Comments on: RØDE NTG3 Review: Professional short shotgun

By: Peter

Peter — Tue, 01 Jan 2019 20:54:11 +0000

Although there is no ideal solution to this yes, using a directional mic would help a ton. If you are in a spacious room it wouldn’t hurt using a shotgun unless your are close to a ceiling, because of exposure to reflections from the rear. However, with longer distance shotguns also introduce a bit of comb-filtering, so I would rather use Audix SCX1-HC. But if high-pitched noise is the problem, then actually go for NTG3 – specific to your case, it will be a good compromise. The use of shock mount is not obvious for stationary mics, but if you are dealing with strong vibrations they could reduce the rumble noise.

By: Jackie Minor

Jackie Minor — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 02:17:52 +0000

Hi Peter,
Reading through all of this is very helpful. I’m trying to source professional grade ambient mics for corporate event spaces. The issue is that in at least one of the rooms, the mics get mounted 20 ft or so in the air. We have a significant HVAC issue in that room, which is why we’re looking to shotgun mics to provide better ambient response. Do you think the NTG3 would be suitable for that purpose?

By: Ofer

Ofer — Sat, 19 May 2018 13:50:41 +0000

Just bought my second one. fantastic microphone indeed!

By: Giuseppe Valentino

Giuseppe Valentino — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 10:52:49 +0000

Dear Peter, thanks for your answer. I had the chance to buy a used Rode Ntg-3 almost mint. I’m checking the battery consumption right now while I’m writing you and with standard rechargeable Amazon batteries I’m now hitting the two full hours of recording on a Zoom H5, phantom power of course on. What shall we conclude? For my kind of work (one man band documentary filmmaking) more then two hours are not bad at all. Let’s not forget that I’m using standard battery packs, not prosumer Eneloop which are known to last longer. Plus, with the Zoom H5 we can use an external power bank, tiny devices in terms of space nowadays. Anyway Peter, thanks a lot for your help, maybe we could expand your review with this new piece of information and help people to better choose, the NTG-3 is a great mike, I’m listening now the improvement of sound, handling noise etc. So is a great step-up in terms of quality. Thanks again and keep up the good work. Giuseppe

By: Peter

Peter — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 11:12:43 +0000

Thanks Keep in mind, there is a huge difference in power consumption between externally polarized and electret condenser capsules. I for one doubt NTG3 would last more than 1 hour alone [ with your Zoom H5 recorder ]. Maybe in your case it’s better to go for the old MKH 416, which is more expensive but certainly lasts much longer.

By: Giuseppe Valentino

Giuseppe Valentino — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 01:22:23 +0000

Dear Peter, thanks for your great reviews! I was looking to buy the Rode NTG-3 to have it work with the Zoom H5 portable recorder, then I stumbled in your review and I read about the power greedy aspect of the mike. I’m in doubt now. I’ve worked with two mikes, plugged at the same time in the recorder, both in need of phantom power and the Panasonic Eneloop batteries lasted for more then 2 hours of continuous recording, I thought it is a stellar performance. Will it be about the same amount of time with the NTG-3 or it will be crazy power hungry as mike, so much as to be unpractical? I’m a documentary filmmaker and I work basically sometimes with no sound-man and I need some good quality and good performance at the same time. Thanks for your time I really appreciate your help! Giuseppe

By: Peter

Peter — Tue, 26 Sep 2017 15:07:42 +0000

Definitely yes – MKE 600 is considered an entry shotgun; NTG3 on the other hand is comparable to higher tier Sennheisers. To state the obvious, NTG3 is quieter in terms of noise and the audio is altogether cleaner. In typical circumstances, you may not necessarily hear an audible difference and can probably achieve good results with either. But if you want the best quality all the way, then it perfectly makes sense to use a professional mic – among which, NTG3 is actually on affordable side… the upper price range is around $2,000.

By: apkarian

apkarian — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 21:15:00 +0000

Hello,

I want to know one thing, do you think that there is a sensible difference in audio between the NTG3 and the mke 600 for voice recording in short distance (not exceed 3/4m) ?

Thank in advance