Best $1,000 Shotgun? at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > All Things Audio

All Things Audio
Everything Audio, from acquisition to postproduction.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old January 21st, 2011, 10:38 AM   #1
New Boot
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Missoula, MT
Posts: 5
Best $1,000 Shotgun?

I have up to a grand to spend on a mic and am interested in opinions. I have a Schoeps CMC641 with a CUT1 that I use for interiors and sometimes exteriors but I need an RF based exterior mic just in case I am in a high humidity situation and also for the extra reach on really wide shots. I am looking seriously at the Sennheiser 416. I am aware of the low frequency off axis issue and understand that I have to aim well when booming with it, which I can do. I have heard the comparisons with the NTG-3 and am also considering that, but I am leaning towards the 416 because I am a freelancer, the 416 has better creds and is practically indestructible. Are there any other RF based shotgun in that price range that I should be considering?

thanks,
mike
Mike Matthews is offline   Reply With Quote
Old January 21st, 2011, 01:14 PM   #2
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Camas, WA, USA
Posts: 5,513
You might consider the Sanken line of mics. As far as "cred" goes, they are used extensively by NHK in Japan. Personally, my next shotgun will be the CS-3e

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/all-thin...magic-mic.html

There is also the CS-1 which has a single element and a wider pattern. The US Sanken rep said that it needs a less experienced operator. I might choose one for an on-cam, on-the-street, documentary mic. It costs $825 at a popular web store.

The CS-2 was released after NAB, so I haven't tried it. $1,150.

The CS-3e is a bit more cash at $1,415, but it's truly superb. I compared it back-to-back with the 416, though at different booths, through different amps, with different gains, and different headphones. Still, the way that the Sanken dealt with off-axis sounds was night and day compared to the Sennheiser.

As I see it, the 416 is an excellent implementation of basic tube interference technology, but that technology is dated. The CS-3e uses three capsules and is able to achieve far superior off-axis performance.

I'm not sure about ruggedness. Given that you have the Schoeps, you might never use your shotgun indoors or around off-axis reflections. if ruggedness is more important than off-axis quality, the Sennheiser might be the better choice. Maybe some others have extended experience with the ruggedness of the Sanken.
__________________
Jon Fairhurst
Jon Fairhurst is offline   Reply With Quote
Old January 24th, 2011, 10:50 AM   #3
Equal Opportunity Offender
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posts: 3,007
Having the "right" mic won't instantly make you a great operator.

Stick with the NTG-3 so that:
-- you don't miss any sound that otherwise sneaks off-axis
-- the humidity won't stop you in your tracks (very embarrassing when the rest of the crew are ready)
-- Rode have a pretty fabulous 10 year warranty, not that anything is likely to go wrong with the mic

Heck, I would think that point #2 would easily seal the deal, given your humidity issues.

Andrew
Andrew Smith is offline   Reply With Quote
Old January 24th, 2011, 10:57 AM   #4
DVCreators.Net
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 892
Budget in wind protection too...

__________________
Guy Cochran
DVinfo Sponsor, Cool Gear - DVeStore!
Guy Cochran is offline   Reply With Quote
Old January 24th, 2011, 02:27 PM   #5
Trustee
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 1,554
I have both of these for my NTG 3 and eventually a Neumann KMR81. Both mic's have similar diameters and the full windshield kit can extend its length to fit longer mic's. So far, I have used the Softie 95% of the time as it provides great wind protection. If you plan on only using a Rode, then their Blimp is cheaper than the full size Rycote.

Full Windshield Kit » Rycote

Softie Windshield » Rycote
Steve Kalle is offline   Reply With Quote
Old January 24th, 2011, 02:38 PM   #6
Major Player
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 466
In regards to humidity, I have a Beyerdynamic MCE 86 /11 that doesn't like a moist environment.
Does anyone else have the same problem?
Brian P. Reynolds is offline   Reply With Quote
Old January 24th, 2011, 06:03 PM   #7
Trustee
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Mesa, AZ
Posts: 1,389
I like my Browning Citori 12 gauge.....oh wait....
Microphones!

Street cred gained from having a Sennheiser? Ha ha ha!
Yeah it's a great mic but get real...the result is all my clients have cared about for my 21 years in the biz!
Kind of like the Neumann craze for VO's. Theres a LOT of other mics out there and some that blow the Neumann's away for less money!

As others have mentioned, get an NTG3 to save a bunch of money. I am also a fan of the other mics mentioned. You can't go wrong with any of them. I have used the Sennheiser extensively and took a chance purchasing the Rode. Not once have I regretted the decision and not once has anyone asked what mic I used to make them sound so good!

(sorry to come off a bit harsh but I was just in a similar argument over brands of shoes!!)
__________________
The older I get, the better I was!
Robert Turchick is offline   Reply With Quote
Old January 24th, 2011, 06:16 PM   #8
DVCreators.Net
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 892
YouTube - Sennheiser MKH 416 vs. RODE NTG-3

Well there ya go. A $699 RODE NTG-3, which as you may have heard sounds similar to the $999 416, can be had with the essentials: full wind protection, an internally cabled K-TEK boompole - plus cables for the same $999 price. And you'll still have enough out of that $1000 for a $.99 taco ;)
Actually use your 5% "dvinfo" coupon and buy 50 of them tacos.

Check out the DVcreator Location Sound Package 4 at $999
__________________
Guy Cochran
DVinfo Sponsor, Cool Gear - DVeStore!
Guy Cochran is offline   Reply With Quote
Old January 24th, 2011, 07:23 PM   #9
Trustee
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Novato, CA
Posts: 1,774
Guess I'm on a diet after getting the Sanken CS-3e. No Taco's for me. But I'm not complaining. It's the best mic I've used yet. I may be doing a comparison of the CS-3e to the Senn MKH 70 soon.

-Garrett
__________________
Garrett Low
www.GLowMediaProductions.com
Garrett Low is offline   Reply With Quote
Old January 24th, 2011, 08:16 PM   #10
Trustee
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 1,554
I forgot to mention that there is a great comparison of several shotguns on kenstone.net, which is why I like the Neumann so much.

As for the NTG 3, I have had a problem with suddenly loud sounds that cause a slight crackle whereas neither of my NTG 2's have this issue. Thus, for loud venues such as concerts, I use a NTG 2 when not wired into the sound board.
Steve Kalle is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > All Things Audio

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:39 AM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network