Rode NTG2 Condenser Shotgun Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased the NTG-2 as a voiceover mic to use for audiobook production and VO recording. I'm running the mic through the preamps on an M-Audio ProjectMix I/O and into Pro-Tools M-Powered 8. I run the incoming signal through the Waves SSL Channel plugin for some light compression, and that's it. I rarely need to EQ.
The resulting tone is clean and clear without being too intimate. If I get too close, it tends to get a little boomy and the low-mid ranges are a touch muddy. However, if I position the mic about 12-18 inches from the mouth of the VO artist, and slightly above the axis of the mouth, the sound quality is stellar. On male voices, in particular, the mic lends a depth and warmth that is often desirable for certain types of voice work. As would be expected with a mic of this type, the proximity effect is fairly pronounced.
Being a shotgun mic, it does an excellent job filtering out much of the background noise if your space is not sound-proof. (For instance, I'm using a small booth in which one wall is an exterior wall with very little sound insulation. Even when cars and trucks drive by, the mic won't register the sound.) It's an excellent choice for small project studios in homes. The mic does a good job of not catching every single saliva slurp or tongue noise while keeping the voice sounding natural.
The included wind screen is a little on the wimpy side, and it's unfortunate that the mic doesn't come with a shock mount...but that's not uncommon for mics in this price range. Likewise, I wish the mic had come with a decent hard case rather than the pleather zippered pouch that comes with, but again, that's not uncommon in this price range.
I've used four very different mics for VO work: a Studio Projects C100 Large Diaphragm Condenser, an AKG C1000 small diphragm condenser, a Heil PR40 Large Diaphragm Dynamic, and the Rode NTG-2. I was using the Heil almost exclusively until I got the NTG-2. Now this is my first-call mic for 80% of my VO sessions. For the price, it really can't be beat for high-quality spoken word recording.
Pros:
* Great Mic for the Price
* Narrow Pickup Pattern to reduce noise
* Clean and clear tone
* Natural sound
Cons:
* Can get a little boomy in low-mid ranges if speaker is too close
* Pronounced proximity effect
* No shock mount/case included


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The RODE NTG2 is a new, lightweight condenser shotgun microphone, designed for professional applications within the film, video, television and production industries. The NTG2 provides a balanced low impedance output stage and operates either from an internal 1.5 V battery (AA) or 48 V phantom power. A wide bandwidth and controlled polar response coupled with low noise SMT electronics, makes the NTG2 the perfect choice for film, video engineering and voice-over work. The NTG2 is extremely lightweight making it ideal for mounting directly to video cameras or on boom poles. AC_FL_RunContent( 'codebase','http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,28,0','width','330','height','220','title','Rode NTG2 Condenser Shotgun Microphone','src','http://www.americanmusical.com/ItemFiles/Flash/RodeNTG2','quality','high','pluginspage','http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash','movie','http://www.americanmusical.com/ItemFiles/Flash/RodeNTG2' ); //end AC code The NTG2 comes complete with zip pouch, sta

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Samson AirLine 77 UHF TD Wind Instrument Wireless Microphone System, Channel N4 Review

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(More customer reviews)This mic is great for the price it is very sensitive and has a long range. I have had no problems with it since buying. It helps me to senerade with my sax because i can walk directly to audience and play 5 stars

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samson AirLine 77 UHF TD Wind Instrument Wireless Microphone System, Channel N4

The Samson Airline 77 UHF Wind Instrument Wireless systems are an unbeatable combination.Samson Concert 77 UHF True Diversity Half-Rack Receivers matched up with Samson's incredible Airline Series mini transmitters give you belt pack free mobility at new low prices. Ultra-light, ultra-compact, and incredibly efficient, Airline Series transmitters provide flawless wireless performance for 12 hours on a single AAA battery. No more duct taping the mic to your favorite sax.The AirLine wind instrument system features an AH1 transmitter mounted to a Samson HM40 condenser element. This system allows the performer to mount the element and transmitter to the bell of the instrument with no packs or wires to hinder their performance.The CR77 true-diversity half-rack UHF receiver works flawlessly with all AirLine UHF transmitters. The CR77 receiver features a front panel display with large multi-segment audio level and RF level LED meters, and a large rotary volume knob allows easy adjustment of audio output. The new synthesized PLL frequency control circuitry keeps the signal locked and true while dual tuned molded antennas with LEDs monitor the true-diversity operation. The rear panel features balanced XLR and unbalanced 1/4-inch outputs allowing flexible connection options.

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Rode SVM Stereo Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)I have a Canon HG10 High Definition camera that I use for recording my small kids and family events. The camera's built-in sound was just poor. With my default mic, the targets could barely be heard, and whenever the cameraman spoke the sound was overly pronounced. So I researched many mics over months and decided on this one.
The sound is superb, but you have to make sure you know what you are working with. Different mics are better for different situations. I am not an expert but here are the rules of thumb I have picked up.
*Super-Cartoid Stereo Mic*
The Rode Stereo mic is a "Super Cartoid Stereo Mic". It yields high-quality sound at a close range, less than 8 feet or closer is best . It emphasizes sound in front, and de-emphasizes sound from behind (i.e. the cameraman) It does not do well at long range.
*Shotgun mics*
Shotgun mics (i.e. Rode VideoMic directional Video Condenser w/microphone) on the other hand do well at isolating sound at long ranges. However, the sound will never be as good as a well-placed Supercartoid stereo mic. Those are good for school plays, football games, and such.
*Bonus*
It also comes with a Dead-cat wind guard, and it works great! Even in very gusty wind no sound is made from the wind.
*Tips for good sound*
For absolutely super quality sound with ANY mic you must get really close! Just think of those boom mic guys who hold the mic right inches over the actors heads! You have several options.
1- Stand as close as possible
2 - Buy a wide-angle lense for your camera (Canon WD-H43 0.7x Wide Angle Converter for HV20 & HV30 Camcorders). I did this and it makes a huge difference. The lense allows you to get much closer to the subject and the sound is super.
3 - Buy an extension cable and mini-tripod. This is only practical in some situations, but is not expensive. I did this when I wanted to film thanksgiving dinner. I placed the mic close to the table, just out of shot. I placed the camera far away, and then ran a 15' cable between the mic and camera. I got a great shot and top-notch sound.
4 - Buy a boom pole (Rode Mini Boompole Microphone Boom Pole) and have a friend hold it over the subject's head when filming. This is not practical since I do not own a boom pole and I do not have any friends. But Rode does sell a boom pole for this mic that requires no adapters.
*Warranty*
My 4-year old accidentally knocked the mic off a table and broke a small aluminum part. I contacted Rode and was amazed at how incredibly kind, accommodating, and prompt they were in helping me out.
Be sure to register your mic to get a 10-year warranty!
***---***---***---***---***---***---***---***---***---***---***---
**UPDATE**
Since writing this post I actually got the other mic; the RODE shotgun mic: Rode VideoMic directional Video Condenser w/microphone
Since I now own and use both, I have more to add.
The SVM is of much better construction than the Video Mic. The SVM uses aluminium, while the less expensive Video Mic uses plastic.
I use them interchangeably now, and though I wish I could say that the more pricey RODE SVM is plain better than the RODE Video (shotgun) mic, they are actually different tools for different jobs.
Here are situations for using each mic:
Use the RODE SVM (Super-Cartoid Stereo Mic) for:
-The camera person is talking (the camera person comes though balanced and clear)
-Indoor quiet settings (amazing, beautiful clear sound)
-Outdoors where you want superior ambient sound (crashing of the waves, seagulls, people talking in the background, etc)
-Concerts or live performances (or other really loud settings where you want to capture the full sound)
-Voice overs (if you get inches away from the mic the sound is nearly as good as a professional DVD voice over)
Use the RODE Video Mic Shotgun Rode VideoMic directional Video Condenser w/microphone for:
-The camera person will NOT be talking much. (the camera person's voice loses clarity, and is a little muffled.)
-Indoor Parties (where you want to catch the subject talking, and exclude other sound)
-Outdoor Fairs or the beach (where you want to catch the subject talking)
Bottom line, The SVM does do a good job capturing a subjects voice in a noisy setting, but the Video Mic does it better. Otherwise the SVM is superior in all regards.

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Now videographers can use true 'studio' stereo recording techniques in the field with ease. The X/Y configuration enables the StereoVideoMic to capture the true ambience of the recording space, while still offering a high level of rear rejection and low noise. Fitted with a shoe mount, the StereoVideoMic has the same low noise circuit design as the best selling VideoMic. The StereoVideoMic offers 9V battery operation, an LED battery status indicator, high pass filter switch, and a -10dB pad switch which allows for the mic to be used on most cameras with perfect level control. You can also use the StereoVideoMic as a remote mic on a stand, or a RØDE boom pole (optional), which truly makes this versatile product well suited for all video applications including Electronic News Gathering (ENG), Weddings, Sports Events and Interviews.

StereoVideoMic Specs

Polar Pattern and Frequency Response
What's in the BoxRØDE StereoVideoMic, Custom Windscreen, 3.5mm Cable, Shock Mount, Accessory Shoe, 3/8" Thread Adaptor, User's Manual, Warranty Card

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Samson AirLine 77 UHF TD Wind Instrument Wireless Microphone System, Channel N2 Review

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(More customer reviews)This mic is great for the price it is very sensitive and has a long range. I have had no problems with it since buying. It helps me to senerade with my sax because i can walk directly to audience and play 5 stars

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samson AirLine 77 UHF TD Wind Instrument Wireless Microphone System, Channel N2

The Samson Airline 77 UHF Wind Instrument Wireless systems are an unbeatable combination.Samson Concert 77 UHF True Diversity Half-Rack Receivers matched up with Samson's incredible Airline Series mini transmitters give you belt pack free mobility at new low prices. Ultra-light, ultra-compact, and incredibly efficient, Airline Series transmitters provide flawless wireless performance for 12 hours on a single AAA battery. No more duct taping the mic to your favorite sax.The AirLine wind instrument system features an AH1 transmitter mounted to a Samson HM40 condenser element. This system allows the performer to mount the element and transmitter to the bell of the instrument with no packs or wires to hinder their performance.The CR77 true-diversity half-rack UHF receiver works flawlessly with all AirLine UHF transmitters. The CR77 receiver features a front panel display with large multi-segment audio level and RF level LED meters, and a large rotary volume knob allows easy adjustment of audio output. The new synthesized PLL frequency control circuitry keeps the signal locked and true while dual tuned molded antennas with LEDs monitor the true-diversity operation. The rear panel features balanced XLR and unbalanced 1/4-inch outputs allowing flexible connection options.

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Samson AirLine 77 UHF TD Wind Instrument Wireless Microphone System, Channel N1 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This mic is great for the price it is very sensitive and has a long range. I have had no problems with it since buying. It helps me to senerade with my sax because i can walk directly to audience and play 5 stars

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samson AirLine 77 UHF TD Wind Instrument Wireless Microphone System, Channel N1

The Samson Airline 77 UHF Wind Instrument Wireless systems are an unbeatable combination.Samson Concert 77 UHF True Diversity Half-Rack Receivers matched up with Samson's incredible Airline Series mini transmitters give you belt pack free mobility at new low prices. Ultra-light, ultra-compact, and incredibly efficient, Airline Series transmitters provide flawless wireless performance for 12 hours on a single AAA battery. No more duct taping the mic to your favorite sax.The AirLine wind instrument system features an AH1 transmitter mounted to a Samson HM40 condenser element. This system allows the performer to mount the element and transmitter to the bell of the instrument with no packs or wires to hinder their performance.The CR77 true-diversity half-rack UHF receiver works flawlessly with all AirLine UHF transmitters. The CR77 receiver features a front panel display with large multi-segment audio level and RF level LED meters, and a large rotary volume knob allows easy adjustment of audio output. The new synthesized PLL frequency control circuitry keeps the signal locked and true while dual tuned molded antennas with LEDs monitor the true-diversity operation. The rear panel features balanced XLR and unbalanced 1/4-inch outputs allowing flexible connection options.

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