I'm still pretty new to audio, but I've decided to make a lasting upgrade by buying the NTG-3. I also bought the Rycote S 330 for it, since a lot of people recommend it.

I have two basic questions:
1. the NTG-3 instructions say to never cover any of the slots on the side of the microphone. However, with the Lyre suspension in the S-Series, I don't see anyway to avoid it. The front supension covers 4 of the slots. Will this affect the performance much?
2. also I assume the slots on the sides of the NTG-3 should always point out horizontally -- not ever up toward the ceiling and down to the floor. Is this correct?

Thanks for helping out a beginner!

-- Dave

I am sure the resident rycote expert will be here soon but I think you can adjust the spacing between the lyres!

I don't think it matters which direction the slots are pointing but I tend to keep them to the side anyway as it looks better out of the blimp or softie and means the xlr is not sideways either!

Well I am not one of the audio experts.....but I have used both items mentioned for several years. IMHO it's not something to get too worked up about, just adjust the lyre supports as you see fit (but you will find it difficult not to block a couple of slots either side, as you have found). I tend to keep the interference tube slots at either side too, BTW.

Main thing is to just use this lovely gear and get out there and enjoy getting some great audio in the field with it! Don't forget to get some decent headphones for sound monitoring and you'll be all set.

And welcome to the forum!

Thanks Gary and Andy,

I won't sweat it, and just get recording. I'm already blown away by the NTG-3. It's fantastic.

-- Dave

I'm still pretty new to audio, but I've decided to make a lasting upgrade by buying the NTG-3. I also bought the Rycote S 330 for it, since a lot of people recommend it.

I have two basic questions:
1. the NTG-3 instructions say to never cover any of the slots on the side of the microphone. However, with the Lyre suspension in the S-Series, I don't see anyway to avoid it. The front supension covers 4 of the slots. Will this affect the performance much?
2. also I assume the slots on the sides of the NTG-3 should always point out horizontally -- not ever up toward the ceiling and down to the floor. Is this correct?

Thanks for helping out a beginner!

-- Dave

Have the slots on the top where they are not blocked by the Lyre.

If you hold the mic. up to the light, you should be able to see where the active slots are.

Dave,

Different mic and windshield but this Rycote video might prove useful as the general points of setting up a shotgun in a blimp are well covered.

https://vimeo.com/rycotevimeo/review/63250125/dc69376397

Different mic and windshield but this Rycote video might prove useful as the general points of setting up a shotgun in a blimp are well covered.
https://vimeo.com/rycotevimeo/review/63250125/dc69376397

Excellent! Thanks Andy.