Why Sennheiser ME66? at DVinfo.net

Zack Birlew · May 30th, 2004, 08:08 PM

Hey, I'm a GL1 owner and in mostly all the threads I see, people recommend the Sennheiser ME66. After looking trough Adorama.com and B&H's websites, I noticed the ME67. The ME67 is a longer shotgun mic, but wouldn't that mean better sound quality?

Also, are the ME66/67 Stereo or Mono mics? I want to know for obvious reasons.

Bryan Beasleigh · May 30th, 2004, 08:45 PM

<<<-- Originally posted by Jack Felis : Hey, I'm a GL1 owner and in mostly all the threads I see, people recommend the Sennheiser ME66. -->>>
The full product description would be K6/ME66. The K6 is a battery operated mic power module . The ME66 which is a short shotgun attaches to this module. The total cost is approx $400.

The ME66 is popular because it is a relatively good sounding, high output mic. It can work on a variety of cameras without a separate mic preamp. The polar pattern is a supercardoid and offers about a 120deg field.

http://www.sennheiser.com/sennheiser/icm_eng.nsf/root/products_microphones_k6_03284#

<<<---- After looking trough Adorama.com and B&H's websites, I noticed the ME67. The ME67 is a longer shotgun mic, but wouldn't that mean better sound quality?--->>>>
Better sound , no, but a smaller range could be isolated. The field of an ME67 is about 90 degrees and the tail or rear lobe is bigger.
The larger rear lobe will cause problems in smaller spaces.
http://www.sennheiser.com/sennheiser/icm_eng.nsf/root/03285?Open&print=#

The ME66 is a good compromise for ENG or documentary style shoots.

<<<--- Also, are the ME66/67 Stereo or Mono mics? I want to know for obvious reasons. -->>>

As a general rule stereo mics are not used for dialog . Once people actually try a quality mono mic they forget about this lust for stereo.

There are legitimate uses for stereo ie: stage plays, bands, ceremony but not dialog.

Do a search of recent posts. Dave Largent was discussing his rode NT4.

http://www.rodemicrophones.com/specs.html

While you're at it look at the NT3. It's a fine hypercardoid.

Peter Moore · May 30th, 2004, 09:32 PM

I personally much prefer the MKH-416. I know it's more money but well worth the price I think. The sound is so much more rich and realistic. The ME66 sounds pretty hollow and a bit tinny to me sometimes.

Bryan Beasleigh · May 30th, 2004, 10:48 PM

The MKH 416 @ $1000-$1100 is a nice mic . I just bought an MKH 60 which is somewhat the same with a high pass and a mid range boost. New it sells for $1450. While we're at it let look at the CMC641 at $1380 or the Neumann KMR81i

That's all stuff for when you really get into audio big time . I'll wager that your first mic wasn't a MKH416. Besides, using the MKH416 requires phantom and a decent preamp. A reasonable suspension and windshield add more than the cost of a K6/ ME66

We're talking a major step from an on board mic to a quality shotgun like the ME66. there's no shame in owning that mic at all. i still have mine.

Peter Moore · May 31st, 2004, 07:40 AM

I actually don't own a good one - they're so cheap to rent (usually around $20 a day) that that's what I do. One of these days when I see a good deal I'll buy a used one.

Bryan Beasleigh · May 31st, 2004, 11:13 AM

Renting is a good way to make sure that you find the mic that's right for your tastes. You still need Phantom and in many cases a mic preamp. You also need an audio supplier with a rental department.

Peter Moore · May 31st, 2004, 11:48 AM

Ooh, I just saw you mentioned you bought an MKH-60. That's my favorite of all but I always find it goes for so much more money used than the 416 does. I love the mid-range boost. I recorded a stage play with two MKH-60s in the front and two 416s in the rear, and I can clearly hear the difference. I just love both mics but especially the 60.

Bryan Beasleigh · May 31st, 2004, 01:51 PM

Peter
My absolute favorite is a Schoeps MK41 but sometimes a shotgun is the only way.

I bought a "gently used" MKH60 from Trew Audio in Toronto a few weeks ago

May 30th, 2004, 08:08 PM	#1
Zack Birlew Major Player Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 613	Why Sennheiser ME66? Hey, I'm a GL1 owner and in mostly all the threads I see, people recommend the Sennheiser ME66. After looking trough Adorama.com and B&H's websites, I noticed the ME67. The ME67 is a longer shotgun mic, but wouldn't that mean better sound quality? Also, are the ME66/67 Stereo or Mono mics? I want to know for obvious reasons. __________________ "Babs Do or Babs Do not, there is no try." - Zack Birlew www.BabsDoProductions.com

May 30th, 2004, 08:45 PM	#2
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	Re: Why Sennheiser ME66? <<<-- Originally posted by Jack Felis : Hey, I'm a GL1 owner and in mostly all the threads I see, people recommend the Sennheiser ME66. -->>> The full product description would be K6/ME66. The K6 is a battery operated mic power module . The ME66 which is a short shotgun attaches to this module. The total cost is approx $400. The ME66 is popular because it is a relatively good sounding, high output mic. It can work on a variety of cameras without a separate mic preamp. The polar pattern is a supercardoid and offers about a 120deg field. http://www.sennheiser.com/sennheiser/icm_eng.nsf/root/products_microphones_k6_03284# <<<---- After looking trough Adorama.com and B&H's websites, I noticed the ME67. The ME67 is a longer shotgun mic, but wouldn't that mean better sound quality?--->>>> Better sound , no, but a smaller range could be isolated. The field of an ME67 is about 90 degrees and the tail or rear lobe is bigger. The larger rear lobe will cause problems in smaller spaces. http://www.sennheiser.com/sennheiser/icm_eng.nsf/root/03285?Open&print=# The ME66 is a good compromise for ENG or documentary style shoots. <<<--- Also, are the ME66/67 Stereo or Mono mics? I want to know for obvious reasons. -->>> As a general rule stereo mics are not used for dialog . Once people actually try a quality mono mic they forget about this lust for stereo. There are legitimate uses for stereo ie: stage plays, bands, ceremony but not dialog. Do a search of recent posts. Dave Largent was discussing his rode NT4. http://www.rodemicrophones.com/specs.html While you're at it look at the NT3. It's a fine hypercardoid. __________________ Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ".......holy smokin rubber lips...what a ride!"

May 30th, 2004, 10:48 PM	#4
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	The MKH 416 @ $1000-$1100 is a nice mic . I just bought an MKH 60 which is somewhat the same with a high pass and a mid range boost. New it sells for $1450. While we're at it let look at the CMC641 at $1380 or the Neumann KMR81i That's all stuff for when you really get into audio big time . I'll wager that your first mic wasn't a MKH416. Besides, using the MKH416 requires phantom and a decent preamp. A reasonable suspension and windshield add more than the cost of a K6/ ME66 We're talking a major step from an on board mic to a quality shotgun like the ME66. there's no shame in owning that mic at all. i still have mine. __________________ Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ".......holy smokin rubber lips...what a ride!"

May 31st, 2004, 11:13 AM	#6
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	Renting is a good way to make sure that you find the mic that's right for your tastes. You still need Phantom and in many cases a mic preamp. You also need an audio supplier with a rental department. __________________ Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ".......holy smokin rubber lips...what a ride!"

May 31st, 2004, 01:51 PM	#8
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	Peter My absolute favorite is a Schoeps MK41 but sometimes a shotgun is the only way. I bought a "gently used" MKH60 from Trew Audio in Toronto a few weeks ago __________________ Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ".......holy smokin rubber lips...what a ride!"

May 30th, 2004, 09:32 PM	#3
Peter Moore Trustee Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Arlington VA Posts: 1,034	I personally much prefer the MKH-416. I know it's more money but well worth the price I think. The sound is so much more rich and realistic. The ME66 sounds pretty hollow and a bit tinny to me sometimes.

May 31st, 2004, 07:40 AM	#5
Peter Moore Trustee Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Arlington VA Posts: 1,034	I actually don't own a good one - they're so cheap to rent (usually around $20 a day) that that's what I do. One of these days when I see a good deal I'll buy a used one.

May 31st, 2004, 11:48 AM	#7
Peter Moore Trustee Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Arlington VA Posts: 1,034	Ooh, I just saw you mentioned you bought an MKH-60. That's my favorite of all but I always find it goes for so much more money used than the 416 does. I love the mid-range boost. I recorded a stage play with two MKH-60s in the front and two 416s in the rear, and I can clearly hear the difference. I just love both mics but especially the 60.