Hi. I'm just wondering how much better/what the differences are between Sennheiser Me-66 and Rode NTG-2. Obviously, ME-66 is better, due to higher price, and more general enthusiasm, but what exactly are the differences? Thank you all very much, Clint Grant.

the me-66 is not a great mic, by a long shot. it tends to be fairly reliable, which is why they're a staple at public-access stations across the country. but they're not great mics. typically you get what you pay for, but i don't think this is a case of that. i suspect that the modular design of the me66 accounts for what i consider to be a high price.

i haven't heard the rode short shotgun yet. but in general, rode makes a lot of good mics for the money. i would try to listen to them and not assume that the senn is better at all. the thing is, sennheiser's good mics are very good, and they cost $1100. so for them, the $450 for a me66 might represent their "entry level." but it's just a very mediocre mic.

if i was thinking about spending me66 money i would save a little more and get an audio technica at4073a. they go for around $550 and they are way better than anything in that range for a general-purpose short shotgun.

remember the at4073a is a phantom powered mic. if you go this route, you will need a source of phantom power. if you want a battery powered mic, get an at897. from what i understand, big bang for the buck.