Documentary mic: Sennheiser 8060 vs DPA 2017 vs Schoeps MiniCMIT vs MK41

[MatL]

I’m looking for a mic for documentary (no “talking heads”, but more “run & gun”), possibly with a long reach in order to be able to capture sound also when in not-ideal situations, and sometimes as on camera mic (I know, I know…). I will use either a MixPre3 or a Zoom F3, in accordance to the set up needed on the day (as I have both).

Have anyone had the chance to compare the Sennheiser 8060 vs the DPA 2017?

I looked at some tests and I feel the 8060 sounds better when positioned at longer distance from the source, but I'd like to hear about your experience if you had the chance to use them.

Would the Sennheiser 8060 or DPA 2017 pair well with a Schoeps MK4 (which I already have)? 

Ideally, I would get a Schoeps MiniCMIT or KMIT or MK41 capsule, but (beside the cost) I’m not sure they would perform at their maximum potential in "run & gun" situations, or when placed not so close to the sound source. Hence, it might be a bit of a waste.

I’ve also been looking at the Sanken CS-MI, but i really don’t like the sibilance.

Any advice or opinion would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[Axel Mishael]

I've recently ended shooting a two week documentary, mostly talking heads but with some share of run and gun and predominantly done on noisy locations; Been using a 4017 for years but on this occasion I went with a CMC141 (on interviews) and a Minicmit (on exteriors, run and gun and noisy locations) and I liked the results. I haven't heard neither the 2017 nor the 8060 but I've always felt that the DPA's need to be closer (than a CMIT5u or a Minicmit) to sound great. 

 

I concur about the CS-M1 but then again, post can handle the sibilance while you have the usual Sanken stamina and the proper size you might want.

 

Best,

Axel.

[codyman]

I use the 8060 for run and gun type shoots.  Love it and how precise yet forgiving it is which is perfect when on non scripted.  I tried a 2017 out one time and it was "fine" but I still preferred the 8060 at least to my ears.

Also, I'd recommend the MixPre3 vs the F3.

[Derek H]

The 2017 is a very clear and nice sounding mic. The price also fits well with a mix pre/ zoom based rig. It’s also small and, supposedly, very rugged. 

[Constantin]

I prefer the sound of the 2017 and of the MninCMIT over any Sennheiser mic, so I would always recommend one of those two. I don’t understand why you conclude that the Mini or the KMIT would not be as suitable for run and gun, they very much are. Also, if you’re looking for a good match to you MK41, then those two are it, closely followed by the DPA, with Sennheiser a distant third

[OB1]

If the 2017 is anything like the 4017, then it is perfectly suited for r&g work. That's all I use for live, unscripted, doc r&g work. For reference, I also use DPA and Sanken lavs, at times rent CMC641 combo for boom and they are all very neutral and similar for post without issue. 

[MatL]

How would you compare the DPA 4017 to the Schoeps MiniCMIT, both in sound and performance? I was considering the 4017c, as it's cheaper than the MiniCMIT. I know I very like the Schoeps, but I've not much experienceof the 4017.

 

It would be interesting to know the difference between the DPA 4017 and 2017. Since the 2017 is marketed by DPA to videographer and students, and because of price, I'd guess the 4017 might be superior, but I couldn't find any direct comparison.