Deity S-Mic 2 vs Sennheiser MKH-416 vs Rode NTG5 - Sound Speeds

[@leonardblaesing]

Hi Allen, I really like your channel and your videos! They give great and detailed input! But now to my question: How are your thoughts on the S-Mic 2 and the NTG5 after 2 years of having them? I find the test results of the S-Mic 2 differ really big, for exaple in your video I really like it, and in Parker Walbecks (which you commented really detailed) it sounded really cheap. On the other hand I am reading/hearing from more and more NTG5 users who have reliability issues with it producing weird noises, which would be an absolute no-go for me. I find generally both punch above their pricetag and generally having a good sound quality. Thank you and greetings from Germany!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you for this question. It is indeed a great one. Wow, has it been two years already? Geez. Let me start by saying that I have used them both very seldomly since this video. Maybe as little as 1-3 times per year but I have never had an issue with either personally. If you browse my comments you'll see some people having to switch out the NTG5 multiple times due to it making noises. While multiple microphones doing the exact same thing would lead me to testing on different systems to see if I had a problem, many have other mics that don't have issues so I'd suspect the NTG5 too even if there were multiples. If the NTG5 works for you, it'll likely make you happy. The kit of accessories it comes with is still unmatched at it's price point and the S-Mic 2 would likely be about the same price if it came with everything the NTG5 does. The S-Mic 2 is solid as a rock though. Aside from the occasional anomaly, I haven't heard of any reliability issues that would concerns me. The thing is though, the S-Mic 2 may be detailed but it doesn't have that full sound you may expect from competitors. Another concern is that it doesn't reject out nearly as much noise off axis however, off axis noise doesn't sound terribly colored as with other mics. So you hear more background noise but it doesn't sound sonically displeasing. I don't think I've encountered another microphone in the past 2 years that I recommend more than the NTG5 at that price point though. All those accessories on top of a good sounding mic makes it tough to beat but in a studio with a controlled environment or in harsh conditions like rain or humidity, I still like the S-Mic 2 and recommend it often. Thank you for this question!

[@BushMasterThermal]

​@@SoundSpeeds Is there a reason for this... Why would you pick the Deity S-Mic 2 for Harsh Conditions, Rain and high humidity over the Rode NTG5 ? The NTG is also RF and Weather Resistant what's the difference with the Deity to be picked over the NTG for this use case. "I don't think I've encountered another microphone in the past 2 years that I recommend more than the NTG5 at that price point though. All those accessories on top of a good sounding mic makes it tough to beat but in a studio with a controlled environment or in harsh conditions like rain or humidity, I still like the S-Mic 2 and recommend it often." Does this mean the Deity S-Mic 2 was treated much better to avoid Humidity and Moisture interference and Damage? Planning to use this in the Caribbean, beach, hiking, rain forest, camping, fishing trips and mostly outdoors use. All can include chance of rain and high humidity levels and small splashes Either the NTG5 or Deity S-Mic 2

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'm not taking anything or giving false praise. The S-Mic 2 sounds good in many ways. During the Epic Live Stream of 2021 it was the mic I switched to about 4 hours in and sounded better than the mic twice the price that I started with. If you watch my S-Mic 2 video you hear me talk about the epoxy sealed DC bias circuitry and natural sound despite less off axis rejection than some comparable mics. It should do fine at the beach.

[@BushMasterThermal]

​@@SoundSpeeds Thanks for the update! Truly Sound Speed Would be nice to see someone actually dissect these mics and see how well each of them are made for immunity to Humidity and rain / drizzles. Yes indeed Deity is fully geared towards Field and On Location Sound Recording, But how would the MKH 416 hold up? Would the Deity Build Quality be better against even the MKH 416 against humidity, rain and accidental splash, due to it's fully epoxy coated circuit board? Who knows if the MKH 416 and Rode NTG also have this treatment done to their circuit board or not? Deity is the Only Audio Company doing this for their customers? I think we need to dig deeper and take a look at internal construction of many of these RF-Bias Microphones. Deity may just end up being the King of continuous High Humidity Operation without issue. Sennheiser MKH416 may also be epoxy coated? As no one has ever complained of this mic failing them if only ever used in extreme situations, Extreme humidity , Rain, Mist, Fog, Morning Dew? For the Price though surely can't go wrong and built like a tank.

[@SoundSpeeds]

There are pictures of the insides of the 416 online. No epoxy that I remember, just RF bias. I have used the 416 in high humidity though without an issue. I've even used it in the rain and at that time the mic only experienced issues when we got water into the XLR connector between two 100' XLRs.

[@GooseWayneTV]

You and that boom pole just made my day. Thanks bro.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Awesome. Always glad to make your day. Thanks for watching.

[@50450720]

Congratulations on a proper, real world review. I wish every review was this thorough.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you. :-) And thanks for watching.

[@mikemoller5259]

Love this posting and thank you for sharing ... Impressed with the Deity S-Mic 2 , and how is sounds inside the living room . I noticed in the second clip that the 416 was a bit more present ... I like the NTG5 too ... I have used the 416 for ages because of working in dusty , sometimes damp environments , but now its time to look around !! Awesome to have subscribed to you're channel I will learn a ton from you .... Peace ...

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you and thank you for subscribing and watching.

[@menoats]

That was the most amazing boom pole I have ever seen.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Ambient makes amazing booms!

[@juzzypham7421]

thank you so much for the work you've done. Amazing information, I love the 416 Mic, it got warm, depth and more punch compare to other two. Love it!!

[@SoundSpeeds]

It's a tough one to beat for $1K

[@juzzypham7421]

Is it still $1K in America Allen?

[@SoundSpeeds]

It was when I last looked.

[@InfinitelyQurious]

Man, these all sound sooo similar. The differences are really subtle. The Sennheiser MKH-416 always sounds the best (in literally every comparison I've ever heard), but the others in the pack all sound alike. Would be interested to see/hear a blind test between some mics $300-$1,000.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I may eventually do some others. Stay tuned.

[@mikpineda]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! My request *our request* has been granted! heheheh! Will keep my Deity SMIC2 as backup! thanks so much!

[@SoundSpeeds]

This video has been in the works since before I released the NTG5 video. Glad you liked it.

[@BenG64646]

Hey man real cool vid right there. I recently purchased a MKH 416 that was even checked by Sennheiser and it’s genuine and technically working 100%. When I’m using both my NTG3 and the MKH416 at about 50 cm distance and talk quietly indoors, I can definitely hear more hiss on the MKH416 than on the NTG3. It really does not add up with your video. You’re much much further away and noise is no issue.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Are you sure you bought a genuine MKH-416? The 416 is one of the most counterfeited microphones online. If I were you, I'd start looking up genuine vs counterfeit 416s and see if I count find out if you bought the real deal. Of you didn't spend at least $800 for yours, I can almost guarantee you bought a counterfeit.

[@BenG64646]

Thanks for the very quick reply! I’d say I’m 100% certain it’s genuine because I had Sennheiser themselves look at it. Not only did they attest that it’s genuine, they also swapped internals cause of some electronic component not working properly or something. Only headscratcher: after the service, this hiss remains. And that really is astonishing to me. I mean the NTG3 and the MKH 416 are supposed to have the same a-weighted noise floor. But I can hear more hiss on the 416. am I just being extremely picky? Haha! Cheers!

[@SoundSpeeds]

That is really weird. I'll have to think on that one. Sennheiser should have caught the hiss... Hmmm...

[@BenG64646]

I mean, don't get me wrong I'm in no business to tell you what to do in your vids. But only if you're maybe interested in that topic sometime: I sat in quiet room, 50cm (whatever that is in inches ^^) away from both mics and talking quietly on purpose to create a rather extreme situation. I recorded both mics into a MixPre6 and I'm supprised anyhow cause I have to feed the MKH416 with more gain than the RODE NTG3. Is that plausible to you? cause per sheet it should need about the same amount as the NTG3, maybe a little less, but not several dB more, right? (last question, promise! and I'm really grateful that u're answering anyhow! greetings from leipzig, germany :) ) @@SoundSpeeds

[@SoundSpeeds]

That's correct. The gain on the two mics should be virtually identical. To cover your bases try swapping cables into the mics and see if the level on the NTG3 goes low or if the hiss and gain issues follow the mic.

[@unapologeticallyconfused3402]

Best shotgun mic review. I'm in the market for one and didn't want to break the bank. Thank you for the pure technical and ubaised comparison.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing. Thank you for watching.

[@ThongNguyen-fl9jp]

Oh man, this was one of the BEST comparison videos! That boom pole length!!! That spider "accident" was magic! The kindness of the leafblower guy! Honestly, I think I learned more about mic distances, placement, and environments than I did choosing a mic to buy. So maybe that's the real lesson I should take away. But which mic was your favorite!?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you for the comment. Yeah, real world tests are important to me. The Synco does a decent job but I very much prefer either of it's competition in this video. Thanks for watching.

[@ZietInvests]

This video deserves so much more views!!!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you. I'm a small channel and there's a lot of competition.

[@ZietInvests]

@@SoundSpeeds i dont know about them but im definitely gonna watch your videos for any audio equipment reviews and comparisons in the future!

[@SoundSpeeds]

I have a playlist with quite a few microphone reviews.

[@EdoDijkgraaf]

He did it again. One's got to love the man.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Awwwww... shucks.

[@navireljan1857]

Here are my deep and simplified analyzation. S-Mic 2 sounds very nasal and produces little hallow noise on the noisy background. MKH-416 is very bright and has those high frequency leaks that helps it with those clarity. NTG5 really sounds natural, clear, and sounds like MKH-416 without those high frequency. To be honest the old microphone 416 and the newly released NTG5 is very very close and just barely NTG5 made it on top. It's just like what you hear in person is what you hear in NTG5 if i'm not wrong with your voice. Given the price value, NTG5 is a win win again and may be for any type of voice if further test is given. Great great video for those who are making purchase decision! Expecting for more videos man!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you and thank you for watching. I think the S-mic 2 is very natural sounding. My voice is slightly nasally but not to the point that the Synco Mic-D2 makes me sound. I like all 3 of these mics for different reasons but the NTG5 is one I'd buy over the 416 if I had to choose or would be given one.

[@navireljan1857]

@@SoundSpeeds Totally right i'm actually very impressed with S-mic 2 with it's given price point and has really small issues and really just small stuff.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Even though it doesn't have as much rejection, it sounds more natural off axis. That's one reason I like it so much.

[@KylerGamesT]

thanks for your review and the testing in various conditions. this is good and clear.

[@SoundSpeeds]

That's my goal. Thanks for watching!

[@Mike0193Azul]

Fantastic comparison video 💚 very helpful Learned a lot from this All fantastically impressive mics (as is that boom pole)

[@SoundSpeeds]

I love that boom. Thanks for watching

[@AndrewGarrisonIndieFilm]

Thanks for these tests, Allen. My one wish is for an additional test to hear coloration in the mics as you move off-axis.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Gotcha. I know many channels demonstrate that but I personally champion the idea that real world testing in real environments shows accurate results. I listen to off axis coloration and attenuation but find myself constantly wanting to hear mics in real environments to give myself an idea how they really sound.

[@seanp2k617]

really great comparison and education along the way!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you and thank you for watching.

[@enriquekahn9405]

Thanks for this great video! It's very illuminating to hear a direct comparison between these three mics. They all seem to perform very well in the booth. I thought the Sennheiser would win but after hearing them I honestly think it's going to be down to personal preference and maybe what works best with your particular voice between the Rode and the Sennheiser. The Deity is not as good as the others but it's by no means a bad mic, in fact I would say it's really good if we weren't comparing with the other two. I thought there was much more of a difference when Booth Junkie did his comparison between the Deity and Sennheiser, which may come down to his voice or something in the recording chain. But even so, he was able to EQ the Deity to sound very very close to the Sennheiser. In the outdoors tests I thought the Deity was blown out of the water by other two in the most extreme conditions, but still very good in most circumstances. Here I was considering off-axis noise rejection mostly. In the untreated indoors tests I was listening for reverb. I honestly felt it was pretty much a wash. By the point reverb became bad on one of them they were all bad. There seems to be a difference in the character of the reverb they picked up though. I don't know enough to form an opinion here. Overall, although the Deity performed the least well of the three I feel like it does give the best value. That said, if you're already dropping $350 on a mic you can probably afford the $500 for the Rode? I think the Rode actually beat out the Sennheiser overall but I could definitely see someone preferring the Sennheiser despite the significant price disparity, especially since the Sennheiser has that "the one to have" reputation. Listening on AT-40x, through a Behringer interface.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Great input. This is one reason I do testing outside of controlled environments. Detail and clarity are the big factors in controlled environments because you're not using rejection or have much off axis coloration. Mike and I collaborated 2 years ago on a video and it was a lot of fun. Check it out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaSWf35nhcRng9k

[@adamjozsa3318]

Absolutely excellent video, and your input on the comments is just amazing! Hats off!!!!! Thanks for the content, extra helpful, respect!!! Btw, as for my opinion: MKH clear winner, with perfect ratio of body and highs, the Deity seemed having a weird nasally-like boost in the high-mids, the Rode very close to the MKH, without the sparkly highs. So I think going with the Rode, and applying a gentle high shelf would be the shortest route to achieving the MKH sound, whereas working with the Deity would require "repairing" it's tone, searching for that offending curve, also applying a bit of high shelf. So I think less post work with Rode, it being 90% close to the MKH.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Awesome. Thank you for saying that and for watching.

[@adamjozsa3318]

@@SoundSpeeds yoo you reply fast haha :) I just edited my comment, in case you're interested in my findings :)

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you for that. I reply fast when I can and when KZbin notifies me. Another thing to consider between the NTG5 and S-Mic 2 is the included kit. By the time you add a furry, shockmount and everything else the NTG5 comes with, they are a closer match in price so that should be considered too.

[@adamjozsa3318]

@@SoundSpeeds Yepp, certainly an important perspective! All the best man, currently checking out all your other videos, a gold-mine-like channel you have!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you and enjoy. :-)

[@dantediego]

wow! I didn't even know these mics could pick up sound that well at these distances. thanx for making this

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing. Most of my shotgun reviews have this kind of testing. Takes forever to shoot and edit but it's the only way to really hear the sound of the mics in though situations.

[@Sosha666]

Long as you take mumblers out of the equation.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Totally.

[@00solman]

Love the outtake! I'm going to go with the Deity BUT I'm watching this with not amazing IEMs

[@SoundSpeeds]

I like what each mic brought to the test. I do really like the natural S-Mic 2 unembellished sound though.

[@ili6065]

Very usefull!!! Very! Thanks alot. I`ve almost about to buy deity))) Now I see it is obviously better to buy used MKH.

[@SoundSpeeds]

With decades longer in the field and 4X higher price, I'd hope so

[@hoodaffairstv]

The rode sounded consistent in each situation. It had less reverb in the garage and room as well. Atleast from what I thought I was hearing.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Great analysis. How were you listening? Headphones? Which ones?

[@hoodaffairstv]

@@SoundSpeeds actually watched this on my phone and no headphones..

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@hoodaffairstv Really? Wow. Watch again with headphones. I'd love to hear your thoughts once you do.

[@hoodaffairstv]

@@SoundSpeeds just listened with my laptop and headphones .. Rode still sounded consistent with the character of its sound and it sounded like the other two mikes were trying to ajust to its environment .. the 416 kept its sound in most situations but the hisses and plosives were handled way better by the rode also in each environment ..

[@SoundSpeeds]

Great feedback. Thanks for listening on headphones and following up

[@dovgurewicz]

Excellent video thank you!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you for watching

[@rolardnb]

Amazing comparison vid! Thanks

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you and thank you for watching!

[@instructormatt_]

Great comparison! I’m happy with my S-Mic 2, especially given the price difference.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sleep sound my friend. It's a good mic.

[@lelandbobpalmer]

I thought I should get the Deity...not any more.... I think I will get a NTG-5! That seems like the "bang for buck". Wish I could justify getting the 416, as it just sounds the best/most pleasing to my ears (and all tests and comparisons I've heard). BUT, the NTG-5 is close enough and the last bit can be corrected with EQ... Thanks for the video!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Certainly and thank you for watching. Please considering using my link in the description when ordering.

[@iancraig]

I love that Rode. Really nice.

[@SoundSpeeds]

It does. I like them each for their own merits though... hence why I made this comparison.

[@matthewdavidking]

The MKH clearly is the richest sounding. Rode is most natural. Deity is a bit more dull.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Very good. :-)

[@doubledark2]

great review! would luv to see a similar test of lav mics (ie noisy / reverb environments)

[@SoundSpeeds]

I did review Every Deity lav mic exactly as you're describing and then some. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYfLhpWnr7xgiqs

[@freddumartin7878]

OK the low noise level on the new Rode is just another league, it's shocking as you putting more distance between you and the mics and raising the gain to keep the same level. The highs and the sibilance of the 416 are just killing my ears in my headphones, maybe your voice is on a high note and I'm not used to it yet (I just discovered your channel today, subbed), no big deal anyway to EQ. They all sound great. To my ears, the 416 has more clarity but more noise, the Rode is more neutral with a crazy good noise level and less definition, the Deity is very close to the 416 for a third of the price but the rejection and directional pattern are the worse of the 3. I would pick the Rode NTG5 rather than the Deity S2 because I like how it sounds better. At $499 with the complete package of accessories I think it's a great value.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Great analysis. I like all 3 of these microphones for different reasons which is why I felt like they should be compared. I find that it's very important to listen to mics and come up with your own conclusions which is why I'm not stating my opinion in this comparison. In controlled environments, you can't often tell much except a microphone's detail and clarity but that's not something you can find on a spec sheet. On that note, specs are measured at a distance of 1 meter from a coaxial test speaker and we don't use mics 1 meter away in anechoic chambers so they do us less good than people believe. Thank you for watching, commenting and subscribing. :-)

[@freddumartin7878]

@@SoundSpeeds You reviews are very good. I think it's a great idea to do the real world tests you are doing. Without stating too much of your opinion, it would be a nice addition to give examples of situations where each mic you are testing would perform the best, based on your experience. I was about to pull the trigger on the 416 + zoom h6 bundle ($1069) but I will probably go with the Rode and the little brother videoMic NTG that I can put on my camera (I like the USB they add to it, can't wait to see your review). Thanks!

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@freddumartin7878 Thank you for the complement. This was a gear comparison and I leave my opinion out of those in order to encourage opinions without influence. Everyone hears differently and I don't find many comparisons to be fair because they use language leading you to favorites on the outset. In my reviews, I do critique and give opinions though. All of these mics I like and for various reasons. Not sure I'll be reviewing the NTG camera mic yet but if they send me one, I certainly will.

[@rewind10z]

Hey! I'm starting to invest in my own equipment and I'm kinda torn between the NTG5 and the MKH 416. I do a lot of corporate work. And budget isn't really a concern. What makes me think the NTG5 would be nice is the really nice off-axis sound... Since I'm the solo sounds guy... when somebody is moving around a lot and is getting in and out of the sweet spot a bit when the mic is in a stand... It also makes me think it would work better indoors... But what makes lean towards the 416 is that it sounds like the signal has already been processed. Usually there's not much audio post happening for the stuff I do so I thought it might be nice if the audio already sounded a bit processed/mixed right of the box. I thought that clients might enjoy that too. It's a bit a case of trying to convince people that it's worth hiring a audio guy... A lot of people I work with don't get the that "sound is half the picture." They usually work with budget shotgun mics and the picture quality doesn't really match the audio quality. I hope you understand what I mean and maybe you can help me decide. Thanks!!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Between the 415 and the 416 I'd go 416. Between the 416 and NTG5 if budget isn't a concern, go 416. There's a reason it's been a industry standard for decades. The NTG5 does sound good though. If you are using it just for sit down interviews and looking for a finished sound, consider an MKH-50. Again though, the 416 is bulletproof.

[@rewind10z]

@@SoundSpeeds Oh, that was a typo. I meant just the 416 vs NTG5. Not 415. Haha Yeah, that's what I thought! I guess I'll go 416 then. Thanks for the quick response! I really appreciate it!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing. Thanks for watching

[@nathanksimpson]

What an extremely detailed reveiw! You gave so many examples and I learned a lot about mic placement and its consequences in different environmnets. Personally I feel like the 416 is a little brittle/sharp but apparently that's by design because actor dialogue needs to cut through varaious other sounds so often. Personally if it was just simple dialogue I'd pick the NTG5 but are any of these mics really made for indoors/small rooms? Again I think for indoors maybe I'd pick the NTG5?

[@SoundSpeeds]

They certainly can be if you know how to use them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpiTiWxmqZykmtU

[@ericallnight]

Thanks for doing this comparison!! They all sound good. I'm privy to the NTG5, esp cuz the 416 is almost double the price. Would love to hear your opinions and preferences given you have a pro audio nuanced ear.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Shoot me an email and I'll give you my thoughts. I don't want to affect people's opinions by posting my thoughts here.

[@organismx]

@@SoundSpeeds would love to hear your thoughts too.

[@SoundSpeeds]

You're welcome to as well although this last Thursday I went over some of that info in the LIVE stream that me, Podcastage and Booth Junkie did with Curtis Judd. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqSonI2jZt2cgKM

[@EddieInzauto]

Listening really hard with solid consumer over-ear bt headphones, I struggled to hear differences except for in the garage and living room. The Deity sounded a little thinner and less rich there. The Sennheiser had nicer bottom with a great balance of frequencies. The Rode had probably more bottom but less upper clarity. But damn, I struggled to hear these differences, tbh.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Microphones have gotten a lot better in recent years. Most people won't be able to hear or care what mic you use as long as it's good.

[@立此存照]

Thank you

[@SoundSpeeds]

Glad to help

[@imark7777777]

I like these demos but the problem I have with them like the road is that it fits the location so well. And yet I'm completely shocked I could still hear you.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I've never had an issue with it.

[@khlymore]

Hello I need your help. I'm going to buy the Senheiser MKH 416, but I like the MKH 8060. I found out that you can change the capsule from the MKH 8060 to the Sennheiser MZD 8000 Digital Microphone Module. I want to combine that with the RME Fireface UCX II on the AES port of RME. Do you think that would work? And is it worth it? It seems like no one has tested that mic with the digital module.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I would be very surprised if it doesn't work. What application are you wanting this for? Anything less than a recording studio and I doubt you'd be able to hear the difference of this setup and running the MKH-8060 to a MixPre or the like.

[@khlymore]

@@SoundSpeeds is for voice over but i want to record fully digital in AES42 FORMAT sounds better like that? can't find a sound test of the 8060 that way.

[@SoundSpeeds]

And you won't. That's probably a unique setup nobody in the world would use for voice-over. Very much overkill and I doubt you'd notice a difference running a stock MKH-8060 into a clean recorder and going this direction because the noise floor of the mic would be higher than the noise floor of your system in either configuration. You can spend however much you want but it's all bragging rights or what you want as opposed to functionality improvements to your workflow.

[@jacrab22]

Great Video. What brands of xlr cables do you use in field to connect your shotgun mic to H4N Pro or Tascam in the field.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Usually my own.

[@troyphillips1077]

The S mic 2 near the highway seems harsher on my ears in a slightly uncomfortable way . Here I’d choose the 416 or ngt5. I think I like the Rode the best here or is it hear ? I heard less background noise. The 416 vocals may be ever slightly better but also a slight harshness . The NGT 5 is the overall winner here to me but all are good . It’s a pleasing sound but maybe as technically perfect at reproducing all the vocal sounds as the other two

[@SoundSpeeds]

Excellent thought process. I find it important to be able to listen and compare. That way you can make your own decision. That's why I did this video. I think each brings it's own winning formula.

[@freddumartin7878]

Yep I agree with you, the harshness in the highs of the 416 are too aggressive for me, and the noise is significant. I like the neutral sound of the NTG5 and I'm impressed by the low noise level.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I do like all 3 mics but for different reasons. It's really awesome to be able to compare all three in the same video although it's not an easy test to conduct and very time consuming to edit.

[@zlatannn-b6u]

Great comparison video. For ASMR activity like grinding coffee, packing & unboxing tools, any suggest great mic for me? Any price doesn’t matter. Thanks man

[@SoundSpeeds]

NT1

[@zlatannn-b6u]

@@SoundSpeeds how about Schoeps CMC641 or MKH 8050?

[@SoundSpeeds]

They will work. Best to get a matched pair for stereo.

[@zlatannn-b6u]

@@SoundSpeeds you mean match pair with audio recorder?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Yes. When using two microphones on the same sound it's best for those microphones to pick up the sound as closely as possible. Most ASMR is stereo although it's technically not a requirement.

[@yarpenzigrin3684]

Hi Allen, great video, thanks a lot, I watched it couple of times to get the right feeling as I am about to decide between NTG5 and S-Mic2 (budget!) Quick question: the sound in 17:23 (longest pole in 'quiet' location) seems a bit different than eariler - looks like some audio processing applied. Am I correct or it is just my headphones? ;) If yes - please share what was it. PS: your other NTG3/4+/5 comparison is also great ;)

[@SoundSpeeds]

No audio processing of any kind was used during the audio tests. That wouldn't be fair. What I often to is raise the audio level as the mics go higher so that the audio level remains more constant and you can concentrate on listening to the sample more that adjusting your audio level.

[@yarpenzigrin3684]

@@SoundSpeeds Thanks for the prompt answer, appreciated ;) If you only increased the overall audio level (impacting whole track) - then the results of all mics are pretty satisfactory from my (amateur) perspective. Thanks again for your great videos and have a great upcoming holidays, greetings from Poland ;)

[@SoundSpeeds]

Certainly. Thank you for watching!

[@nozzleX]

Hi. I can not decide. Rode NTG5 or Sennheiser MKH-8060? Intended use is voice over and sound effects. Is the Sennheiser worth twice the price?

[@SoundSpeeds]

I have never considered the 8060 a voice over microphone. The NTG5 either to be honest. They both have a different sound and I don't know what you're going for. The 8060 has more of the MKH sound and the NTG5 would sound more natural sounding if that makes sense.

[@nozzleX]

@@SoundSpeeds Thank you very much for your answer. I will then research further, since it is an expensive purchase. Thanks also for the great content on KZbin. Your videos are very helpful. Many greetings from Germany.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing. Thanks for watching!

[@remektekmedia6641]

Great comparison! Thanks for doing these. My favourite is the NTG5. Price difference tot he S-Mic 2 is not so great when I factor in the accessories that are included in the box, which you don't get with the others.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I like them all for different reasons but you're right... the accessories help the NTG5 stand out from the pack.

[@freddumartin7878]

True! The accessories bundle makes the NTG5 the best value of the bunch.

[@SoundSpeeds]

And I love the partnership with Rycote for the modified and rebranded Invision Lyre shockmount.

[@thogan]

I have the NTG3 for outdoors usually in a Rode Blimp with dead cat cover and an AT4053b for indoors. I find the NTG3 when in the blimp with the dead cat cover makes low male voices sound too bassy and loses the higher frequencies in the voice. Do you think the MKH 416 would be better for use in a blimp with dead cat cover? Would the DPA 4017B be better yet? What do you recommend?

[@SoundSpeeds]

The MKH-416 is also rich in the low end like the NTG3 while the 4017b is flat and not embellished. The 4017b is my favorite microphone but if you are used to colored microphones, it can sound lacking at first.

[@NakeanWickliff]

It may not be worth your time but I have to imagine there are quite a few Sennheiser me64's out there with the k6 module. The price comes very close to both the ntg5 and the deity mic. Any thoughts off the top of your head concerning this mic. I have used it for years as I got it second hand for dirt cheap. I've always loved the sound compared to the Rode stuff that was in the same price range(Rode was way to base boomy with no presence). The Sennheiser was also much more sensitive. Basically...is it worth an upgrade? I'm working in mostly corporate situations and many times I have to hand over the sound and video which I know will not be sweetened later in post. Thanks for your time and effort!!

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'm familiar with it but have never heard it myself. I'll keep a loose eye out for one.

[@matthew.datcher]

At the beginning of the video (in the pristine environment) I found it difficult to tell the mics apart. Once you were outside, the differences were clearer. However, just because there were differences, I couldn't decide which I preferred. Then, as you lifted the mics above your head, I noticed that the S-Mic 2 was my least favorite, but the other two were neck and neck (your voice sounded the same but the traffic sounded so different). By the time you reached the top, I liked the MKH-416 best, not because of the sound of your voice but because there was less traffic rumble compared to the NTG5. My opinion of the mics in your quiet outdoor environment followed the same pattern. For your indoor tests, I never noticed so much difference between the MKH-416 and the NTG5. I like the MKH-416 better by a hair. But, the S-Mic 2 was my least favorite in all scenarios. Now I wish you could send your rig up to Booth Junkie and have him run his battery of tests.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Here's my professional opinion... mic specs are tested at 1 meter away from a coaxial test speaker but we use them far closer so you can't trust frequency response specs. In controlled environments many mics do sound the same because a huge deal of how they sound is how they interact with outside stimulus like reflections and off axis response. Detail and clarity are the two main things you'll hear and be able to compare in a controlled environment and neither shows up in specs. That's why I get disappointed by most reviews that only test mics close and in controlled environments.

[@Quarmacy]

I've already bought a NTG, but now I'm thinking I should refund it to get the NTG5. Do you think the NTG is good for the price, over the NTG5?

[@SoundSpeeds]

The Videomic NTG is a totally different kind of mic than the NTG5. If using on a camera, stay NTG. If using for booming or on a pro camera with XLR inputs, NTG5.

[@ashokkarlekar3911]

Great comparison..... all are good........!!!

[@SoundSpeeds]

10,000% agree!

[@nealpobrien]

Thank you for the review! Seemed the Rode on average managed the best and had a lower noise floor. Often felt your voice was just a little clearer. During your ntg3 comparison, I did prefer its sound in a treated room but these mics all have managed tricky situations well.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I was impressed by all of them especially at the quality for the price point. I still prefer the NTG5 to the 3 though.

[@rajanya7408]

@@SoundSpeeds hey, is there any comparison like this which you did between ntg3 and ntg5 ?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Yes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKabe3abf7xmh80

[@91darko]

Are there any sound/voice distortions from 40-50cm away and 30 degrees axis on Sennheiser MKH 416?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Not that I have noticed.

[@91darko]

@@SoundSpeeds Thank you for answering. I am teaching online and need a high-quality microphone to get my current one out of my face. But while teaching, I move a lot. I'm working on a standing desk, and I need it to work perfectly without distortions from 40cm-1.5m(The background is Elgato 2m green screen) and on a 30-degree axis from the microphone. In your opinion, would it cause any sound problems in those parameters?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Very possibly. If you room has no sound treatment then it may sound like you're recording in a bathroom if there's a lot of hard surfaces around. If your room is carpeted and walls treated, you'll be fine. It's more about the environment than the microphone. Many microphones will work well for you as long as your environment is configured for sound recording.

[@91darko]

@@SoundSpeeds My room is 12 m2. I have a sound blanket on the window as a curtain, a green screen behind me, carpet on the floor, sound-absorbing panels on the ceiling, and for the other sides, there are two large sound panels on the side wall, and there would three behind the microphone on the wall. The room is pretty packed, and there is no echo. In that situation, will Sennheiser make problems? or would it be better to go with Audio-Technica at4053b?

[@SoundSpeeds]

I can't suspect. Need to hear it.

[@videofabrique3636]

We moved to the Deity s-mic 2 coming from the Rode NTG 2. And that is a huge improvement in sound quality.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Totally. I'm assuming you didn't need self powering on a mic.

[@Excellent2009able]

Could you recommend a decent Cam Mic for recording music live ?it’s for live street gigs (I think a shotgun would be fine as it would be directed at an AER Domino 2A Amp.. We tried using an Apogee MiC (just perfect for live ‘indoor’ venues but too clean for outdoor gigs) I came across a few cam mics on eBay that I thought may suit & well priced , sE Electronics ProMic Laser, Deity D3, Rode video mic pro & Sennheisers.. I’m guessing the Sennheisers & Deity maybe a little bright? Does a deadcat soften the high end detail more or maybe too much compared to a foam windshield ? I would still like to have a little street ambience. Thanks 🙏🏻

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'm not an expert on cam mics so I'm not the best person to ask about that. Yes, adding wind protection reduces the mids and highs a bit. The more wine protection, the more it will reduce it and yes, it drops that detail a bit too.

[@Excellent2009able]

@@SoundSpeeds cheers thank you 🙏🏻

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing.

[@videologiapodcast]

Excellent video. I plan to buy an indoor interview microphone link to a dr60dmk2 tascam. Which one should NTG5 or S-mic2 choose?

[@SoundSpeeds]

That's your choice. Sound wise they are different so pick the one you like most. The NTG5 comes with everything you need in the kit but the S-Mic 2 only comes with a windscreen so you'd need to buy a shockmount and maybe outdoor wind protection to so they'll even out in price when you do that. Buy the one that sounds best to you.

[@shuttlebus8457]

Thanks

[@SoundSpeeds]

Glad to help

[@tbuelna]

I own the 416 and I just bought the S-Mic 2S as a backup mic. Trying to decide if I should send that back and pay the 200 difference for the NTG5....hmmmm.

[@SoundSpeeds]

It is a decision to make. Inside a controlled and treated room, the S-Mic 2 would be my choice but if you do location work, it would depend. You get a lot of accessories with the NTG5 and buying all of those for the S-Mic 2 would bring it much closer to $500 too.

[@Decenium]

S-mic 2 imo sounds the best, the NTG5 sounds a bit bass/mid boosted and the 416 sounds at times a tad artificial. Also, no post processing, does that mean you also applied no EQ?

[@SoundSpeeds]

The S-Mic 2 is more natural sounding, for sure. :-)

[@bradleypence5715]

In my opinion, the Senn is still king, but I'm probably buying the NTG5 for the time being because the difference isn't an extra $500 worth lol.

[@bradleypence5715]

Spectacular content by the way!

[@SoundSpeeds]

In this test it very much is competition. Personally, I'm over the MKH series extended bass so I'm liking the NTG5. The more you use it, the more you'll appreciate the less enhanced tone.

[@hnsjnthn]

hi i just found your channel and the way you do reviews are absolutely fantastic. you earn yourself a sub! I'm looking to get my first mic, for filmmaking (outdoor and indoor), interviews, and voiceover, which one would you recommend? i can get a used 416 for about 620usd; ntg5 for 510usd; and s mic 2 (the location kit, which include a shock mount and windshield) for 435usd.

[@hnsjnthn]

also some things to note, i'm not familiar yet with your voice nor that I know how you actually sound, but from what I heard the deity is a bit muffled here compared to the other two, which I'm not sure if that's a bad thing or a good thing. Also, if you know other better mics in this price range, please be so kind as to let me know. cheers!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Welcome aboard. Without knowing more about you or your situation here's what I'll say. The NTG5 is a 1 stop shop with everything you need in light and medium wind while you'd need to spend more to set up the 416 with shockmount and wind. The 416 is bulletproof and has a great resale value but the NTG5 is amazingly clear and natural with a 10 year warranty. If you can afford the 416 plus shockmount and wind options, I'll go that way but the NTG5 is an amazing bang for the buck. You'll love either and nobody will be able to tell a difference in your sound because you use one or the other. Both sound great.

[@hnsjnthn]

@@SoundSpeeds what about the s mic 2? Does the price point make ntg5 a more interesting pick up?

[@SoundSpeeds]

The S-Mic 2 is a fine mic but the location kit doesn't come with nearly as many accessories as the NTG5 does for the money. The S-Mic 2 is a more natural sounding mic but doesn't reject nearly as much as the NTG5

[@lc2c177]

Hi Alan! What's your opinion on the CS2 vs 416 in terms of internal noise floor? Also, for dialogue, XLR or wireless boom, which has the least amount of noise floor?

[@SoundSpeeds]

The CS-2 has a higher noise floor by spec. Ice never A/B compared them. Cabled boom will always have a lower noise floor than wireless provided you use high quality cable that doesn't pick up RFI/EMI, buzzing, etc from anything it crosses. That said, wireless (especially digital wireless) is quite amazing. Aside from the compression that comes along with wireless (which isn't often noticeable if it's gain staged correctly), you won't hear the noise floor on pro level digital wireless units. Analog or hybrids, you will.

[@pudgysquid817]

How about a comparison to the Oktava MK-012-2?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks for the comment but I'll not be doing that comparison. Sorry. One reason, I don't have a MK-012

[@Max27653]

Awesome comparison, the best I've found so far! Did you also test the NTG4? I need a mic for voice but also for recording for wildlife films from the distance. Do you have a clue which could be best for that purpose? I read that the 416 should be the narrowest one. I like the more warmer sound of the NTG5 in your comparison and it's also supposed to be moist proof like the 416 which is also an important factor for me

[@SoundSpeeds]

Close. I compared the NTG5 against the 3 and 4+. Between all the NTG short shotguns I prefer the 5 the best. It should work quite well for nature and voiceover and I prefer it to the 4+ anyday.

[@Morbhyd]

Hello ! I'm thinking of buying a shotgun mic for field recording and foley. Should I choose the S-Mic or the NTG5 ?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Great question and a tough one. The Rode NTG5 has more rejection and comes with all the accessories you need where the S-Mic 2 is flatter and more accurate to reality (if you want that) and doesn't come with all the accessories. By the time you buy the same.accessories, they are about the same. Rode = 10 year warranty. Deity = 3 year warranty. Personally I like them both but find myself grabbing the S-mic 2 more often than the NTG5 but many people I know do the opposite.

[@Morbhyd]

@@SoundSpeeds Thank you for your answer ! I think I will choose the NTG5 because of all the equipment included in the package but I'm still not sure.

[@SoundSpeeds]

It's a solid choice. I think you'll like it. Please consider using the links in the description for your purchase.

[@selvakumarrajendran9872]

Wouldn’t it cause phasing issues with the microphones so close to each other ?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Not if you only listen to one at a time.

[@selvakumarrajendran9872]

@@SoundSpeeds don’t mind my amateur questions , I am yet to learn more about sound stuff . Thanks for your reply ,Cheers !

[@SoundSpeeds]

No worries. Thanks for watching

[@RahulKaveeshwar]

wait! even at 3ft I think his loudness is very same as it was at 1ft above. are you also using a Lav?

[@SoundSpeeds]

No. As the mic got louder I did level the audio so you can keep your volume at the same level just the same as you would in gain staging.

[@RahulKaveeshwar]

@@SoundSpeeds I was interested in listening to the ambience when the magnification got wider. That way it explains which of these mic's directional response is better than other and how responsive are they to loud car passing or the cracker. If I had to listen to your voice only won't I stick a Lav? No offence.

[@SoundSpeeds]

You should be able to hear that regardless. The mic characteristics don't change, I'm simply leveling the results so you don't need to constantly ride the gain.

[@TheMetrodogmedia]

Sound Speeds, I hope all is well and thanks for what you do. This is a newbie question. Any recommendations on non traditional ways of learning about location sound and the fundamentals of sound as a whole? I’m looking to working in the indie space but I would like to have the technique and knowledge base as if I were working in the big leagues. Thanks in advance.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Non traditional ways of learning? Books? Videos? Most people learn from working with experienced people. VideoMantis.com is a great resource and pick up the book The Location Sound Bible: How to Record Professional Dialog for Film and TV www.amazon.com/dp/1615931201/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_f.S1DbBHMXGBJ

[@TheMetrodogmedia]

Apologies I was referring to other ways of gaining the knowledge and not having to enroll at a university. Not that anything is wrong with that. Thanks for those resources.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Other ways? Experimentation with gear. Going to and playing with gear at sound vendors/shops and talking to employees. That kind of thing?

[@pwoblem]

Wow this is mindblowing. Just got myself a 416 to change out my NTG 3, but i almost like the NTG5 better than the 416 in these tests, De S Mic 2 is not realyt my thing. Sounds actually really terrible compared to the others (for my ears at least). But hey.... 416 has a competitor after a good 30 year run. interesting! However, i cannot see how directors would require the sound guy to bring a NTG5 instead of an 416 anytime soon though.But hey, big ups to rode for hitting the golden spot with a "bang for the buck" 416!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Indeed. The NTG5 is quite impressive but the 416 is very well established. It came along at a time when the world needed a shotgun that fit the bill and it worked out perfectly. Thanks for your thoughts. It's well thought out and vivid.

[@alexisivanercole6171]

hello men!!!! nice reviews!!! can you help me.... i have my original Tascam dr-100 as an external recorder, which microphone would you recommend? S-Mic-2 or NTG5? THANKS MAN!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Oh, boy. There's a lot of questions I'd need to ask you. For what application? Tell me as much info as you can.

[@alexisivanercole6171]

@@SoundSpeeds hi sound speeds, i'm trying to freelance filmmaker, go into business. I intend to make short films, shoot indoors and outdoors, interviews, foleys. I do not intend to use it to make online transmissions for now. here in my city renting a rode ntg 2 for a week costs me 500 dollars. so I prefer to buy a microphone. I have a tascam dr 100? that's the situation ... I know it's complicated but that's the reality at the moment. what is your advice?

[@SoundSpeeds]

In that case you have to decide... a $370 flat mic with only a mic clip with slightly less than average rejection but great detail or a $500 mic with all accessories you'd need and more rejection but a bit more base.

[@alexisivanercole6171]

@@SoundSpeeds thanks dude!

[@nickr5213]

I don’t know, I kind of like the presence on the 416. It’s on the verge of being too much, but it handles it in such a pleasant way.

[@SoundSpeeds]

One doesn't simply become legendary for no reason. :-)

[@Cartycinema]

This may be a dumb question, but would the NTG5 be a worthy upgrade from an NTG2?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Totally! The NTG5 is a beautiful microphone and the best of the NTG1-5 in my opinion.

[@EdwinRucci]

yes! I did

[@SoundSpeeds]

?

[@EdwinRucci]

@@SoundSpeeds upgraded from the ntg2 😅 very happy with the 5

[@SoundSpeeds]

Excellent. :-)

[@마이봉]

please ntg3 vs ntg5

[@SoundSpeeds]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKabe3abf7xmh80

[@마이봉]

@@SoundSpeeds really thanks it is reeaaaally help to me!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you for watching

[@uchennaokoli7496]

416 to the rescue!!!!!

[@SoundSpeeds]

👍

[@sevenjobs4793]

I think if comparing between them considering the price and the quality ...i will chose the deity.

[@SoundSpeeds]

It's truly an awesome mic especially for the price. All of them make a great comparison.

[@rigocornejo6003]

Mmmm those mics are for outdoor use, whispering rooms are not rhe best ppace for shotgun mics

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'm not a fan of shotguns in a VO booth either but they are commonplace

[@gav1n478]

NTG5 or Sanken CS-3e?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Between those two, I'd go CS-3e. It's one of my favorite shotgun mics.

[@gav1n478]

@@SoundSpeeds great thanks for the reply.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing.

[@gav1n478]

@@SoundSpeeds Hi there, other than the Sanken CS3-e. What would comes in second in line? I love the CS3-e off axis sound rejection but would love to survey more microphones. Thanks!

[@SoundSpeeds]

My favorite microphone is the DPA 4017B

[@DystopianOwl]

Didn't like the Deity S-Mic2 at all. But the 416 and the NTG5 sound very close though.

[@SoundSpeeds]

They do. The 416 is a bit more crispy especially in the highs though.

[@gbaren]

416..Mic drop & out :)

[@SoundSpeeds]

One does not simply drop the 416.

[@gbaren]

@@SoundSpeeds LOL...Agreed

[@SoundSpeeds]

OK then. Carry on.

[@Marlonorellana]

I can not tell the difference I’m studio lol

[@SoundSpeeds]

Really? They're very different

[@AlexD12345]

RODE IS THE WORST!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Not a fan, huh? Ok. It's important to hear and make you own opinions.

[@dearmodi1325]

Loved this video. Thank you. 🙏

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing. And thank you for watching.