Re: Zoom H4 and mic
 

While you're drooling over Schoeps and Neumann, take a look at the Sanken CS-3e. I think that's where I would go if I really wanted to spend the money. But for now the NTG-2 is good enough for my needs. I thought about an NTG-3, but I don't really have enough use for a shotgun to justify it.

Re: Zoom H4 and mic
 

I've also got an AT815b. You're right about it being thin. The off axis sounds can be very colored too as the fall off is far from smooth. Your evaluation of the NTG-3 is spot on with my experience. It's much fuller than the AT815b. You should hear less phasing and a more consistent sound as the mic moves around too. The only real downside is that the off axis stuff can be boomy with the NTG-3. An overall low cut (live or in post) can help. This usually isn't a problem outdoors but can be if near a construction site or around a large mumbling crowd like on a convention floor. As long as you're not near too much off-axis low frequency stuff, the NTG-3 should sound great!

Re: Zoom H4 and mic
 

Well, I get to try the NTG 3 out the next few days running sound for a SWAT team training video. I'm stoked about it! The video will illustrate how a SWAT team deals with a hostage situation at a school. Only thing I'm concerned about is that they will be using flash/bang grenades at one point. Limiter on the mixer WILL be engaged, and I will be riding gain when the time comes. Honestly, I may put up my AT 815b for the grenade sequence, only because I don't want to hurt my brand new NTG 3!

Re: Zoom H4 and mic
 

And I'm still not sure, but what is the best way to post audio clips here? I'd love to post the comparison between the AT 815b and Rode NTG 3, but I don't know the best way to go about it. Just trying to bring this thread back into focus!

Re: Zoom H4 and mic
 

I'd have a low-sensitivity dynamic mic on a separate track for the grenade segment and I don't think I'd expose my brand-new NTG-3 directly to it either. I'd shield it somehow for those few seconds, perhaps under your coat or something similar until the grenades had fired.