5 Boom Microphones for Indoor Dialogue: Cardioid, Super-cardioid, and Hyper-cardioid
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ต.ค. 2024
- One of the best choices for recording indoor dialogue for film and video is a super-cardioid small diaphragm condenser microphone. I did some testing a couple of years ago comparing several and finally settled on the Audio Technica AT4053b, an approximately $600 USD hyper-cardioid microphone which has worked out very well for my projects.
Super-cardioid microphones tend to work very well when recording dialogue for video indoors in reverberant rooms (echo), because they have a more natural response to sound that comes from off-axis. This is not the case with shotgun microphones.
However, many have asked whether there are any more affordable options. In this episode, we compare five indoor dialogue microphones to help you get a sense for some of the differences ranging from about $100 USD up through $600 USD.
To hear sample clips of all of the microphones recorded with a Tascam DR-60DmkII and Sound Devices 633 Mixer in .wav format, head on over to www.learnlighta...
If you’d like to improve your sound recording skills for film, please have a look at our Sound Recording for Video course over at school.learnlig...
Visit us at learnlightandso... for more updates on how to improve your lighting and sound for video. Also be sure to subscribe to get new weekly episodes!
Gear mentioned in or used to record this episode:
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Samson C02 Super-cardioid Microphone Set
B&H Photo: www.bhphotovide...
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Audix SCX1HC Hyper-cardioid Microphone
B&H Photo: www.bhphotovide...
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AKG Blueline with CK 93 Hyper-cardioid Microphone
B&H Photo: www.bhphotovide...
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Audio Technica AT4053b Hyper-cardioid Microphone
Amazon: geni.us/BMLz
B&H Photo: www.bhphotovide...
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RODE NT5
Amazon: geni.us/6qnHT
B&H Photo: www.bhphotovide...
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Sound Devices 633 Mixer/Recorder
DVeStore: www.dvestore.co...
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Tascam DR-60DmkII Audio Recorder
Amazon: geni.us/MbsDZxz
B&H Photo: www.bhphotovide...
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Zoom F8 Audio Recorder
DVeStore: www.dvestore.co...
B&H Photo: www.bhphotovide...
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Copyright 2016 by Curtis Judd
Ethics statement: Some of the links above are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, or other affiliate links.
Just wanted to say as someone who went to a general "film course" and only got the basics of audio. I have been learning as I go along since and your videos and tutorials are easily the most helpful I have found.
Thank you Jonathan, I appreciate the feedback.
2:03 Samson C02 - super-cardioid
4:18 Audix SCX1HC - hyper-cardioid
5:29 AKG Blueline CK93 - hyper-cardioid
7:00 Audio Technica AT4053b - hyper-cardioid
8:20 RØDE NT5 - cardioid
Thank you.
Rode NT5.
Samson on their website lists the C02 as a Cardioid Polar Pattern mic, not Super Cardiod ☹️.
excellent comparison, everything was clear and I love how you silhouette yourself so that you do not distract form the content.
+DIYCameraGuy Thanks!
+DIYCameraGuy Felt the same!
+DIYCameraGuy It was a nice touch.
2:48 Samson "In terms of..."
4:50 Audix "In terms of..."
6:09 AKG "In terms of..."
7:21 Audio Technica "In terms of..."
8:39 Rode NT5 "In terms of..."
Thanks for the critique. Sorry to repeat.
Curtis Judd Audio Haha my man, that's not a critique at all! I thought it would be helpful to hear the same words across all mics. You do a great job!
Thanks Juan, good point, hadn't thought of it in those terms! Good idea, it turns out that my repeated phrase serves a good purpose. :)
I actually liked that Curtis (perhaps unintentionally) repeated this with each mic because it really made the differences in sound stand out 😅
check this out
The Audix is my work horse, it sounds incredible, its also awesome as a Foley mic. To my ears it has a silky high frequency curve, what I describe as sounding buttery, creamy, but its only noticeable with trancients. It has a surprisingly beefy low end for such a small mic. It actually has a fuller low end than the Rode NTG3.
Thanks John, good to hear your experience with the Audix. Seems like a great mic!
small diaphragm condensers have no problem at all reproducing low frequencies, in fact are better capturing natural sound especially in the low freq.
Thanks for this info Curtis. I took a punt on the Samson CO2s which I've been testing via a Mix Pre-D fed to a Tascam DR 60D Mk 2. Recorder. (another of your recommendations, great product but the XLR inputs lock up, no matter, I leave them in situ.) The Samson mics sound very good indeed with or without a high pass filter employed on the Mix Pre-D. I was surprised how little attenuation these mics needed to produce a strong signal with a voice speaking quietly. Your recording sounded slightly biased towards a high-frequency brittleness when played back on my computer. My test recordings sounded great across the audio spectrum so I am delighted with this purchase. Thanks again.
+Richard Parrington great to hear they're working well. Cheers!
I am so glad you recommended using headphones. I have at least a dozen different headphones in my collection. For your demonstration, I used Behringer HPS300 headphones. I recently got these to evaluate. They seem good for the price, and I was able to clearly hear the tight boxy sound of the small diaphragm mics you used. With light voices, these are all good on a boom. I did notice some splatter in the lower mid-range in all of them. I have a lower baritone, FM radio type speaking voice and prefer a large diaphragm condenser mic for narration and interviews. I do enjoy your comprehensive and detail oriented video reviews of audio equipment. Your attention to detail is appreciated. Thank you.
Thanks Phil!
if you have a baritone voice you should try a flat Small diaphragm condenser, Large diaphragm condensers tend to make the sound warmer and you don't need it.SDC are just better representing lower frequencies.
I have been involved with sound for decades, but never for Video. I am setting up a small home based reverb prone room/studio. I have an ST 77 big ribbon and I love the sound of it for podcasting but you can definitely hear the reverb when trying to use it as an out of frame mic. I was almost convinced to go with a shorter shotgun., until I saw your videos. I think the AT4053b sounded the best and the rear capture I can get rid of with sound blankets behind the mic. Thank you so much for the video.
You're welcome and happy podcasting!
The Samson C02 sounded just fine to me, thanks so much for the review! So glad to know I don't need to drop millions of dollars on equipment!
Yes! Go with what sounds good to your ears. :)
I just listened to the Samson on the Zoom H6, and it does not fair as well on that as it does here. It has a lot more hiss/noise floor noise.
Mine work perfectly with my H5
Yes, the H6 preamps produce a bit more noise than the SD 633.
Danny, how far away have you positioned the microphone?
I'd love to hear one of these cheaper mic vs. say, the MKH-50.
+CZsWorld Here's a comparison of the MKH-50 and Audio Technica AT4053b: th-cam.com/video/gAaVSlB7Vpg/w-d-xo.html Mic A is the AT, mic B is the Sennheiser.
+Curtis Judd
I've actually seen that one, haha!
+Curtis Judd
Guess I forgot about it.
+CZsWorld Yes. I did compare the MKH-50 to the Audio Technica last fall: th-cam.com/video/gAaVSlB7Vpg/w-d-xo.html Mic A is the Sennheiser, Mic B the Audio Technica.
I personally liked the Audio Technica AT4053b and the Audix SCX1HC (in the order of preference).
Thanks again Curtis! :D
Thanks Sankararaman!
The Oktava MK-012 needs to be on there. It sounds phenomenal and it's dirt cheap.
Yes, thanks, working on it. Not easy to source in the US.
This was a great comparison episode Curtis. Not to put you on the spot (you can decline to answer - I understand), but what's your favorite out of all of these?
+Basic Filmmaker Thanks, my favorite is the Audio Technica though I like the AKG more than I expected.
Curtis Judd
Thank you sir.
Love those Blue Line Series AKG's I have 2 off them. Nice build quality.
I agree, great mics at great price.
How about the AKG CK98 shotgun? Would it sit somewhere between say a Rode NTG1 and NTG3?
This was super helpful. For my application, the Audix looks the best.
👍 Happy recording!
Hi Curtis:this is very good video for people that would like a selection of mics to choose from and then a review on them to help make up their mind.
+john erwin Thanks John.
In case you didn't know, having a thin plastic film like that over your insulation actually helps with its bass-mitigating properties.
Thanks.
Thank you for the summary. It helped a lot, and I wish more TH-cam tutorials offered that!
Thanks Eric!
This was very helpful. I have the Rode NTG 3 shotgun mic. When I use it indoors I can hear that little hollow sound. I am working on learning more about Cardiod for indoor use. This video is very helpful, so many options...
Thanks Suzin!
Very helpful and instructive! I was having too much echo using Sennheiser ME66 and Audio-Technica AT897 boomed in a room doing interviews. After viewing this I decided to just try an AT2021 small diaphragm "pencil" condenser I had around (usually recommended for recording instruments) - it worked really well compared to the shotguns - none of the echo and good enough audio quality.
+Aaron Ebata Great news! Glad it worked!
Excellent review Curtis! Really, thank you a lot. I`m enrolled in audio classes with you which have been very helpful. Thanks!
Thanks André for the feedback! Keep making great sound!
They all sounded pretty similar judging over my Shure SE215's. The good news is that I feel a lot better now for ordering a SDC for dialogue, can't wait for it to be delivered.
🎤Happy recording!
Great comparison. I've got a pair of AUDIX SXChc and I'm really happy with them. You should have also compared them with the Schoeps CMC6 MK41 that are way more expensive, but a very common choice among HIGH END productions. It's a nice option to actually feel even better not to have spent TONS OF MONEY, if the sound is not THAT better.
+Franco Remold Thanks Franco. I'll cover the Schoeps in a future piece once I can afford it.
+Curtis Judd I'm sorry. I didn't mean for you to BUY every single Mic! I thought in some way you could get to test them. In my country (Argentina) is very common to rent the High End equipment when the production requires it. Anyways, thanks for all your videos they've been very helpful.
+Franco Rimoldi No worries! My own personal issue is that if I borrow it, I'm almost certain I will love it so much I won't be able to send it back. :)
Hahahaha! You're right !
This kind of stuff is so, so good, Curtis. Thank you.
Thanks Justin.
Great video Curtis, thanks, just a thought on booming and handling noise, I bought a long dead cat, split it down the stitching and glued it around my boom pole - voila! No handling noise and it doesn't look too bad...
Haha! A furry boom pole - great idea!
CALIBRATED SPEAKERS
Unless You are listening through calibrated speakers or quality headphones/headamp it may be impossible to know which Mic sounds best. Most Uncollaborated Speakers sound bloated and unfocused. Hence a brighter mic or one that has high frequency noise may sound better in that circumstance. I use a fully calibrated set up. To my older ears through that system the AKG sounds best. The other variable that may need to be considered is the Mic preamp used and how it works with a given Mic. I have to say Curtis does a great job with the audio!
Thanks Aaron.
VERY, very helpful analysis! Thank you for putting this together!
You're welcome!
Thanks for the well-done compro, Curtis. Keep them coming.
Thanks! Will do!
You have probably the most proffesional channel about mics! Thanks ;)
Thanks Rogal.
@@curtisjudd I do agree with him...Straight from Brazil, thanks! I am learning a lot. Yout channel is improoving my audio results, step by step, of course. It was horrible first time, now is just bad, but it is in a transformation process as much as i listen to you. Soon it wwill be acceptable!
@@ClaudioPerin Thank you Claudio!
I think the Røde NT5 beat the crap out of the other four! A matched pair of these are certainly on my wish list.
I also think the C02 is by far the worst - it may be cheap, but I'm not tempted.
Thanks for the test.
+Lau Bjerno You're welcome!
Sorry Lau but that is just your point of view my point of view is that the AKG CK93 it way more natural and with a lot more presence as I listen from an Apollo Twin Duo interface with DT 770 Pro 80 Ohms headphones. Now I will also go with the Pro who knows! Mr Curtis Judd himself who would not select that particular Røde NT5 which in my opinion is over rated. Come to think of it the NT5 sounds way too brittle.
@@voa23 No need to be sorry. I know it’s only my point of ... hearing (in fact I said so; that’s what the words “I think” mean). And mind, your being sorry doesn’t mean you’re more right, but you’re of course welcome to disagree with me.
By the way, since I made the comment, I’ve purchased not only a pair of NT5s, but also two pairs of C02s. But apart from having allowed myself to be tempted I haven’t really changed my opinion.
@@skakdosmer Lau why did you go ahead and purchase the C02's if your comment was that they were the worst? Just curious how did that turn out?
@@voa23 I only meant that they’re the worst among the mics presented in this video. I needed some mics for an experiment where the sound quality didn’t need to be stellar, and I didn’t want to pay too much.
I use a Rode M3 Cardioid Condenser Microphone with the Tascam DR-60DmkII Audio Recorder and love it!
Always crushing it! Thanks Curtis!
+UpHill Cinema Thanks Levi! Good to hear from you and hope all is well!
+Curtis Judd Ill shot you a text tomorrow. We need to keep collaborating. Things have just been crazy with the new baby and with film projects? We need to make sure we meet up at NAB too. Lets chat tomorrow.
Even happier that I went with the AT4053b;) Nice comparisons.
+Ray Ortega Me, too! Thanks Ray.
Wow the 2 recorders I have, with the microphones I´m choosing from, thanks for this
Really glad I watched this, was planning on getting an NT5 soon but actually hearing them, the Samson CO2s seem like they should do just fine for now. Somewhere down the line, I'll see about the AT4053b or the Audix. Thanks for another great video!
You're welcome and best wishes Caleb.
The Rode has the nicest sound, most rounded, warm and clean, not too pricey, great warranty and support.
👍
I think all of these are good enough fo 99,5% of all people. Most probably have more to learn about placement and setup before there is any point in investing any huge sums on a better mic than the samson. Great overview though I need better computer speakers to even hear any significant difference between these mics.
Good point! Technique is a big part of the quality one will achieve.
Chris, absolutely spot on video, so much to learn just by watching you throughout the clip. Lots of integrity is shown throughout (again more to learn I suppose) and excellent experience. Lots to think about now... Thanks. May I ask if you need the sound devices as well or is it enough to have the mic connected to the camera via some adapter to 3.5mm jack or is it missing the whole point here? I never mean to be a pro at this but obviously sound is even more important than video...
Hi Elliot, good question. If the goal is to use a camera with a 3.5mm input, you might be better off with a mic that has a 3.5mm output like the RODE VideoMic Pro+. The audio quality will be pretty much the same and you won't have to fiddle with adapters. You can boom a VideoMic Pro like this: th-cam.com/video/TUEmQBZKoBs/w-d-xo.html
Great comparison! I was impressed with the Samson for its price.
+MyPlaceOnYT Thanks! Yes, the Samson is impressive for its price.
Great test! To my ears, the Samson sounded most natural!
+Bethel Imaging Thanks!
Love the summary provided first
👍
Too bad the TH-cam algorithm punishes for that.
@curtisjudd right I really hate that it does that. As a simaler style content creator where I just want to help people with good knowledge fast. I appreciate what you have done even if youtube doesn haha.
Very good review Curtis ...AT4053 is impressive in overall tone quality, the others all had a bright edgy tone quality in the upper register of voice and I'll bet the AT even had the hottest output which is another advantage !?
Yes, the AT is the most sensitive of these as well which is also an advantage. Thanks!
I like the AKG C391B and the AT4051b the most, they are very close to each other in my opinion. Corresponding to the price, the Audio Technica slightly better overall, it sounds almost like 'final processed' but also a (very!) little on the dull side.
👍
Thanks for the review, most useful interesting and enlightening.
Thanks Grant!
Thanks so much for this video man.
👍
Hi Curtis, and thanks a lot for the videos, super helpful! Have you ever used a Neumann Km 185? Is there any chance you could also do a comparison video on wireless audio/timecode options available such as the zaxcom TRX900CL?
Thanks. I have not used the Neumann but will see if I can arrange for that in the future. I'd love to cover Zaxcom gear but will need to save my money for a good long time before I can cover that. :)
I would love to see you compare a Neumann mic short shotgun in one of your videos. Specifically the KMR 81 D vs CMC641.
Me too! If only I could afford one. 😀
It would have been nice to know how they connected but I'll assume XLR. ?? Thanks for posting this. I could not tell the difference in any of them.
Yes, all of these are XLR microphones.
super informative. thanks Curtis1
You're welcome and thanks for the feedback!
Great review!
Thanks Walter!
Nice comparison. Th Samson C02 lacks some low frequencies which would make it better for me, but its not bad sounding. The Audix sounds to my ear, is a little similar to the Samson, but better in the low and higher frequencies. I like the sort of like the sound of the Audio Technica AT4053b as it doesn't sound like it has a lot of higher frequencies like some of the other mics you reviewed has, but it sounds a bit muddy and muffled to me without EQ. I am not a huge fan of Rode mics like the NT5 as many to my ear tend to sound a little on the bright side, with the exception of some of their more recent mics from 2014 onward, the NT1, NT1 USB and Stereo Video Mic X which I do quite like.
+DynamixWarePro Thanks for the insights! I agree on RODE, though their NTG3 has been out for a while and sounds quite good to my ear. Thanks for your thoughts!
+Micheal Pacitto Ideally, that would be the best strategy.
Thanks for your great vidoes! I want to know how is Rode NTG3 compare to NTG5 when recording indoor and outdoor dialogue?
I got a NTG3, Zoom H6, and a set of Deity connect with w lav pro. I'm recording independent films (most indoor and some outdoor).
What would you suggest me to buy now?
Hi Justin, they can work, they just need to be aimed carefully. Here are some audio samples: th-cam.com/video/bv1xUShuUY0/w-d-xo.html
Great video for boom mics. I'm looking for a recommendation for a boundary mic for use in a roundtable discussion that I'd like to have recorded. We will be using it for video as well. 4 people at a square table with subjects about 2-3 feet from each other all facing towards the center of the table.
Hi TSG, thanks. I have only used some older Audio Technica boundary mics for conference calls and they, unfortunately, don't make the same model any longer. So I don't have any specific recommendations in the boundary mic domain, unfortunetaly.
@@curtisjudd Thank you for your response. It's much appreciated.
Am I of bad taste if I like the sound of the cheapest (Samson) the most? Was considering an NT5 for indoor dialogue or voice overs (yes I somehow mostly record client's voice overs not in a studio), but this video is so helpful. Thank you for making this, Curtis.
No, not of bad taste at all. Everyone hears a little differently and the monitors/speakers/headphones you use make a big difference, too. Best wishes!
Curtis Judd Thank you. One question if you don't mind. I often have to record a voice over of company management personnel for corporate vids. They have no time to go out to a rented studio so I have to take their vocals in their offices, as you can imagine, far from ideal. Reverb city and noiseville. Currently I only have an NTG3 and an MKH 60. For my situation would you say I better go with an NT5 for its lower noise floor (though less narrow pick-up) or the Samson for narrower pick up but it's got higher noise floor? Or should I invest in something like the NT1 and perhaps a portable sound booth (do these help?)?
Hi Raya, The microphones you have are very high quality but as shotgun microphones, probably not ideal for reverberant rooms.You can go a few different directions and if you're doing voice-over work, yes, treating the room would probably be my highest priority. That could take the form of sound blankets (even if you just put one on the desk/tables). But a portable vocal booth would probably be even more effective. Often, when people do voice-over work, they use large diaphragm condenser microphones but your two shotguns would also be very good options as long as you can manage the reverberation and noise.
Good luck!
great test, thank you!
👍
Great comparison! I think that the NTG3 would be also interesting. Greetings and Thumbs up. :-)
+codemanat1 Thanks! I'm planning to eventually do a similar piece with shotgun microphones and the NTG3 would be a great candidate for that.
Thanks for the very detailed explanation! Very cool and timely. I am looking to buy a new mic for my new TH-cam/Green Screen Studio. In my setup the ideal place for the mic is over top of the camera which is about 8 feet away from me. I have a Samson Pencil Condenser mic which is going through my mixing board, to my computer.
At this distance, the sound is not great, I have to add way too much gain to pick me up, and then the mic it too live.
I did find that the ideal placement for it would be a ceiling mount just out of frame...about 3-4 feet from my standing position.
So that is option 1...or I could get a shotgun mic.
The question is, for the room I described, is there a particular mic you would recommend for this room?
No, I’d stick with a pencil condenser but get it closer. Within 18 inches will give the best results, but anything closer than 8 feet will be an improvement.
Thanks for the response @@curtisjudd the issue is that I am in a full body green screen studio, so I can’t get the mic that close…I have 8 foot ceilings and I am 5’ 6” I could use a lav, but I don’t want a mic in the shot…is there any kind of mic that can be used at a distance like this?
@@dcefola you could try a long shotgun like the RODE NTG8 but it has to be aimed very precisely. Otherwise, you may just have to work with a distant mic and live with the extra room ambience.
Hi Curtis very nice comparison thank you! In a later comparison if you do can you please add the Sanken CS-M1 witch I am kinda leaning of buying lately because is great on a boom for interiors and it's great on cam too.
Thanks. Will need to find a way to buy a CS-M1. 🤓
@@curtisjudd Yes sorry, I though you had some easy ways to get gear for free ;-)! After all you are in my opinion the best audio gear reviewer out there . Thank you for your answer I am looking to get more info on this mic because it looks like a great allrounder (interior dialogue(less prone to reverb and room sounds) , on cam (good side isolation and great focus, and sooo short and light), and can easily double as an instrument mic for someone like me who does a lot of live music recordings. And its a Sanken! We all know they don't do bad mics. This one is well isolated and quiet and probably well made.
@@budgetsmartgear1167 Yes, but usually not for pro-level gear like Sanken. I would recommend you have a listen to Michael Wynne's CSM1 video: th-cam.com/video/JkoHb8n9ERc/w-d-xo.html Then he also provides some comparison clips with the Sanken CS3e: th-cam.com/video/5JD9bT3qRRM/w-d-xo.html
I really like your mic reviews. As I am considering getting a dedicated indoor dialogue mic I have been watching your videos over and over in the last couple of days ;)
It would have been really nice though if you would have tested them as well in a room which is not sound treated because in your room the mics all do sound decent.
I also own the Nt5 and an SMic2 and tested them against a cheap Akg C1000S (hypercardioid) in an untreated room with tiles on the floor and although the general quality of the akg is way beyond the other two mics, the unprocessed audio of that mic was clearly better in terms of voice to ambience ratio. The difference between the cardioid supercardioid and hypercardioid mics is barely noticable in rooms with controlled ambience and non reflective surface
Thanks. I’ve started doing that in the newer mic reviews. Best wishes on your search!
@@curtisjudd I have settled on the Audix SCX1 and am very happy with it. Thanks again for your review!
@@Awrange Congratulations and happy recording!
I like the Rode NT5..I listen to your test with headphones... It sounds "fuller" to me.
+Superfoot Great! Good choice.
So rad... really appreciate it
Thanks! I see that you've already seen this - sorry for pointing you here again. :-x
Hi Curtis. Huge thanks for these videos. I'm shopping for an indoor mic for dialogue specifically for radio -- no video. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the Rode NT3 as compared to the Rode NT5. Thanks again.
Hi Kaitlyn, I have not used the NT3 personally, but have heard many people use it for indoor dialogue and the tests I've heard all sound very good.
Hi Curtis. This is an extremely helpful video; and I certainly appreciate your efforts.
I am wondering if the Sennheiser ME64 is in the same class with these 5 mics, and suitable for indoors dialogue recording in a room that is apt to have echo problems?
Hi Mark, yes, definitely in the same class as microphones such as the RODE NT5. The cardioid pickup pattern is nice indoors because you won't have the same phase issues as a shotgun mic may have if there's a lot of reverb and/or the talent ends up slightly off axis. I haven't used the ME64 personally, but my experience with Sennheiser mics in general has been very good. They tend to be a little brighter sounding which means they tend to emphasize high frequency sound a little bit more than many others. Best wishes!
Thanks very much, Curtis.
Thanks for this one dude !!
Glad it was useful!
Hi Curtis, great comparison! Honestly, they sound pretty close to me. The AKG sounded sweetest, somehow. Have one question, I picked up a Deity S-Mic 2 recently. Do you think it is a decent mic for indoor work as well, or should I invest in one of these from the comparison (I do narrative work, Short films, web serieses etc primarily). I'm kinda leaning towards grabbing one of the Samsons, honestly. Just wanted your advice
If you're getting good results with the S-Mic 2, I'd stick with that. If you're recording in very reverberant rooms quite often, then one of these make sense. I'd let your ears decide. :)
By the way, I'm interested in a review of the Saramonic VmicLink5 5.8GHz Wireless System...
Me too! I had a pre-production kit but there were some issues and Saramonic is working to address them now.
Noise floor may not be everything, but man does it bother me more than anything else. On the plus side, that Rode mic is also the most affordable, so that's good.
I agree - it isn't everything but it is annoying!
I am using AKG P170 for these purposes and it's quite good for the price! :)
Nice!
Hello Curtis, Great and helpful video! I need some microphone advise. I am running an amateur round table stream. My really, really audio rots. (I am currently using a condenser lavalier microphone to mic the moderator and a conference microphone to mic everyone else {the lavalier does not sound too bad - to me.] I am mixing in OBS Studio. [Not go by our stuff posted online- that stuff is even worse, at the moment.) I want to upgrade the setup but I am on a budget with this hobby. I need too mic six people in two clusters of three around the 6-foot round table. Each cluster of three people will horizontally span approximately five to six-feet from person on the right to person on the left. There will be about 1-1/2 to 2-feet in between each cluster of three people. Each cluster will about 7-feet from the upright of a microphone stand, and I may be able to boom the microphone in I bit closer in a bit closer. Might the RODE NT5 serve my purpose to mic each cluster of three people? If not, what might you recommend. (I really can't set up seven lavaliers or six shotgun microphones.) I look forward to hearing from you. Tom
Yes, possibly. The sound of the groups will likely "bleed" into the other mic to some extent (if I'm picturing the layout correctly) but for the setup you're talking and the budget, yes, this is a good approach from my perspective. Best wishes!
Hello Curtis, since you made the review a long time ago, are you still using the audio technica 4053b or do you prefer/recommend others? I plan to use it manly indoor, but can you use it outdoor too? Or do I need an other one for that?
Thank you, Curtis! A quick question - for doing a single person indoor sit-down interview with an overhead boom stand, would a hyper-cardioid like the Audio Technica AT4053b be suitable for a subject who moves, shifts, leans forward, etc during the interview or would the wider field of a super-cardioid or cardioid be more worry free? I don't want to be continually adjusting my interviewee. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Yes, a microphone with a wider polar pattern would make that easier. Just note that it may also pick up a bit more ambient noise with that wider polar pattern, so it is a tradeoff.
Hi Curtis, did you ever make a video treating the subject of room echo reduction materials (maybe also cheaper but reliable solutions). Because more than once we had to deal with sound guys that were very good in making miracles to take a nice audio even if the room sounded badly (using very expensive mics and mixers), but sometimes it was so much effort when treating the room in advance could have seemed a little clumsier and longer in the beginning (and less "soundguyish work") but way faster and more effective in the long run. Thank you in advance!
Hi Anthony, we made a video on using sound blankets: th-cam.com/video/uzyEaVYCk3s/w-d-xo.html
Would love to see the NGT4+ thrown in here !
Oh, the shotgun microphones are over here: th-cam.com/video/veD8BVXV3Ls/w-d-xo.html
And pro-level super and hyper cardioid mics (non-shotgun) are here: th-cam.com/video/RYWD5wI6B9k/w-d-xo.html
Hey Curtis, Thanx for all the help ! I have a Zoom f8n and a sennheiser 416, But i need a good super cardioid.. what should i go for today. I like the sound of the 416 more then ex the CMIT-5U (its too clean )Thanx again , you are the best !!!
I like the Sennheiser MKH8050.
@@curtisjudd Thanx for that! I will go for that 👍
Thanks Curtis
+Mahmoud Baghdadi (محمود بغدادي) You're welcome!
+Mahmoud Baghdadi (محمود بغدادي) You're welcome!
Hey, Judd, another great video! I'm right now watching tons of reviews from your channel, pleased with all tips and details.
Right now I'm looking for some versatile boom mic to professional/prosumer level at the range of 300 US dollars. Beyond that I'll need to invest in the pole, some nice windscreen and shockmouth and maybe the Zoom H6 or the F3 recorders (I own the H4n and the DR100mkII).
I'd like to ask if you have any 2022 boom mics review for that case.
I am at this very moment, by yours recommendations, deciding between the Azden SGM-250, the Sony ECM-674, and the Sennheiser MKE 600 ones, but the NTG4 for its price range kind of interest me (not for anything else). The cheaper the better, cause I really have some more itens in the list...
PS: I have to admit my favorite one was the NTG5, but U$499 I really do not have to spend.
Of those, I’d probably choose the Sennheiser.
@@curtisjudd could I ask you what would be your second choice?
@@NasnuvenPaulo My second choice would be to save up more money and buy something like a DEITY S-Mic 2. Or if saving more isn't an option, I'd look at the Audio Technica AT875R: th-cam.com/video/8NknNRy2uXQ/w-d-xo.html
Thanks. Very helpful
+jeff4justice Thanks Jeff.
+Curtis Judd Regarding the Sound Devices Mixer Recorder that you mention at 00:53, is that connected to the camera so that the sound is recorded into the video or are you recording the audio separately on the recorder's memory card? Also, do you have any videos on your favorite outdoor mics - or do you have any recommendations for the best noise and wind resistant outdoor mics? Thanks.
+jeff4justice Hi Jeff, the recorder is NOT connected to the camera. I generally don't work that way because I prefer 24 bit audio which can be post-processed to sound even better than camera audio. That said, you can run a line out of the Sound Devices 633 to camera. Same with most of the Tascam and Zoom recorders. You just give up the high quality analogue to digital converters of the dedicated audio recorder and have the camera do that work instead. Both ways of recording audio are legitimate, but using the camera to record the audio is not as high quality. Can be totally fine for vlog material, but probably not for professionally produced pieces.
For recording outdoors, the wind protection you put on the mic is more important than which mic to choose. All mics have diaphragms and wind will always create distortion when it hits a mic's diaphragm. Using a blimp/zeppelin cover is the best defense outdoors for shotgun microphones. Rycote also makes a less expensive, though not quite as effective furry cover which can work in very light breezes. th-cam.com/video/0WuHVobIQUs/w-d-xo.html
Or if you're using a lavalier mic, I find that hiding it under the shirt does a nice job: th-cam.com/video/64cKJkPcFbM/w-d-xo.html
Good luck!
Curtis Judd Thanks. You might want to consider listing a PayPal donation link or activating the TH-cam donation option on your channel. I'm in poverty but since you're kind enough to reply to your commenters I could at least send a donation for coffee.
+jeff4justice Thanks Jeff, I'll look into it. :)
Great video. Thanks! Any suggestions for affordable boom mic stands?
If booming for a seated interview/talking head, the on-stage stands have worked well for me: bhpho.to/2Zne8H5
Hello Curtis, since a week I am watching all the videos on your channel and I am very impressed. Thanks for all the tests and advices you give.
For me it is the beginning of the road to create my own channel, and I am in a faze of equipment completing. My biggest problem name is: how to choose the proper mic for my indoor dialogues (I call them rather „monologues” cause in most cases I will be the only person on the screen)? I have adapted one room in my house for a studio (about 20 sqm), so I expect many sound problems. If I had sufficient budget would buy AT4053b. But I do not have. I do not like too much Samson C02s. But I have no major objections to the Rode NT5. My voice is rather low and I thought that maybe the Rode "cheaper brother" M5 could be an enough good choice in such conditions and for the beginning (on a boom, half meter from my mounth etc.). What do you think about this idea?
Hi, yes that could be an ok choice if you have a good preamplifier behind it. The M5 is a touch noisier than the NT5 from reports I've seen (I haven't tested it personally), but that's still very good and at a good price with a good warranty. A good choice overall.
Thanks for the support. Undoubtedly, I will give them (M5 pair) a chance. Based on your recommendation next week I'm going to "hug" the Tascam DR-60D MK2. As for the noise, I expect that the M5s will be less noisier than C02s and ... again thanks to you ... I found an incredibly useful and effective tool. They call it AUPHONIC :)
+MODUS TAO yes, Auphonic is handy!
I'm sorry Curtis. I have one question. I am working as a teacher, having online classes but my frontyard has 3 dogs who are barking all the time. I would like to buy a boom microphone but not sure which one to get. I want a best balance between good sound and noise rejection. Would OKTAVA or NT5 do the job? Or would you recommend something else.
Thanks man for your content.
A boom mic may not be the best choice if you need sound rejection/isolation. In that case, close miking with a broadcast dynamic microphone like a SHURE SM58 or SM7B or something similar will work better in terms of rejecting noise.
Thank you for these videos. Really informative. I know this one is 3 years old but wondering if you have tried the Behringer C2's. For $53, you get a pair, hard case, stereo stand. They even have a pad AND high pass switch. Such a great deal. Curious about how hot they are and their self noise.
Hi BMS, have heard of it but haven't tried it. Does it have a Supercardioid polar pattern?
If you have to buy 20 microphones they would be good for the price but generally they arent well enough to consider using them. They sound very tinny and have too much noise. A Behringer B5 though would be one of the cheaper microphones that can capture somewhat accurately.
Nice comparison, and thank for the wav files. The at4053b looked like the best from a technical standpoint, but I still think the Audix sounded the best. Can you link to the acoustic blanket you are using?
+DrGroovoo Thanks. The sound blankets have one serious caveat: They wreaked of petro-chemicals when I first received them. I had to wash each one three or four times just to tame the smell (I can still smell them) but at least I can stand to be in the same room with them now. On the bright side, they do a very nice job of mellowing a room. Another nice thing is that you can buy them white on one side, black on the other so they are large light bounce fabrics as well. So with all those caveats, I bought them here: www.vocalboothtogo.com/product-category/acoustic-sound-blankets-for-sound-absorption-producers-choice/
+DrGroovoo Thanks. I'm going to do an episode on the sound blankets. They do a nice job mellowing the room and I love that you can buy them black on one side, white on the other. But they have one big problem: When I first received mine they stank badly of petrochemicals. I had to wash each one four times and hang them outdoors on a clothesline in the sun for a few days to take care of most of the smell. Even after all that, there's still a fair bit of residual odor. I'm not sure whether that was flame retardant or something else but it was so bad I would get a sore throat when in the same room with them for more than about 5 minutes. So that's the big caveat. If you're still up for lots of washing, this is where I bought them: www.vocalboothtogo.com/product-category/acoustic-sound-blankets-for-sound-absorption-producers-choice/ Good luck!
+Curtis Judd maybe try washing them with some baking soda (if you haven't already)?
+Bethel Imaging Great minds think alike! That's exactly what I ended up doing. The chemicals were pretty potent but the laundry detergent and baking soda helped quite a lot after 3 - 4 washes per blanket. Thanks!
EXCELLENT Review
Thanks Mychal.
Hi Curtis, these videos have been fantastic for demonstrating the capabilities of these mics. I have a question though:
Say I have a room of people sitting around a 4 foot diameter table, playing a tabletop game or something along those lines; Would a super/hypercardiod microphone placed up high, angled down from about 3-4 feet away be able to capture this just fine? Or would I be better with looking at something like a shotgun microphone for this purpose?
The setup is mostly for a twitch setup, for a group of 3-5 people in a section playing a game, while music is playing off to the side at a reasonable volume. Ideally i'd like to have the mic pointed to capture the people, while picking up as little of the music as possible so that I can gate it out of the main feed, and just direct the music through the stream with no feedback.
Thanks!
Hi Joshua, A cardioid or wide cardioid may be the best option for this scenario. Or even something like a stereo pair of cardioid microphones (Like the built-in mics on the Zoom H4n Pro, H5, H6). It'll be really hard to reject the music and then lay it in during post, but you might be able to get it to match up. Definitely worth a test before any critical shoots.
If you decide to go with a cardioid microphone (I would stay away from shotgun mics in this scenario) the RODE NT5 is a decent mid-range mic with a cardioid pickup pattern which is decently wide, but still somewhat directional - probably a good balance for miking an entire table of people (link above).
Great video and very helpful! Have you ever tried using a Takstar CM63 for Indoor Dialogue? I'm interested to know what your opinion is of this mic. Thanks for all the great info!
Hi Matt, thanks. I haven't tried the CM63. Cardioids can be good but are a little wide so I usually opt for super or hyper cardioids. But I'll definitely keep that on my list of mics to try. Thanks!
Great comparison! I am considering buying the AT 4054b but I am in doubt if I should also consider the Neumann KM 185 as an alternative. What are Your thoughts?
I would also consider the Neumann but the polar patterns are, of course, somewhat different between the two.
Thanks! I have a "difficult" room with too much echo / reverb. Do You know which of the two will pick up the least "room"?
consider purchasing a "shotgun mic" like the Senheiser MKH 416. This also happens the be the industry standard boom mic. The Neumann will be much less forgiving of poor acoustics and off axis sound.
Curtis - I notice no claps on the DR60 audio takes on your site. Were you recording the DR60 output signal straight into the camera, so no syncing required? Just curious, from my research, there is added noise when linking to a camera rather than recording the audio on the DR60 itself and using those tracks to sync in post. Could result in a lesser noise floor for the DR60. The DR70D is on Amazon right now for $230.
Hi, no, I cut off the head and tail off of those files so the claps and other noisy set sounds are removed. All were recorded with the DR-60DmkII, not the camera. I definitely synced with claps.
Great to know about the DR70D - that's a pretty amazing price!
Based off of what I hear in this video, The Rode NT5 seems to be the most crisp, and sounds the best. The Audix SCX1 and The AT 4053b sound kind of muffled in comparison. I always read online that the Audix and the AT are considered way better for indoor film dialog. Why is this? Is more muffled dialog sound the way hollywood films do it, and I just don't notice?
Hi Mike, hearing is very personal and everyone's preferences are different. It's totally fine that you prefer the NT5. Also, this sample here was only with my voice and each voice sounds best with different microphones. I suspect that the film mixers, who record on a daily basis for their work, generally find the others to work well with the largest sampling of voices. But that's just a guess. Happy recording!
Not related but, what are you using for your background? Excellent video! Thanks!
White paper from Savage.
@@curtisjudd thank you for the response!
Many thanks for sharing Curtis, and for your recommendations. I know that you can't review all, but what do you think of Sennheiser microphones? Have you ever used any for dialogue recording?
+microbroadcast I very much like the Sennheiser microphones that I have used so far, in particular, the MKH50 and the MKE2 lavalier. They're a little on the bright side for some voices but the quality is always top notch and the MKH50 in particular is used in a ton of larger budget film and TV shows.
We had a look at the MKH50 here: th-cam.com/video/JXTpL4Ovr2I/w-d-xo.html
And the AVX with MKE2 lavalier here: th-cam.com/video/U9RjMXtmVLc/w-d-xo.html
Honestly, I'm a bit confused about noise levels -- the comparative levels you found versus comparative ranking according to the manufacturers. If we just think about comparison levels within each of the following lists (not comparing numbers between them; practical noise level vs signal-to-noise or equivalent noise level), why are there such differences in ranking between the lists? Specifically, why can the Audix SCX1 have a better signal-to-noise ratio and better ENL than both the AKG CK93 and the AT4053b, and yet it had a higher practical noise level in your test than these two? Why do you think the Audix was not as quiet for you as the CK93 and AT4053b? It's quite possible I'm not even understanding the categories accurately. Thanks!!!
LIST 1: Practical Noise Level (your results)
1. Samson CO2 -61dB
2. Audix SCX1 -63dB
3. AKG CK93 -64.5dB [better than Audix]
4. *AT4053b -68.7dB [better than Audix and AKG]
LIST 2: Signal to Noise (according to manufacturers or other sites)
1. AKG CK93: 77dB
2. AT4053b: 77dB
3. Neumann KM 185: 79dB
4. *Audix SCX1: 80dB [so better than CK93 or AT4053b. why?]
5. ME66 & NTG5 shotguns, just for comparison, but for different use: 84dB
LIST 3: Equivalent Noise Level
1. AKG CK93: 17dB
2. AT4053b: 16dB
3. *Audix SCX1: 14dB [better than CK93 & AT4053b. why?]
4. ME66 & NTG5 shotguns, again just for comparison, for different use: 10dB
In summary, if I went with your numbers, it would seem the AT4053b would be a choice with less self-noise. But if I went with the s-to-n or ENL lists, the Audix SCX1 would seem to be the one with the cleanest audio (less extra noise). ???
Hi Jeff, my "tests" were real-world samples where we are measuring not just self-noise of the microphone, but also ambient noise in the room where we recorded and any self-noise generated by the recorder. The specs from the manufacturers generally use testing procedures to eliminate all of these other factors. I hope that helps to explain. Best wishes!
Great job Curtis! I'm a new subscriber today!!!
I'm using a Logitech C920 webcam for video tutorial recordings. The audio isn't that great. I'm thinking of using a Polsen OLM-10 lav mic that I have for better audio. Obviously I'm on a budget, but you've peaked my interest big time on the Samson 2pack.
How do you think the Samson would compare to my Polsen wired lav mic? Help.
BTW, B&H had the Samson CO2 listed as Cardioid Polar Pattern, not Super Cardioid.
Hi James, good to meet you here. I haven't heard the Polsen before but most lavalier microphones sound different than boom mics because they are body worn. I'd start with the Polsen and see how it works. The CO2s are pretty mid-rangy sounding, not my favorite. But with some EQ, can sound OK. It also depends on the space in which you record. So before spending any money, I'd try out the lavalier.
@@curtisjudd Samson lists the mic pattern pickup as cardioid not super cardioid. Your video says it's super cardioid.
@@jamestheradioman Strangely, the icon they show on the mic looks closer to super-cardioid, but remember that this is a spectrum so it is probably somewhere between the two.
Oof... I cannot help but liking the AT 4053 B the best. My poor Wallet 😅
Yes, my wallet understands. 😉
Hello, all of your videos are so informative. I had one question, why shotgun mics are not used in reverberant rooms?
Shotgun microphones have a long interference tube with slits along the body of the microphone. Sometimes, when the same sound enters the sides of the mic close to the same time it enters the front, you get a strange warbling sound. This can happen in reverberant rooms.
@@curtisjudd thank you so much, anyways why is that happens?
Physics and the design of the interference tube. The interference tube works on the assumption that sound/noise from the sides should be eliminated and sound coming in the front of the mic is what you want to keep. So when you get the same sound in the side and front, that assumption is no longer valid and you get the warbling/phase interference issues.
Missing the Sennheisers, but otherwise, good comparison.
Didn’t own them at the time.
Hey Curtis, thanks for another helpful video. I have a Rode NTG3 and I'm wondering if you think getting the Samson C02 would be a good option for indoor audio instead of the NTG3, or since they're both super cardioid, it'd be redundant and the Rode would most likely perform similarly or better.
Hi Andrew, only if you’re running into situations where that NTG3 is running into phase issues - often a strange warbling sort of sound. The C02 sounds quite a lot different than the NTG3 as well, so it doesn’t cut especially well with the very warm sounding NTG3. Happy recording!
Hey Curtis, love your reviews. What are your thoughts on the MKH 50?
Love it. We did a review of it back in 2015. A search for MKH50 Curtis Judd should pull it up.
damn youtubes had 4k video for 7 years now i feel old
LOL
What is the Hollywood industry standard for an indoor hypercardiod? Like, what would pair well with a Sennheiser MKH-416??
Sennheiser MKH50: th-cam.com/video/CqasOA0kFno/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared
this new company called vanguard has released a pencil condenser called Vanguard V1 which comes with 4 capsules including a hyper.
i messaged them if its possible to do a voice sample. and even mentioned about you and maybe if they could send you a unit so that you can do a test! hehe! CHEERS!
Thanks! Would love to try it out!