Are Professional Shotgun Mics Worth The Price?

[@rsolsjo]

Have to say, just discovered this channel and I love how relaxed the vibe is. No obnoxious pandering, no putting on an annoying hyperactive personality, the videos aren't overedited, they're obviously incredibly well filmed and recorded and they're very informative! Wonderful stuff.

[@tombuck]

Wow thank you Robin! This is like the nicest thing you could say to someone in KZbin. I really appreciate it!

[@ProBioMech]

Tom hits nearly MKBHD levels of sexy B Roll too

[@ericallnight]

One thing that will play a huge role in one's decision for microphone which people often don't talk about is also how much post processing you intend to or want to do. The Schoeps are designed to sound a little more neutral and 'natural' i.e. not too colored. This potentially allows more flexibility to manipulate it and post. The MKH 50 already has some coloring to it which makes it sound potentially 'more full' straight out of the mic , but then potentially doesn't have as much flexibility in post manipulation -- it's like baking in a particular look in a picture profile. If you like the sound of the 50 and do not want to or plan on doing a lot of post on audio, then it might be a better fit. Also funny how people say they don't have the budget for a $1200 mic but drop $2K on a lens without thinking about...

[@tombuck]

Great points all around. Post processing intent is definitely a big factor, and you're totally right about the cost of lens vs audio 😁 It's easy to get someone excited about a new camera or lens, but it takes a while before someone learns the importance of things like audio and lighting and how good it is to invest in those things just as much.

[@hartzogLovesScience]

I was thinking about this same thing personally.

[@kazlepek6552]

@@tombuck For a documentarian sound is king - I gasped when you said there wasn’t much of a difference between the Rode NTG and MKH50, I’m only wearing consumer ear buds and the difference is so drastic .. I can’t imagine a documentary with that hollow tin can sounding NTG, it would completely take me out of the story I’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars on cameras, lenses, lights, grip etc. - but only a one time investment of $1000-$2000 for a microphone that will produce truly great audio for my films and it will likely last decades if not the rest of my life. That’s less than a single G master lens

[@themartinhawkins]

I enjoyed how you handled the Deity reveal. The onscreen titles did a good job of drawing me in wondering what you did. Thanks for the round-up!

[@tombuck]

Thanks Martin! I couldn't believe it when I realized I had mixed them up 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@arande3]

I’ve used this microphone. The main thing I noticed is that it had a very tight pick up, and I think it also requires more skill on the operator’s part to get good results with it. It has a recognizable resonating type of sound in the mid range. I don’t quite have enough experience to say what is “better“ but I have also used a cheaper Sennheiser, I forget which one exactly it was. It was cheaper than the 416 and had changeable capsules. Really liked how that one sounded and got great results with it.

[@marpa0]

I own and I love the MKH 416. I wouldn't pay the difference for the Schoeps. The MKH 50 sounds great as well! Great mics.

[@PressStartToStream]

Gotta say I prefer the MKH416, BUT the CMIT does sound more neutral and flat, which some people prefer. And as you demonstrated, simply engaging that high frequency boost did make it sound pretty similar to the MKH416. So I'd give the CMIT points for being more versatile and likely being much better to EQ in post. Both are pretty great mics for sure. (AND the MKH 50 as well!) And owning both a Deity SMic 2 and an MKH 416, I was about to say "Something sounds OFF with your MKH416" until you realized it was the SMIC2. XD

[@tombuck]

I figured anyone who owns the 416 would notice something wrong immediately 😁

[@HomesickMac]

Amazing that you never lost the track of all micrphone's names during the video. And yes, I could hear the differences, subtleties between different mics, but only with my studio headphones. I've also realized that VideoMic NTG sounds better on your voice than mine, when driven without EQ (I believe you ran all mics unprocessed). In my case, I need to add some bottom end, otherwise it would sound very middrangey. That only proves that it's so easy to tailor some really good sound when the rest of the signal chain is top quality. The available processing in RodeCaster Pro II is able to present even cheaper mics as professional high end units. Everything plays in - the distance from the mouth, the angle, the room, of course, the voice going into the mic - and then that processing. I've just realised that, although I would've loved to get the Eartworks Icon Pro, I'm still able to dial in very decent audio with both VideoMic NTG and the Shure MV7, the latter also boomed up, go figure.. I do agree that you've found the golden spot with the MKH-50, it sounds amazing on your voice!

[@tombuck]

LOVE the 50! And as for remember names...well, let's just say it's great that we can edit videos 😁

[@HomesickMac]

@@tombuck Nooo, that wasn't edited, was it? Still, great job 🙂

[@cgriesemer]

Having run through all the Shure Mics and most of the Neumann's for VO, the 416MKH is my all time voice over mic.

[@tombuck]

Wow, that really says a lot!

[@CinePals]

I have the mkh50 and the mkh8050. They’re quite similar. The CMIT 5U sounded wonderful the moment you spoke into it. I immediately wondered how much processing you were doing to achieve that sound because of how nice it was. I tested the mkh416 alongside the 8050 and the 50 and didn’t like it’s lack of bass compared to the latter two. I was surprised you said the 416 picked up more of the room given that it sounds a little less “rumbly” so it can pick up dialogue further away.

[@tombuck]

I didn't add any processing to any of these (other than when I had the 5U's EQ buttons turned on), so that's just the mic's natural awesome tone. Great to hear from someone who has the 50 and the 8050. I haven't used any of the 8000 series mics, but I know they're really highly regarded.

[@PatrickBoberg]

Always loved Sennheisers. That MKH50 sounds wonderful. Stay on that forever.

[@tombuck]

Yep. It's REALLY fun to check out other mics, but the 50 is my "forever shotgun" (which does admittedly sound strange now that I type it). It's so crazy to find a piece of gear where you're like, "That's it, no need to keep looking."

[@arnisbrown5848]

Just nabbed a Synco Mic D2 on sale for $150 and was taken aback by how preferable the sound is to my ears in terms of mid-high end detail over the SM7B, which while nice to use in an untreated space has a muddy low end IMO. Enjoyable watch as always.

[@tombuck]

That's great to hear! Can't beat getting something that works super well for a good price.

[@MikeMena]

On your voice, I think I like the MKH50. But... I think the difference is not really tone of mic but how much of the room reflections I'm hearing. I added a "pro" and totally overpriced sound treatment to my room, and OMG, it made the 416 sound so much better. I'm realizing once you get into this tier of mics the actual environment "quality" needs to match the quality of mic to really pull out every bit of quality. (With that said, even my Rode mic pro sounds a million times better too... so maybe I shoulda treated my room before spending a million bucks on 416, lol, oh well, mics are fun to play with, worth it.)

[@tombuck]

Sound treatment really is everything. Unfortunately, it's just not as exciting as a new bit of gear (I mean, I'm pretty excited about it, but you know what I mean). Almost anything can sound great in a well treated space...except for probably the NW800 😉

[@Bivs_setup]

The MKH50 wins. I'm super impressed how good the NTG does sound for the value. Many thanks for the update on these 🎤. Been looking for a boom mic. NTG may be the way to go.

[@tombuck]

The NTG is definitely the best value if you don't need XLR. Plus the USB connectivity can be surprisingly helpful at times.

[@mattwruff]

I have used the 5U, I prefer the 416. I’ve never had a pro boom operator because your boom operator has to be Spot on or you know it. The 416 is very good. You should try the Earthworks drum kit!.

[@tombuck]

I would LOVE to try the EW drum mics. I always get jealous when I see them on people's setups.

[@ChanonWangtrirat]

The CMIT5U advantage is strong rejection of off axis without much coloration and legendary Schoeps sound matching their CMC641. I think there're many people tested that kind of situation already, But I couldn't excel more of how superb of that mic to capture such great dialogue in such terrible situation.

[@Vitaphone]

Love the look and charm of your videos, totally come off as genuine! I would say perhaps there are some misunderstandings about frequency roll off, also it’s inherently problematic to demonstrate and for an opinion about shotgun mics when introducing such heavy proximity effect. There is a reason why the 416 and 50 have and will likely continue to be the industry standard on sets… the EQ curve response for both of those mics are basically perfect for MOST voices without the need of much post EQ (provided the gain and positioning is good during capture). The sennheiser’s are also renowned for their capture of low frequencies and the “Hollywood close up” also more and more commonly referred to as “aggressive”. The low cut 1st setting used on the 5u (and most mics) is designed to get rid of frequencies that are in most cases sub audible and will eliminate competing frequencies in a mix… though many think it’s for noise, but it’s primary use is for headroom. The second one is more likely a slope and actually more audible as it will round off more of the mids… lastly the treble boost isn’t “less full” it’s an addition or boost of mid highs… The 5u is a great mic and offers a lot more potential for baking in more options, but for all its latitude it just doesn’t have have the traditional presence of the 416/50… like the work of shooting in log on digital and adding a correction, lut, grade and grain plug in to achieve the look of film, it may end up with something great, but it ultimately is missing that certain something.

[@Vitaphone]

P.S. while the 416 is designed primarily for outdoor use and is designed for a boom… it is one of the most used mics for voice over and voice actors around the world… provided you are in a treated room as this will eliminate the phase issues you get indoors from frequencies crashing back in… many even use boutique pop filters.

[@onocoffee]

The thing about the Schoeps is that it's really designed for professional use - typically by sound people who do sound for a living working in critical environments, like a movie set or recording studio. But without a doubt, the CMIT5 sounds the best of all the ones in the video. Crazily superior to the Rode and a bit better sounding on your voice than the Sennheisers. Too bad you can't keep it!

[@tombuck]

I would've LOVED to be able to keep this one 😁

[@hyunjoonkim]

Tom, I'm glad you're keeping the MKH50 and not switching to a different mic. It sounds terrific one your voice and the enhanced low-end complements your voice very well when it's boomed over head. MKH 416 is too bright imo and exaggerates sibilance; S-Mic2 sounded too muddy/dark; CMIT 5U is great but MKH50 sounds better to my ears on your voice. Thanks for always putting out great (and entertaining) content!

[@tombuck]

I really love the 50! Can't imagine permanently switching it out for anything, but it's always fun to compare. Thanks so much for the kind words! 🙏

[@paulm8157]

Thorough review and new tonge twister - Peter Piper Pitched a Podcast - love it. Cheap mike renders Peter Piper Pissed a Podcast.😊

[@tombuck]

Haha, I like that addendum 😁

[@johnnyonline]

If I learned anything from this video it's how well the Videomic NTG holds up against significantly more expensive options. It's my go-to mic because of how easy it is to make wireless with a Rode Wireless Go. When I'm a solo operator out and about on shoots, having one less cable to manage is everything.

[@TheSoundForager]

I absolutely love my CMIT 5U. The quality is outrageous. I've got a Diety S-Mic 2S and I find it really nasty, brittle and harsh in the mids and highs and really lacking in lows. Awesome review man 👍

[@HiFiASMR]

The presence boost on it has some small tonal problems. mkh416 seems to be more transparent sounding. rip off on the Schoeps. Same self noise.

[@robwasnj]

I've always liked the 416 but that CMIT sounded more natural with less high frequency boost. I'm listening over a high end home theater system, really love the CMIT 5U but out of my budget. Fantastic mic.

[@algywatkins9316]

I'm listening on earbuds and the Sm7b sounds best, mainly because it rejects room tone so well. I do occasionally listen to reviews through phone speakers to get a feel for how well the sound works in that environment and the results can be quite surprising. On that basis, I'd argue that the 'best' sound is the one that works well on a variety of listening devices.

[@tombuck]

That's a really important point. It's easy to forget that people will be listening on all kinds of different speakers.

[@justinchoyer]

I’d just like to chip into your reasoning as to why the SM7B sounds better: The reason for the “better” room rejection is because it’s a dynamic microphone and any rifle mic will be a condenser, hence it’s much more sensitive. When you get into the design of rifles then it’s basically the more “slits” it has the more rejection it’ll have. That’s why you’ll find that the Schoeps or RØDE NTG-8 will have a lot more room rejection than an NTG-1 or 2.

[@antoinewattier]

I still prefer the 416 sound, I find it more detailed in the high-midrange and the high range emphasis is suited to compensate loss in high frequencies in windshield baskets with fur. It also blends well with lavaliers For indoor if you want to use a shotgun, CMIT is better (especially the mini-CMIT, the shorter one).

[@PaulFeinberg]

I would take the green one LOL Great review! I never knew this mic existed either. It does sound really great. With audio I find that you spend $1,200 more for like 5-10% better lol But dang I really love that Green.

[@tombuck]

Oh yeah, the green one would be great for you Paul 😁

[@amalix]

Hahaha that semi giggle after the intro 😄

[@tombuck]

Sometimes I'm the only one laughing, but hey, and audience of one is still an audience!

[@loudandclearmedia]

You should check out the Mini CMIT sometime. It's basically the same mic as the CMIT 5U but about half the length as it doesn't have all the pads and filters, just one fixed high pass at ~70hz. I love mine, as well as the CMC41. Once you hear Schoeps, it's pretty hard to unhear and your wallet becomes battered. 😄

[@creativegreatsvisuals]

what do you think about the cmc1 and is it equal to the cmc6 for corporate video work ? using mk41 capsule

[@loudandclearmedia]

@@creativegreatsvisuals allegedly they sound the same, the CMC1 is just tiny. Like, REALLY tiny. I'd personally usually rather have the form factor of the bigger Collette. Its easier to mount.

[@creativegreatsvisuals]

@@loudandclearmedia cmc1 has more rfi protection what does that mean ?

[@loudandclearmedia]

@@creativegreatsvisuals that it's better shielded from radio interference. Think cell phones and wifi and such.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Tis the season for boom mic videos I think! This one is my dream mic

[@tombuck]

I had no idea it even existed! I was definitely missing out. Or maybe I was better not knowing what I was missing?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@tombuck yeah...best not look through the wormhole. Up next is the justification phase for purchase...

[@hartzogLovesScience]

My head was swimming towards the end of this video. I lost track of which mic was which. But you did reinforced one of my edicts; go for the middle or below the high end.

[@tombuck]

Middle option is usually what I lean towards for pretty much everything from microphones and cameras to computers to cars.

[@reddepo]

00:17 try the 2U CMIT -- insane direction control.

[@genestacy6723]

Tom, Thank you very much for your help regarding podcast gear! Even though I am a subscriber to your channel, I am hoping to listen to your podcast soon. You mentioned the name of your podcast on one of your previous videos, but unfortunately, the name escapes me at the moment. If you could refresh my memory, I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks again and good luck with both KZbin and the podcast!

[@tombuck]

Hey Gene! Thank you for the kind words! My podcast is called "The Enthusiasm Project" and is on all of the normal podcast listening platforms. I just started Season 8 and new episodes come out each Monday morning 👍

[@genestacy6723]

@@tombuck Thank you so much! Also I have a podcast on Spotify called Auditory Lounge with Eugene Stacy if you’d like to check it out!

[@RayCompass]

Last Month was the first time i watched one of your videos. instantly subbed your channel! In comparison to other channels (same Content) I'm wondering why you don't have 500k subs. You would deserve it. In particular if you get a dude from AUSTRIA hyped about the MKH50 xD. Carry on as before. Great Video!!!

[@tombuck]

Hey thanks Ray! It really means a lot to hear that! 🙏

[@FridayEveryday]

yeah the Schoeps cmit 5u is a fantastic microphone ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - not only for voice recording in the studio/field but also for recording acoustic instruments. In many ways it has the same sound/capabilities of a large diaphragm mic.

[@PeteBreen]

That Schoeps mic sounds really incredible and I love the colors to "hide" the mic in filming, but ouch - yeah - $2400 is potentially another camera body or lenses or 100 other things. 😀 Wish I could buy one though - not going to lie.

[@tombuck]

It's a beauty. I guess the price is much more affordable if you're a studio or production company looking for gear rather than an individual?

[@loganwebb5449]

To answer your podcast question, I think the Ethos sounded best on your voice! That mic is stellar.

[@tombuck]

Thanks Logan! It's been awesome to get feedback from that episode. I think the Ethos is my favorite too, but literally every one who has shared their thoughts has picked a different winner 😁

[@franklingenao7418]

Awesome video. This makes me appreciate more my MKH 50 and 416 as they serve each other really well and are very versatile, especially the 416. I’ve been looking at the CMC641 and might be (hopefully 😂) the last mic I add to my kit.

[@tombuck]

Ahh yes, the famous "last mic." I think I've bought my final mic many times at this point 😁

[@franklingenao7418]

@@tombuck So I purchased the Schoeps cmc141, the one with the small preamp and wow, what a sound for indoors. I’ve been loving it and it sounds different to the 50, though they both have their uses for different needs. You should try it out on your channel and do some comparison. Really great mic and I haven’t bought another mic ever since. At least not yet 😂

[@Mr_Web]

I recently bought a Synco Mic D2 for about $275 which I use in all my latest videos, and it is often compared to the MKH416 for its amazing sound quality at a fraction of the price. Not too sure if you're tested it yet, but it's a rather neat piece of kit tbh

[@tombuck]

You're the second person today to recommend that one! Seems like it must be a great option. 👍

[@kazlepek6552]

For a documentarian sound is king - I gasped when you said there wasn’t much of a difference between the Rode NTG and MKH50, I’m only wearing consumer ear buds and the difference is so drastic .. I can’t imagine a documentary with that hollow tin can sounding NTG, it would completely take me out of the story I’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars on cameras, lenses, lights, grip etc. - but only a one time investment of $1000-$2000 for a microphone that will produce truly great audio for my films and it will likely last decades if not the rest of my life. That’s less than a single G master lens

[@robwasnj]

Yeah, on a decent home theater system the Rode sounded hollow and cheap, not at all to my liking. MKH50 as well as the Schoeps were both worlds better sounding.

[@av3nger3]

I would never use the foam windscreens for stationary audio. It degrades the transient capture quite a bit.

[@alexmushat]

Hey Tom, that mistake with the Diety mic was hilarious, but also made me curious what may result out of another comparison of other budget microphones (like Audio-Technica AT875R and Synco D2 which are less $ than NTG) to the more high end microphones.

[@tombuck]

The AT875 really is one of my favorites. I've used tons of them through work over the years, but never had one of my own. I should definitely look into that...

[@ben-benedict]

There is a crucial thing ( at least for me 😅) that nobody adress about the all mkh lineup . It’s the fact that those mic are rf bias and absolutely humidity proof. Depends on where you live, a « classic » condenser shotgun mic can quickly being affected by weather condition. That’s the case for me ( and am not living in Florida 😂 ). For me mkh line is a no brainer just for this.

[@angryrabbitproductions1690]

I’ve owned the Scheops CMit Mini for about 3 years love it. Awesome performer, but yes pretty pricy.

[@tombuck]

It definitely seems to be worth the price. I'm sure it'll last a lifetime. 😎

[@aaroneschenburg4018]

The 50 is nice in proximity but doesnt have the reach or the velvet the 5u has. I own both the 5u and 416 and the schoeps is a better all around mic indoors and out. Thought the 416 is more durable and a work horse. Specifically for interviews in harsh reflective areas, the 416 is not the choice mic. Not a fan of the ntg but its a good price

[@DaCarnival]

To my ears the VideoMic NTG is right up there with the big boys, while the Deity S-MIC 2 is the only one with an ugly, filtered sound. I like the MKH50 the best, but I think that's just because I'm used to it. Deity is such a con, been burned by every product I've bought from them. Rode for budget, Sennheiser for real keepers, that's my strategy going forward.

[@tombuck]

The Deitys have never been my favorite sound either, but I haven't had any reliability issues thankfully. I am SUPER impressed with the NTG though- it really dos hold its own.

[@brunomamede2352]

I use the MKH 50. It is perfect to me! Great video.

[@tombuck]

I really can't get over how much I enjoy the MKH50. It's so good!

[@ItsRyukin]

Hm. I think I'm would go for Saramonic, Røde and Comica Microphones if I want a professional-looking microphones like this for my camera setup or using it as a boom mic. (And out of the frame) If some or one of them sounds good, I would going use it! 😁 And my main boy that I'm using right now, 7RYMS Minbo Mini. It do sounds good like some of those professional mics out there and I'll going to use it for a long while until I'm not satisfied with it anymore, If I'm gonna change to a better one it's going to be okay! 😉👌 (If wanted to)

[@tombuck]

It's a constant process of finding "what works." And then if you're like me, you just get curious and what to try other things too 😁

[@bedroomlab]

Nice video. I’d be curious to hear the Deity V Mic 2S as it’s meant for indoors whereas the 2 is more general. Likewise Rode NT5 and NT6 are sold as indoor shotgun mics. They’re possibly more suitable for a podcast set up like this? It would be cool if you could make a video comparing these types of small diaphragm condenser mics (also sE7, Neumamm KM185) with shotgun mics for podcasting/streamers/video calls.

[@NinoAmerica]

I never see your videos pop up anymore. Weird. Hey Tom can you discuss how you get great sound from the mic and you don’t even turn it all the way up On the rcp? Or do you have a video about this. My mic and settings just don’t sound great. Thanks

[@tombuck]

I don't know why they're being hidden from you, but I promise I'm not keeping them a secret 😁 I've got a video about mic boosters on the RCP2 that covers this a bit. On the original RCP, it's a little different- many dynamic mics do need boosters to sound their best at lower gain levels.

[@PBWMedia]

Enjoyed that, thanks Tom 👍🏻

[@tombuck]

Glad you enjoyed it Paul!

[@brockmannolaf7182]

Very interesting comparison!

[@JasonOJX]

Always like the reviews!

[@tombuck]

Thank you Jason!

[@CMMedia692]

Very nice! Looks retro 😂

[@tombuck]

I know the style is intended to be functional, but I really love it!

[@CMMedia692]

@@tombuck the style is amazing and it totally suits your studio. Very nice😁

[@mozadak]

Another person like me who has an obsession for blue color.

[@tombuck]

It's just the best.

[@jonathanlever5644]

Hey tom! Do you think you’re gonna a some q’s on the enthusiasm project soon?

[@tombuck]

Yup! Episode 5 in a few weeks will be one. I'll definitely post for questions, but you can email me any time at [e-mail] or just go to my website and record a message 👍

[@creativegreatsvisuals]

what's difference in blue screen and green screen? because they make this in green as well

[@tombuck]

They both serve the same purpose, but a blue screen is good if your subject has green in it and a green screen is good if your subject has blue in it. (Really ANY color can work as a “green screen” but those are the two most common colors because they’re super bright and dint usually overlap with any skin tones.)

[@creativegreatsvisuals]

@@tombuck what’s the better cmit 5u color for everyday use and green screen ? Blue or green ? There is a reason for the color Choice

[@tombuck]

@@creativegreatsvisuals ​​⁠I wouldn’t overthink it too much: green if you do a lot of green screen work, blue if you do blue screen. If you don’t do either then it’s really just personal preference and you can get whatever you like the best! Black is traditional and discreet, but I personally like the blue the best.

[@creativegreatsvisuals]

@@tombuck I heard that mirrorless picks up green better so it’s best to go blue . Then I hear if u are doing green screen u go blue not green . So that’s why I’m asking . Someone has the answer lol

[@stevenkralovec]

With that set up, were you able to switch between the microphones live instead of in post? If so, that seems genius from a workflow perspective. But let me know

[@ObscureTech]

I am really loving shotgun mics lately.....though I wont be using THAT anytime soon lol

[@asianguy6174]

I thought it didn’t sound like the 416. Sounded more like the mkh 50

[@BensWatchClub]

Personally, I thought instantly that the '416' sounded off and way too muddy - unsurprised it was actually a Deity. Never been a fan of the way Deity mics sound. The other two both sounded great. Though, like you say, they are very pricey.

[@tombuck]

I thought something sounded "off" but it's always hard to tell when you're recording since you've got your actual voice in your head AND the headphone sound,. Glad I wasn't just going crazy 😁

[@BensWatchClub]

@@tombuck yeah you're right on that. I struggle to even speak when live monitoring 😅

[@JaredSpink]

Great review. The CMIT is amazing

[@tombuck]

It's super cool, can't believe I didn't know about it sooner!

[@MikeO01]

Hi Tom, I like your “warm” sound from the MKH 50. Would you get similar from the Blue Sona (at closer distance) or do you think you could even EQ the videomic NTG to sound similar. Thanks a lot.

[@Abosobaie]

I just wonder if the differences would still be that subtle in an out-door recording. That's actually where the shot-gun microphones differentiate.

[@tombuck]

If it hadn't been so incredibly hot when I filmed this, I would've loved to do an outdoor test. I did one in a relatively recent video between the 416, 50, and S-Mic 2.

[@Abosobaie]

@@tombuck i hope it gets better soon! Love you channel by the way ❤️. I relied a lot on your reviews in choosing the equipment for my channel

[@TedGreen]

Hi Tom, I’m a big fan of yours but, respectfully, this is the first video I stopped early. I think it’s great to test mics and run them through their paces. But it’s just not fair to apply inappropriate tests and draw judgements based on that test. Shotgun mics are generally used on a boom pole or stand out of frame usually above, in some cases below frame (MKBHDs preferred approach). The mic is almost always a foot or more away and off-axis from the talent’s mouth. It makes absolutely no sense to mount a shotgun mic on a desktop stand and test them for “plosives.” No sense at all. Why? Because they are not designed for that use case. I think you should strive to adjust your testing process to align with the use case that the mic (or any other product) was designed for - then comparing it with other similarly designed mics. Otherwise, keep up the good work!

[@tombuck]

Yes, this is totally correct. I do test the mics boomed at a distance later in the video 😬

[@wanderbread4217]

ted is the life of every party

[@Lifeissorich.]

I think the mkh50 sounds the best to my ears.

[@tombuck]

It's such an incredible mic. I'm honestly delighted every time I use it.

[@audi-o150]

Great videos! Your reference Sennheiser sounds excellent for you. I might spring for it or something at that level. But I have some questions. At what level would you say that mic quality falls off for Zoom calls? Also, how much power does a preamp need to drive it? I've attempted to piece together a good mic setup for zoom calls. Went for a Sennheiser E614 and Elgato Wave XLR. I don't think they paired well because the E614 is quiet and the Elgato gain is limited. (My understanding is that part way through the gain dail, software gain kicks in which raises the noise floor.) When I max out the hardware gain, my mic is still to quiet when placed just behind the keyboard. I'm considering either trying a preamp with more power, or trying a mic that's easier to drive. But I figured I'd reqch out for a recommendation first. My priorities are to keep the desk clear and to keep the mic out of frame. May even command strip a preamp under the desk and boom the mic above the monitor. Looking to set and forget. Office room isn't treated. I already have a dacamp and Byerdynamic headphones. I wouldn't be opposed to consolidating that dacamp with the mic mixer.

[@tombuck]

That's a great question. Zoom is a tricky beast. I think the quality falls of pretty quick, to be honest. Any mic that's either close to the speaker or designed to be used from a distance will sound as good as you can get, and then everything will just get squashed by Zoom's compression (even when "original audio" is turned on). I'm surprised to hear that the E614 is quiet. Is phantom power turned on in the Wave? That mic with that interface should be giving you plenty of gain. And mounting things under the desk is an absolutely great idea. I've got my Mac Mini and USB hub down there and it's much much nicer.

[@audi-o150]

@@tombuck Thanks for the thoughtful reply. Love your production quality. I've watched many of your vids. I'll have to record myself on Zoom now to see how quickly sound quality falls off. May not be worth getting nicer equipment with my use case. I've gotten feedback that I'm a little quieter than other participants when I have the hardware gain maxed out on Elgato. Yes, I have phantom power enabled. I can't upload an image here to show you, but, for the Elgato Wave XLR, I would say that the software gain (and rising noise floor) kicks in around 45% on the Mac Sound Preferences Input Volume meter. There's an audible click when the Elgato switches from hardware to software gain. Saw a shootout from another KZbinr for the sub $500 pencil mics from a variety of brands. Sennheiser E614 was the most quiet while sE Electronics SE8 was the easiest to drive.

[@audi-o150]

Looked into the gain issue more. Although the Wave XLR has 75dB of gain, only 52dB is from the hardware preamp. The remainder comes from software. It looks first two Focusrite interfaces have 56dB of gain. That may be the better way to go for me. No software to deal with. Because of Focusrite's form factor, i can command strip the unit underneath the desk. I can plug in headphones (consolidating the existing dacamp). I can even go for a stereo mic setup and dabble with bass and guitar. Would you estimate that an extra 4dB of gain would be enough?

[@tombuck]

Oh that's interesting about the Wave's gain. I had no idea! I don't think that 4dB of gain is going to make too much of a difference, to be honest, but it's nice to have. If the form factor of the Scarlett along with the ability to use it with instruments is what you're after, you could always get a budget booster like the Klark Teknik CT-1 for your mic if you need a bit more loudness.

[@audi-o150]

@@tombuck Would that booster work on a small diaphragm condenser too? I've only just been introduced to the concept of a cloud lifter, and it looks like they are for dynamic mics only. I've only done a basic Google search to try to answer that question. Because 4dB of gain may not make enough of a difference, I'll start with the easier-to-drive sE 8 to see if I can get the volume output I'm after. If that works out, I'll look into the Scarlett next. Thanks for the help!

[@NOYBNOYB]

Love your vids. How do you keep your audio sounding so clean on rodecaster? Do you do a lot of noise reduction in post?

[@BenMussell]

Hi Tom, love the videos. What right angle XLR adapter do you use for your regular microphones?

[@tombuck]

Thanks Ben! I don't remember the exact brand, but I got it from Amazon by searching "90 degree XLR adapter" and it came in a two pack for around $30.

[@BenMussell]

@@tombuck Cheers Tom! Keep up the amazing videos. Bought a Rode Podmic today partly from watching your review. Was torn between that and the Samson Q9U, but the compact size of the Podmic was the difference maker 🙂

[@SorryDiego]

another Tom Buck banger

[@ThruVisualMedia]

Tom, Would love to see you compare with RODE NTG5?

[@Ronniezim]

Hey! Love your Videos. I've started recording indoor cycling videos (similar to peloton). I'm currently using the Shure SM31 headset mic, which is amazing at rejecting loud music/off axis sound in the room, but my voice doesn't...sound great (my breathing/plosives, etc)! Is there a shotgun mic that would work well to reject music from a monitor directly behind mic and pick up my voice well 2-3 ft away? I was hoping a mic like the MKE 600...

[@Se7enStarGames]

just wondering what do you put your gain at on your mkh 50 in your setup ? great video btw .

[@tombuck]

With the RCP it’s usually at 25dB. When running into my FX3 it’s either on auto or at about 4.5.

[@Se7enStarGames]

@@tombuck thanks for the info !

[@gearboxworks]

I’m not sure I am glad or bothered by the fact, but I can tell (almost?) no difference between any of the microphones. Might be my ears, or maybe it’s that I watch KZbin on an iPad, but the only noticeable difference is their volume (gain?) I think what that says is if you are an audio professional you can appreciate the difference, but for the rest of us schleps, any $100+ microphone will sound fine for KZbin.

[@tombuck]

I think it's great if you can't really hear the difference! There's very much a law of diminishing returns once you get past the $100-$200 level. The biggest thing I think is how easy it is to get the results. Even if the end sound quality is almost the same, certain tools make it much easier to get there than others.

[@beardsandbanjos]

The CMIT 5U sounded the best in almost all of the comparisons you did. Too bad it's so expensive.

[@tombuck]

There's definitely a reason it costs what it does haha! One thing that's tough to convey via video is the build quality. The fit and finish is absolutely stunning.

[@MightyDetail]

Haha you found a mic matching your Color 👍

[@arande3]

Haha no wonder I thought that 416 sounded awful dark

[@Digital.Done.Right.]

Could have made this whole video with the NTG. Still sounds great

[@tombuck]

It's really a great mic, and super versatile 👍

[@CoffeeTalkandTechJohnRyan]

Definitely going to make people say wow 👌 ok I think that s mic2 is worth every dollar.

[@tombuck]

Right? The Deity really surprised me here (in a few ways)!

[@sanqingtemple6404]

416 sounds best

[@JosephKim]

I thought either you had photoshoped the color or just got the mic for its color 😂

[@tombuck]

Buying a mic for its color is 100% something I would do 😁

[@jedgould5531]

MKH50 seemed the best overall cam mic. Assuming you did attach it to the camera, the CMIT sounded thin, but its windscreen was very effective at reducing pops. Too bad you did not test it in even a small group of people, use it to ‘zoom in’ on a bird, or other real-world shotgun uses. Testing a mic designed for directionality in a quiet studio is a waste. Tempted to recommend collaborating or using another person for at least fact-checking. In general, YT hosts would benefit tremendously from more education, even a college education.

[@priyonjoni]

The blue reminds me of some lightsabers.

[@anders9006]

Hi, what’s the brand/model of the mic stand at 00:06?

[@tombuck]

It's a Samson table top stand with a Deity shotgun mount attached to it 👍

[@FharishAhmedPortfolio]

TBH not interested in the microphone. Just came by to literally watch the entertaining video! 🤩

[@tombuck]

Honestly, I love this and it's a huge compliment. Thank you 🙏

[@FharishAhmedPortfolio]

@@tombuck You're awesome!!! Keep up the good work!

[@LegenDerek]

416 all day. I think the schoeps is way overpriced considering how similar it sounds to the deity. It's tough to top a smooth Senny!

[@sixpandora]

Nice

[@4130Media]

hi Tom from myspace

[@tombuck]

Everyone's first friend.

[@ww1www]

No need to redo the whole video. We all have re-watched it.

[@tombuck]

Hey maybe the was a brilliant plan for that sweet sweet watch time? 😉🤔

[@stephenszklarski5446]

Schoeps CMIT 5U way over priced. Not impressed. I will use the the 416 and the MK50