NTG-3 and RODE Blimp - your take?
 

Given the PHENOMENAL "buy an NTG-3 and get the Blimp for a buck" deal, I was wondering what folks who have used the RODE blimp with the NTG-3 have to say? I did my Google search and got some promising feedback on the Blimp but I'm looking for specifics about the combo.

Any workaround issues with the Blimp? Easy to access the mic? I've used some blimps that require the end user to have an engineering degree to get the bloody thing open...

Overall compared to other solutions out there, the RODE blimp is a solid piece of gear. Being a RODE dealer, I've listened to customers that have switched over from other brands and among the noteworthy issues were:

- Hair sheds more so than other wind muffs (I say, use the included brush and give it a good combing then take it for a ride out the car window at 60mph)
- Tail cable grommet can get lost. I wish they would include a couple of spares
- Some have mentioned that an extra pair of screws on the suspension rings would be nice to be able to move the mounts quickly while out in the field.

Other than that, over the Sennheiser blimp system, I like that you can slide the position of the mic closer or further to the front of the blimp. The whole system comes apart quickly and easily. Very user friendly and strong. I've intentionally stepped, dropped and thrown our sample blimp to make sure it would hold up - passed with flying colors! I also like the fact that it's only $1 instead of $800 on this special - and get this:

Mention DVinfo when you buy an NTG-3 and we'll give you your choice of K-TEK KE79, 89, or 110 boom pole - With internal cable! That means you'd have a complete location sound system: high quality mic, blimp, and boom pole for $699 + $1. How's that for an incredible special only for DVinfo.net members? RODE NTG-3 Shotgun Mic Special

Thanks Guy! And to return the favour: I own an internally wired KTek 110 and LOVE it for the work I do, which is mostly documentary stuff. A fantastic deal made even better!

Now comes MY hard decision - buy locally or buy from Guy... Hmmmm...

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to providing excellent knowledge and great deals to us DVI alumni.

I bought that combo and LOVE it.

Hi Guy the Blimp is now being shipped with a few spare grommets included, spares can be obtained free from Rode support.

Guys, I knocked this case up, easy to do and in hindsight I'd make all the pipes 2-3" longer, mainly to better accommodate the accessories in the top pipe.

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/all-thin...ode-blimp.html

Cheers.

Awesome. I always say that if you talk to someone locally that takes the time to show you a product, it's best to buy from them. I like the fact that the local stores are around when I need 'em.

Allan - thanks for the tip about the grommets. There must have been a few of us that "misplaced" 'em :) Nice job on the case too.

That sounds like a great deal for sure! Do you ship to Canada?

Myself? I've read the reviews and I'm definitely buying one. You can also enroll in "Rode University" and hear/see them demo it whilst they teach you how to best use one.

I got an M3 for $1 with a Podcaster during their last promotion. Only used it twice so far but I absolutely love it. A cameraman mate of mine was also impressed ... night and day compared to his camera mounted mic.

Apart from Rode having such awesome products, it's also cheaper for me to purchase locally! :-)

Andrew

Thanks Guy appreciate it. The Blimp lives and travels permanently inside the case with its fur Wombat at the back of the main tube. No moisture dust or dirt ever gets to them.

Having installed the NTG-3 before going out, it takes less than 2 minutes to set up on location and we're good to go. Cheers.

Not sure how to purchase it for 699 it comes up as 899 for me and then i used "dvinfo" code and it only takes off 5%. Help please?

Thanks
Nicole

Hi Nicole,

Thanks for your interest. Here is how to take advantage of the free boom pole offer:

1. Add the NTG-3 to the cart at RODE NTG-3 Shotgun Mic at DVcreators.net
2. In the comments field during checkout type "DVinfo.net free boom pole ______" note which model you would like from these choices:

K-Tek KE79CC
Max Length: 6′ 6″
Weight: 1.452 lbs

K-Tek KE89CC
Max Length: 7′ 6″
Weight: 1.6 Lbs

K-Tek KE110CC
Max Lenght: 9′ 2″
Weight: 23.5 oz


It's that simple! Please do not apply any further coupons as the free boom pole offer is already a stunning deal as is. We like to offer great deals, however can't give away the whole farm! We want to be around to serve you for years to come. This is definitely an amazing package to pick up right now - these kind of deals rarely come along on new equipment. So jump on it! (if you're reading this in 2010, sorry you missed out!)

I'm glad I'm not the only one who screwed up this ordering process =). Thanks again Guy for helping me out!

Thanks a lot Guy! Couldn't resist such a great sound kit offer. Almost cheaper than my NTG-2 an kit a few years ago–you guys really threw in the kitchen sink with this one!

Hey Guy,

That is an incredible deal!

I don't need another shotgun mic system (I already have several Senny 416's), but this is such an incredible offer for DVInfo users, and as I believe in supporting the forum sponsors, I will order that kit right now. X-mas is coming up, and I can definitely use that kit to make one of my sound persons a great gift.

Thanks for doing that. And BTW, the reviews I have read over the past few months on the Rode NTG-3 vs the Sen 416 say that they are equal or slightly tilted toward the Rode. If I didn't already own several 416's, I would definitely go Rode.

Done...
 

Deal!

Just placed the order. Went smooth as silk.

Thanks again Guy.