Shotgun and wireless mics for A1U
 

Hi All,

I am about to purchase the Sony A1U, and will need a good, but not too expensive shotgun and wireless system. My documentary project will take me around the US, interviewing people in all types of conditions. I am new to video, and all the forums and reviews I have read, confuse me.

I would appreciate any information, and web links with regards to this topic.

I do appreciate all the input I can get.


Peace,

Jarle

For the shotgun, get the Rode NTG-1 or NTG-2, identical mics except the NTG-2 is longer so that it can use battery power as well as phantom power. The NTG-1 is phantom power only. They are inexpensive and outperform mics in its range as well as argubably those twice as expensive.

Hi Alex,

Thanks very much for your reply, highly appreciate this. I did some browsing earlier here on dvinfo, and that seemed to be the one to get. Guess it would be better to get the NTG-2, since it is not phantom powered, and thus, won't use the camcorder battery.

Cheers,

Jarle

Alex...is the Rode designed more for indoors or outdoors? I was under the impression it was better suited for outdoors and the ME-64 is better for indoors. Any info you could give is appreciated.

Thx

That's right. Shotguns are better outdoors generally, and hypercardioid and cardioid are generally better indoors.

As far as battery vs. phantom, while battery may be convenient, I think they also provide a lower quality audio recording? Not sure, check to make sure.

thanks Alex,
I will check out what I can find with regards to the battery, and how that may play a role in the recording. Do you know anything about the Røde VideoMic?
http://www.rode.com.au/?pagename=Pro...5dd317e4b94353

This seems like an interesting product, or?

All best,

Jarle

Glad that my post may provide some debate...
 

being a total novice in the video and microphone world, I find it interesting to get differnet points of view from people who have been in the industry for a longer time, who know way more about the technical specifications, and where and what the different microphones, are useful for. One can get frustrated and confused looking for microphones, which I practically have been doing now for the last few days...spending too much time on this, one may say...

My presence here on this Information Network is quite new. Searching around the internet, for good reviews and information with regards to shotgun microphones and wireless systems, are difficult to locate. And with one person saying this is good, and others saying something else, and new commer like I, get totally confused.

I wish that several pros, and people who have been in the industry for some time, would be given the time and equipment to test and provide good reviews of the different mics. I have been able to find one review, which covers less expensive shotgun mics, less than $500 (http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage...gun_mics.html), which falls into my category.

Be well,

Jarle

There is a mic shootout thread in the audio section somewhere that has actual audio clips comparing several different mics, among them the Rode NTG mic and the Senn. ME66. It seems to me that the Rode sounds better, and for less money. For that reason and with the backing of many others, I got the Rode. It wasn't so much an issue of expense. Simply put, I found the Rode to be better quality. Furthermore, the whole indoor/outdoor thing? I'm no expert, but in my own experience, I have found it to be true. Maybe this is a placebo effect of the reading I've done here?

In any case, I have tried numerous shotguns indoors compared to my Senn. ME64 cardioid, and every time my ME64 sounds much better than the shotguns. Note that the shotguns were placed nearby the sound source as well, while the cardioid was much farther. I'm not even talking about distortion, I'm simply talking about the overall feel of the sound recorded, and personally, I'd take the ME64 recording indoors over any shotgun recording I've had.

Now, outdoors, the ME64 also sounds acceptable, but I'd still go with a shotgun outdoors.

I do believe that having thousands to spend on Mics will solve everyones problems. That being said and assuming most are like me and do not have that money I will say this. These boards are extremely helpful when you take them for what they are. A mix between fact, fiction and opinion (up to you to decifer which is which). I like the posts that don't give expert opinions but rather personal experience. To me that means more because I take them to be sincere and wanting the same thing I want. It is easy to read a professional article from a newsgroup and basically feed that back, but personal experience from someone in a similar situation as me is what matters most. That being said...what is great for one person will not be great for another. What sucks outdoors or indoors for one person will probably not be noticable to the average person. The real question is....are you being to picky for what you are shooting?

I get that way :-)

Applications
 

There are different mics for different applications. That's why it's good to have a range of mics on hand, even if it's a shotgun and tie-clip for doing interviews. If you pick up a "general purpose" mic than you'll probably get generally good results (don't forget technique).

I've been thinking to get a Rode VideoMic for my A1U for "general purposes" (and because I don't always have a second person around to operate a boom-shotgun rig).

As far a weather goes, I'm not sure how extreme people get, but for 5 years I've used a basic Audio-Technica AT-22 stereo mic for recording ambient sounds in temperatures from -30C to +45C, in rain, snow and sun, indoors and out and the thing has held up just fine. The main problem is always fighting with the wind...

Okay, I've just ripped out a number of flaming posts which contained serious personal attacks, which of course are *never* tolerated here. I'd like to remind everybody that the proper way to handle what you perceive to be a personal attack, is to click the "report bad post" button on the left side of screen. Don't respond to it with a follow-up of your own, it'll just get removed as well.

There was a very sorry accusation that somebody here was shilling for a manufacturer. I don't appreciate those accusations one bit. But if you're so convinced that it is happening, then contact me and I'll handle it. After all it is my problem not yours.

There will be *no* flaming on this site. Period. I'll lock an account in a heartbeat for that.

Topic remains open for now.

I am using the Rode NTG-2 which I am totally satisfied with. It sounds great, comes with the SM-3 shockmount and a windshield. I would pick the NTG-2 over the NTG-1 anyday as it can be used with batteries. This is handy when you have no phantom power on your camera. The microphone has flawless sound outdoors, as well as indoors when there is a lot of noise/music. If there is only one voice or sound source, it sounds a little bit bouncy indoors.

Thanks for your feedback Floris. I have been looking at the NTG-2, with the SM-3. I am glad that you are able to enjoy the microphone. Have you been using an extra softie outside of the windshield, such as the Rode deadcat or the Rycote medium hole softie? Can you explain the bouncy sound indoors, not sure if I follow you.

Thanks again.

Jarle

If you use the Rode NTG-2, or basically any other shotgun microphone indoors, you get the infamous "empty box" sound. Or hollow sound in other words. This is the result of the sound bouncing from the walls. Hypercardoids or cardoids are less directional and thus this effect is practically gone. I am going to buy the Rode NT-3 at a later point in time to complement the NTG-2. THe NT-3 will then be my indoor microphone and the NTG-2 my outdoor microphone. But the NTG-2 is far better indoors then any onboard microphone. I also found that at parties or birthdays (places with sound coming from many directions), the "empty box" effect is virtually gone. I use the windshield that came with the NTG-2, which is simple but effective. I am going to buy the Rode Deadcat, but when I placed an order for a camera bag, it was out of stock.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

I am using Sony A1 with Rode NTG-1 shotgun for outdoor shoots and Rode NT-3 for indoor interviews where the subject is not moving. The two mikes seem ideal for my purposes, and they were both very reasonably priced. These two mikes are VERY good value for the money.

Regards,
Maukka

Shotgun Finalised
 

Thanks to all of you for your great feedback, this has been highly appreciated. I have now decided, and will end up with a Rode NTG-2 Kit from B&H, and also the Deadcat from Sweetwater dot com. All I have to now, is buy the A1U...still trying to find a deal on that...

Floris, thanks for explaining the sound one gets when interviewing indoors. If there will be any money left, once I get the camera, I will look into the NT-3.

Have a great weekend.

Peace,

Jarle

The $500 rebate is a nice deal IMHO. Still comes out to approx $1900 but well worth it.

Found a camera last night, at www.bestpricecameras.com, for $1614 including ground shipping...and it comes with a video light. not sure of the quality of the light, so have to check that one out...can't beat that...

$1614 for an A1U seems suspiciously cheap to me.
Personally, i'd stick with B&H Photo.

I'd be fairly scpetical of any seller that can undercut a B&H price by a substantial amount, like the site you mentioned. Caveat emptor and all that...

I can't believe people can be so trusting. You have to be very suspicious of prices that are too good to be true. They have no shop. They are in Brooklyn, NY, USA. Massive alarm bells are ringing.

Look at www.resellerratings.com and you'll find they have an amazing customer satisfaction rating of 0.04 out of 10. In the customer comments there are consistently shocking stories. It's incredible that they can have the cheek to ask for someone's credit card PIN. It troubles me deeply that some people may actually divulge their PIN.

Don't believe anything you read on the Internet. In fact why believe me? Check it out for yourself.

Wow, thanks Colin...I will call them tomorrow and cancel my order...
thanks for providing the web page...Very unfortunate that businesses like this, are able to put people astray...Unfortunate though, I had hoped to save some money...and went out and bought a wireless system. Now I have all sound, and no camera...haha

Does anyone of you know anything about www.globalmediapro.com? They have the A1U at $1980 (https://www.globalmediapro.com/do/product/1322/). I would go through B&H, but my problem is that I will not be around for when the rebate returns. I have received rebates before, and from my experience they take a long time to get back to you.

Thanks!

Global Media Pro is in New Zealand. Search these DVinfo forums to see people's comments about them.

Jarie,

DVINFO has taken the time to line up sponsors that will take care of you. Their prices are reasonable and you get peace of mind. For most folks in this business, time is money. Therefore, the less time spent chasing down a 'good deal', the more money saved.

I encourage you to use our sponsors because they keep this site in operation as a free resourse to you. For that reason, we also give those sponsors of the site 'exclusive' referral on where to buy questions. Please don't continue to discuss other non-DVINFO sponsors on the forum.

Good luck,

-gb-

There are sme threads on this board where they talk about this rebate. I think some people got their rebate within 2-4weeks (by memory). Do a search and you should find the info.
Also, if you gave your CC number to these people in Brooklyn,NYC, i'd be *very* concerned even if you have cancelled your order. That, ahh, won't count for much. (This is just my opinion...)
Personally i'd cancel the card completely. There's a lot of dodgy people in the world who will try anything to get their hands on your money by whatever means possible. Healthy does of cynicism required...

I have now canceled my order with the A1U, and ordered it from a sponsor store of the DVinfo. Hopefully, I should not have any troubles with regarsd to the no good store.

Thanks again to all of you for your great help.

Have a wonderful Sunday.

Jarle

I ordered my first GL1 with one of those low cost companies, only to be told that it was on backorder, but would I like to go with an XL1 instead? For a few thousand more, of course.

I can't speak about the company you were dealing with, but the one I encountered was typical bait and switch. I cancelled my order pronto and went with a reputable place.

As for a wireless setup, I bought the Samson Micro32 from B & H. UHF, 32 channels. Inexpensive and works like a charm. I was actually surprised by how good it sounds and it's perfect for the A1U.

My only complaint is that the receiver doesn't come with a mount. I had to use the velcro strips it came with. Not terrible, but not great either.

Hi Bob,

Thanks for your input.
Was able to get my order canceled and received an email, veryfying this. What it cost me, was time, and $1 withdrawn from my bank account. It was an interesting experince. However, ordered the camera from a sponsor, and I should receive this soon.
With regards to wireless, I ended up getting a good deal, on the Sennheiser Evo100, which should be a great set up. Honestly, I only looked at Sennheiser for Wireless, but I am glad that you are happy with your Samson.

Keep shooting

Jarle

Is the rhode Nt-3 a mic used for mounting on a camcorder?

I wouldn't know...I'll have to try and see when I get it...
Does anyone else know?

I'm lost. I just looked up hypercardioid, and it says that shotgun mics are hypercardioid.

The question is, why would you WANT to mount a mic on top of your camcorder?

Most wedding videographers mount a mic on the camera.

I mount a shotgun and a wirless for weddings and receptions.

That is why I asked because the mic doesn't look like it is for mounting.

Portability....not all shots allow for a boom. Wedding, as mentioned above, is a good example. Would be great to position the boom for one portion, say start, and then stop just prior to vows to reposition, but probably not acceptable to the couple :-)

Granted I have not read much of the article since I posted a while back, but the ME-64, which I purchased based on suggestions on these boards, is a great mic. Used mainly for indoors, but I have messed around outdoors with very good results.

Yes you can mount NT3 on a camcorder. It's certainly a bit big and a bit heavy, but you *can* mount on-cam with something like a Rode SM3 or SM5 shockmount.
It's XLR-connection, so you just need an XLR-to-minijack cable if your cam hasn't got XLR socket.

Well, I've only done one wedding in my time and it was merely as a favor and for a little practice on my feet. That aside, the first thing I did when I got my A1U was get rid of the mic on top. Kept the XLR unit, but banished the mic.

It's either wireless or boom for me, I'm afraid. Practical or not.

Certainly that's the way to do it to get the best sound.
Out of interest, which mic are you using/going to use on the end of the boom? Something like ME64 ? ME66? NTG2?

Right now I have a very cheap AT shotgun that surprisingly has little hiss. But I'm looking to get the 66 or something better in the future.