the CMC641 would be the basis of my audio kit, period. CMIT5u is amazing, there are lots of samples I recorded with it in the article if you want to hear how it sounds.

A good old sales adage, "you will never regret buying the best."

I am seeing the CMIT5u on lots of features and television shows that I shoot on. Good stuff.

Dan

I've always had excellent results with my AT 897. I've used it for 4 years, in all kinds of situations, and it has never let me down.
Bruce Yarock
Yarock Video and Photo

CMIT5u is awesome, but I don't know if it's really directional enough to be your only shotgun. I worked on a feature in which the CMIT5u and the Sanken CS3e were both available, and I used the Sanken most of the time.

For the under $500 crowd: we pieced together the basics at and affordable price. It's the DVcreator Location Sound Package 1. The package is based on the RODE NTG-2 shotgun. I find it amazing that for $20 more than the ole trusty $479 Sennheiser ME66 you get so much more- 10 year warranty on the NTG-2, 10' boom pole, long hair wind muff, shock mount and cables. Here is a quick sample of the RODE NTG-2 with a first time boom op outside our office YouTube - RODE NTG-2 Can you get a better mic, boom pole, shock mount - yes, though for under $500, this is an ideal starter package that will produce good results. See "over $1000" level if you have the budget and demand the best.

Under $1000 budget: Sounds a bit better and you get that "dead air space" with the blimp
RODE NTG-3, RODE BLIMP, K-TEK KE110CC boom pole and cables $999! - we don't have this as an official package yet, I can whip one up though and give a "crazy deal" for dvinfo.net members if there is any interest. Here is a sample of the NTG-3 YouTube - RODE NTG-3

I might also recommend a kind of universal mic - the Sony Stereo/Shotgun Sony Product Detail Page - ECM680S ENG guys are diggin' it.

Over $1000:
Maybe look at getting a Sound Devices 302 mixer. For the shotgun mic, the Schoeps or Sanken mentioned above with Rycote and a carbon fiber pole. Listen to Dan's great tests and see which one you like. As I Hear It - Choosing the Right Microphone

If you're in the middle of the $200-1000 range and have little audio experience. There is a DVD worth looking at before buying anything. $59.95 spent on a fun educational tutorial might actually be better than the over $1000 setup Amazon.com: Sound for Film and Television

Hope this helps,