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.

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/showthread.php?t=120820&highlight=RODE+NTG-3

Cheers.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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

Thanks

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

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.

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!

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

Ty, do you have any comments on the NTG 3?
Will the price point be justified?
Did you get to test it?
Will you get one?

Thanks.

Hello Pietro,

No I haven't heard it yet.

I've known Peter Freedman for six+ years. I have a lot of respect for him. He's very dedicated to getting things right and he's an innovator. He's very price sensitive. He understands the market.

I don't always agree with what some of his mics sound like, but that can be said of any mic.

I use his video mic dead cat over my schoeps cmc641 and B5D on outdoor shoots and it works very nicely. I have an NTG-1 and NTG-2 that I use for audience Q&A mics when I record meetings. I use an NT2a as a tom mic when recording music.

The Podcaster Mic with headphone jack on the mic is a simple but brilliant solution to USB latency.

The Video and SVM mics are great for low budget cameras looking to instantly improve their audio.

I've got a little omni (I forget the number) that I've used to quickly record a whole drum kit when placed properly. (The drummer was very surprised during playback.)

Will the NTG-3 be a 416 killer? I can't say. It shouldn't be any brighter than a 416. It shouldn't be any peakier than a 416. It shouldn't have more low end than a 416. It shouldn't be any noisier than a 416. We'll see. :)

I also have Neumann, Schoeps and Sennheiser mics and really like the AEA R84 ribbon mic that's visiting now.

Regards,

Ty Ford

I was very close to buying the AT4073a recently, but since this NTG-3 is coming out soon I thought there was a good reason to wait. I guess it's a safe bet to assume the NTG-3 will be better than the AT4073a since it's possibly even better than the MKH-416.

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

Looks like both kits will be including it.

I was very close to buying the AT4073a recently, but since this NTG-3 is coming out soon I thought there was a good reason to wait. I guess it's a safe bet to assume the NTG-3 will be better than the AT4073a since it's possibly even better than the MKH-416.

Peter is very good a making his mics perform well at a price, but there's a big difference in price between the NTG-3 and a 416. Time will tell.

There's a huge user base of 416s. I have a 416 and an 816, though I rarely use the 816.

Regards,

Ty

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.

We now have 2 in stock having sold 3, including Andy's :)

Well I just heard the Rode NTG-3 at the DV Shop here in Toronto and after hearing it I immediately purchased it.

If I knew a lot about audio, I would write a review...but I don't really know what I'm talking about from a technical standpoint, nor have I heard any mics like the MKH-416 to compare it to so you're best off waiting for Ty Ford's input.

All I compared it to was the Rode NTG-2 and the Sennheiser ME66 and obviously it blew them both away. They didn't have any higher end mics to compare to, but I was confident with what I was hearing that I wanted to buy it right away.

The pattern does seem to be wider than the other shotguns, but if this is similar to the MKH-416 that people are comfortable with then I have no concerns.

The only other mics I'll be able to compare it to tonight is the new AT4053a I just got, and my old Rode NT3 (both of which are obviously not shotguns, but I'm still curious).

Anyone have any idea what kind of shockmount I can use with this? There's not a lot of space at the back after I attach a Rycote Softie 14cm, and both the Audio Technica and Rode SM3 shockmounts are too far back for it to balance properly (even though Rode does recommend the SM3/4/5 accessories).

Craig, you're lucky, you got one before the first production run of 5000 is gone.

At present I'm mounting it in the Audio-Technica AT8415 mount with stronger rubber bands but you're right there's only 3 1/2 inches space for a mount at the rear. With the SM3-4-5 you have to decide what it's going to attach to before getting one.

It's a great mic and going to make serious waves at $US699. Out of interest what serial number did you get?

Cheers.

Craig, you're lucky, you got one before the first production run of 5000 is gone.

Great... what does that mean, though...I'm not sure. Is there something different if it's first production run?

I do feel lucky, yeah. Apparantly there's only 10 in Canada right now and the store had two of them. My serial number is 000253 and I just registered it for the 10 year warranty (amazing).

At present I'm mounting it in the Audio-Technica AT8415 mount with stronger rubber bands but you're right there's only 3 1/2 inches space for a mount at the rear. With the SM3-4-5 you have to decide what it's going to attach to before getting one.

I just tried it with my Rode SM5 and it seems manageable, but I was just using the supplied windshield, not a Softie.

I just compared it to the 4053a and they both sound great (they're both new mics to me I just got in the last couple days so I've been trying them both out). They're both great at what they do. Now all I need is an audio expert to tell me that I did the right thing choosing the NTG-3 over the AT4073a and I can relax :)

I was going to buy the Rycote Invision 7 but it doesn't seem like it'll fit my AT4053a (even though it's the same diameter as the AT4073a and that one is listed). I fired off an e-mail to them, hopefully they'll answer soon.

Great... what does that mean, though...I'm not sure. Is there something different if it's first production run?.

No, no difference except the next availability might be a month or two away. Anticipating demand in some areas can be difficult.

I do feel lucky, yeah. Apparantly there's only 10 in Canada right now and the store had two of them. My serial number is 000253 and I just registered it for the 10 year warranty (amazing).

I have serial 242. For anyone reading this who has registered for the 10year guarantees, go to RODE and check yours. When I registered my NTG-3 my other warranties had vanished. Might be something to do with their revamped site.


Cheers.

Actually looking into it further I think the Rode NTG-3 is only rated to work with the INV-7 if you adjust the bar from 70mm to 25mm (which effectively turns it into the INV-6). As I understand it, the INV-7 can be used in both those positions, so I really don't understand the reason for the INV-6 (or any reason that the NTG-3 wouldn't be on the compatibility list for it). If I've misunderstood and the bar only works in the "long" position of 70mm. Then I don't understand how they can recommend it for the NTG-3.

Their website says "INV-7 & INV-8 have both been designed for either boompole or static use. They have a long bar that allows the lyre webs to be mounted 70mm (as supplied) or 25mm apart."

In order for the NTG-3 to be used successfully it would have to be used at the position 25mm apart, like the INV-6 which is only 25mm. If the INV-7 is adjustable between two positions though, I'll grab that since it would mean being compatible with a far greater selection of microphones.

Is it that simple, or is there something I'm overlooking?

Technically, all the accessories that fit the Sennheiser MKH-416 will fit the NTG-3 since the Size is pretty much identical.

That said the INV-7 at the 70mm position is the correct mount for the NTG-3 (See Shotgun Pictures at INV-7 Tab (http://www.rycote.com/products/invision/)) and while according to Rycote you can change position, it is not at all practical to keep on changing them on the fly.

Also in your case that you are using it with a Softie, the INV Series mounts are not recommended by Rycote.

Instead you can get either the AT8415 mount or the Rycote Softie Mount (Small Hole) which is available in a few flavors (http://www.rycote.com/products/softie_system/softie_mount/).

Thanks for the reply. I don't have to use a Rycote Softie, I just figured that was the most popular one to use. I can get a Rode Deadcat if it'll be good enough.

I only measure 35mm from the end of the mic up until where the microphone opens up (I don't know what the technical term is that you would call it, grills?).

I guess they're saying it's okay to cover some of the side of the microphone with the suspension and it won't affect sound pickup/rejection noticeably?

I only measure 35mm from the end of the mic up until where the microphone opens up (I don't know what the technical term is that you would call it).

Did you measure the NTG-3 or another mic :)

I measured this mic as well and it is just over 3.5" which means 88.89mm

I thought I had to avoid covering the side where the microphone begins. The grills, or whatever. But I guess it's no big deal. I'm sure a little shock mount clip won't really affect pickup/rejection.

You lost me now. You have 88.89mm from the end of the mic to the vents/grill which is more than adequate considering that the INV-7 is only 70mm.

Marty's right about the length.

Mine showed up today via DHL from Sydney, AUS.

Far as I know, B&H is the only retailer in the US that has the mic today. I'm sure they won't have the exclusive for long.

If you want to hear the comparison I recorded an hour ago, go here:

http://idisk.mac.com/tyreeford-Public?view=web

Use the arrow on the right to download the file: TyFordNTG-3MKH416.mp3

Regards,

Ty Ford

Ty, thanks for putting that comparison together. I just listened to it, they both sound very similar to my ears.

What's your gut reaction. Is it a good mic? A fair substitute for a 416? Better or worse than you expected?

Nice test, Ty.

To summarize...

* The 416 has some prominence in the low-mids that accentuates chest tones. The NTG-3 seemed a bit more neutral to my ears, but not necessarily as pleasing.

* The 416 is definitely narrower than the NTG-3. This can be good or bad, depending on the application.

* The NTG-3 has lower self noise. This was clear while watching the meters in Vegas 8. It's not a big difference, but I would say that the NTG-3 wins this point by a small margin.

* Regarding THD, both mics sounded very similar. Some crunch on the voice is pleasing - like a tube amp on a Stratocaster. Neither mic sounds harsh or transistory. The EQ curve is more noticeable than any difference in distortion.

* The 416 had a small bump at 45 degrees. The NTG-3 was a bit smoother. This isn't surprising. A wider pattern is typically smoother. Narrow patterns tend to have off-axis ripples.

* In the intro, I felt that the 416 had more of the hollow room sound than the NTG-3. I might have been misled by the fact that the 416 came after the dryer intro mic, so I really noticed the room sound. However, the narrow pattern of the 416 would be more susceptible to a hollow room sound, so that might be real.

My personal conclusion: The 416 would be superior for a single speaker with a good boom operator when outdoors. I like the bigger chest sound. When recording multiple people, or if the boom operator is sloppy, the NTG-3 might be the better choice. If I could only choose one for combined outdoor/indoor use, I would grab the NTG-3. You can always apply a bit of EQ to bump up the chest tones.

Given that the NTG-3 is ruggedized (in theory anyway; is it rugged in the real world?), and in a similar league with the 416 (not identical mind you, but the general sound quality is comparable), and the fact that the NTG-3 costs $700, vs. $1,100 for the 416 (at BH), I'd buy the NTG-3.

That said, the 416 has more street cred and is proven. In the video, world Rode is known for its low cost mics. If I were freelancing, rather than doing our own productions, I'd save my dimes and go for the well-regarded 416.

Frankly, if someone were to grab one of these mics, shoot a scene and ask me which one they used, I'd be hard pressed to tell. I'd listen for the low-mids, but with a bit of 300 Hz boost on the NTG-3 (or cut on the 416), I'd almost certainly get it wrong.

Thanks for the excellent test, Ty. You matched the levels nicely, so I'd say the playing field was 100% level and fair.

I'm curious to read your summary.

* In the intro, I felt that the 416 had more of the hollow room sound than the NTG-3. I might have been misled by the fact that the 416 came after the dryer intro mic, so I really noticed the room sound. However, the narrow pattern of the 416 would be more susceptible to a hollow room sound, so that might be real.

Jon,

Sharp ears. I cut the into after I had moved down into the studio and placed it at the beginning of the file. What you heard was the room, not the mic.

I've been "fooled" before the other way around. The first time I was down in the studio testing a mic I was thinking, "Wow, this sound really nice and tight. Excellent!"

Then it hit me, "Oh, right, I'm in the studio!"

Nice sounding room, even with the door at the top of the stairs open.

Regards,

Ty Ford

The different room makes sense. I had assumed that it was a different mic in the same room. The dryness led me to believe it might be the E6, but the E6 typically doesn't have that much body. My next guess was a Schoeps 641 (since I know you favor it) with close proximity.

So, the first mic was the NTG-3 in the studio?

Someday you could do a game show called "Guess - That - Mic!"

Jon,

I think I had the NTG-3 up at the moment, but at the moment I can't be 100% certain.

The mystery will remain...but I'll probably be able to tell if I listen closely again.

Regards,

Ty Ford

Another opinion (Allan's) on the new NTG-3 here.

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=125837

I won't get mine until my new Sony PMW-EX3 gets delivered in a few weeks time. I admit I bought this mic "blind" (not heard). However, I have high opinions of Rode from my previous experience with their superb lower end mics (VM and SVM) ....and everything I'm beginning to hear and read suggests this one's gone to be a good one too.