Extensive Testing and Review of the Rode NTG5 Microphone vs NTG3 and NTG4+ - Sound Speeds Review

Rode has released many microphones throughout it's history and in some ways, Rode has been an industry leader in great tech for the money. With the release of the Rode NTG5 short shotgun microphone Rode once again is turning heads and making people stop... and listen.
The Rode NTG5 is smaller and lighter than most short shotgun microphones but don't let it's size fool you. It's a powerhouse in both it's sound and design. With it's very generous accessories kit, it very could be the next big microphone everyone will be talking about.
Many KZbin channels review products. Some read out specs and give someone else's opinion as their own while others do a simple voice-over test but you won't find that here. My style is to extensively test the mic meaning that I test it in many different capacities and in this video you'll see just that testing.
At 1:26 I say "the microphone measures 203mm which is right at 8 ounces." That should have been corrected to "right at 8 inches".
For more info about the Rode NTG5 or to purchase:
geni.us/RodeNTG5
To purchase a Rode NTG3:
geni.us/Rode_NTG3
To listen to an episode of the Sound Speeds Podcast where I used the Rode NTG5 all episode: • Rode NTG5 Used On Firs...
To learn more about non-authorized Rode vendors:
www.rode.com/unauthorizedusde...
To make a donation: www.paypal.me/SoundSpeeds
Gear Commonly Used In My Videos:
Panasonic Lumix FZ-80: geni.us/SoundSpeedsLumixFZ80
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7: geni.us/SoundSpeedsLumixDMCG7
Aputure Amaran AL-MX LED Video Light: geni.us/AputureLight
Tascam DR-40: geni.us/TascamDR40
Sound Devices MixPre-6:
www.sounddevices.com/products...
Full Disclosure: Rode did send me this NTG5 Location Kit in exchange for a fair review. I do get to keep it after the review but I will not allow this to affect my opinion so you can expect this to be an honest review.
Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links and if you purchase something using one of these links, you'll pay the same price that you'd find on Amazon if you looked it up yourself but Amazon will pay me a small referral fee for sending you there to make a purchase.
Thank you to Rode for sending me the NTG5 and NTG4+ to compare in this video and thank you to Micheal Wynne for letting me borrow his Rode NTG3. Be sure to check out his KZbin channel at:
/ @michaelwynnecas
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[@ettoreallegretti3811]

I haven't had a good experience with the ntg5. I bought one last year and after a few months it started producing this strange sound, like the one you hear in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3ykk6OCZqiCnLc In the comments there are many other people with the same problem. I had a spare one sent to me, same problem. Now they sent me the third one but I have lost faith.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Wow! I've never heard that before. Crazy sounds! The question I have is... does it do the same thing if you go directly into the mic instead of thru the jumper on the pistol grip?

[@ettoreallegretti3811]

@@SoundSpeeds Eheheheh, here strange things begin. For the first one, I had I tried them all. Xlr directly into the microphone, xlr in series with the rode connector, xlr with jumper to the chassis directly into the microphone but nothing. Analyzing the noise I noticed this, as soon as the Phantom power was turned on, this whistle started from 10kHz and gradually rose until it left the audible spectrum and then returned identically to the linked video. Just replaced with the second this happened: I connected the microphone directly with xlr into a battery powered sound devices mix pre. The microphone did not emit any sound so I connected it first to the rode connector and then to the xlr cable and it worked fine. After less than two weeks of use, out of nowhere, the microphone completely stopped working. I have an obsessive care for my microphones, no shocks and humidity and I never disconnect cables with active phantom. The connector for the rode pistol has the ground connected to the chassis, this is the only difference that there is with normal xlr cables, but I don't think that a cable is the cause of this type of defects. This strange sound, seems to me produced by the internal electronics. I'm starting to think that maybe there is some production or design issue or maybe is fault of bad quality control (even if the microphones come with a QA branded tag 😤). Now I'm afraid to turn on this third one that came to me. This has become frustrating and time consuming. Fortunately I have other mics to work with but, on a work situation, this is unacceptable. Oh I was forgetting... Rode doesn't answer to emails... Sorry for the long answer, hope that this could be useful to someone.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Yes, absolutely. Have you tried Tweeting Rode? They have someone that manages social media and if you either tweet them with a tag or DM them, they will take care of you if email support is failing you.

[@ettoreallegretti3811]

@@SoundSpeeds No, I haven't tried that way. Thanks for the advice!!!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing. Good luck!

[@rodemic]

Great review! Thanks for checking out the NTG5!

[@SoundSpeeds]

The pleasure was mine. Great mic and fun to review.

[@curtisjudd]

Nice review! Sounding good to my ear!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks boss.

[@ianmccallum5690]

@@SoundSpeeds Ahhh my two most trusted mic review KZbinrs. Legendary

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks for watching!

[@ianmccallum5690]

This is EXACTLY the video I needed, but didn't know it was possible to get it. Thank you so much for your contibution!!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks for watching. I do all of my shotgun mic reviews and comparisons this way. Why do an easy video with best case scenarios?

[@Bad95killer]

I’ve been waiting for such a test esp. against NTG3 mic and I’m very very impressed with how good is the NTG5 after watching your in-depth review and testing and I’m so glad that pulled the trigger on this great mic. Thank you and you just gained a new subscriber 👍

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you and welcome aboard!

[@m.i.stapes]

Dude loving the interstate sound test! Excellent. Thank you.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing. It's a real world test for sure.

[@markwiemels]

I knew you would have the answers I needed! Please keep making this incredibly high quality content, you set the standard.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you so much for the kind words. :-) Glad to be able to help.

[@danielbrockett9544]

Nice test, I like your next to the freeway scenario. Thanks for doing it!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Is brutally loud out there so a hardcore test that doesn't fully convey on camera. Thank you.

[@joelpogar]

Well done and very helpful, thx for taking the time to do this.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing. Thanks for watching.

[@dawidbucko1008]

Thank you! :) thanks for comparing ntg3 and ntg5 but also camera mic's and NT1 which I already have. Great material, good job

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@charlesisrecording]

I'm impressed with how the NTG5 sounds, thanks for performing this test 👌

[@SoundSpeeds]

Glad to. Thanks for watching.

[@JonPaulKersey]

This was such an amazing video, my favorite video on the Rode NTG 5 yet!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you Jon

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

Enjoying the review man! I hadn't heard of this mic coming out. Looks interesting!

[@SoundSpeeds]

It's pretty awesome

[@PlainlyDifficult]

NTG5 sounds pretty good especially in the living room setting! Thank you for a really great in-depth comparison

[@SoundSpeeds]

Glad to help. Thanks for watching.

[@dejanceko1891]

Another great review, many thanks...Now it is time for Diety S2 vs. Rode Ntg5 :)

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'm thinking the same thing.

[@InternationalBassStation]

This is what’s called taking it to the limits! Great work!!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you David

[@Decenium]

One of those rare vids that is exceptionally informative and one I dont have to set to 1.25 or 1.5x the speed, thanks !

[@SoundSpeeds]

LOL. Yeah... You won't have to speed me up. :-)

[@jeg1972]

As always, your reviews stick to the facts... Brilliant!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you. That's the goal. :-)

[@FerasAwadFilms]

Thank you for such a pro review and comparison!

[@SoundSpeeds]

And thank you... for watching. :-)

[@lejardinsimmons]

Extraordinary!! review!! Love it Love It! Keepit coming with the reviews...

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you. I have quite a few reviews in my Reviews playlist and more in the works. Thanks for watching

[@JoeSmith9021090210]

Thanks for another great video! Suprised at how close the frequency response is to the NT1. Liking this NTG5 !

[@SoundSpeeds]

That shows how flat it is. I like it too.

[@andrewpeters2775]

@@SoundSpeeds Interestingly the NT1, for some strange reason, is so similar sounding to a 416 it's crazy! Which I'm guessing means the NTG5 is going to be very close to a 416. My NTG5 is on the way, so I'll find out soon.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I already know the answer... and you will too once I finish editing. I'll say no more.

[@tomgoffnett5624]

Thank you for all your hard work. What a great extensive comparison video. Liked, subscribed, hit the notification bell.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Wow. Thank you. Welcome aboard. You might also like this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKLLenSrqtGqorc

[@pavilu]

Excellent review, many thanks for that!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks for watching

[@thedudelives]

This was a fantastic video and mic review. Thanks.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you and for watching.

[@DanLiveOnUTube]

This was a great review! Thank you!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks for watching

[@SlavGuns]

Once again, the best practical test of the microphone in practical environments.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you!

[@vudo2555]

Super excellent in depth sound comparison...clearly evident the 3 and 5 are a slight class above the 4+ throughout with a minimum difference between the 3 and 5 - Seems to me the 5 adds some better low end but its a tight race between the two of them but still leaving the 3 as a great piece of kit at a super fair price range for approaching true pro audio. Thank you for this great review.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you for watching!

[@Glen.Danielsen]

_Great_ review! Thanks so much.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you for watching!

[@ErnestoPossiSpanishVoiceOver]

Amazing job testing the Rode microphones!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Gracias.

[@sonyapple788]

thats a great great great demonstration...love it and THANK YOU MAN .

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you and thank you for watching.

[@Podcastage]

Very extensive review. Well done. I hope you bought your daughters ice cream after dinner because they have the patience of saints to record with you for that long. Haha.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Ice cream? Sound knowledge is their reward! ;-) I take care of my girls, no worries.I should put a camera on them when they help me with videos. You know how naturally goofy I am... when we shoot videos together they struggle to not break with laughter during takes. A few times my oldest daughter has broke and laughed which you can hear if you listen for it. I should do a daughter outtakes.

[@danmagoo]

Great review! And the mic is very impressive.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks Dan. Agree.

[@dmitrilvov]

thank you for your work! I was curious how does particularly this comparison display the differences of the mics, but, I am sorry to say, it was more like a neverending sprint. I wish you did longer cuts for each mic, then It could be have been less confusing. once again, thank you for sharing your opinion about this new microphone!

[@SoundSpeeds]

I can slow down the cuts a bit. Good suggestion. The reason for the fast switching is to detect the changes in the mics as they go from favorable to more or less. You can also concentrate on one thing, like background noise, and hear it change quicker. The reason for this style of testing is because most of the time shotguns will be used within 4 feet of talent's head so I go up every 6 inches upto 3-4 feet. From there I go up a foot or so then go 2 foot overhead. Rejection and fidelity is lost over distance and you can hear it easily in these tests.

[@mariusnss8787]

Very good review👍🏻 Thank You! Liked and subscribed

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you and welcome aboard!

[@hsuan8348]

Thank you for sharing! It help me a lot!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Great! Thanks for watching.

[@FranciscoCosta]

thanks for the video! helped me a lot to make my decision!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Awesome. Glad to help. Thanks for watching.

[@dp_kundu]

Great review. Thank you

[@SoundSpeeds]

:-) Thank you for watching.

[@MarcusHutsell]

Thank you so much for this video, great comparison and sound samples, and that 20' pole.........and, AND, for saying REVERB (in your garage & Living room) instead of ECHO! Cuz that's what it is....Reverb, not echo (I hate it when people say their room is echoey!). Proper Audio guy!! Keep it up man, great work. :)

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks dude. :-)

[@alexandrkabir]

Great review!) Thanks for that a lot!!!)

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing. Thanks for watching.

[@roguelevels]

Superb review that really contextualises the overall strengths in application of these mics. I also love that you brought in the NTG1 at the end there! In my opinion the NTG1 exhibited horrible sibilance and a rather distinct lack of clarity in the high frequencies which was characterised by what sounded like a wash of white noise, the NTG5 blew the NTG1 out of the water in that comparison. Now for the main part of this comparison, I was incredibly impressed by how stubbornly consistent the NTG4 was when it faced all the different environments, and that’s largely due to its incredible ability to reject off axis noise. The NTG3 with its exaggerated low end was pretty much scooping up as much off axis crud as it could even at close quarters which made for a really muddy recording that lacked the definition of the other two mics. The NTG5 is the average of the 3 & 5. In a critical listening post production environment I’d prefer the 4 over the other everyday of the week, why? Because the clarity, consistency and neutrality (low end not overcooked) of the recordings means it would be less work to get things to sit well together when editing sound in post. In the external environment the 4 went the furthest whilst still delivering good vocal quality, in the reverberant space the controlled low-end and off axis rejection really preserved your vocal characteristics and meant the environment didn’t colour the recording too much, again… less work in post! Watched a lot of reviews and comparisons for the NTG4 and there is a great deal of inconsistency between how the mic sounds in different videos, it dawned on me that the positioning of the mic is really unforgiving for people with bad booming technique, this is one of the things which makes your video so good. In the reverberant space the 4 suddenly had more low end because of how it was positioned. The outstanding off axis rejection also means you need to pay attention to the mic position and can get great results with some finesse. TLDR: NTG4 wins this, its more consistent at short and long distances in off axis rejection, and will sound the least coloured in post as a result, its also the most natural sounding. Its easy to build an eq preset for more or less low end, so the lack of low end isn’t a problem.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Great analysis but I disagree with your conclusion. The NTG4+ lacks in detail and overall quality to my ear but hey... it's important to have opinions. Also, the audience would never know. Thanks for watching.

[@TurgutBayraktarBelgeselleri]

Bu güzel inceleme için teşekkür ederim. Karar vermem için çok yardımcı olacak 👏🏻

[@SoundSpeeds]

😎

[@SHALEHANASMR]

Hi.i was looking for a mic as i started a youtube channel on ASMR..ur review made me bought it..and my first test...i LOVE it..

[@SoundSpeeds]

Excellent. Happy recording!

[@AlexTad93]

Firstly, I want to take my time to thank your parents for creating you. Second, thank you for the professional level review I've just watched. Enjoy your life!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you and thank you again. Thank you for watching even more.

[@emilebombard7342]

Great video, Great content, Great personality Thanks for the hard work

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks for watching

[@byronabadia]

Great review!!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you. :-)

[@philipsaxin9820]

Great review! I liked the NTG3 in most scenarios but NTG5 had more natural lows indoors IMO.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Yeah, I'm a fan of more natural sound so I gravitate to the NTG5. Thanks for watching.

[@highlycreativedigital5472]

Nice work will be getting one soon

[@SoundSpeeds]

I don't think you'll regret it one second.

[@LuisFernandoImperator]

This channel is amazing!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you Fernando. :-)

[@iancraig]

That looks and sounds really good, Allen. I’d love to get my hands on one after hearing that. Christmas on the way ...... Thanks for a great review. By that highway, you actually look like you’re putting up a phone mast! They all do an incredibly good job at rejecting the noise, but the 5 also sounds lovely. I might contact Rode and see if they can make a happy man very old....... ; ) 17’35” is a hilarious treat. I loved that!!! You have a massive boom pole for sure. :-0

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks Ian. I love the sound too.

[@davberrio]

Whoa! That's a boom pole! 😂 Thanks for that great review.

[@SoundSpeeds]

If you thought that boom pole was impressive, watch my review of the NTG8 and WS11. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mneop5KdYtKLmrc

[@margagomezcomedy]

This is the most exciting mic comparison I have ever seen and I watch all of them. The NTG5 and 416 will be my big 2022 decision. Meanwhile I just ordered the budget Audio-Technica AT875R because it might be enough for an out of frame live stream. Curtis Judd demo'd it in a video as entry level and that's me. Thanks!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you. I'm glad you found a mic that will work great for you. That's why we all do what we do online with these reviews and comparisons.

[@margagomezcomedy]

@@SoundSpeeds Waiting on delivery. I’m sort of a budget mic-aholic. I just discovered you in that epic vid with Mike Judd and Bandrew. Great channel.

[@SoundSpeeds]

That was so much fun. Hopefully Curtis will do another with us.

[@Mr_Red_Dragon]

What a great video! Was very happy with the NTG3 but that NTG5 was just amazing to my ears (ATH - M30x headphones on at time of viewing)! I would like to see the NTG5 put up against a professional Movie Industry Shotgun Microphone. Maybe as a secondary pick up for pro setup? Thanks for a great video!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks for watching Mr Red. I'll see what I can do about a head to head.

[@pwoblem]

Amazing!! Great job!! I'd love to see 416 vs NTG5!!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Noted

[@ericallnight]

Sound Speeds would also like to see that

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@ericallnight Copy

[@NophiMitchell]

Soooo Helpful!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks for watching!

[@troyphillips1077]

The ntg 5 sounds the most natural to me . I’ll probably be picking up one of these but if you haven’t done it yet I’d like to see a 416 test against the ntg3 and 5 . (Your test) very well done and I just subscribed! Thanks

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you and welcome aboard!

[@nicholasmullins3693]

That 4+ isn't too flattering to you due to the highs in it. But every time I find myself liking the sound, it's the NTG5! I love these reviews!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you and yes, the NTG4+ is quite outmatched when sandwiched between the NTG3 and NTG5. The NTG3 was in a title fight and it was epic... like Rocky Balboa and Ivan Drago.

[@TheMusicRecordingNetwork]

forget the mics, I need that long boom pole.... lol I just got the Rode NTG3... peace and love always and great review.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you. :-)

[@digitten]

I'd use the NTG4+ in a blimp, the NTG 3 for voice over or on location for higher voices, and since the NTG 5 kinda splits the difference between the 3 or 4, I would use it for as an all around mic. Good review as usual.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks and thanks for watching as usual.

[@EdoDijkgraaf]

This is what makes you special. Cheers!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Awwww... thank you.

[@nil2k]

Your roadside test made the NTG3 sound best to my ear. Thanks for all the science you did by the roadside, in the booth and in the garage and the bedroom. I only wished one of the mics in the comparison was also the mkh416. To my ear, even your booth recordings sounded best on the NTG3 too vs the others and the mic you usually use...

[@SoundSpeeds]

I did the MKH-416 in another video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKLLenSrqtGqorc

[@nil2k]

@@SoundSpeeds That was a great video too, but it also lacked the direct comparison with the NTG3. The NTG5 sounded like it was missing something in the sound to me in this video, and I'm still not entirely certain why you prefer the NTG5 over the NTG3, but I'll admit that maybe I just favor a rich bottom end.

[@SoundSpeeds]

That's what it is. I prefer flatter mics and the NTG3 is more bassy which many people prefer because it sets the fundamentals above the harmonics.

[@kimeriksson7445]

Wow, that NTG3 sounds beautiful - a very cinematic sound

[@SoundSpeeds]

Too much bass for me.

[@JosviMunoz]

Hi, great review! Lot of people like some sort of hypercardioid or supercardioid mics for interior purposes instead of a boom mic since these (boom mics), ususally take a little more room noise than the others (because their sides picking). It would be so cool if you could compare the NTG5 vs one of the cardioids like the Neumann KM185/184, for all the people who need to record just interior work. Thank you!

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'm not likely going to do another comparison of the NTG5. There are endless combinations I could compare and I can't do them all. Regarding self noise... you're not going to have any issues with any of these mics in a controlled environment like a studio or home recording setup.

[@TJMcClannahantvmj]

Wow! Just ordered the NTG5 because of you!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Tell me what you think of it! It's a great packaged deal!

[@TJMcClannahantvmj]

I definitely will! Also grabbed the Zoom F6!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Very cool. Extra points to you if you used any of my links. ;-)

[@Kameramensch-Filmproduktion]

That NTG5 is just stunning!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Agreed

[@remektekmedia6641]

Excellent review. Very informative. I have the NTG3 and always thought that the NTG4+ was not my choice. You confirmed that. Looks like the NTG5 at half the weight of the NTG3, is every bit as good, in fact slightly better. As I live only 20 minutes' drive from Røde factory, I am pleased to see them delivering such good products! Way to go!

[@SoundSpeeds]

They are indeed!

[@nikinik7503]

Great video man! For my ears NTG3 sounds the best

[@SoundSpeeds]

It's important to have an opinion that was based on listening and comparing both. As long as you do that, win!

[@esther_wright]

Thank you for this video.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing. Thanks for watching.

[@nickr5213]

I like the sound of the NTG-5. NTG-4 sounds a little bit too thin to me, and NTG-3 is too bass heavy. NTG-5 is still a bit bass heavy, but in a nice way. I think it’s a good value with all that comes with it. Another great video “in the can.”

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks dude. I agree

[@johanw1163]

Great video! I’m a sucker for Sennheiser, MKH 416 is my go to. The throw/reach of it is great. Would be fun to compare how the NTG5 is holding up to that! NTG4 isn’t much to brag about 😅

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sandwiching the NTG4+ between the NTG3 and NTG5 doesn't do it any favors, for sure. The 3/5 are in totally different leagues.

[@paulfairchild8942]

Great review and very helpful. We're split between getting an NTG5 for interior recording and keeping within budget, or getting a Schoeps CMC6 MK41 ($1,600 USD) for interior recording and blowing our budget. We're a small 2-person indie production. We already have an NTG3 and love it for exterior shooting but its a tad large to boom easily around inside. We did previously use an Audio Technica AT4053B for interior dialogue but got badly burned on a recent shoot in NYC when the AT4053B experienced very bad RF interference, so bad that it ruined the audio at 3 locations. Thankfully we had on-camera Rode VideoMic 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. But is the Schoeps CMC6 MK41 so much better for interior recording for us to blow our budget??? If it's pickup pattern helps deal with reverb/reflections better, that would make it worthwhile for us. Our next movie will take place largely in a hotel suite.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I love the CMC-641! The only issue with it is that you have to manage the humidity but if you know how to do that, I'd no big deal. The Schoeps will definitely sound better indoors especially if reflective but it won't have the reach of the NTG5. If you have the budget for the Schoeps, I'd go that way especially because it's modular and you can either get a swivel for it making it extremely low profile or the side address capsule which is crazy amazing sounding especially for car work. Nothing wrong with the NTG5 but if you have the NTG3, I'd go CMC-641 unless you want to match brands for in/outdoors.

[@paulfairchild8942]

@@SoundSpeeds Super, thank you!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks for watching!

[@DaftRebel]

BEST comparison on internet

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you. :-)

[@enriquekahn9405]

Impressive review. I have to second the person who wants a shootout with the Deity shotguns and (if possible) a VO booth comparison with the Sennheiser 416.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Ok then... :-)

[@emilebombard7342]

Will be great!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Coming soon

[@dirk.4711]

yes please! Maybe make a series out of it in the 1000 USD or less category and call it: "who can beat the Rode NTG5?". Deity, Sennheiser MK416 etc. battle. Would be great!

[@TheGreyfoo]

Hello, great review, thankyou! Still useful here in July 2020, as I'm weighing up purchasing the NTG3 or the NTG5. I do a mix of indoor/outdoor shoots, and now the mics are the same price, so I have a tough decision to make! I see from the datasheets the NTG5 is more toppy in the presence frequencies, and the NTG3 has a tad more coverage at the bottom end, which supports what I'm hearing in your video. Nothing I can't tweak in post. I know either will be brilliant, so it's win-win! . I can't help but wonder, in the other comments, how much of the listeners' headphones are affecting their experience - my open-ear AKGs are nice, but don't pickup the NTG3's lower 'broadcasty' tones as nicely as my expensive open-ear gaming headset (which isn't as clear as the AKGs, but has delicious 50mm but unboosted drivers). I daresay on cheaper headphones (and especially closed-ear, saddled Frequency Response sets), people are going to have wildly varying experiences in cheap cans. . What sold me on either NTG3/NTG5 though, is that fantastic noise floor and off-axis sound rejection. . Decisions, decisions! Keep up the great work, super appreciate it.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you and yes, headphones play a huge role in what opinions will be. Use a bright pair of closed ear headphones and listen to a bright mic and it'll sound sibilant and hissy but listen to a darker mic and you'll probably love how warm and rich the bass frequencies sound. A lot to consider, for sure. Thanks for watching.

[@ErynKnight]

I wish Røde would send me free stuff. I'm in the wrong game! I am interested in the science behind that interference tube though. I wonder if they're using the same capsule as the NT-5. On another note, the strategic partnership with Rycote is probably one of the best decisions Røde have ever made. I'm so glad to see more Rycote stuff in Røde boxes. The NT-1 has an internal Rycote shockmount which really makes it a stable condenser. Thanks for the review, Allen. Excellent video. Also, I think it's time you got a blinking red lamp on the top of that boom pole. :D

[@SoundSpeeds]

LOL. I might need to pull out my longest boom for that.

[@SoundSpeeds]

LOL. I might need to pull out my longest boom for that.

[@GiorgioCarlinoSounds]

Well, first of all, this review is amazing. Thank you for such an amazing job! I am in the market for my first shotgun mic and I can't decide between the ntg3 and the ntg5. I am in love with the ntg5, I really like that it sounds very natural rather than broadcast-y, but there is one thing that concerns me. Since I am going to use the mic as a "bread and butter" shotgun for recording dialogues and sound effects, I am afraid that the limited low end would affect the recording of sound sources other than the human voice. Do you think it would be better the ntg3? Or the ntg5 low end is not that weak? Also, which one between these two has the most natural off-axis sound in your opinion? Thank you!

[@SoundSpeeds]

The NTG5 is more natural, as you stated, and changes less off axis. Mics are usually focused on sound the way they want on axis and it's more about rejection and sounding natural off axis. The extended low end on the NTG3 will come in handy when picking up low end sounds at a distance but you can boost the NTG5 a bit in post if it's not enough. I personally prefer the NTG5 all the way around but it's not for everyone.

[@GiorgioCarlinoSounds]

@@SoundSpeeds That's great, thank you very much! I think I'm pretty much sold on the ntg5, I just needed a little nudge. I am a fan of natural-sounding microphones and what Rode did with the ntg5 is really impressive. Thank you again, keep up the amazing work!!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you. Yeah, if you like natural sound then there NTG5 is the way to go especially if you like it on human voices

[@chakerian]

Nice one Allen. Can you describe the off axis sound quality a bit? The specs look like it'll start sounding colored quickly. How natural is the drop off and how well does it reject compared to other short shotguns like the 8060 or cmit mini?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Great question. I need to investigate further but here's what I've observed so far. I've observed no comb filtering and off axis sounds seem to smoothly fall off however the highest frequencies fall off before the lower. Because of the 3dB boost you can hear dialogue clearly over the lower frequency background noise until the low end reduces greatly. I wouldn't (so far at least) think of it as coloration more than just a full frequency range reduction starting at higher frequencies.

[@pandoraefretum]

wow what a fantastic demo .... thx so much !! what if I want to record running water ? NTG5 ?

[@SoundSpeeds]

NTG5 should be fine. Any of the others too.

[@RomanoSoprano]

Great Testing and review! Thank you! What blimp option would you recommend for NTG5 considering that it's a shorter mic?

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'd think any short zepp should do like the modular Rycote or maybe even the SuperShield even though the small is designed for mics upto 1/4" shorter than the NTG5.

[@RomanoSoprano]

@@SoundSpeeds Thank you for info. I thought the same way to use a modular small one any time I can add longer tube for longer mic.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Tested and still an industry leader.

[@HopeProphecy]

Do you think the NTG5 would be the best mic for talking head KZbin videos in a treated 13x9 room? (On boom pole, above head, just out of shot). If not, what would you choose? Thanks!

[@SoundSpeeds]

It depends on the sound you like and the room. I can't give blanket suggestions without knowing about the acoustics, what you are recording, etc.

[@ericallnight]

Great video and thanks for going so deep in all the testing! How would the NTG5 compare to other mics to boom for indoor interviews? I often work as a one man band and have been using the Sennheiser G3 wireless systems for years as my only audio source. I've been slow to do proper dual sound recording and invest in a solid mic to boom. 95% of my sound recording is on location indoor interviews in untreated rooms. And I'm ready to buy a mic that'll last me the next 10 years. I know these are in diff classes and even diff pickup patterns but would you recommend the NTG5, Sennheiser 416, Deity S mic 2 (or short one), Schoeps CMC641, or something else?

[@SoundSpeeds]

If you do ENG, a 416, S-Mic 2(S) or NTG5 would work. I wouldn't go CMC-641 though because it won't perform as well outdoors and /or in humidity.

[@ericallnight]

Sound Speeds thNks for the reply. Not ENG. Mostly corporate and non-profit marketing style videos with indoor on location interviews. Sometimes rooms can be small so also want to reduce reverb as much as possible. Mic would boom on a stand. Which mic would you use for that?

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@ericallnight If reducing reflection in a reflective room, a good pencil mic or a supercardioid non-shotgun would make you happy.

[@jonestv2007]

great test ntg5 is nice its the winner imo....... but the boom pole was the star of this video

[@SoundSpeeds]

You like booms? Check out my NTG8 video and you'll see the longest boom in the world. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mneop5KdYtKLmrc

[@matthew.datcher]

I totally agree with the others who said the NTG3 still sounds the best. The NTG5 is a close second (personally, I think the presence rise is a bit too much; or maybe it starts too low). The NTG4+ sounds terrible by comparison. Also, like the others, I would love to hear a shootout between the NTG5 against the 416, the S2, and the professional mic of your choosing.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you for this comment. To my ears the NTG3 doesn't sound bad, it's just not as natural as the NTG5. I prefer natural sound and the bass boost of many mics doesn't do anything for me.

[@SoundSpeeds]

True as long as it isn't too much. Mics sometimes overdo it.

[@마이봉]

Your review was really helpful. It seems almost identical except that ntg3 is emphasized slightly lower than ntg5. I'm not a sound expert, but the low-pitched sound sounds more comfortable. But is this a feature that can be solved with EQ? Which product would be better to catch a person's voice in a movie? Or what do you recommend when working on amsr or foley? I'm going to buy Zoom h6 and Shotgun microphone, but I can't decide. I'm curious about your solution.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Either is fine depending on the sound you like. If you prefer a more bassy sound, go for the NTG3. If you prefer a more natural sound, go for the NTG5. ASMR? You could go either way. Your choice but you would need two. I question why you wouldn't get matching LDCs like the Rode NTG1-A or two NTG1s though.

[@마이봉]

@@SoundSpeeds Well... I'm actually a video producer. When I was a student, I realized that sound is important in the video. So I looked into the shotgun microphone.The product that made the sound that captivated my heart was ntg-3. Also, I liked the sound like a movie that catches people's words clearly from afar. In fact, the only product I knew at that time was the ntg series. Other company products were high-pitched and stabbed me in the ear and were not attractive to me at all. Anyway, the ntg-1 is a great microphone, but I thought it would be a shame to use it as an all-rounder. In particular, it was regrettable that the quality of the sound would decrease if the microphone and the subject were distant. If it's only for asmr, maybe it's better to buy two ntg-1. But I want to record sound effects outdoors and catch people's words neatly. I've never actually dealt with a microphone, so I don't know how much I can use the microphone mentioned above. That's why I want to buy an expensive microphone. Expensive products feel more vivid. (It may be possible to express such expression with cheap products, but I don't know that it is possible.)

[@mychalsimmons4177]

Thanks im gonna hang on to my 4+ til I get my 416

[@SoundSpeeds]

👍

[@ahmedthabet8200]

Having the time to cut out a final 33 min video is a lot of effort , thanks. As for the NTG5 yes it's too close to the NTG3 but more at the side of high end boost ,beside that it's not better than the NTG3 in indoors in reflected environment . NTG3 is more natural piece ... great work brother...

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks for watching dude. Yeah... longer videos burn up a lot of hours.

[@MAMAvsGOD]

Disagree the ntg5 is better. Got both and use in Home studio. Sounds even crazier with audio adjustments.

[@SoundSpeeds]

The most important thing is to listen to them both and make your own opinion.

[@Gojanel]

@@MAMAvsGOD Since when is ntg5 better than ntg3? You have hearing problems. Look at the technical data on the official site at least, then the price says that ntg is one step higher than ntg5.

[@SoundSpeeds]

It depends on what you like to hear. I prefer flatter mics and the NTG3 is too bassy for me. Sure it sounds better at a farther distance but I don't like using a boom 5 feet from talent.

[@eliasfuentes5096]

Thanks!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you for watching

[@Maros_Mari]

Thank you for this helpful review. Can you please advise which shotgun mic would you choose for a one man band - run & gun scenario documentary filmmaking - where there is no sound person and you want best sound quality possible? I heard and loved the sound quality of NTG3 but it is 48V powered mic, no batteries to power it, so I would like to hear any other alternative to it. Thank you.

[@SoundSpeeds]

You need a self powered mic then? One that goes into a mirrorless or DSLR? If you're staying in the Rode family look at the NTG2 or NTG4+

[@Maros_Mari]

@@SoundSpeeds Thank you. Yes I am looking for self powered mic. Now I got rode video mic pro. I wanted upgrade for more serious documentary work - one man band - no boom pole. I like NTG3 sound, so wanted best self powered alternative - any company.

[@MichaelW.1980]

I gotta say: I wouldn’t have expected for it to take 18 inches of distance for even a packed street in the background feet to become even remotely troublesome, is astonishing. Too bad, that indoors I could face reverb issues with a microphone like that. I’d love to have an off frame option for a microphone on stream.

[@SoundSpeeds]

That's why I like doing all of those tests. Gives people an idea of the performance in all scenarios.

[@garystackhouse5787]

Thanks for the review ,but if at 18:37 that Mic is "6 inches" over your head, my wife ought to be VERY happy with me. ;-)

[@SoundSpeeds]

That is 6 inches though.

[@versatile1684]

You were going to fit those microphones on the moon was the last thing I was expecting..

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thought about it. ;-)

[@versatile1684]

@@SoundSpeeds😂😂

[@SoundSpeeds]

😆

[@mikenowacki9729]

What are low end roll off options on this? also can you recommend a good portable hard disk recorder that could buddy up with this microphone, I know about the Zoom H4n types but I always thought the noise floor was too much, are there any better ones ? Cheers

[@SoundSpeeds]

I usually recommend a 2nd order roll off at 80Hz to start with and see how it works for you. You may need higher or lower and more or less. As for recorders... I'm a fan of the Zoom F series recorders and Sound Devices MixPre series.

[@ILaxative]

during the tests when you were raising the mics up outside near the highway, were you adjusting the gain of each mic as you got higher to compensate or did you leave them all at the same input level on the recorder regardless of the height? also what decibel or LUFS were you recording at? I just purchased the NTG5 and im trying to get a good clean outside sound but im picking up way more ambient than i see in these youtube reviews. Thanks.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Great questions. I fixed the gain based on manufacturer's sensitivity levels (i.e. -32dB(A) would be adding +32dB of gain) then level matched in post. I wasn't recording at any particular LUFS level, just clean. I level matched the tracks using the Waves WLM plug-in then tweaked loudness by ear. There was no automatic leveling process. I hope that helps.

[@ILaxative]

​@@SoundSpeeds thanks so much. I actually own that plugin. so basically you recorded into the recorder at -32 db and then level matched to a higher decibel once you got it in post? The first part about fixing the gain kinda lost me a little bit. Are you saying that at the beginning of the test you set it to -32 db and left it there every time you raised the mics or are you saying that you set it to -32db for the first distance and once you raised the mics, you kept adjusting to make sure that the voice was hitting -32db again?

[@SoundSpeeds]

No, I verified the levels were hitting around -18 to -12dB once I set my gain on each mic to that which matches the sensitivity of that mic. I did not adjust the gain as I raised the mics up. I did that in post. One mic may require more gain as the height goes up because it's less sensitive and if I compensate on my recorder, it becomes a preamp test. It's still a valid test whether I raise the level or not (and some may argue that I should still set my gain correctly for each test) but I don't because sometimes noise levels change as you apply gain. Sometimes the frequency response changes a bit. That wouldn't really happen on my MixPre-6 but it keeps it very easy without compensating for variables and having to keep track of this mic increasing gain by 4 and this one 6. In post, adjusting the levels of the mics is much more even.

[@ILaxative]

@@SoundSpeeds OK now i get it. Thats what i was doing last night (setting my gain -12 to -18) and it sounded a little better. I noticed you were aiming your mics almost directly DOWN at your mouth and when i was testing it I was aiming almost diagonal at the mouth. My source didnt sound full when i did that, but I tried to do it the way you did here and i got the "full" sound. Im new to shotgun mics and the H6. The H6 sounds so amplified when im recording that I'm thinking im picking up so much but when i playback my audio I dont hear back much of the ambient sound i was hearing through the headphones. Is that common when recording? Thanks again for the info btw

[@SoundSpeeds]

The angle of the shotgun does matter a lot. Angle away from noise sources whenever possible and feel free to angle the mic just a little to pick a different axis if the think that will help your sound. It is very common to hear more in the moment vs later in post. Part of that is because you're actively listening for certain sounds in real time and are on tour game - more sensitive to those sounds. Once in post you listen differently.

[@elizeusantos93]

Hey Sound Speeds, Great video, as always... I wonder if u can recomend a mic that could be good for indoor and outdor interview. Also it would be wise to use a sennhiser transmiter on NTG 5? I had the sennhiser ew 100 G3, I would like to use it with rode NTG 5 in some situations. Thanks

[@SoundSpeeds]

The NTG5 works for that description for indie/outdoor mic but it requires phantom power so it won't work with the EW100 G3

[@elizeusantos93]

@@SoundSpeeds does it not work with AA batteries?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Not the NTG5. The NTG is self powered.

[@elizeusantos93]

Thanks man, it’s a pleasure to hear from you!

[@SoundSpeeds]

👍😎

[@aLgProduction]

Thank you.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks for watching

[@visionmediaprod]

The review is very useful! Thank you! But, please add transitions between audio cuts - this clicking on cuts annoys veeery much!

[@SoundSpeeds]

I don't know why it did that but I understand what you're saying and why.

[@troyphillips1077]

I actually liked the sound of the Rode ntg5 better than your standard mic you did this video with .

[@SoundSpeeds]

Copy that. Great comment.

[@The22Century]

I love watching your videos man. Considering between Audio-Technika AT875R and Rode NTG5.... Surely NTG is much better in terms of sensitivity and signal to noise ratio but it's 3 times pricier ..) Do you think AT875R is good enough for mostly interviews indoors for the price? It has pretty clear sound that's why I'm kind of between the two.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Here's what I'll say. The law of diminishing returns is very real with pro sound gear. The AT875R is a very good option especially for the price but also keep in mind that it usually only comes with the mic and windscreen. You'd still need to buy a good shockmount (like a Rycote Lyre INV-7) and a better windscreen (like a Bubblebee Windkiller or Rycote Softie) so you're prepared. The NTG5 is a one stop shop and includes everything you need. Between just the mics though, the NTG5 is the better mic but is it good enough to command the extra money considering what you're using it for and your opportunity to make money from it. If you're a pro and encounter fellow sound pros who are gear snobs or clients that sometimes specifically ask if you have a certain recorder or microphone, you may want to spend the extra money because the NTG5 would be a better mic to have for those purposes but if you don't see yourself making money directly off of the mic like that and do occasional interviews or corporate events and need to spend money elsewhere because you're on a budget, the AT875R will satisfy you perfectly fine. The number of times you'll regret not going for the NTG5 will be few but there may be times when there's a higher amount of background noise or you need more reach and you'd wonder if the NTG5 would have been your saving grace (even though it likely wouldn't have made a huge difference).

[@The22Century]

​@@SoundSpeeds Thank you for such a profound reply. Understood. For now I'm definitely not a pro and my project will be purely non-profit until monetising after a couple of years... but sound is still very important. Considering that NTG5-kit is a one stop shop as you said, I'll invest in that. Yes in ideal situations with a properly treated room AT875R will be good enough but who knows most probably there will be projects involving outside shooting and then the difference would be more obvious... And if it rains I won't have to worry that much and even continue shooting with a small rain when it's important to finish the scene... I'm glad I saw your review before buying AT875R. BTW my project is called Bello News and it's core idea are life asserting news and films (documentary) about people, events and projects that positively impact the world (in ecology, business, creativity, education and so on). So if you know someone/something that fits that idea, please let me know. :) Thank you again, Sir.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Will do. Keep in mind that shotgun mics in general pick up room reflections if they are there and if only shooting indoors, you have other options if the mic is within a foot from your head. Beyond that and treat the room especially if using any shotgun mic.

[@The22Century]

NTG5 is around $615 here in Russia but I found the one on sale for just $480, ordered one. :)

[@SoundSpeeds]

Cool. Just keep in mind the acoustics and audio reflections

[@bellysaurus8554]

Would love to see the NTG5 vs t.bone EM9900. i know its seems inappropriate comparison but im curious. hehe

[@SoundSpeeds]

Yeah... I'm not going to be doing that comparison. Sorry.

[@GiancarloBiondi]

Hi Allen! I think you've also had the ntg5 Rode in your arsenal for a while now. What do you think after some time? I had taken one but after a month I returned it because it had some strange noises. Compared to the Rode ntg3, today which one would you take between the two, not considering the price? Thanks

[@SoundSpeeds]

I haven't used it much since this review. My favorite mic is the DPA 4017B so I use that on most location shoots if I don't use a lav.

[@GiancarloBiondi]

@@SoundSpeeds Thanks Allen

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing. Sorry I don't have a better answer for you but it's an honest one. I did use it in this video recently though and had no issues. Occasional usage but that's not what you asked kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZWtZYaFgtOUg9E

[@GiancarloBiondi]

@@SoundSpeeds Allen, in fact, it is precisely because I had seen this video of yours (I follow you assiduously) that I thought of you to remove the doubt. Thanks anyway

[@SoundSpeeds]

Yeah, sorry. :-/

[@MACEATS1]

Thanks man

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you for watching!

[@MACEATS1]

Sound Speeds of course. You keep putting up videos of this high quality, your channel is gunna get huge. I look forward to seeing you on the come up man. Seriously you helped me on this.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you for the kinds words. My channel won't ever be huge. Not enough interest in my approach. Glad to help you though.