Which Boom Mics Do I Use? 2020 Edition

In today’s episode, I tell you about all of the boom microphones I choose for indoor and outdoor dialogue recording for video and film. We cover several different price ranges and both shotgun and small diaphragm condenser microphones as well as camera-top shotgun mics.
#Boom #Shotgun #Microphone
Jump ahead:
00:00 Introduction
02:05 Camera-top Shotgun Microphones
08:50 Less than $300 USD XLR Shotgun Microphones
12:46 $300 - $599 USD XLR Shotgun Microphones
19:24 $600 USD+ Pro Level Shotgun Microphones
24:08 Indoor Boom Microphones
24:46 ~$100 USD Cardioid Boom Microphones
25:50 $200 - $499 USD Cardioid Boom Microphones
29:27 $500 USD+ Professional Cardioid Boom Microphones
36:37 Bonus - Matched Pair Stereo Microphones
37:43 Buying Advice
In-depth reviews of most of the microphones we cover here:
- Takstar SGM-598 - • Cheap Shotgun Mic:Taks...
- RODE VideoMic Pro+ - • RODE VideoMic Pro+ Ove...
- DEITY V-Mic D3 Pro - • Deity D3 Pro Shotgun M...
- RODE VideoMic NTG - • RODE VideoMic NTG Review
- RODE NTG2 - • Better Sound for Your ...
- RODE NTG4+ - • RODE NTG4+ Shotgun Mic...
- Azden SGM-250 - • Azden SGM 250 Shotgun ...
- Sony ECM-674 - • Sony ECM-674 Shotgun M...
- DEITY S-Mic 2 - • Deity S-Mic 2 Shotgun ...
- DEITY S-Mic 2S - • Deity S-Mic 2S Short S...
- Azden SGM-3500 & 3500L - • Azden SGM-3500 Series ...
- RODE NTG5 (with samples from NTG3, Sennheiser MKH 416) - • RODE NTG5 Shotgun Micr...
- DPA 4017B (5 Shotgun Microphones) - • 5 Shotgun Microphones:...
- Samson CO2 - • Samson C02 Microphone ...
- Oktava MK-012 (Indoor Boom Microphones) - • Indoor Boom Microphone...
- Samson CO2, Audix SCX1HC, AKG Blueline & CK93, Audio Technica AT4053B, RODE NT5 - • 5 Boom Microphones for...
- Sennheiser MKH 50 - • Sennheiser MKH50 Micro...
- Sennheiser MKH 8050, Schoeps CMC641, and Audio Technica AT4053B - • 3 Professional Indoor ...
If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses at school.learnlightandsound.com including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders.
Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:
- Takstar SGM-598 - Amazon geni.us/o0AO
- RODE VideoMic Pro+ - Amazon geni.us/TthSx1 B&H bhpho.to/2HgqSa7
- DEITY V-Mic D3 Pro - Amazon geni.us/LhLA5 B&H bhpho.to/2TQJpCZ
- RODE VideoMic NTG - Amazon geni.us/qEmwS B&H bhpho.to/2KBK59e
- RODE NTG2 - Amazon geni.us/xh5Z6DB B&H bhpho.to/2yLen0I
- RODE NTG4+ - Amazon geni.us/EZe7SA0 B&H bhpho.to/30yUM2m
- Azden SGM-250 - Amazon geni.us/Gx8fa B&H bhpho.to/2NikoM9
- Sony ECM-674 - Amazon geni.us/t8ahw B&H bhpho.to/2PIbM0w
- DEITY S-Mic 2 - Amazon geni.us/MYgwqbe B&H bhpho.to/2FI0s1c
- DEITY S-Mic 2S - Amazon geni.us/eU4v B&H bhpho.to/2Wp1LcV
- Azden SGM-3500 - B&H bhpho.to/2MbRjEi
- Azden SGM-3500L - B&H bhpho.to/2MagkQ1
- RODE NTG5 - B&H bhpho.to/2Nq5yno
- RODE NTG3 - Amazon geni.us/zKMxmAB B&H bhpho.to/2oZj1pi
- Sennheiser MKH 416 - B&H bhpho.to/2K3DMgy
- DPA 4017B - B&H bhpho.to/2m0N3HA
- Samson CO2 (pair) - Amazon geni.us/nYixrD4 B&H bhpho.to/2FsMJL8
- Oktava MK-012 - Amazon geni.us/GOLv0wr
- Rycote INV-6 Shockmount (for any boom, but also a good option for the Oktava) - B&H bhpho.to/2rCXswC
- Audix SCX1HC - Amazon geni.us/Q8YJ5q B&H bhpho.to/2JRrab4
- AKG Blueline & CK93 - B&H bhpho.to/2FCzScg
- Audio Technica AT4053b - Amazon geni.us/HSLvauV B&H bhpho.to/2gsorEX
- RODE NT5 - Amazon geni.us/ASIi B&H bhpho.to/2JR1V8v
- Sennheiser MKH 50 - Amazon geni.us/iYb065 B&H bhpho.to/36Phu9Y
- Sennheiser MKH 8050 - Amazon geni.us/BUjBAdM B&H bhpho.to/2zozur3
- Schoeps CMC641 - B&H bhpho.to/2gshfsv
Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself: geni.us/G7by
Copyright 2020 by Curtis Judd

[@curtisjudd]

Jump ahead: 00:27 Introduction 02:05 Camera-top Shotgun Microphones 08:50 Less than $300 USD XLR Shotgun Microphones 12:46 $300 - $599 USD XLR Shotgun Microphones 19:24 $600 USD+ Pro Level Shotgun Microphones 24:08 Indoor Boom Microphones 24:46 ~$100 USD Cardioid Boom Microphones 25:50 $200 - $499 USD Cardioid Boom Microphones 29:27 $500 USD+ Professional Cardioid Boom Microphones 36:37 Bonus - Matched Pair Stereo Microphones 37:43 Buying Advice

[@PDU_Tutorials]

Curtis Judd Still rocking my AT4053b. I LOVE IT!!!

[@curtisjudd]

Rad! Keep making great sound!

[@curtisjudd]

A little index for your viewing pleasure.

[@kathyrinejucar]

fresh new intro! 👍🏼👀

[@operarocks]

Very much appreciate this.

[@ShawnMilo]

I love your content but rarely comment on videos. So, here's a shout-out as a representative of all those silent watchers who get excited each time you put out a video but don't necessarily give you any feedback. Happy 2020!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Shawn! Good to hear from you and have a happy 2020!

[@ndavies8]

Spoke my mind literally. Now let's hunt down those downvoters!

[@Podcastage]

I love this video. It's a consolidation of years of your work and knowledge. Really appreciate you taking the time to put this together and sharing this information. EDIT: PS Thank you for saying "do not go into debt to buy these microphones". I am so happy you said that, it's something that I think a lot of folks don't think about.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Bandrew! Honored that you watched :)

[@SoundSpeeds]

I might go into debt after watching this video... thanks a lot Curtis. ;-)

[@curtisjudd]

@@SoundSpeeds Hahaha! You have been warned, friend!

[@CZsWorld]

Great video, sometimes people just want to know which mic the pros love!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@BasicFilmmaker]

Great coverage! Makes me comfortable with my choices, some of which came from your recommendations. Thanks!

[@curtisjudd]

My pleasure!

[@danielkaranja7978]

Same here

[@unitysoundvideo8732]

So refreshing to hear from an expert that knows how to teach. Best mic review I can remember; and with no audio samples. Awesome. Instant fan.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Richard.

[@Kevin-lj5pq]

I was able to get everything I needed out of this video within 4 minutes thanks to the stellar labeling and price ranging to let me only watch the part that's applicable to what I need. Good show, I love following channels who respect their followers!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@slicky2k]

Oh man, I just bought an 8050,a pair of 8090's and a MixPre6 and I'm HYPED! You've been a massive help in getting me to finally pull the trigger Curtis, thanks for all that you do for the community!!

[@curtisjudd]

Congrats and happy recording!

[@D4Darious]

Love the layout of this vid Brutha.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks D4!

[@silversulu]

Great informative concise education vid that balances info vs opinion - thanks, Curtis. You consistently deliver on your YT influencer status in audio for video.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks SilverSulu! Appreciate the feedback!

[@TomAntos]

Damn you got a nice mic collection! Thanks for the detailed explanation Curtis.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Tom. I’m a sound nerd. 😀

[@KamilsView]

Absolutely super useful video. It has clarified a few things for me and confirmed my view of my NTG4+. You could easily split it into two videos too. Big thanks again, Curtis!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Kamil!

[@dqstudios]

Great stuff as always! Been wonderful seeing you continue to add value to the community and improve your craft. Would love to see you review the Sennheiser e614 for dialog. Cheers and blessings in 2020 and beyond!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Dave! Best wishes!

[@gav1n478]

Thank you. Looking forward to the lav mic edition!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@Balegarul]

yes! I was waiting for this one!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Bugz!

[@Static_Age]

holy cow, this channel is a gem. Thanks for all the great resources you have put out, I have learned so much.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Nick.

[@michaelpoczynek]

All great information and a wonderful presentation. Thanks, Curtis. Have a nice day!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Michael, you too!

[@mlentsch]

Thanks for giving the Octava its proper due - it continues to impress me(hypercardioid). I've kind of stopped thinking about boom mics since discovering how good it is. You'd have to spend a lot more to do better. It benefits from the Rycote Inv 6 or the mixpre's 80Hz high pass. Don't use the highpass module that comes with the Octava - it kills all that wonderful low end.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for the details on the Oktava Mike!

[@protoman247]

I was literally just re-watching your older video on the subject. Spooky.

[@curtisjudd]

A few updates here. Sorry for the spook. 😀

[@JOAOAUGUSTODIASABREU]

Thank you so much, Curtis. Really helpful! Love your channel!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks João!

[@22sound]

Another great review. I really appreciate your coverage Curtis. As an owner of most of the top end mics you’ve covered here, I actually agree with your opinion on almost all of them. I was kinda hoping to see a review of the Sanken CS-M1 in here somewhere as I’m contemplating a purchase soon but, as you said, you don’t have every microphone. You did a great job at covering something for everyone so thanks for making this video

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks 22Sound! Michael Wynne put together a couple of videos with CS-M1 samples you might find helpful. Best wishes!

[@ErynKnight]

You know when you have a TV series on DVD and you rewatch episodes. Your KZbin videos are just like that. I've seen this video 4 or 5 times, but it has loads of rewatch value.

[@curtisjudd]

Hahaha! Thanks Eryn. 🤓

[@oscarcorral1428]

Be careful with the oktava. Great mics, if you find the Russian made mics. After they got popular, they eventually started manufacturing in China although they advertised, made in Russia, and thus the quality went down.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Oscar - good to know!

[@TexpatOTG]

Living in Saigon and filming in SE Asia mostly ... the review really helped me on my next purchase. It's definitely humid here ... Nice show!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@PigWrangler]

Thanks Curtis, always super helpful! I'm the discount audio guy in KC...Could definitely get into a 416 and 8050.....didn't realize there were mics just for indoor recording. I'm just running a pair of Sennheiser ME66 shotguns and have served me well. Have a Zoom F6 in the bag and this seems like a good next step to up the audio game. Always appreciate your insight.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Wayne! Keep making great sound!

[@strengthnet]

Hey Curtis. Have you ever tried the Sennheiser MKE 600? What are your thoughts on it?

[@curtisjudd]

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

[@KarlGutowski]

The Takstar mic has the most awful mechanical resonance. The shock mount does nothing. It's not usable on top of a camera unless you put it on a mic stand and do not touch it.

[@bassaud3336]

@@curtisjudd Eyes, lungs, pancreas...

[@lazyoverworked]

@@curtisjudd I am thinking of buying the MKE 600 instead of NTG4+ and I wish you had included in your review/thiughts. So confusing...so many mics, so little money :)

[@curtisjudd]

@@lazyoverworked I've heard the MKE 600 and I used to own the NTG4+. If I had to choose between the two, I'd choose the MKE 600.

[@thesurfacelevelgamer]

Great channel. Discovered it 3 weeks ago and it has been the most useful and at the same time pleasing (in regards to the entertaining format and to the good production value) source of content i have found on the subject of mics and audio in general (haven't gotten into lighting tho, some of these days will have to).

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Lluc March Crespí!

[@GCGFilmsYT]

Extremely helpful vid! Even though it was a bit long, it never lacked any pace and was quite dense with content. Thank you. Nice work!

[@curtisjudd]

Thank you.

[@paulheartsongs]

Always professional reviews. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Paul

[@rmanning4]

Thank you for ALL of the knowledge you share. The Best!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Robert.

[@KrunoslavStifter]

Thank you very much for the info. Always useful.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@alantuttphotography]

Really appreciate the work you put into these videos. Highly valuable resources. I've been researching wireless systems again, and would be interested in hearing your current thoughts on the various options.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Alan, I'll add that to the list.

[@tjpenton]

Amazing review comparison as always!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks T.J. 👍

[@erwickdsouza]

NTG3 User ahead. It's an absolute beast and was an upgrade from the Rode Videomicro. Yup, the sound is that much better. Awesome video btw!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@thomaswindfeld728]

What an in depth video. Wow. Thanx Curtis

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Thomas.

[@playpauserecord]

Once again, a very informative and detailed video. Great job, Curtis!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks DerAugstein!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks DerAugstein!

[@haugdal]

Thank you Curtis. This is really useful for us that do not have the possibility to test a lot of microphones.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Bjørn!

[@martinrice6541]

Unbelievable knowledge & experience here. Hats-off and thank you.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Martin.

[@armwrestler0128]

I am learning so much from you...just wanna let you know. Thank you and Happy new year from Korea.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks so much and happy new year to you!

[@OurLifestylePodcast]

Great job. Thank you for making these videos.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks! Best wishes to you on your podcast!

[@paultryba7228]

Thanks again Great video. The Info I was looking for. A bit long but well done as aways.. Thankyou

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Paul. We included the index to hopefully save people time.

[@longwelsh]

Great video. Recently got the chance to use a Schoeps miniCMIT. After years of using 416s it really blew me away like the DPA 4017b does. Definitely worth a look.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@dannoringer]

For those of us with more limited experience in using or selecting microphones, this is very helpful review. Thank you very much.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for the feedback, Dan.

[@codyclarke]

It's amazing, the Samson C02's were some of the first mics I ever got, back when I was a teenager. I thought of them as 'budget' and just what I could afford then. But with age, I've realized that they've more than stood the test of time. Still one of the best deals you can find in audio, right up there with the SM57 and a few others.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@nycvideoauditions]

Great video, Curtis! As usual. Thank you! If you haven't done so already, here's a topic that you may want to consider creating a video about: XLR cables. If I hadn't done my own tests, I'd have guessed they'd all be pretty much the same, but boy was I proven wrong. For example I have two Mogami (Neglex) XLR cables, but with two different model numbers. One is very warm and the other is way more open and transparent with beautiful HF coming through. As far as recording dialogue goes - and mostly for those reading this who don't do any post-processing for your videos - XLR cables can really make a huge difference in the overall sound quality of your microphones. So, try different models, if you have the budget, to find what's right for you.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Paul, good idea!

[@creativegreatsvisuals]

whats the best xlr cables for the Schoeps CMC 6 and cmit mics ?

[@jalexanderevans]

Bought the mkh 8050 today to match with my 416. Thanks for the reviews!

[@curtisjudd]

👍 Happy recording!

[@benjaminmajors7962]

Just got a great deal on a Rode NTG3. Your reviews here and elsewhere were instrumental in making the choice for my budget. I'm officially turning into a sound nerd so I didn't know who else to share my excitement with besides you! Although I did just see an older review you did on the NTG5, only after I got the NTG3. While I wish I had gotten the NTG5 now, I'm not at all unhappy with the NTG3 purchase and I'm sure it will serve me well.

[@curtisjudd]

Congrats on the new microphone, Benjamin! The NTG3 is a great option. Happy recording!

[@fullmetalguts]

Can't wait for your lav video. Keep it coming Curtis!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Andrew, will do!

[@baloup571]

Curtis Judd I think your channel is the most professional on yt! But i’ve a question... i’ve the bad couple, Ntg 2 and Zoom H4n. I could sell the Zoom H4n, and After the Ntg2 also, because i want a multi porpose mic (in and outdoor) and a good recorder too. All this stuff for a sort of one man band filmaking or really hold crew... looking this vid the verter choice seems to be for me (keeping in mind the recorder’s expense) the Deity S-Mic 2S or the Rode NTG3. What do you think is best to do? And why is so a bad couple Ntg2+Zoomh4n? They sound orrible :/ now i look your video about best Recorders in 2019 :)

[@rahoolsyam9538]

love this session cant wait for the next on lav mics hoping to see another with mics for ambience recording

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Sage dB!

[@lrkx_]

+1 for recommendations for ambient recording mic’s

[@mastixmastix]

Again a great review. Thank you.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@SoundIntervention]

Useful information. I bought my mics (Sennheiser 416, Pearl MS-8, DPA 4060's) boom (Panamic) and windshields (Rycote) in good used condition. Saved a ton of money with no sacrifice in quality or reliability.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@phillipmaguire4671]

Learned so much from this video. Thank you.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@erendra143]

Hi...that was a great informative video explaining different types of microphones.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks.

[@chrisfehr1513]

Bought the Audio Technica AT4053B based on Curtis' review a few years ago...still rocking this mic & might grab another one. Thx Curtis!

[@curtisjudd]

👍 Glad to hear it is working well for you!

[@ericallnight]

another great clearly explained comparison!!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks ericsf!

[@Nickporter17]

Great info. Thank you Curtis!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Nick!

[@adnan_velic]

As always excellent content!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@InspiRAWtion]

THanks for all the interesting info.

[@curtisjudd]

You bet!

[@ahmedthabet8200]

this is a historical review ...thumps up Curtis

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Ahmed!

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Great video! Thanks for all the info.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@investingbookhighlights5007]

Thanks Curtis. 👍 This video helped me with my decision on what type of mic to purchase. 🙂

[@curtisjudd]

👍 Happy recording!

[@jackgentempo3630]

Hey @curtisjudd what a quality video, thanks for doing this. I'm interested in the MKH 8050, I'm curious what kind of setup you use with it. Any wind protection, and perhaps most importantly, do you use a specific shock mount with it?

[@Brani1974]

Thank you so much for taking time and effort to show us so many microphones!!

[@curtisjudd]

You bet!

[@KinetikSpeicher]

I just wanted to say thank you for this review and overview. It made me buy two MKH 8050s and I could not be happier. ^^

[@curtisjudd]

Glad they worked out - happy recording!

[@verityrollins4951]

Hello have you tried the synco mic D2

[@nolashtheartist]

So glad I bought the Takstar, so impressed with it.

[@curtisjudd]

I agree - surprisingly good sound from that mic. In fact, I'm reviewing a newer model from them which is much smaller. Looking forward to how that pans out.

[@jontedanielsson1279]

Have have read much about boom microphones and I have been into buying a ntg5,ntg3 or mkh417 but I’m almost only records inside in corporate place I know considering the mkh50 or mkh8050 or schopes. This video helped me to understand and also change my mind.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for the feedback Jonte. Happy recording!

[@arcakahn]

This was awesome! Thanks!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks.

[@InstigatorFilms]

Excellent video. Thanks for posting.

[@curtisjudd]

Thank you!

[@jalanpipes]

Great review with rational and helpful information provided across price ranges. Thanks for putting these out!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks! I appreciate the feedback!

[@75ajw]

Good to see the Oktava in there. I've got a matched stereo set of these, and purchased the MK-101-8 figure-8 capsule to make these a decent, economical pair for Mid-Side.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@xray111xxx]

With the number microphone violations I have, the microphone police will put me away for good. In any case, awesome video Curtis. Love your videos especially in performance value categories. I love that Takstar for the almost free price. The Rode maybe my next. We'll see. Happy New Year Curtis. Best to you in 2020 and beyond.

[@curtisjudd]

Hahaha! I just checked and the microphone police force has closed shop. You're good to go!

[@xray111xxx]

@@curtisjudd Whew that was a close one. Thanks Curtis.

[@ToddEPatterson-TLP]

Curtis, thank for another awesome "Product Comparison". My primary Boom/Shotgun Mic is the Sennheiser MKH 416. I am actually the third owner oof this Mic as it was purchased in the late 1970's. The original owner was a onsite Production Video Sennheiser as the End Cap was missing (Did not really effect anything but looked Un-

[@curtisjudd]

Wow - that’s a long-lasting microphone!

[@hakamsoufan]

Always great work .. thank you

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks hakam!

[@RallenMan]

Very thorough video full of solid info. A minor point re 8050, the rear module is not a preamp like on a DPA or Schoeps, it is only an XLR adapter with a couple impedance matching resistors in it. The main module is both a capsule and a preamp. This is why the rear module can be replaced with different connection accessories from Sennheiser, Cinela, and Kortwitch.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for the clarification RallenMan! That's a substantial difference - good to know.

[@armenshah3849]

Thank you Curtis ✌😎 I asked you about beyerdynamic mce 85 few years ago. now I am considering buying one since its the only brand with proper support around here. I bought a used NTG 2 two years ago but as I understood later it had serious issues.

[@curtisjudd]

👍 I hope the Beyerdynamic works well for you!

[@KlaudiaJurewicz]

#SweetMotherOfMicrophones 👏thank you so much for sharing this review of wide range of mics. Everything in one video: for those on the budget and those who would like to invest more money. Happy 2020!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Klaudia!

[@quiztasiarocks]

Hey Curtis, great work as always. I've been looking at the Sanken CS-M1 to be used as an on-camera and indoor boom mic and it seems to have got a lot of amazing reviews for both use cases, but it's $1200 CD so kinda pricey. Do you have any other recommendations for XLR shotguns that would be suitablefor outside as well as indoor boomed for interviews etc?

[@tobiasmindernickel]

Great video, great channel. Thank you.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks tobiasmindernickel.

[@G5Hohn]

How on earth is Curtis not well over 500k subs? His content is amazing.

[@curtisjudd]

We focus on quality rather than quantity. 😉

[@davidbelusic3094]

Thanks for making these. Between your ASMR voice, and the actual content and explanations, your videos are wonderful. I’m getting into interview shoots, and fairly new to audio. I think you (and others) have sold me on the Oktava, but I’m unsure on which capsule for indoor interviews. The one you have in this video is apparently the cardioid, but from what I gather, the hypercardioid is more ideal for what I need, and you mention this here as well, so I’m unclear which of the two I should go for?

[@curtisjudd]

Most opt for the hypercardioid capsule for interview videos.

[@davidbelusic3094]

Thanks. Just ordered it.

[@juliancroot]

Thanks Curtis. Great information. I sometimes use a Rode NT3 as an affordable indoor interview microphone and it works well. Its a bit heavy so not really great for booming, but it takes a 9v battery which is handy sometimes. However.... boompoles, mic stands, mics and shock mounts are a young persons game, and as a one-man band approaching middle age, I'm finding I leave them all at home more and more. Lavalier microphones are my preferred weapon, and I can hide a lot of their sonic sins with careful post processing.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for the info on the NT3! Sounds like a nice option.

[@StevePuppe]

Great video. Very helpful in making my decision. The choices are pretty overwhelming.

[@curtisjudd]

👍🎙 Happy recording!

[@rorobobo8401]

I just bought a Schoeps CMIT-5 .... I’m really excited for it to come 😍😍

[@curtisjudd]

Congrats! That's a good one!

[@rorobobo8401]

Curtis Judd thanks! I listened to many of your sound gear videos before making my decision. Thank you for providing amazing content 🙂

[@themotobanditshow]

Curtis thanks for the great video. How about doing a comparison test in terms off floor noise on each of these.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for the suggestion.

[@willvazquez3218]

Great video as always. I'm surprised that you didn't include the Sanken CS3e. I believe this is the best all around outdoor/indoor mic if you only have one. Thanks.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Will, wish I could include it but haven’t the budget for it just yet.

[@davidhasbrouck7948]

I love using it in loud locations where the isolation is useful. It has much less off access low frequency repose which is great when recording near traffic. I think using it indoors is acceptable but not as good as a real hyper cardioid indoor mic. This is because the directionally makes eliminates all the reverb except the later bounce back and draws more attention to it because it sounds unusual. It also has a bit of self noise so I tend to switch to an NTG1 for gathering foley because of its really low noise floor and less directionally.

[@YourStoryStudios]

Very helpful! We have the NTG3 and use it for both indoor and outdoor. Might need to consider a seperate mic for our indoor interview work. Thanks!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@TeddyRumble]

The improvement going to an AT4053b astounded me. I use my NTG3 outdoors, and the 4053b inside.

[@CristobalWSoto]

Thanks so much Curtis. Your videos are teaching me a lot about the audio realm. I'm a student video journalist and this is helping me take my quality to the next level! However why does everything have to cost so much 😭

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Cristóbal, Thanks! It is good to start with less expensive gear. Once you get to the productions with a real budget, audio gear is comparatively inexpensive. But for students - and I was there not long ago - it seems expensive. The good news as well is that quality audio gear will last MUCH longer than most camera gear, especially camera bodies.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

My basic package is the AT 4053b for interior work, and the Rode NTG3 for outside. But I've used the MKH 50, and that is a better sound. But at twice the price. Rode offers a 10 year warranty, which is something to note as well. Another great review, thanks!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Scott!

[@garystackhouse5787]

I'm a longtime audio engineer. Nice job on the overview. One you may want to check out (if you haven't already) as a "budget" mic is the AKG C1000s. It's one of the most versatile mics in my mic closet. For under $200 you get a small diaphragm cardioid OR hypercardioid condenser with onboard battery power, if needed. It has a great response curve, super low self-noise, low handling noise, is ridiculously sturdy, and works well indoor on a boom, although I've used it as an on-camera mic as well.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Gary, thanks. Will check it out - thanks!

[@doubledark2]

@@curtisjudd have you had a chance to look at this AKG C1000s mic?

[@DanielWayShadow]

Salt lamp review? Heheh, anyways great job, I here just learned about entire mic supply companies I didn't even know existed. I'm just getting into this game and this content is really helpful to me.

[@curtisjudd]

I highly recommend salt lamps for setting the right vibe. 🤓

[@SEOTeamBerlin]

thx a great lot for this video, veeery helpful and informative, I am re-starting with (music)recording after years of pausing. My boom mics AKG SE300B+CK93 and an old Sennh. 816T, will get a 416 as well now :) Gtx from the Lake of Constance

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Carlos! Nice kit of microphones you have there. And wow - a T-powered 816! Those are rare these days.

[@JimBanks1]

Love your work Curtis. BTW, if you add in a 0:00 to your timestamp you'll get Video Chapters which might help people navigate to the category they want quicker, just a suggestion, FWIW. They were not available when you released the video.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Jim, just added 00:00. Hopefully that'll work. Thanks!

[@JimBanks1]

@@curtisjudd looks like it worked like a charm and thanks again for your videos, you are my go to guy for audio

[@AfoteyAnnum]

Thank you soooooooo much for this video! As someone looking to step up my audio, this is very useful. Also, the Homie Caleb over at DSLR Shooter sent me here lolz #Subscribed

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Afotey and happy recording to you!

[@bake.agency]

Just found you.. great channel.. read great stuff in there.. thank you!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks, bake.agency.

[@brandonnixon9596]

Hi, this is a great and very informative video. I especially liked the buying advice you provided at the end. The mic I wanted, the Sennheiser MKE 600, wasn't mentioned, but I was wondering if you were familiar with it and would recommend it?

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Brandon, thanks. I have only use the MKE 600 one time and do not own it so I didn't feel like I knew it well enough to really speak about it here. My impression is that it has very bright, crisp voicing which can be good on some voices, but probably not best for sibilant voices. Best wishes!

[@Bo_Hazem]

This is very comprehensive and deep! Gonna get back to it more in the future for reference. Thanks a lot for the massive work! Might go with Sony ECM-674 or might bite the bullet and get the XLR-K3M with its mic. Could as well skip all of that and go for ECM-B1M as nature videography comes first.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Bo and best wishes to you!

[@skyace888]

Masterpiece of a video! So insightful! Which mic would you recommend for booming indoor talking head videos to a MixPre recorder? AT4053b? Was hoping that the MKH416 could be used all around but seemed like you didn’t recommend it for indoor use.

[@curtisjudd]

416 can certainly do the job but I’d recommend saving some budget to manage any reverb in your recording space.

[@Canyatz]

Great video Curtis, fantastic insight! Which cardioid boom mic mentioned do you think would complement the sennheiser me66, the Oktava is very tempting. Thanks!

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Simon, I haven't used the me66 so not super familiar with it, but if it is used for a separate person/talent, shouldn't be a big issue to mix with whichever you upgrade to. Best wishes!

[@xxl0o]

Hi Curtis! Thanks for this video! Could you please make another one about wireless systems?

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, good idea.

[@GerardoJMendozaManuel89]

Super great and informative video, Curtis. I´ll make sure when I buy my mic this Black Friday, I do it from your affiliate link.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Gerardo - happy recording!