Hello everyone. Which of these two would you view as a better mic in general? 1. Rode NTG-2. 2. Audio Technica AT897? Thanks for your help and time.

Search the threads here for ntg-2. There are some separate samples of each posted online, as well as some opinions from direct comparisons. I'm not sure if there are any direct comparison samples posted yet.
I haven't used the ntg-2 yet, but I do have an AT897, as well as AT4073a and Senn K6/ME-66. The AT897 is a well built, low-noise mic with very good performance for the money. It has fairly low sensitivity, the Rode is slightly hotter. Beyond that you'd really have to listen to them together in your typical working environment to know for sure, the specs other than sensitivity are very similar. The price difference is $31.

Thank you very much for the quick response. Much appreciated.

I had the NTG-2 for a week, but changed it for the AT897. Even though the NTG-2 had a little more bass, I prefer the sound of the AT897. I just feel it has more detail, and that’s where my preference goes. Two good mics, but it’s matter of taste, I guess.

I’d be curious to hear what DSE and Ty Ford have to say about those mics. They’ve tested both, if I’m not mistaken.

I tested it here (http://www.pana3ccduser.com/article.php?filename=Review-of-the-RØDE-NTG-2-Short-Shotgun-Microphone) and also the AT897. I had both microphones at the same time and they are very similar. The RØDE is more sensitive and has a more bassy sound, probably because the electret capsule is 3mm larger than the AT897. Some may prefer that characteristic.

Thanks to you both for the great advice. Personally, I THINK I prefer slightly "bassier" sound. I'll keep looking into it , though. Thanks once again, Clint.