Rode NTG-3 Microphone Is It Any Good?

The Rode NTG3 Shotgun microphone might be one of the most undervalued shotgun microphones. In this video, we’ll go over my pros and cons after owning the Røde NTG3 shotgun microphone for 10 years. Grab yourself a coffee (or a tea, if that’s what you’re into) and let’s get into it!
🎵 EpidemicSound 30 Day Trial: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
🛒 Rode NTG3: geni.us/tiELO
🛒 Rode Blimp: geni.us/qfIlEqJ
🛒 Rode WS7: geni.us/0S76Y
🛒 KTek Avalon Boom: geni.us/HXUAcU
🛒 Rode NTG3 Ultimate: bit.ly/3td2RZj
🛒 Sound Devices MixPre-6 II: geni.us/cLaY
🎥 Gear I Use to Make Videos: kit.co/randyrektor/my-gear
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Table of Contents:
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0:00 - Intro
0:07 - Sound Recording
0:23 - Overview
1:04 - Price
1:47 - Rode NTG-3
2:22 - Foam Pop Shield
2:44 - Mic Clip
3:04 - Rode WS7 Deluxe Windshield
3:32 - Rode Blimp & Dead Wombat
3:54 - Additional Accessories
4:56 - KTek Avalon Boompole
5:16 - Price Savings
5:27 - Sound Test
6:00 - Pros
7:42 - Cons
8:31 - Wrap Up
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📱Let’s Chat:
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▸ Twitter - / randyrektor
Instagram - / randyrektor
My wife, @Bailey Pelkman and I - • I Just Called To Say I...
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Main Gear Use to Make My Videos:
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Camera:
▸ Panasonic GH5 - geni.us/J5vV
Lenses:
▸ Sigma 16mm f1.4 m4/3 (best all around) - geni.us/ukbf
▸ Sigma 30mm f1.4 m4/3 (best broll) - geni.us/tf7rAZ4
Audio:
▸ Rode VideoMic Pro+ (on camera mic) - geni.us/eXoqV
▸ Deity Pocket Wireless (wireless lav) - geni.us/PocketWireless
▸ Rode NTG-3 (shotgun mic) - geni.us/tiELO
▸ Sound Devices MixPre-6 II (mobile recorder) - geni.us/cLaY
Lighting:
▸ Godox VL200 (key light) - geni.us/v3YA
▸ Neewer SL-12 (pocket sized rgb accent light) - geni.us/NeewerSL12
Complete Gear List:
▸ kit.co/randyrektor
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Disclaimer:
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Some of the links in my video descriptions are affiliate links, which means at no extra cost to you, I will make a small commission if you click them and make a qualifying purchase. If you have a different purchase in mind, you can also use these storewide links below.
🛒 Amazon Recording Deals - amzn.to/38uUPTz
🛒 Deity Microphones - www.deitymic.com/?aff=205
🛒 B&H Great Deals - bhpho.to/3jbRcGA
🚘 Free Tesla Supercharger Miles - ts.la/randy25577
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Monetarily Supporting The Channel:
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If you wish to support, you can donate via PayPal here:
www.paypal.me/randyrektor
This is appreciated and really helps the channel, but it is not necessary to enjoy my content.
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#Rode #NTG3 #RodeMic

[@rodemic]

This is a really great video! 10 years! Wow!

[@randyrektor]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@Clinterus]

Hey Rode! Love your stuff. I'm debating between a Rode NT1 and a Lewitt LCT 440 Pure for my next mic. If you sent Randy an NT1 to review it would sure help me make my decision! Just saying ;)

[@Clinterus]

One of my favourite vids you've done so far. Great job! The brush part killed me.

[@randyrektor]

Thanks for watching man! Gotta find all the uses possible lol!

[@TheWoodFiredOvenChef]

Great video. Thanks for the information and clear presentation.

[@randyrektor]

Thanks so much for the kind words!

[@itsjarodlucas]

Great video man, super quality!

[@randyrektor]

Hey thanks a bunch!! :)

[@smartideas-pedro1690]

Just got a used one for $300. Black Version. I'm in love with the sound.

[@randyrektor]

Dang what a steal! Always been jealous of the black model. Enjoy!

[@ngchinann9782]

Awesome review, Randy

[@randyrektor]

Thank you kindly

[@juanvictorvv]

Nice review, thanks

[@randyrektor]

Thank you!

[@ChaosOfMadnes]

That was a helpful video thank you

[@randyrektor]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PavelSupanenka]

That's my favorite microphone. Bought it long time ago and it still works just perfectly!

[@randyrektor]

Can’t believe how long it’s lasted. Still in new condition.

[@Shalin.S.Shah.]

You just got a new sub with your wife's joke! She is adorable so is your video. I am getting a pre-owned Rode NTG3 for 500 CAD. Seems like an absolute steal. Please let me know if you have any tips for what to look into in a pre-owned mic

[@kimeriksson7445]

Wow, that intro gave me some crazy asmr-type tingles - wasn't expecting that from a shotgun mic such as this. Just based on that I guess this mic would work well for voiceover.

[@randyrektor]

If you look up Dmitri from MassageASMR, he uses 2 of them :)

[@Lennon_W]

nice video man !!!

[@randyrektor]

Thank youuu 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@visionarywatts]

I own the black version! Very good video!

[@randyrektor]

Hey, thanks man! And congrats again on the 1K. Get that $$$

[@pradeepsalla8386]

Hi Randy, Nice video budd. 1. How did you fix in k tek boom pole cstand. The ones you have it in gear is no longer available. 2. Any upgraded version of NTG3 which is best like this ? 3. Can you also show the setup of NTg3 to mixer

[@coldbumby]

Cool video thank you

[@randyrektor]

Thanks for watching :)

[@PetraKann]

Rather than limiting the possible applications for the NTG3 based on its middle to upper price range, why not compare its actual performance and frequency response etc with other shotgun mics? I have found that this particular shotgun mic by Rode can match and in many cases out-perform mics that are twice the price or more. Superb clarity and sensitivity (plus a 10 year warranty)

[@randyrektor]

I’d love to have other shotgun mics to compare it to, but I don’t have any on hand. Totally agree, it’s a rockstar and well worth the price tag!

[@baileypelkman]

You were a cutie ten years ago and still a cutie now 😉 great product review!!

[@randyrektor]

No idea why you stuck around.

[@kevinciotta]

man you really got with your dog hahaha thats so funny!!!

[@randyrektor]

lol!! She kept waking in my shot so I had to make use lol!!

[@evanwiebe7096]

Now I want to buy this

[@randyrektor]

Think of all the jokes you could record

[@pradeepsalla8386]

Great video budd, thank you! 1. Dumb question: how does this gets power … batteries? If we are to constantly recording how to ensure we have power some dummy power cables like that ? 2. Does this generate another separate file and then we have to sync in video and audio files together? If yes, can you share any video links/tutorials?

[@randyrektor]

The mic is powered with phantom power from your interface or mixer. If you record to an external device, you will need to sync the audio in post

[@ssvr]

Randy, is there any lavalier mic that could approximate the nice warmth/bass of the NTG3 for a lower price? Or is that type of audio quality just not possible in a smaller lav mic? Thanks so much for any tips!

[@randyrektor]

You can definitely get a nice warm sound with a lav. Most reality TV is filmed exclusively with lavs, so you can get great results! I find lavs can be pretty crappy in the cheaper end, but if you were to look for a midrange one, you can likely get some great results! Wired lavs are great, but you obviously have to be within the cable’s length. Also make sure to try different placement. Taped to the chest works wonders!

[@TreyDaze]

Noob question. I want to run one of these to my Canon 1DX Mark II that doesn’t have built in xlr inputs. What do you recommend using to connect the NTG3 to my Canon 1DXII???

[@randyrektor]

Siiiiiick, what a beast of a camera! You'll need to find something that will allow you to supply the mic with phantom power. If your camera doesn't have an XLR, jump over to B&H and type in "Camcorder XLR Adapters". You should find some that turn the XLR into 3.5mm mic jacks. Those should do the trick. I think some are around $50. Hope this helps man!

[@randyrektor]

Yooo I see you're in the Model Y fam! I've got one in white :) The black does look darn good

[@TreyDaze]

@@randyrektor Nice man!!! We’re getting ready to move to Germany!!! We are going to get a White MY next!!!

[@randyrektor]

Oooooo nice!!! Man, such fun cars!

[@PersonalPower]

Hi Randy, I have a NTG3 and I'm recording through a zoom h5. I've done some acoustic treatment of my room but my voice overs seem to have a metallic sound. (Feel free to check ou a video on my channel to see what I mean) Can you tell me how to fix that? I record at -12 to -18 and loudness normalize when exporting the video. Really hope you have some tips

[@randyrektor]

Hey man, nice job with your videos! I think they sound really nice. Are you doing some noise reduction in post? Sometimes that can cause a bit of metallic 'ringing' in the audio. I also think I heard a noise gate tuning on and off sometimes. I would recommend a little less noise reduction. I hope this may be helpful!

[@PersonalPower]

@@randyrektor I always thought they sounded ok until I listened to them on my smartphone and compared it to the sound of other youtubers. I'll definitely try less noise reduction in my next videos! Thanks for the quick response!

[@randyrektor]

Oh man smartphones tell such an unflattering story. I always sound so sibilant on my smartphone. Good luck with your vids :)

[@randomrazr]

i normally record and talk behind the camera, would this work well for that?

[@randyrektor]

Absolutely, you can mount this with a shoe adapter to the top of your camera and spin it around. I’d you’re looking for a microphone for your camera, the VideoMic Pro Plus from Rode is great. I have a video on that using it exactly how you’re describing!

[@randomrazr]

is the ntg5 a better mic? or the videomic ntg?

[@randyrektor]

I actually don’t have experience with either, but a great idea for a video! 👌🏻

[@SarahChicharro]

I just bought this Rode NGT3 mic for my KZbin videos. Do you have any advice on how to set it up? It’s arriving on Wednesday!

[@randyrektor]

Holy smokes! Thats awesome :) Congrats on the upgrade! If you have a tall enough boom stand, I would recommend booming it in right in front of your head about 8-10" away and pointing down. If you don't have a tall enough stand, you can also boom from below the frame. I know Marques Brownlee does this on his channel and his audio is awesome. Definitely try to get the mic as close as possible so there's less room noise in the signal :) Hope this helps!!

[@SarahChicharro]

@@randyrektor yes I do have a tall boom stand and will set it up there. Thank you!

[@randyrektor]

@@SarahChicharro Awesome! I hope you've been enjoying it! :)

[@mrtechie6810]

@@randyrektor In that position it would directly capture the noise of keystrokes!

[@randyrektor]

@@mrtechie6810 I suppose if you’re typing, then yes. She didn’t say anything about using a keyboard. :p

[@lukezimmer6504]

Check one two got me 😂💀

[@randyrektor]

She thinks she’s a comedian now 😂

[@method341]

hey dude, what size lens are you using and is it APS-C or full frame? I'm guessing 24mm?

[@randyrektor]

This would’ve been shot on my old GH5 (micro 4/3) with a Sigma 16mm Prime (32mm after the 1.5x crop). I’ve since moved onto a S5IIx with a Sigma 24-70mm full frame for the versatility.

[@claudioagmfilho]

🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷👏🏻, Juat as good as the MKH 416...

[@randyrektor]

I love it!

[@lordlightdob1509]

Please Please tell me please do i need cable XLR F to XLR M to use my NTG3 with ZOOM H8 when i use the Blimp and The Boom RODE ? And which one you think is the best for filmmaking and cinema ? NTG3 or NTG4+ ? Thank you sooooo much ❤ Great work . thank you

[@randyrektor]

Hey there, you will need an XLR F to XLR M to use it with your Zoom. The mic plugs into the handle of the Blimp, but you'll need a cable to get from the handle to the recorder. Also, I'd recommend the NTG3, it's a much better quality microphone. Check out Caleb Pike DSLR Shooter on KZbin. He did a video shooting out 10 shotgun microphones in this price range. He compares these two microphones. :) Hope this helps!

[@randyrektor]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYK2gmBsZt9oopY Here's the link!

[@lordlightdob1509]

@@randyrektor OMG It didn't just help... , This is a great and complete response 🙏 I owe you a lot . Thank you very much ❤

[@randyrektor]

Happy to help! :D

[@timmark4190]

Whats the mike you are using in this video?

[@randyrektor]

I’m using the NTG3 :p it’s not in the tube when I’m holding it. Hollywood magic is what I’d like to believe 😂😂

[@arhauz9719]

hi sir, do i need 24-48v phantom power to trigger the NTG3?

[@randyrektor]

Yes, you’ll need phantom power to use this.

[@arhauz9719]

@@randyrektor thank you sir

[@senzayyzone]

What mic was used on this video?

[@randyrektor]

I used the Rode NTG3. I had to be sneaky about what parts were voice over and what parts actually had the mic in the shot. All NTG3 though :)

[@jayrey7]

I'm so confused which one I should go for my set up. The NTG 5 or the NTG 3.

[@randyrektor]

It's my understanding that the NTG5 is significantly lighter, although the NTG3 has significantly superior RF rejection and weather sealing (moisture resistant). It's really up to you what's valuable for your work. Hope this helps!

[@jayrey7]

@randyrektor I'm actually aiming more toward the 5 due to all the accessories that come with and the quality of that 5. I watched many videos of the two. I want both but I just need one to start with.

[@kekeslider]

she killed it lol

[@randyrektor]

That will go straight to her head 😂

[@samuelguce]

getting some real bad cliping with this mic - camera set to -10db but still clips with louder voices

[@randyrektor]

Interesting, how are you plugging into your camera? What’s providing phantom power?

[@samuelguce]

@@randyrektor plugging in via xlr from mic and an Alvin's Cables (5 Pin Male To XLR 3 Pin Female) attached to Zcam S6 - enabled phantom on the camera and taken audio input down to lowest setting (-10db) Normal talking is fine but any raising of the voice clips - perhaps I am too close to subject or mic pointed to directly at mouths

[@randyrektor]

You should have more flexibility that that. Is your camera setting on Line or Mic? Try switching that, it may help!

[@samuelguce]

@@randyrektor No option on the zcam to choose - perhaps my mic placement is not good - I have been attaching the ntg3 to the side of my camera pointed straight at the mouths of people so maybe too direct?

[@hammer86_]

@4:06 LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL

[@randyrektor]

I like a thorough test.

[@Clinterus]

That was my favourite part too.

[@woodpecked3D]

Its crazy to see that we are at a technology cap on media devices… who would of thought buying a 10 year old mic would still be a great choice. Our tvs are 4k and really cant get much better Our microphones are basicly capped for quality Our phones and tablets barely upgrade each year.. my brother still has iphoneX and its screen quality is just as good as my iphone12

[@randyrektor]

Yea that’s some really interesting food for thought. Microphones have really been capped for a while, haven’t they. I’m anxious to see what’s next in the world of audio recording. Like more immersive 3D recording or something. Hard to incision what’s next, but I totally agree with you!

[@randyrektor]

The fluff on my shirt probably bugs me more than it bugs you.

[@rodemic]

I didn't even realise it was there till you told me about it... now I can't stop looking at it

[@randyrektor]

@@rodemic It really steals the show.

[@general8284]

US$699??? I got it for AU$635.

[@randyrektor]

Really? Maybe home court advantage? Not sure if they are always better priced in Australia for that reason, but they are still 699usd on B&H US.. $999 here in Canada