OmahaAudio Posted January 24, 2012 Report Share Posted January 24, 2012 I cannot afford a MHK416 just yet so a Rode NTG-3 seems to be a decent high(ish) quality alternative (better than a Sennheiser ME66) particularly for outdoor work. Am I correct in thinking this? Can someone recommend a mic, similar in audio quality to the NTG-3, that would be similar to the Sennheiser ME64 (i.e. cardioid or hyper-cardioid, better for boom work indoors)? I figure that some will say "get a Schoeps" or such like but that would be, for the moment, not affordable. I'm trying to build up the gear slowly. Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProSound Posted January 24, 2012 Report Share Posted January 24, 2012 Rode NTG-3 sounds just as good as a 416 I own both a 416 and NTG3 they both match well to each other too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Heath Posted January 24, 2012 Report Share Posted January 24, 2012 The NTG-3 is good, and theres a lot of deals out there to get them at a fair price with some extra goodies. also theres was a posting on a facebook page for a 416 for around 775. heres the post i saw, not alot of info Andy- "my friend just approached me with a used sennheiser 416 in great condition. if your interested FB him. his name is Graham Wiggins. $775 for it.... really good deal" http://www.facebook....ps/soundmixers/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Wexler Posted January 24, 2012 Report Share Posted January 24, 2012 "I figure that some will say 'get a Schoeps' or such like but that would be, for the moment, not affordable. I'm trying to build up the gear slowly." The most "Schoeps-like" microphone you can get, one that you can certainly afford, would be an Octava. Look into getting one from The Sound Room. Do NOT purchase from Guitar Center or off eBay --- you could find yourself with a completely useless microphone. $293.00 from The Sound Room Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Heath Posted January 24, 2012 Report Share Posted January 24, 2012 To piggy back on JW's post, you could also look into a modded oktava mic from Michael Joly. http://www.oktavamod.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Wexler Posted January 24, 2012 Report Share Posted January 24, 2012 To piggy back on JW's post, you could also look into a modded oktava mic from Michael Joly. http://www.oktavamod.com/ Good suggestion. I have dealt with the Michael Joly mods and they do good work. I'm not convinced it is totally necessary, the mod part, but still good people to deal with (and helpful while trying to avoid Guitar Center, etc.). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OmahaAudio Posted January 24, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 24, 2012 Wow. Less than $300 for that Oktava. I will check that one out. Thanks to all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benr Posted January 24, 2012 Report Share Posted January 24, 2012 Check out the Audio-Technica AT4053B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Gilbert Posted January 24, 2012 Report Share Posted January 24, 2012 Check out a used 416, they've been going for peanuts here in the UK, around £300 for a fairly recent one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ayip12 Posted January 24, 2012 Report Share Posted January 24, 2012 ya, so my buddy graham wiggins is selling one on face book. $775 or i have two Rode NTG-3 for sale. $500 each. great cond. i can send pics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philip Perkins Posted January 24, 2012 Report Share Posted January 24, 2012 Good suggestion. I have dealt with the Michael Joly mods and they do good work. I'm not convinced it is totally necessary, the mod part, but still good people to deal with (and helpful while trying to avoid Guitar Center, etc.). The Guitar Center doesn't sell new Oktava mics, and hasn't since the "A.S.M." days many years ago. They sell the same mics everyone else does, good bad and indifferent. I don't recommend buying expensive mics from them because you are unlikely to get sales help that knows much, or cares if you are happy with your mic. The problem with mic (and recorder) after-market mods is that it is often hard to make a real comparative choice between "before" and "after" with your particular gear, and thus are forced to rely on reputation and internet opinion. phil p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
studiomprd Posted January 24, 2012 Report Share Posted January 24, 2012 " Less than $300 for that Oktava. " The Octava, and other mic alternatives are frequently discussed, and a search will yeild a lot of excellent information that is still valid today! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Spaeth Posted January 24, 2012 Report Share Posted January 24, 2012 You might be able to get a legit Oktava cheaper at www.oktava-online.com As for shotguns, I once got a used 416 for like 500 $ and I think I'll never sell it. People sell a lot of NTG3s though. A 416 is always good to have. If you're really low on money then a Rode NTG-1 isn't that bad either. I started like you did some years ago and that were the mics I started and learned with. I would never recommend getting a Schoeps as you're starting out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karri Posted January 25, 2012 Report Share Posted January 25, 2012 I've been very happy with my NTG-3. I'll probably get an MKH416 if a used one comes my way when I have extra cash, but I don't really see myself selling the NTG-3. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyB Posted January 25, 2012 Report Share Posted January 25, 2012 NTG-3 lover here! Great entry level (on the pro side) mic with great results.Very comparable sound to an MKH-416 I rented before. Bought an Oktava from the SoundRoom site. First one was DOA, sent it back, and they told me the capsule was bad. Replacement came, and it gave me crazy RF interference in an old house. Sent IT back, and they told me there was nothing wrong with it. Got my money back, because they are a stand-up company. Anyway, my next Hyper will be the AT-4053B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OmahaAudio Posted January 26, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2012 The Oktava seems to be very prone to handling noise and even air currents (some say) behind the mic. Any suggestions (aside from the Audio-Technica AT4053B) other than the MC012 for a hyper-cardioid suitable for indoor boom work? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benr Posted January 26, 2012 Report Share Posted January 26, 2012 The Oktava seems to be very prone to handling noise and even air currents (some say) behind the mic. Any suggestions (aside from the Audio-Technica AT4053B) other than the MC012 for a hyper-cardioid suitable for indoor boom work? AT4053B really does seem to be the only "next step up". I have one though I havent had much of a chance to use it yet. Beyond that it seems most make the jump to the Schoeps CMC641 setup which kicks up price a whole lot more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tyler Neisinger Posted January 26, 2012 Report Share Posted January 26, 2012 I use an Audix SCX1 with a hypercardioid capsule for indoor work and have been very happy with the results. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/242661-REG/Audix_SCX1_HC_SCX1_HC_Microphone.html I also have an NTG-3 and love it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Reilly Posted January 26, 2012 Report Share Posted January 26, 2012 In addition to a CS3e, I have an Oktava with Joly mod. I have not put it into action yet but can tell just by testing it is sensitive to handling. From what I've discerned..a Rycote INvision shock mount and a baby ball gag/jammer is a good combination. NIce to have interchangeable capsules in that price range. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carbonhobbit Posted January 27, 2012 Report Share Posted January 27, 2012 Don't forget a Senn. MHK-50 for a good "mid price" indoor mic. Should be able to find some used. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccsnd Posted January 27, 2012 Report Share Posted January 27, 2012 the ntg3 is an excellent sounding and well built mic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OmahaAudio Posted January 27, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 27, 2012 My NTG-3 arrived yesterday and I'm liking it. The metal tube case that Rode supply with is fantastic and might make a fine weapon in years to come... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benr Posted January 27, 2012 Report Share Posted January 27, 2012 My NTG-3 arrived yesterday and I'm liking it. The metal tube case that Rode supply with is fantastic and might make a fine weapon in years to come... Yea that storage cylinder is awesome! Keep that even if you sell the NTG-3! I created a thread about it here that you might find interesting: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Andrews Posted January 27, 2012 Report Share Posted January 27, 2012 I posted in a similar thread fairly recently about the Rode NTG-3. I purchased one at christmas last year, thinking much like OmahaAudio seems to be that it would be a good alternative to a more expensive 416. Despite that, I very quickly I bought the Sennheiser about a month later. Now I use the 416 about 95% of the time over the Rode. Do I like the Rode? Yes, it sounds great, but the problem is the Rode simply doesn't have the same off-axis rejection as the 416; it pickups far more from the sides, so it can only be used effectively in a quiet, controlled environment. Then it is beautiful and you get a nice rounded, natural sound. But for most locations I find there is too much noise, and I would never want to use it outside at all. Now I even use the Rode storage cylinder for my 416 as both mics are the same size! ~Mark. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jslocationsound Posted July 16, 2016 Report Share Posted July 16, 2016 I've owned mine for a couple years now, has never failed me in rain or -40 degree weather shooting in the Arctic. Great mic but I'd agree with Mark, doesn't have the same rejection as a 416 or a CS3. Quiet locations it sounds great and has a forgiving pickup pattern for panning between actors. Use it in my kit as my backup now, but great to know in crappy weather it will never crap out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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