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We pit two well known shotgun microphones (Rode NTG-2 pictured) against the ‘Reasonably Priced Mic’. Listen in!

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While using my trusty Sennheiser MKH416 shotgun mic for a narration, the idea sprang to life. In one of the mic lockers sits a new Rode NTG-2. We’ve tried them separately, but how would the ‘LA’ mic of choice compare to the (much less expensive) Rode?

Shotgun microphones are designed mostly for video work, where you want pinpoint pickup along with silencing collateral noise. Long known for its punchy articulation and crispy sound, the Sennheiser MKH416 is a mic of choice in many vocal booths. Possibly, the 416 has a greater following in the voiceover world than in video. Street prices for the 416 have been fluctuating around $1000.

Not a newbie, but relatively fresh on the scene are the Rode NTG shotguns. In the Rode lineup, there are three models; the NTG-1, NTG-2 and NTG-3. I picked up the NTG-2 because of its bargain price (street prices float around $270). Performance wise, the NTG-2 is a champ, showing it can reach out there and grab audio. However, I have to give the nod to the reigning champ – the 416. The great gap in price has to be considered as well, meaning the NTG-2 may be a better value …considering you could buy three of them for the price of one 416.

Of course, a better comparison would have been to pit the 416 against an NTG-3, or possibly even the newly released Shure VPs? First, have a listen to these models. Then, I’ll ‘reload’ the shotgun models and we’ll try a few more!

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This video pits the Rode ProCaster up to the famous Electro-Voice RE-20 and RE-27. Is the Rode a contender as a broadcast standard?

The very loyal following of Rode fans have requested this video.

The ProCaster is a great broadcast dynamic microphone. At record time, it is a bargain too, coming in at almost half the price of (what I consider) its broadcast peers; the Electro-Voice RE-20 and RE-27.

Have a look and listen as we put the ProCaster up against the RE-20 and RE-27…

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This show was going to be just about the Rode ProCaster dynamic mic. But then, the wheels started turning. Rode has a very devoted following, but the ProCaster is a relative newcomer to broadcasting. Here in the USA, the Electro-Voice RE-20 or RE-27 can be found in many broadcast control rooms. Rode is offering a broadcast alternative at almost half the current price of the 20/27.

Since I have a new RE-20 on boom 3, why not compare them “on-air”?

The basic shape of the Rode and EV RE-20 have a lot in common …but, that’s where there similarities end.

Classic grilled ports tell you right away it’s an RE-20. Squint your eyes and it could be mistaken for the newer, higher output (and brighter – in look and sound) RE-27ND.

Both the Rode and EV are no-nonsense microphones. You won’t get cherry-wood, velvet lined cases. The RE-20 comes packed in a plastic (I mean space-age polycarbonate) case with foam lining. The Rode is held in place with heavy box lining and comes with a leatherette pouch. Both mics offer basic mounting, but the larger (optional) shock mounts actually help keep hands off the mic and on the mount.

I’ll let you decide. Have a listen…

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In a sea of inexpensive large diaphragm condenser microphones, you need to stand out. In the $150-$250USD range, there are many makes and models to consider.

Besides visual flash – bright colors or chrome trim, some microphones simply succeed on their reputation. Rode is in a unique position to offer an affordable studio microphone with better-than-average quality.

At first glance, the NT1-A looks like a thousand others. No glitz factor. However, a few key things stand out. The NT1-A has the traditional extra heft and solid feel. Once shipped with a clamp-on universal shock mount, the NT1-A CRS adds a re-designed, custom shock mount, with a mount of its own to hold the (included) blast filter. The new shock filter is a vast improvement on “the clamp”. The blast filter is an added bonus.

The CRS (Complete Recording Solution) simply means that you get the updated shock mount plus blast filter. In addition, you get an instructional DVD and 20′ of good quality mic cable.

Most important is how the mic sounds. This is where consistency counts. The NT1-A is not shocking or surprising in any way, although it does have a sonic character. Many describe it as ‘bright’. I had a hard time deciding.

All in all, this cast is made possible because I bought an (older run) NT-1A and decided I couldn’t do without it over the years. …never regretted the purchase

Street Price at Post Time: $229

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