Zoom H4 and mic

Jim Andrada · April 5th, 2011, 01:09 AM

While you're drooling over Schoeps and Neumann, take a look at the Sanken CS-3e. I think that's where I would go if I really wanted to spend the money. But for now the NTG-2 is good enough for my needs. I thought about an NTG-3, but I don't really have enough use for a shotgun to justify it.

Jon Fairhurst · April 5th, 2011, 03:27 PM

I've also got an AT815b. You're right about it being thin. The off axis sounds can be very colored too as the fall off is far from smooth. Your evaluation of the NTG-3 is spot on with my experience. It's much fuller than the AT815b. You should hear less phasing and a more consistent sound as the mic moves around too. The only real downside is that the off axis stuff can be boomy with the NTG-3. An overall low cut (live or in post) can help. This usually isn't a problem outdoors but can be if near a construction site or around a large mumbling crowd like on a convention floor. As long as you're not near too much off-axis low frequency stuff, the NTG-3 should sound great!

Andy Balla · April 5th, 2011, 05:21 PM

Well, I get to try the NTG 3 out the next few days running sound for a SWAT team training video. I'm stoked about it! The video will illustrate how a SWAT team deals with a hostage situation at a school. Only thing I'm concerned about is that they will be using flash/bang grenades at one point. Limiter on the mixer WILL be engaged, and I will be riding gain when the time comes. Honestly, I may put up my AT 815b for the grenade sequence, only because I don't want to hurt my brand new NTG 3!

Andy Balla · April 5th, 2011, 05:25 PM

And I'm still not sure, but what is the best way to post audio clips here? I'd love to post the comparison between the AT 815b and Rode NTG 3, but I don't know the best way to go about it. Just trying to bring this thread back into focus!

Jay Massengill · April 6th, 2011, 08:44 AM

I'd have a low-sensitivity dynamic mic on a separate track for the grenade segment and I don't think I'd expose my brand-new NTG-3 directly to it either. I'd shield it somehow for those few seconds, perhaps under your coat or something similar until the grenades had fired.

April 5th, 2011, 01:09 AM	#16
Jim Andrada Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Tucson AZ Posts: 2,211	Re: Zoom H4 and mic While you're drooling over Schoeps and Neumann, take a look at the Sanken CS-3e. I think that's where I would go if I really wanted to spend the money. But for now the NTG-2 is good enough for my needs. I thought about an NTG-3, but I don't really have enough use for a shotgun to justify it.

April 5th, 2011, 03:27 PM	#17
Jon Fairhurst Inner Circle Join Date: May 2006 Location: Camas, WA, USA Posts: 5,513	Re: Zoom H4 and mic I've also got an AT815b. You're right about it being thin. The off axis sounds can be very colored too as the fall off is far from smooth. Your evaluation of the NTG-3 is spot on with my experience. It's much fuller than the AT815b. You should hear less phasing and a more consistent sound as the mic moves around too. The only real downside is that the off axis stuff can be boomy with the NTG-3. An overall low cut (live or in post) can help. This usually isn't a problem outdoors but can be if near a construction site or around a large mumbling crowd like on a convention floor. As long as you're not near too much off-axis low frequency stuff, the NTG-3 should sound great! __________________ Jon Fairhurst

April 5th, 2011, 05:21 PM	#18
Andy Balla Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Asheville NC Posts: 182	Re: Zoom H4 and mic Well, I get to try the NTG 3 out the next few days running sound for a SWAT team training video. I'm stoked about it! The video will illustrate how a SWAT team deals with a hostage situation at a school. Only thing I'm concerned about is that they will be using flash/bang grenades at one point. Limiter on the mixer WILL be engaged, and I will be riding gain when the time comes. Honestly, I may put up my AT 815b for the grenade sequence, only because I don't want to hurt my brand new NTG 3!

April 5th, 2011, 05:25 PM	#19
Andy Balla Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Asheville NC Posts: 182	Re: Zoom H4 and mic And I'm still not sure, but what is the best way to post audio clips here? I'd love to post the comparison between the AT 815b and Rode NTG 3, but I don't know the best way to go about it. Just trying to bring this thread back into focus!

April 6th, 2011, 08:44 AM	#20
Jay Massengill Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Burlington Posts: 1,976	Re: Zoom H4 and mic I'd have a low-sensitivity dynamic mic on a separate track for the grenade segment and I don't think I'd expose my brand-new NTG-3 directly to it either. I'd shield it somehow for those few seconds, perhaps under your coat or something similar until the grenades had fired.