3 Professional Indoor Boom Microphones: Sennheiser, Schoeps, Audio Technica

Sennheiser MKH 8050 Microphone - B&H: bhpho.to/2zozur3
Schoeps CMC641 Microphone - B&H: bhpho.to/2gshfsv
Audio Technica AT4053B - Amazon: geni.us/mkPWeZS
Several requests came in to look at more professional level microphones for recording dialogue sound for film and video. So let’s have a look at and a listen to three higher-end microphones that are well suited for recording dialogue while indoors. We’ll have a separate episode on shotgun microphones which are better suited for outdoor use.
Links to Gear Discussed and used to shoot this review:
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Sennheiser MKH 8050 Microphone
B&H: bhpho.to/2zozur3
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Schoeps CMC641 Microphone
B&H: bhpho.to/2gshfsv
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Audio Technica AT4053B
Amazon: geni.us/mkPWeZS
B&H: bhpho.to/2gsorEX
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Rycote Shockmount
Amazon: geni.us/F1cTl7
B&H: bhpho.to/2gtuRDT
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Aputure COB120t LED Light
Amazon: geni.us/xOmzZMA
B&H: bhpho.to/2xm24fj
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Aputure Light Dome Soft Box - I use this for almost every interview/talking head shot
Amazon: geni.us/7VMeue
B&H: bhpho.to/2z9bRSw
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Sound Devices 633 Audio Recorder
DVeStore: bit.ly/2tEHGRa
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Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro
B&H: bhpho.to/2yxUISZ
----------------------------------
Copyright 2017 by Curtis Judd
Ethics statement: Some of the links above are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, or other affiliate links.

[@Knightofspirit]

Finally some info on the 8050! Great video, as always. Kudos

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@glovearm]

Great techniques for comparing mic's and isolating the different categories of performance. I always learn something from your videos.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@atalipsos9799]

Always very good and reliable reviews. I already bought another mic you suggested and I´m really happy with it. Thanks.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Ata.

[@JustSimpleFitness]

Your videos are great. Comparisons are really easy for me to understand and you always give a great explanation so I know why you come to a conclusion . I’ve watched a few of your videos and taken on lots of tips to help improve my audio ( which is great for me being new to the this ) thank you

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks, I really appreciate the feedback and support!

[@vanzetti7]

The man - does it again! Great job Curtis!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@Households1234]

Loved the silhouette shots!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Terme

[@watermandigitalmedia5510]

Thanks Curtis. Very nicely done.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@automat8]

Always very thorough. thanks!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Ismael!

[@paulfairchild8942]

I have used the Audio Technica AT4053B for a number of years and never had any issues with it until we flew recently for an indie feature film shoot in New York City. We filmed in 7 interior locations, and in 3 of those locations, the AT4053B experienced very bad RF interference. I don't know the source, we were not using wireless gear on-set and everyone on-set had their cell phones off or on flight mode. NYC is full of wi-fi signals of all kinds etc. The interference was so bad, it ruined the AT4053B boom audio at two of the locations we filmed at. In the worst locations, it kicked in every 10-20 seconds making capturing clear audio impossible. Thankfully we had on-camera Rode NTG mics and they captured great audio and did not suffer the same RF interference issues the AT4053B did. If it had not been for the backup Rodes, we would have been screwed...

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for sharing, Paul!

[@user-wo6bh5cv5l]

Oh my...did you read my mind?! This video is exactly what I have been looking for!

[@curtisjudd]

I don't think so but glad it helped!

[@MattQuattro]

Thanks Curtis for the great video! I’ve been using the AT4053B for about 4 years now and it’s been a great workhorse. Obviously there are some better microphones out there, but for the price I’m very happy. However, I would definitely recommend picking up another mic windshield though as the included one is quite thin!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Matt, good point on the windshield.

[@RESURRECT2]

What could be better than AT4053B?

[@jamescooper4032]

Awesome Curtis! Thank you.

[@curtisjudd]

You’re welcome James.

[@AdeszkoArtur]

Great video ! Thanks again

[@curtisjudd]

Thank you

[@davidp158]

Thanks for the review of these mics. The off-axis test is something I wish more people would do, as it is an important feature that is easily overlooked. For single person interviews, I honestly believe any decent mic ($600+ range) will produce professional results running through a clean preamp, and placed properly in a good sounding room. For single person recordings, the advantage of "better" mics tends to be more about off-axis rejection, self-noise, durability, interchangeable capsules and on-set "snob appeal" (and, yes, I lust for mics I can't afford...LOL). For multi-track recording, the accumulative effect of microphones becomes apparent, which is why studios have a mic "closet" full of exotic and expensive mics. FWIW, I currently use an Audix SCX1-HC (hyper cardioid) and Rode NTG3 (super cardioid) mics. Both are affordable options for anyone doing paid gigs. I typically prefer the Audix for indoor shoots, but will swap it out for the Rode depending on the tone of the talent's voice and room acoustics. Q: Would you consider doing a video about how to use Adobe Audition's analysis tools? Audition is a great app, but I need to take better advantage of it't tool set...and you seem to have great knowledge of these tools.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Dave, thanks for the thoughts, especially re: use of multiple microphones and the additive effect. Yes, I'll add the analysis tools to the list. Thanks!

[@sultan.alzaabi]

This is great review about those expansive microphones, Thumb up keep going, I wish you support me in future because you have a ton of information. Keep it up Mr. Curtis

[@curtisjudd]

+Sultan AlZaabi thanks you Sultan, I appreciate the support and encouragement!

[@MaineMountainMedia]

Well it took a few years but after doing dozens of interviews and getting a good sense of where our business was headed, we finally decided to take the next step and invest in a high-end Boom mic for indoor dialogue. Thanks to your advice we invested in the MKH 8050 and my world has changed forever. Thank you for all your videos and advice, and I can't think of a purchase I've ever been happier with! It was very helpful to make a well-informed decision and the 8050 is the perfect fit for what we do these days. Cheers

[@curtisjudd]

So glad to hear the Sennheiser works well for you! Happy recording!

[@ili6065]

great comparison! Thank You.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@InvisiMan2006]

Congrats on 80k!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks InvisiMan! If you hadn't heard, we're doing a microphone give-away to celebrate: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIumqWiMd9enjM0

[@InvisiMan2006]

I heard! Funny enough, I watched the give-away video and it played the next video automatically (this one), which is where my congratulations ended up! I'm already subscribed to this and Aputure's channel :)

[@JoeJacksonJr]

Enjoyed the video Curtis. To be honest, when you consider the price of the AT4053B, it likely offers the best price to performance ratio and one I would have no issues picking up in the future. But of course if your doing million dollar productions, then it make sense to use the Sennheiser or Schoeps as they are better.

[@JohnnyMotel99]

Joe's Photo & Video Channel I have both capsules, cardioid and hyper. Use them all the time if I an indoors. I think they represent good value.

[@curtisjudd]

Agreed for micro and no-budget productions, the AT is amazing. Once one is doing paid work as a location sound mixer, the investment in the Sennheiser and Schoeps makes sense (they are, after all, a LOT less expensive than what most enthusiast filmmakers spend on many of their pro-level zoom lenses)

[@JohnnyMotel99]

Curtis Judd agreed.

[@carlosq00]

Thanks 🙏🏽 for another terrific comparison. To my ears 👂🏼 the 8050 sounds warmer and more pleasing out of the three.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Carlos! I agree, on my voice the 8050 is the most flattering. On most jobs I start with the Schoeps (and it sounds great on the majority of voices) but every once in a while, the 8050 is the best choice.

[@skakdosmer]

It has a very natural sound, I think. Rarely did something so small do so much good ... at such a high price.

[@RKRK-ci2vv]

Very nice video Curtis

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@jonphoto5078]

Thanks, Curtis! It'd be interesting to hear the Audio Technica with the built-in filter *activated* as part of the comparison. I realize that doing so may affect more than just the self-noise, but I have an idea for how it could be justified: Suppose the other two mics have a slight filter effect built in -- one that can't be disabled. That alone could account for the self-noise difference.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Jon, thanks. Yes, the AT is pretty good with the high pass filter engaged. It doesn't affect the sound of dialogue too much and eliminates most of the low frequency rumble. It's a great mic for the price.

[@Isume90]

helpful information,thank you for great content

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Viktor.

[@NorwegianWoods]

You make some great demos on audio gear my friend. I have enjoyed watching quite a few of them. Just wanted to give you a heads up on your off axis rejection testing. When you move the noise generator around the mics, you should try to keep a equal distance to the diaphragm of the mic from the different angles. It looks like you put the noise generator right up against the front of the mics but when you move to the back, you get a lot more distance.This creates the illusion of really awesome directional abilities when the effect in reality is more subtle. Thanks for sharing these videos - Martin

[@curtisjudd]

Thank you. Yes, this is a good point. I think the perspective suggests that it was farther off than it really was but in future tests I will endeavor to be mindful of this.

[@robsaudio]

Well presented. Thx!

[@curtisjudd]

🙏

[@RallenMan]

Really nice review and comparison. The measurement tests were interesting and rarely seen in other videos. I have two 8050 mics for interior dialog (sometimes use two booms) and also a 8040 for getting dialog between two talents close to each other talking to camera or to each other. Tests I heard by a pro mixer showed the MKH8050 and MKH50 sound identical up to about 18 inches from talent, beyond that distance the 50 sounded better. The only problem with using the 8050 is that it is so short that it can be difficult to mount or use it with a larger windscreen, normally I use the Sennheiser windscreen that came with the mic which is a good design but will not prevent boom swing wind sound. I use the Rycote INV 3 which works well enough. I also have a Cinela mount which is stupid expensive but sounds about the same as the INV 3. But I also use a thin Canare mic cable rather than the usual thick cables made to drag around on a stage floor. This needed to provide proper mechanical isolation when using the 8050 in a Rycote mount.

[@curtisjudd]

+RallenMan thanks Allen, good info. I need to invest in the canare cable. Interesting re: the 50 and 8050.

[@esefex9370]

I love the canare L-4e6s star quad cable, used to work on film floors alot with electrical wires everywhere, after I made the switch, electrical interference is a thing of the past. And have noticed a huge reduction in rf interference.

[@GansoFlair]

Good comparison! The AT definitely offers a lot of value for that price but tbh the other mics are better just on the more expensive side.

[@curtisjudd]

+GansoFlair thanks! I agree, the AT is very good value. I’m not selling it. :)

[@RealTerrainHobbies]

I would say, "**may** be the truth." :)Great vid, exactly what I was looking for.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@alexandresirghi8403]

The schoeps sound so good, maybe because the "lack" of low frequencies improves the clarity, but the schoeps sound is smooth !

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@mikefowler3514]

This helped make my decision to get the 8050 and it paid off on the first shoot after I got it when there were a couple surprise two-person interviews. I was able to put it in the middle and they both sounded great. Definitely better results than my Rode NT3 would would have managed. I'm curious if you have spent much time with the MKH 8060 and MKH 8070 - I'm looking for a shotgun I can pair with the 8050 in noisier environments - figured they'd match the closest tonally.

[@curtisjudd]

Glad to hear the 8050 works well for you 👍 I haven’t worked directly with the 8060 or 8070.

[@genaopictures6578]

Man, when they sound is subjective and there's no one perfect mic they're not lying. I like how the Sennheiser sounded on Curtis but preferred the AT4053b for his wife's voice. I'm looking into buying a mic for indoor dialogue for my work and man, there's a lot of hearing one needs to do but most important keep in mind, sound is really subjective. I own the MKH 416 and man that thing shines in outdoors. Clearest audio without much need for processing. For indoors, not such a good idea. Overall, I appreciate your videos Curtis.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@ironcladperformancewear3252]

So, probably like others I normally wouldn't comment, fearing my perspective and relative lack of knowledge compared to others would be a poor cousin and no help to anyone. But I wanted to take the time to thank you for your extremely helpful explanations and clear information. It helped me to decipher the many offerings, seem half knowledgeable in store and finally pull the trigger on the MKH8050 which, while probably a little overkill for my situation, has solved my audio struggles with a horrible studio area and battling a Video Mic, NTG2 and sensitivity issue of an Oktava. The Expense is all relative though. Was it worth it ?...... every penny, dime, nickel or cent whatever currency matters as now I just don't have to worry about that one thing anymore. So, many thanks from me down here in Australia, I really appreciate you and your channel and i will keep subscribed !

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks and glad the 8050 is working well for you!

[@Miniac]

When you shoot these youtube videos, what are you using to boom the mic over your head? Would it also be suitable for a wider shot than the one you're showing here in this video? If not, what solution would you recommend for booming a wider shot on a solo operation where the talent is sitting still?

[@curtisjudd]

I'm using a K-tek boom pole on a century stand. If I wanted to go wider, I'd either use a lavalier or this technique for static shots: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIatYWqNe5KraZI

[@useruser2957]

@@curtisjudd ..

[@curtisjudd]

@@useruser2957 ..

[@wcsdiaries]

@@curtisjudd 8050 or mkh50?

[@curtisjudd]

@@wcsdiaries Usually the MKH8050.

[@budgetsmartgear1167]

Hi Curtis, very nice comparison thank you! In a later comparison if you do can you please add the Sanken CS-M1 witch I am kinda leaning of buying lately because is great on a boom for interiors and it's great on cam too.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks. Will need to find a way to buy a CS-M1. 🤓

[@budgetsmartgear1167]

@@curtisjudd Yes sorry, I though you had some easy ways to get gear for free ;-)! After all you are in my opinion the best audio gear reviewer out there . Thank you for your answer I am looking to get more info on this mic because it looks like a great allrounder (interior dialogue(less prone to reverb and room sounds) , on cam (good side isolation and great focus, and sooo short and light), and can easily double as an instrument mic for someone like me who does a lot of live music recordings. And its a Sanken! We all know they don't do bad mics. This one is well isolated and quiet and probably well made.

[@ZokZTM]

Hi Curtis, just found this, thanks for the comparison review! IMHO Sennheiser 8050 sounds the most natural for your voice in this setup. It actually also wins on the female voice in this example. The worst is AT 4053B on your voice and Schoeps CMC641 on the female voice. Thanks again!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@DrMerkwurdig]

Thanks for your excellent revoiws! I´ve seen lots of them and they are truly awesome. I'm thinking about buying a hypercardioid, for a while the AT 4053B was on my to-buy-list, but now I've started to think about the Schoeps 641 and the DPA 4018 also... More expensive, yes, but if they are better, then maybee... Have you done any comparison between the Schoeps 641 and the DPA 4018, and if so, what´s your opinion?

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Mattias, I have the DPA 4017B shotgun but have not used the 4018. Based on comparisons I've heard, it sounds very good but since I already have the Schoeps, I cannot quite justify the 4018 in my budget, at least for the moment. Ty Ford did a nice comparison over here if you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaO1ZaqnprKimZo

[@dylanj8676]

So this may be one of the only samples of the MKH 8050 on KZbin, and I think it might be the only English one. It was actually pretty helpful, I recently bought an MKH 8050, will be using my Oktavas for back ups/crash mics. Honestly I hate the sound of the MKH50, but I really like the 8050 for the much more natural high end.

[@curtisjudd]

I agree - I prefer the 8050 over the 50 as well.

[@mikpineda]

If i could subscribe again and again I will till u get 100k hehe good review Curtis! As always! =)

[@curtisjudd]

Haha, thanks Mikhail!

[@ChrisPFuchs]

My favorite interior mic is the MKH 50, it seems to have a little bit more bite than the scheops, which is also a great mic. The Audio Technica seems great for the price though.

[@curtisjudd]

I agree - the 50 definitely sounds a bit more aggressive. Great sound for the right piece.

[@krisinsaigon]

Good stuff

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Kris.

[@jeffreyangu]

Would love an outdoor Mic comparison!

[@curtisjudd]

You got it! 5 Shotgun microphones compared here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJanaXWMjbtmgtU

[@the_black_douglas9041]

Solid info as always Curtis!! Self-taught audio guy here - and I've been getting intermittently poor/great results on indoor interviews from my 'investment' MKH416...and now I know why, thanks to your explanation. Ugh... (the daysaver has been my redundancy audio which is a RODE Wireless GO!!!) I am pretty keen on spending yet more of my savings on either the MK 50 0r the MKH 8050 for better indoor interview audio but another brand has come up in my research for a 'pencil' mic being the Neumann KM185 (obvs it's different to the Sennys in that it's hyper cardioid and not RF biased, so not quite an apples and apples comparison). Have you ever used these and if so, anything to comment on them? Thanks in advance :)

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Doug, thanks. I haven't used the KM185 first hand, but that's a classic mic and there are plenty of people who are very happy with the results. And I'm still using the 8050 as my primary indoor boom. Best of wishes!

[@skakdosmer]

Thanks for the comparison, Curtis. (Even though you wet my appetite). If I ever get very rich, I'll want a stereo pair of Schoeps CMC6, although probably with MK21 capsules for recording music. I think they're amazing. (Until then I'll make do with my Line Audio CM3s and OM1s). Also here in your test I like the Schoeps best, but the Sennheiser is extremely nice as well. I can't quite make up my mind whether I like the AT or not. There seems to be something about all Audio Technica mics (the ones I've heard, anyway) that bothers me a little bit, but I can never put my finger on it, and I've no words to describe it.

[@curtisjudd]

👍 I like the CMC6 for the occasions where I record instruments.

[@donaldspaulding6973]

You will love the MK21! The most versatile mic ever. I agree that the AT sounds cheap. The 8050 sounds good, but I had a pair of 8040's and preferred Schoeps in many situations.

[@AzureAcademy]

Thanks for the very detailed explanation! Very cool and timely. I am looking to buy a new mic for my new KZbin/Green Screen Studio. In my setup the ideal place for the mic is over top of the camera which is about 8 feet away from me. I have a Samson Pencil Condenser mic which is going through my mixing board, to my computer. At this distance, the sound is not great, I have to add way too much gain to pick me up, and then the mic it too live. I did find that the ideal placement for it would be a ceiling mount just out of frame...about 3-4 feet from my standing position. So that is option 1...or I could get a shotgun mic. The question is, for the room I described, is there a particular mic you would recommend for this room?

[@curtisjudd]

No, I’d stick with a pencil condenser but get it closer. Within 18 inches will give the best results, but anything closer than 8 feet will be an improvement.

[@fer_fdi]

Sensitivity and max SPL are important too. It's interesting to compare both parameters on the Schoeps and the Sennheiser. Also, the MKH40 is often preferred as it has a pickup pattern more close to the Schoeps 41, the MKH50 is a bit too tight. Also, size is somewhat important; I use Schoeps CCM41, a tiny version of the CMC641. I use them indoors and outdoors. SInce they are so small there is little pickup pattern deformation when used inside a windshield. I also use CCM41 + CCM8 as an MS-stereo pair when location permits (mostly on docus and certain kind of films) Wonderful sound, tiny and very light. MKHs are just a bit larger, more sensitive (but can handle 10dB more SPL at the same time!) and less noisy with a great sound, but they have a flatter more cool response vs Schoeps which are very sweet, colored in a very pleasant way. (just some late night comments from an european location sound recordist. Great videos Judd!)

[@curtisjudd]

More good points. Definitely appreciated - thanks!

[@creativegreatsvisuals]

on the mkh 50 what do you mean by a bit too tight ?

[@fer_fdi]

@@creativegreatsvisuals more directional than the 41

[@creativegreatsvisuals]

@@fer_fdi do u think the cmc1 is better than the cmc6u schoeps for humid conditions?

[@creativegreatsvisuals]

@@fer_fdi also what does more directional mean ?

[@billhouston1297]

Great comparison! Two things- 1.These 3 mics are all hypercardiods, not cardiods 2. When using the Rycote shockmounts, the mic cable should always be tucked under the “finger” like cable clamp near the base of the shockmount. This reduces noise transmission through the mic cable to the mic.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Bill, The Sennheiser and Schoeps are both identified as Super-cardioid by the respective manufacturers while Audio Technica refers to the AT4053b as Hyper-cardioid. Thanks for the tip on the shock mount cable.

[@DTalley7]

Great video Curtis. Thinking of getting the MKH-8050 for weddings (indoors). Currently use a MKH-416. Love the MKH-416, but too long for my Canon C70 when using certain lens combinations which can show in the footage. Would you still recommend the 8050 or do you suggest another mic to look at. Thanks

[@curtisjudd]

I really like the 8050 and use it all the time, but note that its polar pattern is not nearly as focused as the MKH416. So it can pick up a bit more ambient sound/noise.

[@zrszach]

Curtis, thank you so much for these videos! I have been considering upping my audio game for indoor dialogue, but I have a predicament. Should I spend my budget on mic (CMC 641) and keep recording on my H6? Or, should I get something like a Mix Pre and get something like a AT4053b? I like the idea of investing in a long-term mic, but I am torn. Thanks again!!!

[@curtisjudd]

I'd think that the microphone is the better long-term investment.

[@zrszach]

@@curtisjudd Thanks! I have heard others say to prioritize microphone over recorder, as long as the recorder is decent of course. Thanks again for the amazing content!

[@VRcation]

Sennheiser had the most isolation, albeit narrowly. The Schoeps however seemed to capture higher end better. Having said that, I went with the MKH 8050 for the size

[@curtisjudd]

All good.

[@ahsanuzzamanrumi7784]

Everytime i am watching your video. Your videos are really good. One points, in schoeps microphone which model capsule it should use for indoor mono studio sound? It will help me. Thanks.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Ahsanuzzaman, I use the MK41 capsule. It is has a hyper-cardioid polar pattern well suited for indoor booming. Best wishes.

[@ahsanuzzamanrumi7784]

@@curtisjudd Thank you Curtis judd for your answer MK41. Recently I am looking for a microphone, I have seen in website, but I didn't understand from schoeps at first. Your reply is very helpful for me. Thanks again to you.

[@Firewerkz]

Great job as usual. Can you do one one recommended voice over mic with the mix-pre 6?

[@curtisjudd]

Electrovoice RE20: amzn.to/2zudvhx

[@Tarukai788]

The thing I notice most, and this is listening on an inexpensive pair of Sony on-ear headphones, the Sennheiser seems to have a slightly fuller feel with a bit more bass response compared to the Schoeps and AT, and both the Sennheiser and Schoeps are much cleaner sounding than the AT, which seems like it'd be expected for the price difference. All sound fantastic though.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for that. Yes, the Sennheiser seems to work best for my voice from my perspective but I think the Schoeps is probably more "truthful". And I agree, all three are quite good.

[@CuttingtheCaboose]

Thanks to your recommendation, I'm using the AT4053B on about. half my videos, I *LOVE*. the tonal quality. I am looking for a new Shotgun to use in some production though. I have the Azden SGM-250, which for the money is. a terrific deal, but I now have the budget to go bit higher upmarket. Any recommendations? I love all your videos, I've learned so much from watching them :)

[@curtisjudd]

I really like the DPA 4017b which is compared to several others including the Azden here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJanaXWMjbtmgtU I would also seriously consider the Sennheiser MKH 8060: amzn.to/2C4S0JH Good luck and thanks!

[@felipehenaovideo]

Interesting!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Felipe.

[@AR-bj5et]

Oddly enough, comparing listens with headphones vs phone speakers I can actually hear a little more difference on my phone speakers. Lol The Senn is clearly darker than the other two on both platforms but the difference I can hear between the AT and Schoeps is that the AT sounds very mildly more robotic, the Schoeps sounds very natural but I’m not sure what it is about the AT but it sounds a touch artificially boosted in the upper ranges. If I weren’t explicitly listening for differences I probably wouldn’t have noticed, but for me it is there. Great comparison.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks, interesting that you heard more of a difference on phone speakers!

[@Sosha666]

This is the second video you've made where I've disliked the MKH8050 on your voice - the other one was the automix test. Schoeps was lovely, audio technica did really well. It would be interesting to hear them in a slightly livelier location. That said I'm choosing pleasant sounding realism over radio announcer. Ah well....

[@curtisjudd]

Fair assessment!

[@SteadyRolling]

The Schoeps sounds a bit more natural than the other two, but definitely any of the three would be fine for most applications.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@dvrnt]

Do you ever heard of lewitt lct 340 or shure ksm 137? I don't know anything about mic for film use, but i'm sure it should be suitable for indoor-booming needs. Hope you could review any of those too.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Aditya, thanks for the tip on the Lewitt and Shure. I'll have a look at them.

[@rushmoresociety2577]

Hi Curtis, one question, but first, I've watched many of your videos, and want to thank you for such solid yet concise information. So helpful. Thank you... Okay, in short, I have created a KZbin studio, it's time to decide on a solid mic for indoor recording talking head and occasional interview videos in a modestly sound-treated garage studio. I see all these reviews and KZbinrs talking and using long tube shotgun mics...not outdoors, but indoors, in seemingly controlled, talking head environments. What gives? Are they just using them incorrectly...IE, they should be going for a boom mic like you review here instead of a shotgun mic, or maybe perhaps using them outside (without mentioning that), or maybe they are using the shotguns because they have a completely untreated recording space, what? The three boom mics you review in this video all seem great, and I'm strongly considering one, but what am i missing?

[@curtisjudd]

Hi, Shotgun microphones *can* be used indoors but when they are, they risk producing an effect that does not affect non-shotgun microphones: Off axis phase interference. This occurs with shotgun microphones when the sound source (person talking) is slightly off to the side of the front of the mic and there is enough reverberation in the room ("echo"). What happens is that the mic captures this with a warbling sort of sound to the voice. It only happens if all of these factors line up perfectly, but it is an effect that cannot be fixed in post. For this reason, many pro location sound mixers will not use shotgun microphones indoors. Some still do and in most circumstances are fine, it is simply a risk you take on when you do use a shotgun mic indoors. So if all of your shooting will be indoors, I'd recommend going with one like the three we reviewed here and avoid that risk altogether. Best wishes!

[@rushmoresociety2577]

@@curtisjudd Wonderful, thank you so much for the response! Makes sense😎

[@michaelsvlog]

I have the Rode NT5 MP mic but was wondering what would be the next major step up for audio quality for mic? I would be using mic for indoor dialogue for recording training videos primarily but would like to use it for interviews as well. I have a sibilant voice so a mic that can handle that well would be good.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Michael, a super or hyper-cardioid is probably the next logical step. I found the Oktava MK-012 to work nicely with sibilant voices: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n32yoWCVpK6tm8k

[@schofobedience]

please tell me what do you use for backgrounds, I really like your backgrounds.

[@curtisjudd]

That's just a white paper roll: bhpho.to/2kNP1xO Then I light it with various lights to get the different effects, sometimes the same color temperature as the key light, other times with a much cooler temp light so that it appears blue.

[@zsoltecsedi2805]

Great content as always! If I can buy only one microphone for KZbin, indoor, out of frame boomed above my head, in a non-sound-treated (though not too echoey) room which microphone would you recommend? RODE NTG5+MixPre3 or Schoeps CMC641 (with the Schoeps is it a must to have a MixPre3 also)? Or something else? (Max. budget: 1500-2000 USD) Thanks!

[@curtisjudd]

I would probably choose the NTG5 and MixPre for my voice.

[@zsoltecsedi2805]

@@curtisjudd Thanks a lot! So great to hear that the NTG5 is a good option (and I've been in love with the MixPre - such a great relief that I can pull the trigger on that one - thanks again!)

[@_emanmodnar]

1:20 You've told about this "wobbly sound" that can appear when using shotgun mics in reverberant environments in other videos too, however you only explain it in words. Could you please provide examples on what to listen for/what to avoid? I love your videos

[@curtisjudd]

Warbly like a bird. Yes, I’ll do that in a future video

[@samartography]

Hi Curtis, hope you’re well. I wanted to ask if you would be able create a video or shed some light on how you achieve that blue background as well as the blue right light around you face. I normally use Philips hue bulbs for the background, but I get too much light spill from my key light. Thank you. -Samar Ali Khan

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Samar, yes, a tutorial is on my list. The short version: Use tungsten colored key light, white balance the camera to tungsten, then use a daylight or cooler colored light on the white paper backdrop. More to come.

[@vipulnigam2]

Hey Curtis, I finally went ahead and bought myself an mkh 8050. Still haven't been able to test it fully though. I wanted to know what suspension and/or wind protection do you use with the mkh 8050?

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Vipul, congratulations on the new microphone! I usually don't use the 8050 outdoors, but if I did, I'd use my Rycote Cyclone which is a windshield plus shock mount. You could use the small version.

[@zacharykepler3567]

Thanks for the best audio videos on KZbin! I’m looking to up my audio game and want to invest in Schoeps; now do you think the CMIT5 shotgun mic is really only good for outdoors and I should also get the CMC461 to go along with it? Or is the difference nuanced enough that I can have great audio for my documentary projects with just the CMIT5?

[@curtisjudd]

I'd start with the CMIT and only add the 641 if you feel like you need it later.

[@wcsdiaries]

@@curtisjudd Which makes the voice sound deeper mkh 50 or 8050?

[@curtisjudd]

@@wcsdiaries About the same. If you want the bassy, proximity effect, get either of them as close as possible to the sound source.

[@creativegreatsvisuals]

whats the difference in the 2 ? @@curtisjudd

[@jorgecarlosjorgealvarez9955]

Nice video,I thought that the Sennheiser 8050 was like an hybryd between the 416 and the mkh50, could be?

[@curtisjudd]

Thans, I agree. The 8050 is quite similar to the 416 and 50.

[@TechWeLove]

What techniques did you use to get that shadowing of the 2 of you ? That was really cool. I want to do that as well. #CurtisJudd @CurtisJudd

[@curtisjudd]

Light on the back wall, no light on the subject like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2KpXmqcYq6lr7s

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Well, I own just one, the AT 4053b. And I bought it used. The other two are clearly better, but the AT is way cheaper, and it is a huge improvement over using a Sennheiser ME66 indoors, which I had been doing.

[@curtisjudd]

+Scott Slotterbeck completely agree, the AT is really good value.

[@risesir]

@@curtisjudd I can't tell a difference in the tests using a SoundBlaster g6 with Sennheiser 600 headphones. What should I be listening for and does it mostly come down to build quality and reliability?

[@lifeingeneral9111]

did Schoeps ever get the audio kinks worked out of the CMC6. i know a lot of mixers in hollywood went back to the Schoeps CMC5 or should i say had a new/old one made?

[@curtisjudd]

The issues with humidity or are you referring to other issues? I'm not aware of any changes.

[@SpaceFireFilms]

Hey Curtis! I We really love your videos! We got the MKH 416 mic along with MKE2 lavs. Now we are trying to decide what indoor mic to get. Do you recommend the MKH50 or the MKH 8050? They are both indoor Supercardioid mics and cost $1200. I'd love to see a video on the entire line of the MKH series.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Space Fire, I own the 8050 and have worked a bit with the 50. My personal preference is for the 8050 which seems a little smoother. The 50 sounds a bit more aggressive. That's my biased opinion. 😉

[@SpaceFireFilms]

@@curtisjudd thanks for the recommendation!

[@wcsdiaries]

@@curtisjudd What do you mean aggressive? As in deeper?

[@curtisjudd]

@@wcsdiaries No, more mid-range sensitivity and on some voices, downright harsh.

[@AISkillBoost]

Thank you Curtis! What is the main difference between the mkh50 and the mkh8050? Can the 8050 be used interchangeably?

[@rustywp]

have the AT mic, but replaced the hypercardiod elemt with a cardiod one so there's NO pickup from the rear of the mic.

[@curtisjudd]

Nice!

[@RHS_video_club]

I thoughts the AT4053b made the mids of your voice sound a little crunchier/fuzzier. MKH8050 has a muddier bass response than the 641 but that's easy to mend with the rolloff filter or in post.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks. Interesting observations.

[@jaredjaynes]

Curtis wondering if you have had issues with increased sibilance with talent. I have had a few jobs where I would let the producer listen to the difference between my shotgun and my dialog mic and they would prefer the dialog mic but the sibilance would be an issue, however this for the most part is easy to remove as long as your post production has budget for it. Have you run into this issue.

[@curtisjudd]

Hey Jared, yes, all the time. And some microphones are definitely more sensitive in the sibilance range. On most of the productions I work on, I choose the boom mic we're going to use and often I try to get a sense for that while I'm putting the talent's lavalier on them. And sometimes, it just needs to be handled in post with a de-esser. If the producer is making that decision from a comtek feed, I'd be pretty wary and would at least have them use my headphones directly from the mixer to have a better listen. You must be working with some amazing producers if they care enough about audio to actually want to hear various microphones and choose which to use. :)

[@AVISIONMUSICTV]

Hi. Great reviews. I need a versatile microphone that I can use indoors and outdoors. What mic would you recommend. Money is not an issue. Thank you in advance.

[@curtisjudd]

The RODE NTG3 or the Sennheiser MKH416 or if money really isn’t an issue, BPA 4017B.

[@alanrossreviews]

Curtis, why do you persist with the 4053b when the 4051b is a cardiod? On paper isnt the 4051b the better option for indoor boom because of more rear rejection? Is there a reason everyone seems to go for the 4053b instead for indoor speech?

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Alan, generally for production sound, most mixers prefer a super cardioid polar pattern (or hyper in the case of the AT) for its more directional front. There are no hard and fast rules but cardioid polar patterns often do not have as much "reach" because of their wider pickup on the front. But again, do what works for you. There aren't any rules saying you cannot use a cardioid.

[@alanrossreviews]

@@curtisjudd ok thanks.

[@IntheDAW]

Hi Curtis, quick question how do these compare to something like a sure sm81? I have 3 of those since i do a ton of studio band recordings. I might want to try messing around with something like this as a alternative or backup mic along side with a lav.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi, these each have tighter polar patterns - hyper or super-cardioid. But I think an SM81 is definitely an option for relatively tight shots where you can keep the mic within about 12-18 inches.

[@IntheDAW]

@@curtisjudd thansk for the quick response. Ill try it out and probrably pick up one of theese than

[@nathanromeraudio8399]

Hey Curtis, what is the reach difference like on the 8050 vs the Schoeps? I'm considering buying either a CMC641 or an 8050... but I'm worried if spending the additional $500CAD for a CMC is worth it over the 8050. So many mixers have trusted the Schoeps for so long, and I haven't seen any 8050 testimonials anywhere. The frequency response up close seems too similar to tell the difference, I think my deciding factor will be the reach. Thanks for the videos!

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Nathan, the concept of "reach" when talking about microphones is a bit misleading. Really it is a consideration of how directional the microphone's polar/pickup pattern is relative to another microphone. The white noise samples here show that they're quite similar. So from that point of view, they each have similar "reach". My take is that if you want a less colored sound and you will not be regularly recording in especially humid environments, the Schoeps is great. If you light the slightly colored/warmer sound or will be recording in very humid environs, the Sennheiser is probably the better choice. I hope that helps!

[@nathanromeraudio8399]

Thanks for this! I live in British Columbia, we get fairly radical humidity shifts throughout the year. I'll have to talk with more local mixers/boom ops to see if their Schoeps have had issues.

[@antoineinniss5586]

Hi Mr Judd ... I have a question that requires your experience...... Would a very good preamp, improve the sound quality of a not too expensive microphone?

[@curtisjudd]

A little. It won’t fix a poor quality mic but will help it operate at its best.

[@stuco5516]

Hi Curtis, I know this an old video but it's one of the many few out there talking about the Sennheiser MKH 8050. I was so close in picking up a Sennheiser MKH 50 until I saw your video saying how the 8050 was basically the same mic but just the updated version. That has just stuck in my mind and now it's making me think of getting the 8050 instead. Firstly, if it's the updated version, then why not...plus, it's cheaper as well. I will use it mainly for indoor dialogue (short films, interviews). I just wanted to double check with you if you still think it's the best mic for indoor dialogue at that price point? I did like the sound from the MKH 50 in examples I heard where it gives a nice base sound. would that be same with the 8050? On a slightly different note, would lav mics be better to use in a noisy environment if for example I wanted to capture audio of someone talking in a very busy hall full of people? Thanks.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Stu Co, We use the MKH50 at work and I use the MKH8050 for my personal projects. I find the MKH50 to be rather unforgiving on voices with a lot of mid-range energy so that the recording sounds rather harsh. The 8050 does not seem to have this same issue. I very much prefer the 8050.

[@stuco5516]

@@curtisjudd Hi Curtis. Thank you very much for your reply. Much appreciated 👍

[@FranklynGrant]

Curt, you my Ol buddy Ol Pal Ol friend are the best.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Pal!

[@udojurgens8409]

Hi Curtis, thank you for all your informative videos! I would like to shoot a series of video interviews, with only one subject (average male non-sibilant voice) in my moderate acoustically treated home-studio. The interviews will be used for a documentary, and some only as voice-over (without image). After some EQ my aim is a rich, warm, “bigger than live” voice. My idea is to put a voice over-mic (such as ElectroVoice RE20) sideways of the mouth, not covering the face (so I can edit it out of the shot in post production). 1) Would this achieve a better result compared to Sennheiser 8050 or Schoeps? 2) When applying EQ anyways, would I be able to achieve a similar result with a less expensive mic (if so, which one)? Thank you.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Udo, dynamic microphones like the RE20 really need to be within about 4 inches of the mouth of the person talking to sound right. I don't think you'll be able to put it out of frame and achieve the sound you want. That's where one of these pencil condenser mics will do a lot better.

[@hsjawanda]

Have you ever reviewed the Sennheiser E614 as an indoor dialogue microphone? Can't seem to find many good reviews of it. Even though its specifications are unimpressive, I really liked its sound in the few reviews I could find.

[@curtisjudd]

I haven’t. So many mics, so little time…

[@GL-uy3fd]

Hey Curtis, huge fan here! I just saw the new sE7 SDC and was wondering if it would perform better than the Samson C02, could you give me your opinion? I live in south america and have a friend traveling to europe who could bring me one of them. Thanks in advance!

[@curtisjudd]

Hey Reg, thanks! Unfortunately I haven’t used the sE so I don’t have personal experience with it. But I’ve heard good things about their mics. Best wishes!

[@GL-uy3fd]

Thanks for the reply Curtis, anyway you make me confident that the C02 is a fair choice for my needs and budget. I’m sure it will perform well, as your tests portray.

[@DillonClancy]

Hey Curtis, really stuck between the Sennheiser 8050 and the MKH 50 for indoor dialogue. Am I overthinking or does one have an advantage over the other?

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Dillon, I have used the MKH50, but not extensively. All I can say is that having used both of them, and the 8050 fairly extensively, I have no regrets going with the 8050.

[@DillonClancy]

@@curtisjudd Thanks for the quick reply, you have a lifetime subscriber

[@jennygw1883]

Interesting video. I'd be really interested to see how these high end mics compare with budget level.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Jenny. We did a comparison of several less expensive mics where the Audio Technica was the most expensive. You can see that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p17FkGSdhL6Ce7M The AT came out on top from my point of view. So I see different leagues where you can get good results with the budget options if you work out all the skills to set them up, place them optimally, and use a good recorder/mixer with them. I hope that helps!

[@jennygw1883]

Curtis Judd thank you. I'd forgotten see that video last year. The Audio Technica is beyond my budget and the Rode wasn't so hot. I really couldn't tell much difference between the other mics, so I'm tempted just to go for the CO2's. I noticed that the CO2s are sold as a matched pair and I wondered how that works out when mic's are sold individually, please? I took your recommendation on the Boya BY-WM8 lav system and an very pleased, thanks!

[@curtisjudd]

The idea of matched pairs is that at the factory, they ensure that the frequency response of the exact two microphones are very close so that when you do a stereo recording, they will work well together. On microphones as affordable as the CO2's I'm not sure how carefully matched they are. When you buy microphones individually, there can be some variation which is mainly a problem for stereo recordings where you use the two mics in an XY or ORTF configuration. Not generally an issue for talking head or interviews or such. (I hope I understood your question). Happy recording!

[@jennygw1883]

Curtis Judd thanks Curtis. Yes, i understand sbout matched mics and stereo. What I wonder is how it works if mics are bought individually.

[@curtisjudd]

Potentially fine or potentially badly if there is enough of a difference. I don't do a lot of stereo recording so I don't have any practical experience on this topic, but a many instrument mics can be bough it pairs so it is either a marketing strategy or enough engineers demanded matched pairs that it actually can make a difference.

[@jakean105]

I’m buying the cmc641 for shooting one person interviews and I’m wondering what your advice would be for an audio recorder for less than $2000. I was thinking of either zoom f8n or mixpre 3. Or do you have any other recommendation that would work well with cmc6?

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Jake, those are both fine choices. I personally prefer the MixPre series but the Zoom F8n is great as well. Happy recording!

[@jakean105]

@@curtisjudd Thank you! I will be ordering the mixpre :)

[@romari2706]

What if you wrap the interference tube of a shotgun microphone with soundproof material, will it perform better than the indoor boom cardioid microphones?

[@curtisjudd]

Not sure. Worth experimenting. 😀

[@oguzhanb]

Hi Curtis, a lot of thanks for your helpful videos. I am a voiceover artist and I spend most of my time traveling by caravan. so i get my recordings inside the trailer. i wanna buy 8050, do you recommend? or Which microphone would you recommend to me?

[@curtisjudd]

I do recommend the 8050. It is my main boom mic.

[@oguzhanb]

@@curtisjudd Thank you so much Curtis

[@joeldancaz]

Thank you for your detailed videos, Curtis! Quick question: Have you had any experience with the Rode NT55 (not to be confused with the NT5)? I've heard the audio quality is much better than the NT5 at only $369, which still makes it a budget cardioid. I've seen it used on professional shoots, but haven't found any video or blog post detailing it's use as an indoor dialogue mic for narrative filmmaking.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Joel, Thanks for the question. No, I haven't used the NT55, just the NT5. If I get an opportunity, I promise to review it. :)

[@creativegreatsvisuals]

does the schoeps cmc1 with mk41k capsule have rf protection your referring to ? the schoeps cmc6 doesn't have same rf protections ? why do u use the 8050 more than Cheops cmc6?

[@kipling1957]

Curtis - maybe I'm missing something: All the mics you are demoing are supercardioid (or hypercardioid for the AT4053B), so I'm confused as to why you are describing them as cardioid. Otherwise, a great review.

[@curtisjudd]

Sorry for the confusion, the explanation starting at 00:27 explains that I'm using "Cardioid" in a general sense here to describe boom microphones that are not shotgun microphones and have cardioid, super-cardioid, or hyper-cardioid polar patterns.

[@kipling1957]

@@curtisjudd Oh, I see. Many thanks!

[@travelthebest2676]

Hi Curtis, I’m looking to shed some weight ti my boom set up. I currently have a mkh4060 but would like to replace it for a 8050 or even an 8040 ( I prefer a slightly wider cardiod). Two questions please are all the MKH range 60 50 40’s are they the same diameter thickness ( not length ) as I don’t want to buy new suspension if possible. Second question what did you notice about the reach difference between Cardioid such as 40 or 50 compared to shotgun MKH 416 or 4060, would I be fine to swing a cardiod inside and exterior? Would I need to get in closer to talent with a cardiod or it’s pretty similar ? Many thanks

[@curtisjudd]

I believe they are the same diameter, but the lyres need to be optimized based on microphone weight. Cardioids are fine outdoors, in my experience. Always keep it as close as you reasonably can.

[@CryoftheProphet]

Have you ever reviewed any DPA mics?

[@curtisjudd]

Yes. My DPA 4017b shotgun was included in this comparison of shotgun mics: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJanaXWMjbtmgtU This is the shotgun mic I use for most of my paid jobs. I also really like the DPA 4160 lavalier but have not had a chance to review it yet.

[@hoodaffairstv]

Have you used your 8050 in car scenes or do you use something else. I'm looking at the 8050 for using in as many scenarios as possible for that price 😁

[@curtisjudd]

I usually use lavs up in the visors but the 8050 could do the job nicely.

[@VeganLinked]

I am curious if you think I should get one of these expensive Mics from my situation. I'm going to be recording someone in a Room where there is a road nearby and you can hear cars every now and then going by. I have a rode pin mic and Senhieser g3 lav system. I also have a rode NTG. So far the rode pin lav mic sounds the best. Do you think one of these mics in your video would sound better than my rate pin mic? The room is 16' wide by 28' long. The road nearby as all times of rumbling and voom sounds in various frequencies.

[@VeganLinked]

And if it helps this is the person I will be videoing kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXSXdYNteK6ae6c In this video we are using the Senhieser lav system but it's using the kit Mic not the rode pin. I think the rode sounds better

[@curtisjudd]

My bet is that the Pinmic will pick up less ambient noise than a boom mic. Booms generally pick up a bit more ambient sound, part of the reason they sound more "natural".

[@RichardsWorld]

Lets have some green screen fun with Curtis' jacket. 😃

[@curtisjudd]

I’m waiting.

[@ErisedMediaCo]

I’d love to know if you or anyone you know has ever used an AKG 451b for indoor dialogue. I own a stereo pair which I’ve used on instrument recording but didn’t know your thoughts for dialogue.

[@curtisjudd]

I haven't, but I've used other cardioid pencil condenser mics before with good results - if you boom them fairly closely. I'd encourage you to do some test recordings and see what you think.

[@hectorarroyoburgos848]

Curtis how the 8050 compares to the mkh50 for indoors KZbin videos (talking heads)? Thanks for the video!

[@curtisjudd]

Here’s my comparison: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaLEpIJ3ZdB5pNEfeature=shared

[@hectorarroyoburgos848]

Thanks Curtis, always appreciate your help and efforts to share your knowledge!🎉