Looking for mic suggestions - outdoor use
 

I'm looking for an external mic that I will attach to my A1 using an SM-5 shockmount. I will use it outdoors, at events where there are people lining up to get autographs from actors. I will be 4 to 8 feet away (occasionally up to 10 feet away). I want to be able to pick up the conversation between the person signing the autographs and the person ( or couple of people) getting the autographs, while cutting down on the chatter to the sides and next to me.

This isn't somehting I do alot, so for now I'm not looking to invest a lot in the mic. I'm looking in the $250 - $700 (tops) range.

Any suggestions?

Audio-Technica and Røde seem to make the best low priced shotgun mics. But, shooting from that far away, especially with people talking off-mic, don't expect great sound from any mic.

I don't expect great sound. I'm just trying to get better than the on-board mic.

I am hoping to typically get within 4 or 5 feet, though I suspect that won't always be possible.

Any particular AT or Rode you would recommend?

I can vouch for the Rode NTG-2 - that one can operate from an AA battery as well as phantom power. Don't expect too much of the windshield or the optional dead cat though.

Rode Ntg-2 is probably the best deal out there. the AT would be the 897, which is very similar but I think the ntg2 has a little better low end pick up. The sweet spot on those mics is about 3.5 feet and then dissipates from there, but at 6 you should be ok.

I use an NTG 1, pretty good for the cost. As the A1 has phantom power I saw no reason to go for the NTG 2. I got the shockmount too which works pretty well.

If you've got the "inside" track on your shoots, you could also put a decent omni lav on the guy signing his autograph and use that to pick up the conversation between the two of them--pair it with an NTG-2 and play with the levels to get your best balance...

I use the NTG-2 with HV-30s as well - hence the self-power option.

Which shockmount are you using?

I'll throw my vote behind the Rode as well. I have the NTG-1 and have put it in play in some demanding environments for interviews... the race track.

If you're interested in some examples, go here: Oxford Plains Speedway Channel on Vimeo
Episode 6 was shot indoors at about 3 feet away. The other episodes were outside and shot between 3-4 feet distant. I had to get that close to overcome the loud race cars on the track 30-50 feet away.

The audio has some moderate compression applied, so take that into account.

Also, here's an example of the Rode in a more tranquil setting. http://vimeo.com/670152

There are three interviews interspersed in the piece. They were shot about 5-6 foot distant. Can't remember if I compressed the audio, but I'd bet I did a little.

I bought the NTG-1, too, but wish now I'd gone for the NTG-2 so I could use it with other things, such as my minidisc recorder or HV20 camcorder. The price differenece is only a few pounds or dollars, and it's worth it for the extra flexibility.

I use the rode shockmount, only because it was in the shop when I got the mic. I don't know how much difference there is between them.
Looking at the posts I would probably go for the NTG 2 if you are wanting to use it on anything else.

Only other difference is that the NTG 2 is a few inches longer due to battery compartment.

I'm sotty I wsan't clear. I meant, which Rode shockmount do you use - the SM-3 or the SM-5? One attaches to the hot shoe, the other to the A1 external mic holder.

I use the one that attaches to the hot shoe, I have taken the external mic holder off my A1 as it is in and out of a housing a couple of times a week and needs to come off for that.

The hotshoe option was just easier,

Jon

Has anyone checked out the new Rode NTG-3 yet? I'm curious how much better it sounds versus the NTG-1 (or 2), and if it is worth the price difference.