ATR-55 suggestions at DVinfo.net

Jesse Parsh · August 22nd, 2005, 06:13 AM

I am in need of an inexpensive boom mic, I saw on Ebay a ATR-55 for $180. It comes with the pole, mic, cables, shock mount, everything you need. Now I know that a more expensive mic would be better but I'm asking if this is decent and worth my money.

Douglas Spotted Eagle · August 22nd, 2005, 06:16 AM

At the risk of sounding like a smart alec or a snob...
you're mostly paying for a boom, shockmount, and nothing else. As much as I love AT mics, you'd be better off with a Rode VideoMic and a broomstick than a cheap boom and an ATR 55, and the Rode with a broomstick would cost less. The ATR 55 is one of about 3-4 low end plastic mics that AT offers that aren't very impressive....but everyone needs a cheap mic, I guess.
My recommendation:
Pass on it.

Matt Gettemeier · August 22nd, 2005, 07:18 AM

I'll second Douglas' opinion. That was my first mic... and while the body of it is actually metal, there's way better choices out there. Don't let the appearance fool you into thinking it will perform like the Rode NTG-1 or an 897.

Unfortunately I don't know anything about the Rode VideoMic... If there's any way possible I think you'd be dramatically happier with something like the NTG-1 at $229.

David Ennis · August 22nd, 2005, 07:47 AM

"You get what you pay for."
"Quality is the best bargain in the long run."

Like most people, I've heard those all my life. I've heeded them sometimes and not others. But I can't think of many examples in my life where they have proven truer than for recording audio.

"A piece of quality audio gear will remain in your kit when your current and future camcorders are in the dumpster."

I'd like to credit the person who first said that, but I don't know who it is.

Guy Bruner · August 22nd, 2005, 09:19 PM

Actually, I have tested the RODE NTG-2 (same as NTG-1 but with battery), RODE Videomic, and AT897. I own the Videomic and AT897. There is very little difference in the audio characteristics of these mics. The Videomic is a definite value in this arena.

Mark Burlingame · August 23rd, 2005, 01:51 PM

I'll chime in here too. I have an ATR-55 and tried it once and found the _only_ advantage is you don't pick up the motor noise from the camcorder, however it's only mono and the sound quality is no better than the built-in mic on my PV-DV953. Also, I found that the "shotgun pattern" was too noisey and I only liked the "cardioid pattern". Get the Videomic, best $150 you'll ever spend for audio. OR I'll be happy to sell you my 55 for $25 plus shipping... only used once. Mark

August 22nd, 2005, 06:13 AM	#1
Jesse Parsh Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Lakewood Ohio Posts: 51	ATR-55 suggestions I am in need of an inexpensive boom mic, I saw on Ebay a ATR-55 for $180. It comes with the pole, mic, cables, shock mount, everything you need. Now I know that a more expensive mic would be better but I'm asking if this is decent and worth my money.

August 22nd, 2005, 06:16 AM	#2
Douglas Spotted Eagle VASST Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Stockton, UT Posts: 5,648	At the risk of sounding like a smart alec or a snob... you're mostly paying for a boom, shockmount, and nothing else. As much as I love AT mics, you'd be better off with a Rode VideoMic and a broomstick than a cheap boom and an ATR 55, and the Rode with a broomstick would cost less. The ATR 55 is one of about 3-4 low end plastic mics that AT offers that aren't very impressive....but everyone needs a cheap mic, I guess. My recommendation: Pass on it. __________________ Douglas Spotted Eagle/Spot Author, producer, composer Certified Sony Vegas Trainer http://www.vasst.com

August 22nd, 2005, 07:47 AM	#4
David Ennis Fred Retread Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hartford, CT Posts: 1,227	"You get what you pay for." "Quality is the best bargain in the long run." Like most people, I've heard those all my life. I've heeded them sometimes and not others. But I can't think of many examples in my life where they have proven truer than for recording audio. "A piece of quality audio gear will remain in your kit when your current and future camcorders are in the dumpster." I'd like to credit the person who first said that, but I don't know who it is. __________________ "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence..." - Calvin Coolidge "My brain is wired to want to know how other things are wired." - Me

August 23rd, 2005, 01:51 PM	#6
Mark Burlingame Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Oakland, CA Posts: 77	I'll chime in here too. I have an ATR-55 and tried it once and found the _only_ advantage is you don't pick up the motor noise from the camcorder, however it's only mono and the sound quality is no better than the built-in mic on my PV-DV953. Also, I found that the "shotgun pattern" was too noisey and I only liked the "cardioid pattern". Get the Videomic, best $150 you'll ever spend for audio. OR I'll be happy to sell you my 55 for $25 plus shipping... only used once. Mark __________________ DVX100a, PV-DV953 Rode NT3, NT1a, videomic Raynox HD6600pro WA Lens Vegas6+DVD

August 22nd, 2005, 07:18 AM	#3
Matt Gettemeier Major Player Join Date: May 2003 Location: St. Louis, Missouri Posts: 936	I'll second Douglas' opinion. That was my first mic... and while the body of it is actually metal, there's way better choices out there. Don't let the appearance fool you into thinking it will perform like the Rode NTG-1 or an 897. Unfortunately I don't know anything about the Rode VideoMic... If there's any way possible I think you'd be dramatically happier with something like the NTG-1 at $229.

August 22nd, 2005, 09:19 PM	#5
Guy Bruner Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Ashford, AL Posts: 937	Actually, I have tested the RODE NTG-2 (same as NTG-1 but with battery), RODE Videomic, and AT897. I own the Videomic and AT897. There is very little difference in the audio characteristics of these mics. The Videomic is a definite value in this arena.