Video Mic Shootout VMP+ VS. Slate ML-2 VS. S Mic 2 VS. NTG-3 VS. 416 VS. CS-3e VS. CMIT 5U VS. 641

[@curtisjudd]

Good insights - thanks for this! I find my CMC641 to be a sort of Jekyll and Hyde type of experience: Great on some voices, absolutely harsh on others. I like to have a couple of options on hand for those Hyde situations. And could not agree more with your summary - "If your room sucks, your recording will suck. And Mic placement is everything."

[@ThatAudioGuy]

Curtis! Thanks for the comment, I've followed your channel for years! Yeah I don't know if I got lucky but I have only encountered one voice that I REALLY wasn't vibing on the 41 (I've got a handful of 541's - to my knowledge it's a different low cut so it shouldn't have an impact on the high mids) but other than that one voice, I've found it to work well for me. I haven't worked with the MKH50 though so I'm wanting to give that a shot. I think a lot of times people blame mics for problems when they are putting/pointing them in the wrong place/direction haha

[@SoundSpeeds]

The Schoeps CMC-541 is such a beautiful mic. It's natural sounding, pulls the voice out beautifully without distorting the background which I love.

[@ThatAudioGuy]

Dude. GORGEOUS. I also used it on a piano and I can't go back. Vocals, piano, guitar, you name it, it just sounds like you're in the space it's recording

[@SoundSpeeds]

It seriously is! Such a versatile mic in every sense. With the CMR, GVC, and inline filters it makes the most well rounded and flexible mic out there.

[@ThatAudioGuy]

@@SoundSpeeds It's one of the 7 wonders of the world

[@manishchoudhary8020]

Came here after watching full time filmmakers video !

[@ThatAudioGuy]

Welcome!

[@dukebozikowski3801]

@@ThatAudioGuy What do you think would be the best professional cardioid condenser mic for video? Do you have also have a budget option (sometimes there's a mic that gets close to the same quality for a fraction of the price)?

[@theTechNotice]

Thanks dude, really helpful! I'd love to see another comparison where Rode NTG5 and Rode Videomix NTG :) BTW! You look like Adam Lambert! :D

[@scotthancock382]

Thank you for all the effort. Would be great to see/hear a lav shootout along with the variations of placement, thereof.

[@kendrick1331]

Man. I never comment on videos, but those clip transitions made me laugh out loud. Also, thanks a ton for this. It really helped me pic a mic.

[@MarkusSenior]

Great Test Brenden. I am currently in the market to upgrade or not :-) Thanks for sharing. Cheers from LA.

[@zaim_ipek]

I clicked on the video because my mind needed information. I liked and subscribed because my heart needs your sense of humor. You are my kind of people.

[@ThatAudioGuy]

Welcome Zaim, I'm happy to have you

[@gabrielching7825]

Thanks Brenden for the professional point of view tests and advice! It's very entertaining too

[@Saphir3000]

Thank you man this really helped me to make a decision. After watching this video all the way through I came to the conclusion that I need to get a Drive jacket. The sound comparison was also pretty good I guess...

[@ThatAudioGuy]

I mean I was hoping that was common sense

[@rosenkoev6988]

Thank very informative and extensive comparison. You should put the Sanken CS-M1 in these comparisons. It is a surprisingly good all rounder for the price!

[@andylevison]

Thanks very much for doing all this work and your well thought out summaries and recommendations!

[@ThatAudioGuy]

You're welcome Andy! Thanks for the comment

[@LatenightLyle]

I too would like to see a quick comparison with the NTG4+ and the new Diety mics. You wouldn't even need to do a full video. Just mention THIS video as a reference base and then some quick sound examples of the new mics along with your personal thoughts. Since this video was so comprehensive, all I really need is your opinion and a couple of example recordings to extrapolate how a new mic would fit into my preferences and needs.

[@bliiblaablue]

Great video! Any thoughts on the budget Sennheiser MKE600? Seems very tempting for the price, only 250€..

[@GregorPQ]

At 26:40 you forgot the Sanken, which was, Imho, 2. after the CMIT. Great comparison!

[@ThatAudioGuy]

You're right! I did. I liked it for #2 as well! It was in my notes but I forgot to mention it in the video

[@stason99]

I'm very eager to know your take on NTG5! Please review it when you can!

[@greenteacupproductions96]

great video, thanks. Can you do a video on recording sound on a scene with 2-3-4 actors?

[@LaurentHAMMER]

Just a great video !! Loved your input ;) Thanks a lot ;)

[@instagram7431]

Great video! I from Russia and bad understand, but your tests is very good for me. I will buy Rode NTG-3. Thank you man!

[@VoicesintheDark]

Great in depth shootout 👍 How about comparing to supercardioids like Senheiser MKH50 and Schoeps MK41 ? I keep hearing that they are better suited to indoors than shotguns

[@5ecretcode]

which mic would you recommend for audiobooks/voice narration/ price doesn't really matter i'm just curious of having a life long mic i wont have to worry about upgrading for years. lol

[@ThatAudioGuy]

EV RE20 or Shure SM7b but make sure you have a good preamp to get good volume because those mics need a ton of gain

[@GoldYeller]

That jacket is 🔥🔥🔥

[@ThatAudioGuy]

INN'IT THO??

[@GoldYeller]

That Audio Guy Yeah no, I agree. I agree. Arrahg! You know we played a hard game.

[@ThatAudioGuy]

@@GoldYeller yes

[@VRcation]

Basically... if you're wanting the best bang for your buck - go with a Rode product within your budget. If you don't want to think, pick the MKH 416 and no one will question your decision. If you have a hold burning in your pocket, go with the Sanken Cs3e or Schoeps if that shiny blue is worth a few hundred more.

[@johnnyb357]

Great video and great closing comments. Thank you!

[@ThatAudioGuy]

Thanks!

[@finabentley-kimura4588]

In a bad sounding room, would it be better to use a lav mic instead of a boom. I mean the lav will be closer to the subjects mouth, maybe less reverb? What do you think?

[@ThatAudioGuy]

Yes! I usually prefer lav but in a bad room boom picks up too much bad gross room

[@willvazquez3218]

Thanks for the tests. Excellent job, I'm subscribed now. I still love the classic sound of the MKH416. What recorder did you use? Thanks.

[@ThatAudioGuy]

Great microphone! We used the Zoom F8 for this one!

[@ydrac21]

Zoom preamps are just terrible, everything recorded was just terrible to my ear. You should try using a field preamp with your recorders.

[@steveedelen3251]

Going with the Sanken CS3E. Glad to see someone using logic in for post. Do you have a video showing a round trip workflow to get the audio from Premier into Logic for Mixing and Spotting?

[@ThatAudioGuy]

I love Logic! I export an OMF, open the OMF in Audition, export a Final Cut XML from file>export, and then open that in Logic

[@steveedelen3251]

@@ThatAudioGuy You got a video to demonstrate that? I thought I had to export each audio track individually and then open each file in Logic each under a new track. Would that be a bad way to do it? Just switching over to adobe premier from final cut. Haven't looked at Audition yet.

[@ThatAudioGuy]

@@steveedelen3251 Oh man that sounds like a nightmare. I could make a video for you if you want

[@steveedelen3251]

That Audio Guy yes please do. Although I think I get it. 1. Export OMF to Audition. 2 Export FInal Cut XML. 3. Open That XML file in Logic. I get it. U should Make the video because I really searched for “how to send audio from premier to Logic” and found almost nothing. May help many people by demonstrating it.

[@PeterPiklMusic]

Thanks for that one! :) Considering ntg3...

[@stasysfilmslimited]

Oh, look forward to watch tomorrow!

[@ThatAudioGuy]

YESSS!

[@thijskraan]

Hey man, I'm looking for audio gear to buy. I'm thinking about getting the NTG4+ and the Zoom H5, what do you think? The NTG4+ = €230 here and the NTG3 = €595, but that's pretty expensive for me currently.

[@ThatAudioGuy]

I haven't used the NTG4 but I know people that like it. I would think that's a good set up based off of what I've heard other people say about it, but I would personally go with an H6 or H4n Pro instead as those have better preamps

[@thijskraan]

@@ThatAudioGuy thanks for the tips! Ill keep thst in mind!

[@Mile26point2films]

How well does the Schoeps CMIT 5U handle in humidity, I feel like the Deity has at least that advantage over these mics. If I could afford a Sennheiser 416, Sanken CS3-e, and Schoeps CMIT 5U, believe me I won't hesitate to get them. But the fact of the matter is some of us can't even afford them used. Again that's just my opinion, I hope the next test you do, is a comparison with the Rode Video mic and the Deity D3 and the D3 Pro, those in my opinion work well for your video blogger and as a shotgun for a boom pole.

[@ThatAudioGuy]

I haven't had issues with the 5U and humidity, but granted I don't work in a humid environment often so I can't say. If you were to just get one mic I would recommend the NTG 3 or the 416

[@Mile26point2films]

That Audio Guy I actually did end up getting an NTG3 after hearing your noise floor test. I found a company that does monthly payment installments for the mic. However I still wanna get a Deity mic in the event I’m caught in rain or snow just to have that reassurance. Also, I don’t know if you been keeping up with NAB but Deity has a bunch of new products coming out. Especially their new lavs that look fantastic!

[@ThatAudioGuy]

@@Mile26point2films Awesome! I haven't had any reliability issues with the NTG-3 in rain/humidity but it's good to have a backup if you don't have one. I'm excited to hear the new Deity stuff!

[@gabrielching7825]

Better follow Breden's advice, optional choice AT4073...

[@GiancarloBiondi]

Very helpful. Have you tested the Rode NTG5?

[@fernandopozo6905]

Awesome video, congratulations!

[@J_HNP]

No Sennheiser MKH-50? With the blend of boom mics, I feel like you’re missing a key dialogue mic.

[@ThatAudioGuy]

I've got two! Just didn't have one in this shootout

[@omerfit10]

Like that Elvis jacket lol

[@ThatAudioGuy]

Drive dog

[@ericallnight]

What are your thoughts on the new Rode NTG5?

[@theothervalentin]

Great video! Would you use the Ml-2 as a voice over mic running into a Tascam DR70D Recorder? do i have to use the computer interface to emulate the different mics? thanks

[@ThatAudioGuy]

Yes you have to use a computer with their plugin to use the mic emulations. I think it would work great as a VO mic. It emulates a 47 and 67 which a lot of people use for VO

[@coursefarm]

So good. Added the ML-2 to my list and subbed.

[@ThatAudioGuy]

Awesome! ML-2 is incredible, especially for studio use. Like I said in the video, I wouldn't use it as a primary boom mic but for $150, you can't go wrong

[@tazjamental]

Cool video, though I was very surprised to see the ML-2 in there as it's the only cardioid mic, so it was always going to have more off axis by design. It's a great mic for the price and I was planing to pick up some soon so it was still nice to hear. Seeing as the NTG-3 feels like the best value for money, at least to my ears and coming from the Fulltime Filmaker video, I'd love to see video comparing the NTG range of mics. I hoped the Deity would have provided a better budget option, but it's pretty shockingly bad, so I'm curious if the other Rode NTG series mics handle any better.

[@ThatAudioGuy]

I know the ML-2 is the odd one out but I've been wanting to put it through this test ever since I got it to see if it could be used in this scenario. Hate the NTG 2 but love the NTG-3

[@tazjamental]

​@@ThatAudioGuy I was curious to see how much of an improvement the NTG-4 was.

[@ThatAudioGuy]

@@tazjamental I don't know if it's an improvement on the NTG-3 I think it's just different

[@hzubovi1]

Hello there, there is a mic I would like to ask you about. It is the DPA 4017B. Just wondering how it compares to these mics. Thanks

[@ThatAudioGuy]

Never used it but I've heard good things

[@tinylil]

So helpful! Thanks!

[@mohamedadel-w1i]

hello, which one better NEUMANN KMR 82 i vs schoeps 541?

[@ThatAudioGuy]

I prefer the Schoeps!

[@nicolocapovillatesta]

Thanks for the video. Very clear and helpful. I use a Rode Ntg3 together with a Zoom H5. Even though I'm recording in a reasonably quite environment as soon as I turn up the gain on the recorder to get my voice to around -6 dB there is a very noticeable amount of hiss. I don't think it's the Ntg3's fault but rather the Zoom's. I also noticed that other people with the same setup do not experience similar issues. Does anybody have any idea about why is this happening?

[@ThatAudioGuy]

It could be a bad cable or the preamps aren't the best on the H5 compared to the H6 or F8. You also might have a really quiet source. Watch this video to learn about noise to signal and self noise of units: bit.ly/Top6Audio

[@nicolocapovillatesta]

That Audio Guy Thanks! I’ll definitely check it out

[@papple041]

Gotta say. I solidly disagree about the Smic 2. It's not a cmit. Obviously. But I've had it up against several other mics and it really holds its own. I've used it in several different environments and I've never seen anything else at that price point perform so well. The weather proofing is a big plus. I'm generally an mkh50 user, but I'm glad to have an smic 2 in my arsenal as well.

[@ThatAudioGuy]

Definitely not a CMIT. I would say that it holds itself when it's not up against other mics. In our tests (both in this video and other ones of just different experiments) the Deity consistently was last place. It just has that gross upper mid push that made it sound cheap. Again, compared to the other mics. If you were using it by itself I'm sure it'd work just fine. But I did go through a bunch of demos online and found they all had that same characteristic to it that I wasn't a fan of. It's better than onboard camera audio, but I would save up a little more and get something a little better. I haven't used the MKH50 but hope to get one some day!

[@Ranger7Studios]

What's the difference between the Rode NTG3 and the NTG3B?

[@ThatAudioGuy]

One is black

[@VCYAmerica]

Got a sub after Walbeck vid.

[@ars_urist]

Маловато лайков для такого отличного обзора.

[@lc2c177]

The Cs3e has an Equivalent Noise Level of 15dbA. The 416 has a 13dbA 🤔www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/406096-REG/Sanken_CS_3E_CS_3E_Short_Shotgun_Microphone.html www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/79502-REG/Sennheiser_MKH416_P48U3_MKH_416_Short_Shotgun.html I think the fact the Cs3e has a high pass at 150 cuts out some of that natural diagetic noise floor. I also think it's NB to say what recorders/mixers/soundcards and gain amounts we're dealing with. As well as mentioning the specs of each mic. They're all easy to find on the B&H site..

[@JaredRibic]

What do you think about the NTG-4?

[@ThatAudioGuy]

Never used it!

[@JaredRibic]

@@ThatAudioGuy - I think it sits somewhere between the NTG-3 and NTG-2. I have the battery-powered version which recharges with a microUSB cable. I'll keep working with it to learn its limitations before going out and getting anything else. I have the NTG-3 and a CAD Audio Equitek e70 (cardio/omni) which are my main two mics for now.

[@skakdosmer]

No ME66? :-(

[@JacquesMayo]

28:32 is that Russell Crowe ?

[@ThatAudioGuy]

Yes

[@JacquesMayo]

​@@ThatAudioGuy awesome

[@UnitedDestinyEntertainment]

I'm sorry man but my opinion the most expensive mic isn't performing well. it's very soft in dynamic range of the vocals. The presence just isn't there. I would not spend the money on that mic. They are better off spending that on 3 of the other choices of mics in this video.

[@rats304]

mkh50 should have been in this test

[@ThatAudioGuy]

Well you can't have them all

[@randyowusu8504]

Slate ML-2 > rode VMP and deity s mic 2 = save more money

[@Matthew_Raymond]

Sadly, the people with epilepsy almost made it to the last test, but it was not meant to be.

[@ThatAudioGuy]

Imagine editing the thing

[@PaulG73]

My friend each mic has a different sweet spot (distance from source) these tests are completely useless by placing them all in one bag (kind of what you did here), with all due respect. Additionally you need to mention how all this equipment was connected, processed etc. otherwise there is no point to any of this and I don't have a bias just fyi.

[@lc2c177]

Agree on the connections into what mixers or sound cards and how much gain. Also would be good to mention the specs. You can find them all neatly on B&H.

[@timespace8753]

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