Can You Use a Shotgun Mic Indoors? Shotgun vs Pencil Condenser Boom Microphones

[@BongEats]

Your videos continue to be the most succinct and useful. Thank you, Curtis!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks so much! 🙏

[@insanejughead]

Agreed! Curtis is still my go-to for practicality with audio.

[@thomasfransson]

Thank you and a big thanks to your family for taking the time to put this together Curtis.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@momchilyordanov8190]

I work in TV and when Covid struck, many of us (who could) were sent to work from home. I recorded my voiceovers on Olympus P4 audio recorder (that I even didn't buy, but was randomly bundled as a promotional product, when buying two of their PRO lenses for my photography hobby). I'm sure a true professional would be appalled if they see my "soundproofing" (a blanket over my head and a pillow infront of my mouth) but trust me - for several months, the national TV I work for, happily broadcasted videos with the sound recorded in that way 5 days a week :) The moral of the story is - do not overthink it. Be sure you are not recording in a noisy environment. Try limit the reflection of the sound from walls and the ceiling . And be sure you do not talk too close to the mic so the Ps and Bs sound like a thud. From there on - pretty much any microphone will do.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@chakerian]

Voiceover is a very different beast than things like location sound or seminar recording. The 416 is a popular voiceover mic, but reflections are highly controlled despite being indoors. You would never do typical voiceover in a reverberant room like in this video. When you can control everything, like doing voiceovers or foley, you can use all sorts of equipment that wouldn't be optimal otherwise.

[@TeddyRumble]

​@@chakerianI have done voice over in a sound-treated room using both a shotgun and my AT 4053b. The result were acceptable.

[@matango1979]

Funny that you say that, because 10 to 15 years ago I did a weekly radio show about cinema and I did the same. Actually I didn't use the pillow, but I did use the blanket. It sounds good. No reverb. While now I have at least a dozen microphones at that time the only thing I had was a cheap Philips handheld dynamic mic.

[@linelevelmedia7357]

I used my trusty NTG3 for every situation I came across for the first couple years of my sound career. Everyone survived, no questions were asked. I generally reach for my MKH50 these days when I'm indoors, but the difference has never been monumental. Use whatever you have the means for, control the environment as much as you can and just do your best. Cheers!

[@curtisjudd]

Agreed! 👍

[@TheRealFawwx]

I appreciate this comment. I've been using my NTG3 on short films, documentaries, and corporate films/commercials since 2014 and I've never had any problems with it. While I have a few different pencil mics, they're "cheaper" ones with a higher noise floor compared to the NTG3. I feel like between a cheap pencil mic and a NTG3, it's probably still better to use the NTG3. That being said, I'm curious now about investing in a high end pencil mic.

[@nordfilmcompany]

Love my NTG3

[@dingdong5601]

Some broadcast tv outfits prefer the ntg3 due to it's low end flavor. No processing, just straight to live.

[@TeddyRumble]

Agreed. I still use, and enjoy, my NTG3. It's a very forgiving mic, and I think the sound is good. I've had no complaints. When I watch a film I've done sound for, I'm happy with the results of that and my 4053b. It's certainly a workman like quality. You get what you pay for, and if I earned my living, I'd pick the Schoeps CMIT 5. It has a beautiful sound. But my goodness, the price.

[@BreezeA]

Honestly, your channel is the only one where I click the like button before even watching the video. The value I get cannot be measured. Thanks again. Straight to the point and very purposeful.

[@curtisjudd]

🙏 Thanks!

[@electriccatvisualarts2397]

This was really helpful Curtis. Thank you! I thought the DPA 4017B and the MKH 50 sounded great but the MKE 600 surprised me the most; it sounded really good to my ears!

[@peterpeper4837]

I was about to say the exact same things !!!! No surprises really with the DPA and MKH50 but the MKE600 stood out of the rest.

[@curtisjudd]

It is a gem.

[@2121cv]

I'm in love with this DPA 4017B every time I ear it grrr...

[@PanteraRossa]

I've an AKG P170 pencil condenser and the C568 shotgun which costs 5x more. In 90 percent of my common shooting scenarios the P170 just sounds a lot better than the much more expensive shotgun. If I wasn't a sub of your channel I would still only work with the expensive shotgun and would've never discovered this beauty. Not a lot of people review or mention AKG mics for film but I've used their headphones all my life and frankly really love their sound all around.

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, I find that it isn’t always, or even usually, the most expensive gear that works best for a given person.

[@TeddyRumble]

​@@curtisjuddI agree, but the Schoeps CMNT is a cut above.

[@chakerian]

I've used the mkh-50 outdoors a fair amount, with cinela windproofing. It's one of the tighter pattern SDCs, and performance of it on a boom is stellar.

[@curtisjudd]

Agreed. One of my favorites.

[@TeddyRumble]

I like the pick up pattern of my Rode NTG3. It's very forgiving.

[@uncle-english]

I still remember that Gerald Undone first recorded with a Samson C02 microphone, then switched to a Deity S-Mic 2s, and eventually used something from Sennheiser. For him, these short microphones served his purpose well, even a “noisy” one like the Samson C02. He was willing to do some noise reduction in post-production, which made it work for him.

[@kikuua]

I believe he uses an MKH50 with the Zoom F6 now, sounds excellent with his workflow

[@uncle-english]

@@kikuua Of course, that could be the last microphone he needs to buy for his channel. A good microphone does make his job easier. However, what I want to say is that even when he used a cheaper short microphone like the C02, he still sounded pretty good. I used him as an example to show how short microphones can serve this purpose.

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, yes, yes.

[@rickymcc8624]

Thanks Curtis, I'm a relative newbie and amateur, but now I better understand the practical differences between these different types. Currently I have a Sennheiser MKH 416 and a MKE 600. Although not ideal indoors, I can't yet justify buying a HQ pencil condenser like the Sennheiser MKH 50 as I need to prioritize decent lighting, not to mention improving my skill base, but I'm slowly getting better.

[@curtisjudd]

Keep it up!

[@candinmuniz3225]

There are certainly some amazing pencil condensers listed out here, but don't sleep on some of the cheaper ones. For instance, the Shure SM81 is around $400 and works very well. The SE7 from SE is also a phenomenal mic, low self-noise, and around $90. Just don't go for the super cheap Samson CO2 (although they are still passable with appropriate editing) and you'll be fine. Podcastage does excellent breakdowns of all kinds of pencil condensers, so I recommend you check him out for direct comparison.

[@TeddyRumble]

I would recommend you check out the AT 4053b. Based on reviews, I purchased one, and immediately fell in love with it. I dragged it to film shoots and forced can't and crew to listen to it. They looked at me funny, but I love love love that mic. Of course, someone else loved it too, and stole it. $699 for a new one. It will take two months to pay that off.

[@latrastiendameza1408]

This was very helpful to me. I’m a beginner hobbyist in video and sound. Your channel is very informative when it comes to sound. Appreciate it.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks and happy recording!

[@getstew]

Just bought an MKH 50 for podcast use and potentially vo. It's been a while since I've spent a lot of money! My room is pretty well sound treated. Very excited; waiting for the arrival. Thanks for all your work, it's the best!

[@curtisjudd]

Congrats and happy recording!

[@roadrunna.]

Good to see you after a while Curtis, you look even younger and smoother if one could get any smoother :) I'll look more but have you also reveiwed Oktava MK012 for indoor dialogues? I already have an NTG5, an H1N and Deity lavs but need something solid for indoor dialogue for narrative work and if I could have one for under $500 that would be awesome :D thank you, keep rocking!

[@chrisogrady28]

For me the reason nom-shotguns sound better is the capsule is at the end sp you are getting it much closer to your mouth before it enters the frame. The long interference tubes are in fromt of the capsule in shotguns, moving it significantly further back (in tight framing) and making the audio lose body. I would love a comparison of small vs large diaphragms in an out of shot context. I regularly shoot with my CAD M179 out of frame and it sounds pretty good and having it's infinitely adjustable polar pattern is useful for working around spaces

[@adimology]

as always, very informative video from you! thanks Curtis

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@hoodaffairstv]

for the price that MKE 600 sounds good. sounds like it just lacks a little low end. is it better to have a mic with good low end in the mic already like the 416 or the 4017b or can a mic that has good clarity like the MKE 600 add some low end in post produce a similar sound after some EQ

[@curtisjudd]

It does sound good. It has a good bit of low end. You can hear in these samples on my voice: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4nWXmSIbbF2nZI

[@yawningmarmot]

I've watched your channel for so long that I've been almost conditioned to have the sentence "It was easier to know it..." randomly pop up in my head :D

[@curtisjudd]

😂

[@HomesickMac]

Such a great walkthrough and testing Curtis, thank you Dani & Emma as well! I'm a bit biased towards the MKH50 because of other reviews as well as that Tom Buck's channel is a wonderful demo of. this particular mic, used as a boom. I was drooling for a while but the price tag couldn't justify buying it for my studio only environment, and then I watched your review of the Earthworks SR314. The forgiving proximity and the quality of sound on your voice, as well as it's also a _live_ microphone, I've saved up for it and got in now. It works great in a mildly treated room where I run my weekly guitar playing livestreams (shameless self-plug.. on Mondays...) and I've used it live on two occasions. Those were different situations sound wise. One was a festival stage where the mic nicely rejected the loud monitor, and the other one with a small PA right behind me. With some tinkering and right positioning it went great. It gives more freedom of movement than Shure SM58 of course...

[@curtisjudd]

Glad the SR314 is working well for you!

[@CinePals]

During covid, I did a test with the MKH 50, the MKH 8050 and the MKH 416. For some reason, the 416 sounded tinny to my ears while the former two had a nice warmth to them. Since most of my recording is indoors anyway, I opted for the first two. I more often end up using the MKH 8050 just because of it's size being even easier to place and I have a hard time hearing the difference between that and the MKH 50.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@TeddyRumble]

Size, surprisingly, does make a difference indoors.

[@maxhighstein]

Thank you! I believe the pencil mics you used have hypercardioid or supercardioid capsules, which I imagine would make them better choice than pencil mics with cardioid capsules. I come from an audio background and have been recording video lately, and have been using my AKG 414 mic, set to hypercardioid pattern, on a boom. Although not in a room as bright as the one your demo was filmed in, I'm finding it to be an excellent choice. I should say that the shots are not very wide, so the mic is no more than a foot from the subject's face.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@hectorhivers8180]

This video came at just the right time. I was thinking of buying an indoor microphone and this video helps a lot. Thank you very much for this video. Greetings and have a nice day

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Hector

[@MattArmon]

1. What is that quick release on the blimp/boom pole? looks amazing! 2. This makes me happy I went with the MKE600. Ill eventually pick up a better indoor mic- but hearing how the 600 matched up with some other mics made me pretty happy

[@curtisjudd]

1. Rycote’s quick release system - kzbin.info/www/bejne/boCUg2uehtGErtk 2. Yes, the MKE 600 is a gem

[@mrawesam1190]

Thanks for the video! I think a lot of the differences in mics come out if you have to boom dialogue in messy situations, and swing the boom around a lot. Overlapping / improvised dialogue is much easier on a pencil supercardioid etc. For interviewing people in a fixed situation or doing video essays / podcasts, it feels like you can almost use any mic. The thing with using shotguns indoors to me is also not a hard rule, it's just that you'll be in the shot quicker, because the mic is long, and you might not be able to maneuvre around low ceilings, often bringing you in bad booming positions or casting more shadows. But some people make it sound like you're going to die if you use shotguns indoors and that is certainly not the case, as your test demonstrates.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@ArticulateDesignASMR]

Hi Curtis! I've been listening to a few of your videos now and found lots of amazing comparisons, but i have quite a specific question that hopefully you can shed some light on! I create something called asmr content and always use 2 mics, (out of shot) set up to simulate the left and right ears. Since the mics need to be out of the shot but still close enough to my mouth for maximum effect, it obviously forces me to have the camera very close/zoomed in. For this reason, i was considering 2 shotgun mics, just out of shot above my head. However, i have no idea how they would perform as a pair in this role and what the impact to the sound would be. I typically lean from left to right (speaking to each ear) throughout and a little concerned with how the opposite mic will deal with this. I've been using x2 NT1s for years now but id really like to expolore being able to record the audio from above. Sound is the absolute number 1 priority in my videos and i would be soooo grateful if you could share your thoughts on this. Budget isn't really an issue as they'll likely pay for themselves in time. No issues if this is too wordy and you simply don't have time :D

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Matt, thanks for your comment. I think the answer depends a lot on the space in which you record - how much it reflects sound and how much noise you are able to control/reduce/remove. But assuming the room is fairly well behaved from an acoustic point of view - and being the creator of ASMR content, I assume you've worked hard to make the space very soothing and quiet - two shotgun mics should work nicely. I'd purchase from a retailer which allows returns if things don't work out, but the best way is to try it out and hear how it goes. Best wishes!

[@ArticulateDesignASMR]

@curtisjudd Thank you very much Curtis! I'll see if I can source x2 416s locally with a solid return policy.

[@fransv1398]

Thank you Curtis. A very good practical demonstration of the theory.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@John-e4p1x]

I do wish a CMIT snuck its way in there... but wow great video. Love that its information and not a product review! Great idea for a video and appreciate that you had many different samples.

[@curtisjudd]

I wish I had a cmit, too. 😀

[@John-e4p1x]

I know the schoeps you do have is the better one to have (CMC?) even your tests here prove one would not want a shotgun for two person dialogue... but that CMIT is ... something to want indeed.. @@curtisjudd

[@healing2gether]

Curtis, thanks for another great video with very detailed comparisons. If you were a beginning filmmaker making independent films documentaries and you need an affordable shotgun Mike for filmmaking, can you recommend one under $200 you think would be the best what you would consider the nicest sound and highest quality.we may not always have upgraded preamps available so sometimes that would and would not be possible. Thanks.

[@TeddyRumble]

AT 897 is the classic, less expensive shotgun mic. New, about $250. Used can be good, but try out first.

[@TonyMolesworthMusic]

Thanks i was needing a mic off screen i hope for singing would you also recommend the same mic mkh50 for that. I am trying ro figure out what way to go. Ps you mentioned the Mke600. Re singing any coments. Thans si much relly like your vidios Peace Tony

[@curtisjudd]

The MKH50 is not a neutral microphone - very much colored to sound "good" by the Sennheiser standards (and many people like its sound). So yes, should be good for singing. It can definitely handle the dynamic range of most singers (maybe a few opera singers excepted).

[@anlagrdr5229]

I can't believe this. I was searching this topic yesterday and today you posted the exact video I'm looking for. Great comparisons, thanks. If i can afford MKH 50 i probably can afford to buy MKE 600 as well though😂 What can we do to make similar sound coming from shotgun mic? Can post processing make it similar to the pencil condensers? If yes what steps would you recommend?

[@curtisjudd]

Add sound blankets and avoid moving the mic while recording. That’ll make the biggest difference.

[@TeddyRumble]

​@@curtisjuddI bought some moving blankets from the big box store, and spread them on the floor or hung them from walls. That really helps when using a shotgun indoors. I need less sound treatment using my AT4053b though.

[@georgeg6036]

I love your channel. Always helpful and informative. Thank you Curtis!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@DrRussell]

How on earth did the ladies recite the lines so consistently??? Thank you Curtis and team.

[@curtisjudd]

They’re true professionals. 👍

[@DavidKfilmmaker]

When my mkh50 sounded surprising great outdoors I sold my ntg3…,which I loved.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@weightlessfilms5651]

Thanks for this comparison! I've been using a Rode NTG 3 (shotgun) indoors and outdoors and am quite happy with its sound and versatility. Mic placement and extraneous sounds are what make the difference, and of course capturing room tone. Granted, I'm no audio expert by any means and don't own a pencil condenser mic for comparison.

[@curtisjudd]

Yep, I agree, manage reverb and noise best you can and use a quality mic like the NTG3 and don’t look back!

[@mackhavoc477]

I use my NTG3 outdoors, but I have the Schoeps CMC641 for indoor use. Night and day.

[@curtisjudd]

@@mackhavoc477 would love to hear samples of each 👍

[@oncameramastery]

I'm loving the at875r for indoor at the mo.

[@edclevel402]

same - this mic is a giant killer imho

[@RedDwarfNerd]

Me too! 🙂

[@oncameramastery]

Yeah, for the price its amazing, and so versatile, I use mine for both my video spokesperson work, and all my Voice Overs!@@edclevel402

[@curtisjudd]

That is a good one, especially for its price.

[@Snailmale7]

It’s my main mic at the moment !

[@EvanFotis]

Great value content as always! If I may ask for a suggestion to an issue I encounter when recording interviews with both subjects at close proximity. There is a “spill” over from each speaker to the others mic. Currently use two shotguns as close to each speaker as possible yet they pick up the other one as well… As it is shot on a green screen moving them further away is not an option. What would your preferred solution be in order to have two tracks as “clean” as possible with only the speakers voice audible?

[@danielkaranja7978]

This problem is addressed at the audio recorder level (not the mic). Some of the newer professional audio recorders have a feature to automatically lower the gain of the mic that doesn't have someone speaking and then switch over when the opposite happens. I forget the exact name of the feature but if you watch Curtis Judd's reviews of the newest Sound Devices and Zoom audio recorders, he does mention this and explain it.

[@curtisjudd]

Automix can help. The ZOOM F series, Sound Devices MixPre II, and Mackie DLZ recorders all have variations of this. I found the Sound Devices version to work best. Also, I’m close proximity, dynamic mics may be a better choice worth exploring.

[@EvanFotis]

@@curtisjudd thanks for your elaborate suggestions! So even the Zoom F3 has this? From what i understand dynamic mics have to be too close and visible in the frame, which is not an option here, like most musicians or pod-casters are almost "eating" them or could they be placed at about 50 cm from subject?

[@curtisjudd]

@@EvanFotis no, if the mic has to be out of frame, I’d just use one mic. When the people are that close and the mics are that far away, nothing will prevent mic bleed. Just use one mic

[@EvanFotis]

@@curtisjudd its just that when one speaker starts talking the other usually start with breaths, exhalations and other funny noises etc apart from one speaker talking much louder at points that the other, that needs leveling and all these sounds are picked up and difficult to eliminate from a single track... Perhaps software solution isotope etc is best to be used?

[@abdulrhmanqotb9408]

Hello Curtis, What's the best budget recorder to use with the MKE 600, I have seen Podtrack p4, h4n pro or sth else, what do you recommend please regarding the self-noise and all the other factors thanks so much, and your videos are really amazing I probably watched all of your videos!!

[@curtisjudd]

The ZOOM F3 would be my first choice. ZOOM H1 XLR 2nd choice.

[@curtdp]

Good point. Thank you, Curtis Judd. In my scope, when I decide to use an in camera mic or anything a little better external, I take the Diety v-mic d4 mini and have a huge improvement. I shoot only indoors.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@charleshoughton]

Thanks for this. I’m glad to understand pencil vs shotgun better, thank Curtis, Emma and Dani!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Charles.

[@ITonOccasion]

Thank you for all the hard work in these comparisons! Would you mind sharing your opinion between the difference of the AT 875r and the AT4053b? I'm looking to use it in an untreated room, but the room has stuff on all the walls (shared office space at home). I'm looking to start a youtube channel, so not a lot of moving. I don't mind better audio, but I'm not sure if the price jump will be noticed in a non professional situation.

[@curtisjudd]

Mic position will be more important than which of the two you choose.

[@fordespub]

If shooting indoors with the mic on the camera (moving subjects, only me filming), what range will I get with the MKH50? Might I need a shotgun mic just so I can keep the camera further back?

[@curtisjudd]

I don't know because microphones always sound farther away and pick up more room noise when mounted on camera. So I always boom my mics closer when working indoors.

[@hsjawanda]

Superb comparo! I thought my ears were sub-par (which they actually are; somewhat) for not hearing much of a difference. For non-professionals looking to get good sound for YT vids/video calls, would you say that a stereo pair of mics (assuming you move around a little bit within the frame) would make more of a difference than whether it's a shotgun or SDC?

[@curtisjudd]

I wouldn’t generally record dialogue with stereo mics - you pick up twice the room ambience/noise.

[@danskott]

Another great job done! One day i´ll be able to afford a Sennheiser. It may not be related to the topic, but i noticed that your face is appearing more on the thumbnails of your videos, which is great! I´m too shy for that still, but it helps your channel a lot, once you decide to do it. Even if you may think you´re not as photogenic, as i am definitively not. (the key word here is "may")

[@curtisjudd]

Evidently, KZbin decided that Mr Beasts way was the right way, so if we want anyone to find our videos, we have to include a face.

[@M13337]

Lol what, I suppose that last sentence was a joke right? Curtis is plenty photogenic! And phonogenic, obviously.

[@danskott]

@@M13337 Yeah, reading back now, that came out a little weird. I tried to fix it though.

[@M13337]

@@danskott Hey, sorry if I came across as too critiqueing. I was just a bit caught by surprise by that last sentence since the rest of your post was nothing but very caring and nice. Maybe it was obvious that it was just some unfortunate choices of words and that no rudeness was intended. Regardless, thanks for listening and clarifying. Have a great day!

[@danskott]

@@M13337 No problem at all! Notice that english is not my first language, so connotation mistakes happens once in a while. Thank you for the heads up! This is what democracy is all about! Enjoy your day as well!

[@horst-saiger]

Thanks for brilliant videos! Whats your budget mics recommendation for livestreams/videos in untreated room with 3-5 people. No problem to have mics anywhere in the frame, but not 10 cm in front of mouth? Rodecaster pro 2 is available for us. Thanks from Liechtenstein

[@curtisjudd]

SHURE SM58s all around.

[@curtisjudd]

And keep them within 5-10cm

[@j_g123]

I love the Senheiser sound. As you suggested, I listened to this video comparison on headphones (HD 280 pro) . There was one mic that immediately jumped out, not just for the sound quality, but the least amount of reverb. And indeed it was the mkh 50! I can see how that $1700 price tag actually seems like a bargain. But when listening through a phone speaker, like most people do now, that difference is completely blurred. Something to consider.

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, indeed.

[@uguronlineShorts]

İç mekan seslendirmelerde yalıtımsız bir evde av tüfeğimi kalem mikrofonmu tercih etmeliyim aklımda mke600 vardı ama başka önerebilceğiniz varmıdır

[@curtisjudd]

MKE600 is fine, spend some time covering flat surfaces with blankets to help

[@uguronlineShorts]

@@curtisjudd mke600 sm7b arasında kararsızım

[@darrenorange2982]

MKE600 was shockingly good I thought as a in between at the bang for buck? Totally agreed.

[@curtisjudd]

Yes!

[@orangejjay]

By the way, I love what you're doing to light your background. ❤

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@stevenkralovec]

Your voice sounds great with whatever mic you’re using for the A Roll! Are you using the MKH50 for that? Maybe I’m only just noticing now since I’m using my best headphones haha. Anyway great video!!

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, that’s the MKH50.

[@stevenkralovec]

@@curtisjudd sounded fantastic to my ears

[@markk2473]

Great info as always! What’s your go to recommendation for reducing reverb in post? Abode Audition user….

[@curtisjudd]

Acon digital’s deverberate.

[@ArdalanAram]

What about noise rejection? We have a room that is treated well for reverb but we have no control on the units around us - so there can be loud noises (banging doors, loud steps, some voices) around us and on the floor on top of us. We are filming dialogue sequences with 2-4 people that we cannot stop. Would you prefer a shotgun to a condenser for rejection, or does the condenser perform better in the rejection too? We're using 4 NTG4s. Any tips for better rejection? Thanks Curtis! love your videos - as always!

[@krzysiek5209]

Great video! How would you compare those mics to the Audio-Technica AT875R? I need good audio in an untreated room. Thanks!

[@curtisjudd]

Same as most short shotguns. Fine. Better if you put some blankets on the hard, flat surfaces.

[@OUTDOORS55]

The mkh50 definitely sounds the best..but..your average person would probably have a hard time telling the difference between an mk50 and mke600 even when compared side by side. Let alone in a stand alone youtube video, when used as a primary mic. Yes, audio people can tell a difference because we know what to listen for. Everyone else wouldn't even notice. Thanks for the video 👍

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@valc6954]

@Curtis Judd what software do you used to edit and to make the results that you display? excellent video, thank you.

[@curtisjudd]

Final Cut Pro and iZotope RX

[@ClaudioPerin]

Could you send me the Eq. Curve you have used for your voice? Is is extremely well balanced. I know that each one have his own needs but can be a nice inicial approach. Thanks.

[@curtisjudd]

@@ClaudioPerin I didn't EQ the audio.

[@AnthonyVella]

I have the MKH 416. Would the MKH 50 have me covered for most dialogue coverage? Thank you!

[@curtisjudd]

In my opinion, yes.

[@BenBowmanNYC]

Really useful and informative as always. I'm surprised you didn't include the Audio-Technica AT875R. For an affordable bang-for-buck kit, I think the MKE-600 for outdoor and camera mic (self-powered) applications, and the AT875R for indoor dialog is a pretty unbeatable combo.

[@BenBowmanNYC]

or just the MKE-600 for everything.

[@curtisjudd]

I don’t have the AT875r on hand, but I agree, great bang for buck.

[@markxunclesparkyscoolstuff8627]

A rarely mentioned fact is that most shotgun (lobar) mics have a substantial rear lobe pickup that pencil condensers (super cardiod) mics do not have. When used indoors up near the ceiling, this rear lobe could be the main reason for the reverberant sound of the shotgun mics.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@HeribertMuermann]

I did now some reasonable sound treatment - e.g. DIY diffusors combined with my bookshelf - limited by the fact that I do not want to disturbe the flair of this my real living room. It helped a lot. But now the noise from the street at the left window is a problem if I want some distance - may be 25-30 cm (10-12 inch) - from my microphone. If I have understood this (and some other) videos correctly a shotgun like the Sennheiser MKE600 might be okay, because the moderate sound treatment should reduce phasing, too. At the moment I am using a Rode NT-USB (old version), would like to upgrade to the Rode NT1 (4.Gen.), but under the given circumstances a shootgun like the MKE600 might be the better option. But til not shure, wether to priorise the freedom of movement at least with arms and hands or the better sound. I want to make videos for people in Turkey learning German as a foreign language. Sound is important, but seeing me and my mouth, my gestures, too. The alternative may be a supercardoid SDC, because the noise from the street at the left is the main problem. Or I gave a damn to all these considerations and get a microphone with a sound l Iike (Rode NT-1) even if I have to put it for a clean sound closer to my mouth than I would prefer. I do it for fun not for money, at least I have to like, what I do.

[@curtisjudd]

Maybe put some heavy curtains over the window, just while recording.

[@TreverSantora]

Hey Curtis, great stuff as always! What are the orange mesh nets you have on the mic called, what do they do, and where can I find them? Thanks!

[@curtisjudd]

That’s just a piece of nylon netting that came with my k-tek boom pole. It just protects the graphite pole from damage when the metal XLR connector swings and hits the pole when not connected to the mic.

[@TreverSantora]

TIL! Thanks for the fast reply@@curtisjudd

[@soleja00]

Hi Curtis, I'm building up equipment to do sketches/short films mainly where I expect to be working with 2-4 actors at a time. Would you recommend just 1 boom mic (if I can get a boom operator) or play it safe and get 2 and put them on C stands or something, so I don't have to rely on another person?

[@curtisjudd]

If the actors will not be delivering lines while moving around, then I'd put the mics on stands and set marks for the actors.

[@PepeReyesSonidista]

Could you try the Rycote SC-08 microphone for indoor dialogues, thank you!

[@curtisjudd]

Would love to. Know where I can borrow one?

[@edclevel402]

The variation was actually less pronounced than I expected. The MKH50 sounded the best overall to me as well, although it was rrrreally close with the CMC641 to my ear. The CMC641 presents as a tad more mid-forward to me. I also feel like most - maybe all - of the shotgun mics could produce very usable audio with some post-production de-reverb and a dash of EQ.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@the_black_douglas9041]

Great vid! I’ll never get tired of the Arthur Conan-Doyle benchmarking.

[@curtisjudd]

😉

[@OrigEntertainmentOfficial]

Can you do an updated boom pole recommendation video? Thank you!

[@curtisjudd]

Good idea.

[@przybylskipawel]

I am surprised how little reverberation I heard from DPA 4017b and how good souning is MKE600

[@kikuua]

That was what stuck out to me as well. I would love to see Curtis include samples of the 4017B together with the DPA 4018A or 4018C

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@haraldthi]

Thanks for doing this testing. I found the shotgun microphones to be the most reverberant, but none of them were actually bad. Which may be the issue here, if the microphones were put on the top of a camera and moved around. I have had quite a lot of issues with shotgun microphones outside close to cliffs, in fact. The reverb changes in an unnatural way as the microphone is moved. While I haven't had nearly as much issue using a shotgun mike in a crowded dining hall. It hints that some people are overly fond of simple but strict rules here instead of dealing with the actual issue. So thank you for the testing, as I was wondering where the limit goes.

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, movement, in my experience, makes the issues more noticeable.

[@sumitino]

Interested in getting a nice Pencil Condenser like you have in this video but they are all out of my budget. But, the Rode VideoMic Pro Plus is listed as a supercardioid condenser shotgun microphone. Is this essentially the same as a Pencil Condenser given its relative size?

[@curtisjudd]

It has an interference tube so it acts much like the short shotgun mics. It can do a decent job.

[@sumitino]

@@curtisjudd I think I’m gonna have to rewatch the video 😅

[@europeanambience]

They all sounds good. The Schoeps sounds best for me but it´s just a minimal difference

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@ahart228]

Thanks. Good info, and appreciate the video of the mics.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@buckturgidson9666]

Thanks to your previous video, I purchased an AT4053b for my (indoor) videoconferencing. Mounted outside of the frame, it gives me really good sound quality making my coworkers ask me what mic I use. Honestly, I don't dare to tell as to many people I will appear crazy for spending that much on a mic for this purpose.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@Jonny51982]

For what it’s worth, as someone who has sensory issues, I always appreciate when I’m on with people who’ve put some effort and expense into their rig. It makes an enormous difference for me being able to follow conversations and not go into sensory overload. So, even if you think some of your coworkers might judge you for the cost, if any of your coworkers have sound sensitivities or sound processing issues, they probably appreciate your investment.

[@curtisjudd]

@@Jonny51982 Good point! Makes perfect sense.

[@johnheiser2604]

I love my MKE 600 plus a couple of Rode's NTG's. All affordable but good value.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@mackhavoc477]

I use a Rode NTF3 for outdoor stuff, mostly, but I went with the Schoeps CMC641 for indoor use. Hands down, the most amazing mic I have used for that stuff. And paired with a Zoom F6 w/32 bit float, the results have been amazing and I have had nothing but compliments from producers and directors. I have yet to encounter ANY clipping or distortion, even with lots of yelling and screaming, or loudness, in general. Best $1700 I have ever spent. And add the $300 lo cut filter add-on and you can use it in some pretty nasty situations.and dramatically lower your audio post workflow times w/cleanup

[@curtisjudd]

Nice 👍

[@JamesClark1991]

It would have been nice to hear the same comparison in a more treated/less reflective room as well. Whenever I work with a new mixer I'm always curious as to which mic they're going to hand me for indoor boom work. Personally I've found the split is 50/50 between shotgun and pencil.

[@curtisjudd]

That’s a different comparison for another time. 👍

[@Direct19681]

Hey Curtis, very informative video. Appreciate everything you do. What are your thoughts on the very budget friendly Sennheiser E614 super cardioid condenser microphone?

[@curtisjudd]

I’d like to try it!

[@makeperceive]

A very useful comparison, thank you

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@24by36]

Hi Curtis, great video (as usual!). One question came to mind: from your experience with the DPA 2017, how well do you think it would work as a substitute for, say, a boomed Audix SCX1HC in a small, untreated room? I also have a couple of DPA Core 4060 lapel mics - I realise a lot depends on how/where they are placed, but would they cut well together with a 2017 with minimal EQ-ing?

[@curtisjudd]

It should, yes

[@sopot9]

Shotgun mics used indors have some other serious problem: if you are unlucky reflective sound could cancel some frequencies of sound produced by the source if reverbed sound is moved in phase by period

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, more noticeable when the mic is moving.

[@TeddyRumble]

I had such problems using my Sennheiser shotgun indoors. I bought the AT4053b out of frustration, a world of difference.

[@AlexanderSuppermann]

Awesome video as always🙌 Curtis, could you please tell me, should I always use a small diagram condenser mic instead of using shotgun microphone? I mean if I pick up the only one universal mic for making indoor and field recordings

[@curtisjudd]

I’d consider 2 things: 1) how often I record outdoors vs indoors, and 2) whether you’ll move the mic while recording indoors. If you’ll have it stationary when indoors and you record outdoors more often, I’d choose a shotgun mic. Otherwise a pencil condenser.

[@tonlaeuft]

That’s why I own multiple MKH50‘s. It‘s my absolute fav Mic - it sounds great in most places and on most persons! You just have to enjoy the „full“ sound.. but who does not 😄

[@curtisjudd]

🙏

[@JoATTech]

Really happy with my MKE600. It's quite gentle for my voice. Although my cheap light is too loud and it's picked up by the mic :(.

[@curtisjudd]

The MKE600 is a gem.

[@MANGO-FILM]

Hi Curtis, thanks for your great video. What about the Sennheise ME 64? Is that good for indoor dialogue?

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, but treat the room with sound blankets if it needs it

[@terrygriffin5201]

Hi Chris, so just to confirm, you are saying if only 1 mic, the MKE-600 or the MKH-50? Ido want to use indoors and out. Most of my shots are indoors...with a 70/30 ratio. You think these are better use case than the new Deity S-Mic3 or 3S or the MOVO mics? Thanks in advanced.

[@curtisjudd]

These sit across a wide range of prices so I’d first narrow down how much you can realistically spend on a mic. But if I could only choose one from this list, I’d choose the MKH50 for indoors and out.

[@terrygriffin5201]

@@curtisjudd Thanks again for you reply and noted. So for my use case, do you see the MKH50 better than the Deity price to performance ratio?

[@curtisjudd]

@@terrygriffin5201I haven’t used the third generation DEITY S-Mics but the S-Mic 2S was far too noisy for my liking. The MKH50 is NOT cheap, but it is a mic that can last an entire career.

[@Tongaudio]

There's no simple answer to Shotgun vs Super/Hyper Cardioid. I always make the choice depending on the acoustic situation, framing of the camera, and if there's any limitation of the space. For tight indoor space, I have to go for a smaller mic like Sennheiser MKH8050, for a wide and tight interview shot indoor, I would probably go for Mini CIMIT or Sennheiser MKH8060 to get more directional. Also, documentary style indoor with not scripted dialogue, or a lot of moving involved, then I would go for my MKH8050 for a smoother frequency response. If any live music involved outdoor, I would use Schoeps CMC641. There are so many factors to influence my choice of which Mic I use, and there is no one simple answer to Shotgun vs Super/Hyper Cardioid for both indoor and outdoor situations.

[@curtisjudd]

Could not agree more. Timbre of the voice I’m recording is another factor.

[@joelarvidsson]

Can you do a comparison between the three new, RØDE Wireless PRO Deity THEOS D-UHF TASCAM DR-10L Pro Field Recorder

[@curtisjudd]

Yes. Are you most interested in using each as recorders and NOT wireless?

[@joelarvidsson]

@@curtisjudd As they all have built in 32bit into the recorder and timecode that is the most important comparison for me. But of course im interested in the overall easy of use and how good it keeps and syncs the timecode. And how good it plays with other devices. I still lean towards the Diety cause they will have a new wireless module for shotgun mics comming. Things like that matter.

[@rean8899]

Forget about the price between mkh50 and cmc461 which one would you prefer or recommend to buy for indoor recording?

[@curtisjudd]

I prefer the MKH50.

[@matthewmulholland7877]

Hi Curtis, I really appreciate your videos thank you. Do you have an opinion on the Sennheiser ME64 as an indoor boom mic? Thank you.

[@curtisjudd]

I haven't used the ME64, but its cardioid polar pattern would likely work well if boomed close to the talent.

[@matthewmulholland7877]

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer this@@curtisjudd

[@matthewmulholland7877]

Hey @@curtisjudd , I got a one and it works really well! Alongside a 416 in a reflective corner, both just out of shot it sounds a little more ambient but really not much at all. It is now my new interior boom mic standby in case I have phasing issues with the superb 416. Thanks for giving me the confidence to step out and up my audio game. Regards and appreciation.

[@curtisjudd]

@@matthewmulholland7877 That's great to hear! Happy recording!

[@orangejjay]

I use an AT 2021 pencil mic as my "starter" mic. As more funds come in and I get better at this video/audio game, I plan to upgrade to another pencil mic. Glad I found out about pencil mics before picking up the Rode NTG4+ I originally had in the cart (great mic but not so much so in an untreated, every day living room and bedroom studio set 😂). Thanks for continuing to produce these objective and continuously useful and current videos!! ❤❤

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@jimmy5196]

Hi, great video. I’m about to film some guitar tutorial videos and I thought I’d ask your advice. I’m recording all the audio into my DAW (including voice) and syncing with video later. I don’t want a microphone on the screen with me. I am filming in a room that is NOT treated with sound equipment, foam, etc. My budget is around $150. Can you make a recommendation?

[@curtisjudd]

Audio Technica AT875r: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bn_On4GIrpeojrMfeature=shared

[@jimmy5196]

@@curtisjudd Thank you, but I’m confused. In this video that I commented on, you said not to use a shotgun mic inside, but the one you linked to is a shotgun mic. I’m not being sarcastic (I appreciate the advice), I’m just confused .

[@curtisjudd]

There’s a lot of context that’s hard to share because the constraints you’ve set are hard to meet and there’s a lot of explaining to do. Honestly, if I could only spend $150 on a mic for my guitar, I’d get a cardioid pencil condenser and place it 6 inches from the guitar where the body meets the neck and let it be on camera. To me, the sound is more important than the look.

[@WhatAbout-Joe]

What kind of blimp is that @5:35? How do you like it compared to the Rycote? Thanks

[@curtisjudd]

That's a Rycote Nano Shield. The initial version had some shock mount issues but they've worked those out. I like the nano - much smaller and lighter. kzbin.info/www/bejne/boCUg2uehtGErtk

[@neddanison9202]

My choice, hands down, was the Sennheiser 416. It just jumped out as the clearest and crispest. I thought surely it was a pencil condenser, but I thought wrong. I notice there is a direct correlation between price and sound quality! Sure, one would probably never think about it if the audio were sufficient (say, a little Rode on-camera mic) and the content were interesting, but just from this price-blind comparison, when I looked up the price, I saw that the sounds I thought best were $999+.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@ScoobieDee]

This was a great test to run , many thanks and yes imo the MKH 50 was the best , even more so than the 8050. One important factor that you left out is the distance that the mic was from the persons mouth when indoors. I did a test with The MKH 416 and the MKH 600 and also the Audio Technical and found that “on my voice” I preferred the 416 inside at short distance about 20 cm but the Cardioid Audio technical was much better at greater distances 40 cm plus ..with the bass rolling off considerably on both shotgun sennheiser mics

[@curtisjudd]

18 inches for all of these samples.

[@mshaftenberg]

Interesting. My favorites were Deity and Azden. Most of the other mics had a weird deep humming on top.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@PaulSaxbyPhotography]

We’ve been using the Deity SMic2s and D3 Pro for the last couple of years and have been really happy with them. In my opinion they offer outstanding value for money and great quality audio.

[@CinemaDubbing]

Hi! Have you reviewed the Schoeps CMIT 5 Shotgun Microphone (Blue)?

[@curtisjudd]

I haven't.

[@REX4340]

In future vids pls cover a wider range of applications like recording acoustic music/nature🙏

[@curtisjudd]

I’d like to do that but I don’t typically get to do those types of recordings. Just isn’t enough time in the day with my other commitments.

[@TeddyRumble]

​@@curtisjuddI recall you did some recording of acoustic instruments a while back. Agreed, though, recording live music is a true art.

[@davidhasbrouck7948]

As far as I understand it, and correct me if I'm missing something, the physics of the coloration can be explained simply as follows. The shotgun mic is directional enough in the higher frequencies that it picks up mostly the source and then whatever is on its second bounce having hit the wall behind the camera and then behind the speaker. This means that the higher frequencies have more delay than they should accentuating the echo sound in the highs while the lows are not rejected as much and the timing is natural, but the balance in volume between high and low reverb is off. This makes the lows boomy and the reverb highs weaker and more distant sounding.

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, directionality and polar pattern seem to be involved along with reflected sound into the interference tube.

[@DaCarnival]

I love my MKH50 dearly, so love to see you recommend it- but isn't it discontinued by now?

[@curtisjudd]

No, it is still very much in production.

[@wolfunplugged]

it was helpful for me...because I just ordered the sennheiser mke 600😂😂...back to serious....for playing guitar and singing unplugged indoors...which video mic would you recommend? should be an "on camera solution". I do not want to record seperately.

[@curtisjudd]

Sennheiser MKE600 👍

[@GadesChannel]

Hi, Curtis, thank you very much for this comparison. I agree, in most situations shotgun can be use indoors, BUT I noticed some strange "metallic-filter" disruption while recording with Synco D-2 in specific (narrow but long) room. I think dimensions or proportions of the room are important while using shotguns - probably this is something with interference of reflections some part of frequencies in the interference tube. So - in general - you can use shotgun, but not always. And probably these rare situation are the basis of "indoor shotgun advice".

[@curtisjudd]

Probably so.

[@swiggit]

it seems like the mkh 50 has a tighter presence with less boomy room tone compared to the 8050. Is this just due to an extended low-end frequency response of the 8050? I do talking head videos with the 8050 and with male voices I often boost the highs and roll off the lows to feel more present.

[@curtisjudd]

Not sure. They seem VERY similar in my tests.

[@Glen.Danielsen]

Off-topic again, Curtis: Wondering if might have time for review of the *Goddox Knowled F200Bi Flexible Waterproof LED Panel.* Maybe great solution for key light for cramped filming spaces?

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, just need to source it

[@NetvoTV]

Zoom M3 is a stereo shotgun mic, and technically Zoom should able to only record voice from the front mic capsule, but is it possible to get that to achieve pencil condenser mic setting with it that way?

[@curtisjudd]

No, it still uses the interference tube as far as I’m aware.

[@NetvoTV]

@curtisjudd but they make a recall and changed something to reduce or remove that problem, there is a specific change of the low cut filter icon on the product design to indicate this is the fixed new batches

[@curtisjudd]

@@NetvoTV I don't know - I'd recommend asking ZOOM support. I'm not intimately familiar with the M3.

[@NetvoTV]

@curtisjudd I see, ok, by the way, I'm a freelance designer and looking for more works, would you like to have some merch prints arts for your channel which you can have something you fans can buy to support your hard works and also it will help to spread words about your channel and more income each month too? Let me know if you interested and I would love to get to know you and create some right merch print arts for you! :-)