New Rode NTG-3

[Shaun Roemich]

Looks interesting. Found this at sync.sound.cinema and followed the link to Rode.

http://www.rodemic.com/microphone.php?product=NTG-3

Positioned to be a Sennheiser 416 "killer" by the looks of it.

[Allan Black]

It'll be more than that Shaun and at $US699. The 416 is $US1100.

An interesting accessory is the RODE blimp, it's price should be very competitive and I wonder what other mics it'll accommodate.

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...ght=RODE+NTG-3

Cheers.

[Jon Fairhurst]

Interesting. Rather than a lobar pattern, it's a super-cardiod. It's being positioned as a rugged outdoor mic, but it might just work well indoors too.

Could be a real winner for the "I can afford one good mic" crowd.

[Shaun Roemich]

Thanks Allan. Hadn't seen that thread before. Thought I was being clever... should have known better! <laughs>

Interesting discussion as always with brand preference/performance/price. I'm considering an NTG-2 for my on-camera shotgun and switching between my Sennheiser ME66 and a yet-to-be-purchased NTG-3 on the boompole.

[Allan Black]

John you know the RODE NTG-1 and 2, the Videomic, StereoVideomic and Senn. 416 are all super cardioid. The NTG-3 has a slightly wider front pattern than the 416.

I believe this is designed for less experienced boom ops, the extremely low noise also aiding in this area. Location RF interference is going to get worse, I was watching the US PGA golf yesterday with loud RF 'bips' appearing every 10-15mins. The NTG-3 has better RF rejection than ever before.

An area that interests me is the NTG-3 low end 'cause there's no low cut filter. The frequency response rolls off to -6db at 40hz, what happens after that is not graphed. IMO you may need to have an additional sharper low cut filter at maybe 80, available when you need it in the location rig.

So we're looking at a potentially great pro sounding shotgun at a price also suitable for new movie makers and prosumers, a market I think will prove greater than the pro market if it isn't already. I say that 'cause IMO most pros already have their favourite shotguns, know how to use them properly, get great results and are loath to try others out...unless a radical new sound/price appears.

Shaun, I wouldn't buy anything till you check out the NTG-3, my guess is it's a big improvement over the ME66.

Cheers.

[Andy Wilkinson]

I'm very interested in this mic. Anyone know when it will be generally available?

Edit: Ok, I've found a UK supplier that claims to have 3 in stock. Anyone got one and care to comment how they find it?

[Allan Black]

Andy, NTG-3 serial 000242 arrived here 3 hours ago.

First impressions. The waterproof black container cylinder is thicker than I expected, 31mm and 35mm at the end caps. It'll open at both ends and has internal padding for shock absorption. The mic is about the weight I expected 163g, and and looks plain and sleek without a filter or on/off switch.

That's not a proprietary 3 pin audio socket I recognise, RODE I believe have designed their own for this mic to help keep RF interference out altogether.

I notice both the body flutes are long, almost to the tip of the mic. The accessories include a stand mount (not shock) a threaded adaptor, a manual, a pouch and a windshield. I like to keep windshields fitted to my mics all the time to keep dust out, but I'll have to remove this one to store the mic in its cylinder. Then allow space in the Pelican 1510 for the shield. Seeeee I resisted cutting the foam before I got the mic, taken me about 20years to learn that.

I'll be using this NTG-3 with a Canon A1 and I'll need some padding around the mic to fit it to the A1s external holder. Trying it out, the mic with its windshield extends 3 1/2 inches out ahead of the A1s lens hood. Plenty of clearance there.

Also need the worlds shortest XLR cable from mic to A1, about 6inches. TBC.

Nowhere in the manual does it say always connect the mic first before turning on the 48V and the reverse when finished for the session...guess it doesn't matter, but I always do that anyway.

I've got a RYCOTE 3 blimp system, so I'll try that out, if not the RODE system will be on the list. Also going to need a shock system for boom work.

I know the guys at RODE and the lights have been burning long into the nights for this one. The whole rig has a good feel about it and I can't wait to hear the results.

Cheers guys.

[Andy Wilkinson]

Thanks for the update Allan - great info. We all look forward to reading how it sounds when you've had a chance to test this new baby!

Edit: So it does not come with the short XLR cable then (I don't see one in the pic on the Rode website). Correct?

[Allan Black]

Nope no cable. I don't think any shotguns come with cables, everyone wants a different length. This short one I need will have to be made up, probably with 2 right angle Neutrik plugs to keep the cable out of the way.

The manual says 'we strongly suggest the use of high quality XLR cables, using the shortest length possible to ensure minimal noise interference between the microphone output and the camera/recorder input.'

So the low mic noise and RF rejection are big features and out on location it's easy to grab a longer cable than you might need in case you do end up needing it saving some time. And runs of 50-60 feet from the boom to the recorder are not uncommon.

Rode want the sound quality that comes out the back of the NTG-3 to be heard by the clients, me too :)

Cheers.

[Andy Wilkinson]

Thanks for the confirmation. Have fun and let us know how it sounds soon.

Jigsaw24 (DVinfo's new UK sponser) have just told me thay have 5 on order and I should know by tomorrow an approx. ETA for this mic.

[Jeff Kellam]

Is an on-board power option available for the NTG-2/3 or are they phantom power only?

Thanks

[Colin McDonald]

Originally Posted by Jeff Kellam

Is an on-board power option available for the NTG-2/3 or are they phantom power only?

Thanks

NTG-2 has option of AA battery power (NTG-1 hasn't)
NTG-3 is phantom only

[Colin McDonald]

Originally Posted by Shaun Roemich

I'm considering an NTG-2 for my on-camera shotgun and switching between my Sennheiser ME66 and a yet-to-be-purchased NTG-3 on the boompole.

If you do, then we'll have to call you Shaun RODEMIC instead!

:-)

Please forgive the jest with your name - no offence intended.

And no, I don't have a farm.

[Shaun Roemich]

Colin: I nearly busted a gut (which is somewhat ample this time of year)!

No offense taken. That's refreshing. Thanks for making my day!

[Ty Ford]

Originally Posted by Andy Wilkinson

I'm very interested in this mic. Anyone know when it will be generally available?

Edit: Ok, I've found a UK supplier that claims to have 3 in stock. Anyone got one and care to comment how they find it?

Over here B&H is about to launch several kits with the NT3. Looks like a copy of my "Audio Bootcamp Field Guide" will be in one kit.

Regards,

Ty Ford