If you haven’t yet seen my full review of the Sennheiser MKH 50, definitely check that out to understand why I love this mic so much: ruclips.net/video/Sn3xhTuLqmw/видео.htmlsi=_oaR5dC88DFF2oOm
Absolutely! That would be a big help to people just starting out. A cheap way to get *some* sound deadening is to hang heavy curtains on as many walls as you can.
Wow Tom! You have over 500 listeners/views within the first hour after posting a new video. That is like like opening up an auditorium at the last minute and in files over 500 people just to hear what you have to say today. Tom, your video podcasts are quite popular and successful. Like many others, I am always awaiting your next one. You have been my inspiration and help with my own audio only podcasts in my own little niche.
Thanks for the video. Tip: I can hear some comb filtering on both mics at the beginning, where the mics are boomed overhead. Because they're angled downward, they're picking up reflections from the table, I think. The effect reduces when you have them placed in closer proximity, angled away from the table, and that's how I'd use most mics indoors - without any hard surfaces and as close as possible to the sound source. The comb filter effect is why professional sound recordists don't use shotguns for indoor dialogue - those mics, in particular, pick up a lot of the reflections coming from harder interior surfaces. This can cause chaos inside the mic's interference tube. Instead, pros use cardiods, ideally hypercardiods that don't have an interference tube design. But even with then, you should be mindful of reflective surfaces like tables or anything that might colour the sound. Hope that helps. Thanks again. Good video! 🙂
I'm not sure what "pros" you're referring to, but if theyre pros the room they're recording in is going to be sound treated. VAs use shotgun mics *ALL* the time. Now video podcasters and RUclipsrs and such who will give up sound treatment for visual appeal, then sure, maybe.
I’ve been using the AT875R for the past couple years for my videos (going into a Rodecaster Pro) and I absolutely love it! One of the best gear purchases I’ve made.
@@gkanaiI have a matched pair of these mics and love them. Didn't really used them as overhead but mostly as a stereo pair while playing guitar in my livestreams. At around 3-4" away from the instrument they sound lovely. I've watched Curtis Judd testing the MK-012 as a boom and actually thought of using one of them just like that. Then I saw there was a great discount on matched pairs and went for that. Found they worked best on the guitar..and drums actually. Btw, what's the HC version...?
that's not a shotgun mic. It's a "pencil" condenser. Very cheap and good in a lot of applications like acoustic guitar or cymbals but there was some scandal years ago with counterfeits and idk if that got sorted out.
When you first cut away from the Sennheiser to the Audio-Technica it seemed to me that the room reflection was reduced by quite a bit, which you later in the video processed out. Once my ears forgot about the Sennheiser I found the Audio-Technica very acceptable. It reminds me of my Synco Mic D1 which also has the AA battery option. Thank you for another great video.
Dude... seriously.. thank you for making this video.. I'm so tired of having a microphone in my face and in my way while I'm streaming. I've been looking into trying out a shotgun mic without having to sell a limb or my first born. 1000% gonna try this option. I didn't wanna settle for something super "cheap" either as all of my mics (I feel) have been of higher quality. I.E. Earthworks Ethos, SM7B, Rode Procaster to name a few. Gonna pair this with my Wave XLR (soon to be upgraded to a Rodecaster Pro 2) thanks to someone.......lol. But seriously Mahalo again for another great video!!! ALOHA!!!
Glad it's helpful! There are a lot of great shotgun mics out there, but I wanted to give a solid recommendation for one that I know for a fact can withstand use and abuse for many years while still sounding awesome.
Hi Tom, after listening to your video (I have tremendous respect for your expertise) and from B&H after it reopened I bought the Audio Technica AT897 and I believe the boom arm is a Rhode, it was just over $400 for everything. I am relying on an editor to handle my videos and audio. But in my home office I want to use that with the Black Out Blue Yeti and the Stream Deck plus. But have not figured out how to use the Stream Deck plus. You have no idea how lucky you are to have a spouse who is also a content creator and understands RUclips. Mine does not and thinks the only people getting rich are those making the RUclips videos. But on more than a few occasions despite my channel having less than 340 subs and a grand total over 3 years of 20,000 views, I think it is all worth it. Thanks for making these videos and providing us with inspiration and knowledge.
Hey Leonard! Sounds like your setup is coming together nicely! But yeah, it's always a learning process/constant evolution. It's definitely great to have a partner that understands the weird wacky world of content creation, but hopefully anyone around who who doesn't get it will start to understand more and more as you keep progressing through your journey. And yes! It doesn't take huge numbers to make a huge impact, whether that's financial or otherwise. I've seen "small" creators with very strong brand partnerships, and beyond the financial, there's so much more! Those 20K views on your channel are 20K chances to really make a positive impact on someone. Heck, I met my wife through RUclips and the video of hers that I first saw which lead to us talking had less than 100 views. You never know!
Thank, Tom. Another brilliant video. Have to say that you’ve cost me a small fortune over the years. 😅But the results have been worth it. The MKH 50 is a brilliant mic, and really transformed my sound, but certainly not cheap. Good to see you offering affordable alternatives.
The 50 is such a game changer! I cut the video down a bit, but I originally had a section where I just talked about how much it really changed everything for me. It's a VERY expensive mic, but in my case (and seems like for you too), it's paid for itself many times over.
@@tombuck Indeed. It drastically reduced the amount of time I needed to spend on sound processing later on. But we’ll see how it stands up to my new studio. I’ve just moved country and have a very echoey room. I’ve put up sound blankets but as I’m just renting while building a house (with a proper studio) I can’t do too much about it. Let’s see how it handles it. 🙂 I hope all is well with you.
Hi Tom. I've just watched 4 of your videos and really enjoy the mix of humour in your presentations. I think this will be the mike I end up buying for my office/studio. I'll be interviewing older folks who tell their life story and for the sound quality, price and the fact that it's not making them feel awkward with a mike being so close to them or having to wear one, this ticks all the boxes. Thank you! 🙂
I had that mic so long, I forgot where I got it. Rock solid. Pro tip, the sennheiser md46 is a kickass mic as well, and its an even cheaper price. Best audio kit ever, haven't changed it in years. Need a new lav though my budget one broke.
Even though I just finished my podcast studio after four years of research, testing and trying things to get exactly what I want (your videos helped a lot) I still love watching your videos 👍👍
OK, these two aren't competitors and I'm already in love with the MKH50 anyway. The difference in how they sounded wasn't matching rhe price difference, and then in the favor of the AT. It did lack the finest basses and the slightly nasal midrange can easily be equed. One of my online friends (David Hunte) just mentioned yesterday he was in search for a shotgun mic so I'll send him to this video. My first recommendation was the VideoMic NTG by Røde because I have it and it's also around the same price as the AT here. The advantages of the NTG are that it's self powered as well as that it's also a USB mic. If needed to be used with RCP or similar there's an XLR adapter by Røde available.
You can see in the video that I giggle a little when switching to the MKH 50 for the first time because it just sounds sooooooo good. But I do really like the 897's sound too, and it almost sounds more "EQ'd" straight away. If I had a Sennheiser 416 that probably would've been a more direct comparison since I think their sounds are a bit more similar.
I think I could go for a Comica CVM-30 if I want a good budget "with some pro functionalites" boom mic. I've got a lot of favorite boom mics in my head right now even with the on camera ones. 😅
@@WatchMysh Honestly, I'd go for the one that fits your budget. AT and Senny make good stuff. Maybe look at the Self-noise of each one and pick the one with better performance. Seriously, I don't think you can go wrong with either.
It is huge! My favourites are the RØDE NG3 or the NTG5. All sound good though. (The RØDE NTG2 can be run off an AA battery too). Sorry if I sound like a RØDE fanboy. Hehehe.
Hi Tom, great information ad always. I am a Windows person who uses per project editors for my video and audio. I recently went over my head and bought an Elgato Prompter, the Facecam Pro 4K camera and the Stream Deck plus and a U Green 100 watt external power hub to give Stream Deck plus more power. This is what I'm using for my home office and my wife isn't supportive and understanding like your wife is. Can you recommended or would you consider making videos about how to use this gear together? 😂 Thanks for taking the time to consider this.
The Audio Technica sounds great but it's lacking in the bottom end. I'm going to assume nothing was done to EQ or otherwise dial in this mic. I guess I should watch more to see if this is mentioned or not. It really should be addressed in audio videos
You definitely get what you pay for, so I tend to avoid the absolute cheap options, but once you get past the $100-$150 price points there are A TON of amazing choice, and there's a pretty steep law of diminishing returns. So the difference between a $50 and $150 mic will be way more noticeable than the different between a $250 and $800 mic, for example.
The office has a cheap Panasonic shotgun microphone. It has an XLR, but, also needs a battery inside. Always, wondered if that would work on my focusrite... Can't bring it home, and personal equipment aren't allowed on location... I'm in a predicament. Hence, my question to you... Will it work, with phantom power?
@@tombuckBtw, I'm sorry for the late reply, I don't know why RUclips doesn't give me notifications on any answers to my comments. Wish I could just reset everything in the notifications or something.
Another great video Tom... which would you recommend? Filming Video in SLOG on the camera & Audio through the rodecaster into something like Audacity then downloading both files to the PC and syncing up in editing... Or Using an XLR Input straight into the camera and having the mic baked into the video footage... I've tried both and I've tried just using OBS with the camera & Audio as separate inputs which obviously saves a lot of time but I just can't seem to get the same final quality... interested to hear your thoughts
Hi Tom, may I ask a seemingly ignorant question? What impact does the Ohms impedance rating have on a microphone? I see it listed on most mic specs but have no idea how it stacks up if comparing microphones. Or doesn't it really matter? Maybe a video for the future? Cheers from your mate from Australia.
If that's an ignorant question, then call me ignorant! I don't know much of the technical side, but I do know that Ohms impact how a mic interacts with other audio equipment (high impedance vs. low). It's honestly not something I've personally paid much attention to for the type of stuff that I do, but there might be someone in the comments here who can chip in and drop some knowledge 👍
Nice! Hope you enjoy it! I don't do a ton of processing to be honest. For the AT897, I start with the generic "condenser" mic preset and then just play around with each setting to see if I want to tweak anything. Often I just leave it as is since the presets are quite good.
Thanks for this video, this is really helpful! I just wanted to ask; you make the point that the MKH 50 is worth the extra money if your budget is good for it, but on the other hand of what I saw you don't really show any downsides for the AT897 that makes the point of the difference. What is it about the MKH 50 that makes it 5-6 times better than the AT?
Great question! This is definitely where the law of diminishing returns comes into play (along with just personal preference). I don’t think the MKH50 is 5-6 times better than the AT897, but it IS a better sounding mic. That better sound makes it easier for me to get audio I like with minimal or no processing, which speeds up the whole process. Multiply that by lots of projects over several years, and now a difference that seems small on the surface has made a huge impact!
@@tombuck OK great, thank you for that! Does that mean that the AT897 took more production/signal fixing than the MKH50 in this video? If so, what things did you have to do to it? I'm wondering because I'm thinking about getting the AT897 for recording vocals in acoustic song performances, and it means I'm trying to find the best balance of sound quality and directionality (I want as little guitar to be picked up as possible for reasons that I won't explain here). Is the AT897 something you'd consider suitable for that? Thanks again!
Hi Tom. Your videos has been the most reliable specially when it comes audio aspect of content creation. I have been struggling to keep produce a high quality audio for my vlogs. I am currently using zoom H1N connected to my Sony A6400 (set on the lowest gain). I’ve been thinking about upgrading to Focusrite 2i2 and a shotgun microphone that will give deep and rich output (high quality podcast). My only concern is: I want the audio to go straight/sync to the video bypassing the need for traditional method of syncing it using editing software. Is that possible? How do I set it up? Hope to get this noticed. Thank you.
I still like the Sennheiser but the MKH416. Lol...honestly, the AT897 sounds like a great mic for people that need a self powered condenser shotgun mic. I still like the NTG-2 better compared to the AT897.
It'd be great to have you typing or tapping the desk to hear how background noise and especially vibrations effect the mics... I have a Yeti Blue and it was TERRIBLE on my desk with it's normal stand. So u upgraded to a boom arm with a huge bloody Yeti specific vibration remover/holder thing and now that i've changed my setup the boom arm no longer works cause my new screen is in the way. But buying any new mic means a new arm and new vibration isolator etc etc meaning the true price might be a lot more after i start getting into it. I just wanted a mic for work and games while i type on my mechanical keyboard. But this video didn't really help with that. :'(
I guess I'm just an old jerk, but shotguns should never be used like this. I've seen this trend more and more with streamers now and it's kinda dumb. It's like using a SM7B or a RODE Procaster as a side address mic... which I have also seen streamers do far too often. Thanks Tom! Great video as always!
I just bought this mic used. DOA LOL. Any suggestion as to why a mic wouldn't work? I have battery and phantom to it and my other mic works fine on the same setup. There was some corrosion in the battery area but it doesn't seem to have been too bad or gotten into the internals. Seller "said" it was working. My friend has this mic and it impressed the heck out of me but it may not be meant to be. Have an MKE600 on the way :)
Tom, have you done any tests with how a regular mic sounds at a distance compared to a shotgun mic? For example, comparing a mic like the Rode Podmic vs the Audio Technica shotgun mic at the same out of camera distance. I know this might be a niche test, but the use case is applicable to a lot of people with the key question being: If you have a Rode or Shure, or dynamic mic, etc., do you need to get a shotgun mic and does it perform better at a distance and why?
They basically sound like the built in mic on a camera- which is to say, not very good 😁 Generally speaking, if you want a mic to be far away/out of frame, it's best to stick with a pencil condenser or shotgun.
@@tombuck that’s what I thought and that has been my experience. I just haven’t seen much on the why. Thanks again for the excellent videos and content that you share!
@@tombuck I'll be sure to use your link. That was quite the comparison and review. Unrelated side note: your product shot broll has gotten next level and Madison Avenue is not happy with you...
Great video as always I have a question. I just got a rodecaster duo and I noticed that exporting main audio usually comes out fine, but when I export my audio as a multi track, it’s usually about 10 dB lower. How do you usually export your audio from your rodecaster?
Great video brother. Nice. Can you suggest this microphones for making tutorials. I hate microphones like blue yeti or shuru where we need to put that infront of our mouth. I am looking for a mic atleasr one meter away so that while typing when I make tutorials it would be easy for me to look at screens and keyboard.
Aye, the AT875R puts in work, I love how rich it sounds. Tried the Mv7x recently and granted Its Dynamic but It just sounded flat and without a cloudlifter having to bump gain up it kinda defeated the whole purpose of getting an upgrade for quality/noise rejection.
Sync issues are usually related to the interface and not any specific mic. It's a totally normally thing that happens because of the difference in complexity of audio vs. video signals. You cna fix it in a few different ways- for streaming/live recording, software like Ecamm and OBS has built in delay features. Some interfaces like the Rodecasters and Mackie DLZ Creators also have built in delay options. And of course you can always sync/retime your audio and video when editing. 👍
Hey Tom, how would you say this mic (or these kinds of mics) does when we take into account things like keyboard noise? Is there ways to position it so that it picks up your voice well without hearing typing/clicking noises? At a glance, this ticks pretty much all the boxes, but with mics you won't ever know for sure until you experiment with it..
Do you find a shotgun mic being better to use than say a mic that is right in your face? Or is it just a matter of preference, by having a microphone out of the shot over one that is in the shot.
I think it’s all personal preference. A mic closer to the speaker will usually sound better, but sometimes it’s worth the trade off to clean up the frame and free up some space.
Hey Tom! I have picked up some more video production jobs for social media commercials, and want to expand from my Hollyland Lark max connected to Rode Lav mics for audio to this as an entry level mic until I can afford to upgrade to the MKH50 after a few jobs. What gear would you recommend to connect this to my Sony ZV-E10. All I have now is the Donner Live Jack M audio interface. Not sure yet if it can do the job for this mic. With you being a video production teacher, looking for your wisdom and hands on product knowledge of what worked for you.
Hey Mike! I’m not super familiar with the Donner, but it looks similar to a 2i2, which would need a computer to run the signal into. I think there are some 3.5 to XLR adapters for cameras like the E10, but the quality can be hit or miss. The most practical option might be something like a Zoom H4n or similar recorder to record audio separately and then sync during editing. That being said, for the sake of simplicity, it might also be worth looking into a mic like the Rode Videomic NTG. It’ll work directly with the E10, has a physical gain control, and can even be used with a longer cable or wireless system to work as a boom mic.
@@tombuck thanks! I have the Rode video mic go 2 and deity d4 pro for my church videos, but didn’t like the quality at 3 feet away in untreated rooms I have to tackle sometimes with clients. Definitely gonna go the route of the zoom p4 - use my limited budget on equipment that still lets me grow with a mkh50 later!!! Thanks thanks a bunch! You’re the best 😁 😎👍🏻
I’m trying this mic in an untreated room and I’m getting a lot of echo/reverberance. Any tips? Also, the preamp from my audio interface (IK Multimedia Axe I/O One) is struggling to deliver enough gain to get good levels from this mic. Is it fairly low output?
Watched the video, bought the mic, came back to the comments hoping this question had been asked and answered, watched the video again, left happy again.
My favorite USB condenser is the Sennheiser Profile, but it's not a shotgun mic. If you need something to sit out of frame, then maybe the Rode Videomic NTG could be a good option?
To my really uneducated ear, the fullness of your voice seems to really fade in and out on this mic as you move. Only sounds basey when directly facing it. Otherwise, it sounds a little tinny.
Ok, the mk ultra is way out of my price range, it's now 1 year later, is your stance on the AT mic the same or does something else sound like a better option going in to 2025
With this mic, you can try that if you put a AA battery in the mic, but I don't know how good the audio quality will be. Typically and XLR interface would be the best way to go.
@@tombuck Thanks! The Sennheiser MKE 600 is able to plugg directly into the camera, it comes with a addaptor :D I would love to see a review of this microphone aswell :)
There cheapest way is to record audio on each camera, as well as your “main” mic. At the beginning of the recording take, do a nice crisp clap. This will create a spike in the waveform for each audio source. Later in post, pull all the video/audio files into your video editing app (Da Vinci, Premiere, Final Cut, etc.)-and use the spike in each waveform to line everything up. Once you’re satisfied that things are properly aligned, silence or delete all the unwanted audio tracks, leaving only the different video angles and your “main” audio you wish to keep. The easier way (but with more upfront expense) is to use timecode, which essentially pre-syncs all your devices. You’d need special equipment for this, and to ensure that this equipment “plays well” with all your recorders.
If you haven’t yet seen my full review of the Sennheiser MKH 50, definitely check that out to understand why I love this mic so much: ruclips.net/video/Sn3xhTuLqmw/видео.htmlsi=_oaR5dC88DFF2oOm
Is there a similar better newer version of the AT897?
Man! I'd love to see basic mic setups for untreated rooms! I live in a student dorm and no way I can treat my rooms!
Absolutely! That would be a big help to people just starting out.
A cheap way to get *some* sound deadening is to hang heavy curtains on as many walls as you can.
I think a dynamic microphone setup is cheaper and much more forgiving when it comes to room reverb and noise.
Wow Tom! You have over 500 listeners/views within the first hour after posting a new video. That is like like opening up an auditorium at the last minute and in files over 500 people just to hear what you have to say today. Tom, your video podcasts are quite popular and successful. Like many others, I am always awaiting your next one. You have been my inspiration and help with my own audio only podcasts in my own little niche.
That's a pretty awesome what of looking at it! Thank you Norm!
Thanks for the video. Tip: I can hear some comb filtering on both mics at the beginning, where the mics are boomed overhead. Because they're angled downward, they're picking up reflections from the table, I think. The effect reduces when you have them placed in closer proximity, angled away from the table, and that's how I'd use most mics indoors - without any hard surfaces and as close as possible to the sound source. The comb filter effect is why professional sound recordists don't use shotguns for indoor dialogue - those mics, in particular, pick up a lot of the reflections coming from harder interior surfaces. This can cause chaos inside the mic's interference tube. Instead, pros use cardiods, ideally hypercardiods that don't have an interference tube design. But even with then, you should be mindful of reflective surfaces like tables or anything that might colour the sound. Hope that helps. Thanks again. Good video! 🙂
I'm not sure what "pros" you're referring to, but if theyre pros the room they're recording in is going to be sound treated. VAs use shotgun mics *ALL* the time. Now video podcasters and RUclipsrs and such who will give up sound treatment for visual appeal, then sure, maybe.
Shout out to the AT875R as well - great indoor dialog mic for the money.
I’ve been using the AT875R for the past couple years for my videos (going into a Rodecaster Pro) and I absolutely love it! One of the best gear purchases I’ve made.
The best budget shotgun mic I've found is the Oktava MK-012. I would LOVE to see a comparison between this and that! :)
The HC version.
@@gkanaiI have a matched pair of these mics and love them. Didn't really used them as overhead but mostly as a stereo pair while playing guitar in my livestreams. At around 3-4" away from the instrument they sound lovely. I've watched Curtis Judd testing the MK-012 as a boom and actually thought of using one of them just like that. Then I saw there was a great discount on matched pairs and went for that. Found they worked best on the guitar..and drums actually.
Btw, what's the HC version...?
That isn't a shotgun mic; it's a pencil condenser - and that's what folks should be using for this application.
that's not a shotgun mic. It's a "pencil" condenser. Very cheap and good in a lot of applications like acoustic guitar or cymbals but there was some scandal years ago with counterfeits and idk if that got sorted out.
@@RolandDobbins sorry didn't see your comment before I posted. Well said.
this is such a fire video, ty for the info! I got the AT897 because of this video super happy w the results
Glad you’re liking it!
How do you use it?
@@nttinvis connect to a zoom F3. Its so easy to use and get insane quality audio out of
@LocustAndWildHoney might get it later down the road ill get a rhod nt mini, for my pc for now
@@nttinvis Blue yeti makes an excellent pc mic as well, especially for the price. Good luck!
When you first cut away from the Sennheiser to the Audio-Technica it seemed to me that the room reflection was reduced by quite a bit, which you later in the video processed out. Once my ears forgot about the Sennheiser I found the Audio-Technica very acceptable. It reminds me of my Synco Mic D1 which also has the AA battery option. Thank you for another great video.
It's always hard to make your ears "forget" about other sounds! Definitely a tricky part of mic reviews/comparisons.
Dude... seriously.. thank you for making this video.. I'm so tired of having a microphone in my face and in my way while I'm streaming. I've been looking into trying out a shotgun mic without having to sell a limb or my first born. 1000% gonna try this option. I didn't wanna settle for something super "cheap" either as all of my mics (I feel) have been of higher quality. I.E. Earthworks Ethos, SM7B, Rode Procaster to name a few. Gonna pair this with my Wave XLR (soon to be upgraded to a Rodecaster Pro 2) thanks to someone.......lol. But seriously Mahalo again for another great video!!! ALOHA!!!
Glad it's helpful! There are a lot of great shotgun mics out there, but I wanted to give a solid recommendation for one that I know for a fact can withstand use and abuse for many years while still sounding awesome.
SOLD! Thank you! :)
Hi Tom, after listening to your video (I have tremendous respect for your expertise) and from B&H after it reopened I bought the Audio Technica AT897 and I believe the boom arm is a Rhode, it was just over $400 for everything. I am relying on an editor to handle my videos and audio. But in my home office I want to use that with the Black Out Blue Yeti and the Stream Deck plus. But have not figured out how to use the Stream Deck plus. You have no idea how lucky you are to have a spouse who is also a content creator and understands RUclips. Mine does not and thinks the only people getting rich are those making the RUclips videos. But on more than a few occasions despite my channel having less than 340 subs and a grand total over 3 years of 20,000 views, I think it is all worth it. Thanks for making these videos and providing us with inspiration and knowledge.
Hey Leonard!
Sounds like your setup is coming together nicely! But yeah, it's always a learning process/constant evolution.
It's definitely great to have a partner that understands the weird wacky world of content creation, but hopefully anyone around who who doesn't get it will start to understand more and more as you keep progressing through your journey.
And yes! It doesn't take huge numbers to make a huge impact, whether that's financial or otherwise. I've seen "small" creators with very strong brand partnerships, and beyond the financial, there's so much more! Those 20K views on your channel are 20K chances to really make a positive impact on someone. Heck, I met my wife through RUclips and the video of hers that I first saw which lead to us talking had less than 100 views. You never know!
Been using this mic for a few years now. For the money and quality it’s the best
I use a few of the Audio Technica as audience mics for live recordings. Super solid mic!
I'm always impressed with them! Great mics for sure.
Thank, Tom. Another brilliant video. Have to say that you’ve cost me a small fortune over the years. 😅But the results have been worth it. The MKH 50 is a brilliant mic, and really transformed my sound, but certainly not cheap. Good to see you offering affordable alternatives.
The 50 is such a game changer! I cut the video down a bit, but I originally had a section where I just talked about how much it really changed everything for me. It's a VERY expensive mic, but in my case (and seems like for you too), it's paid for itself many times over.
@@tombuck Indeed. It drastically reduced the amount of time I needed to spend on sound processing later on. But we’ll see how it stands up to my new studio. I’ve just moved country and have a very echoey room. I’ve put up sound blankets but as I’m just renting while building a house (with a proper studio) I can’t do too much about it. Let’s see how it handles it. 🙂 I hope all is well with you.
Tom I remember when you hit 10k subs, so great to see you just smashing it still (not surprising).
Was really hoping to have a keyboard and mouse test along with this mic. Great recommend and video nonetheless Tom!
keyboard and mouse? What do they have to do with youtube and streaming?
Thanks Tom! I will definitely look into it!
Hi Tom. I've just watched 4 of your videos and really enjoy the mix of humour in your presentations. I think this will be the mike I end up buying for my office/studio. I'll be interviewing older folks who tell their life story and for the sound quality, price and the fact that it's not making them feel awkward with a mike being so close to them or having to wear one, this ticks all the boxes. Thank you! 🙂
I had that mic so long, I forgot where I got it. Rock solid.
Pro tip, the sennheiser md46 is a kickass mic as well, and its an even cheaper price. Best audio kit ever, haven't changed it in years. Need a new lav though my budget one broke.
Even though I just finished my podcast studio after four years of research, testing and trying things to get exactly what I want (your videos helped a lot) I still love watching your videos 👍👍
It's a great feeling when it all finally comes together!
Tom, just want to say thanks! Your presentations are amazing! Entertaining, informative, and an absolute pleasure to watch. DON’T CHANGE A THING!
Thank you for being so kind! 🙏
I agree... love this mic.
I also have/use the audio technica and I can also say that it's great! Especially out in the field for video shoots.
The AT897 has a great sound from a boom arm. Thank you for the great video, this may be the mic I'll get next.
It's a really awesome choice, and incredibly reliable too. 👍
OK, these two aren't competitors and I'm already in love with the MKH50 anyway. The difference in how they sounded wasn't matching rhe price difference, and then in the favor of the AT. It did lack the finest basses and the slightly nasal midrange can easily be equed.
One of my online friends (David Hunte) just mentioned yesterday he was in search for a shotgun mic so I'll send him to this video.
My first recommendation was the VideoMic NTG by Røde because I have it and it's also around the same price as the AT here. The advantages of the NTG are that it's self powered as well as that it's also a USB mic. If needed to be used with RCP or similar there's an XLR adapter by Røde available.
You can see in the video that I giggle a little when switching to the MKH 50 for the first time because it just sounds sooooooo good. But I do really like the 897's sound too, and it almost sounds more "EQ'd" straight away. If I had a Sennheiser 416 that probably would've been a more direct comparison since I think their sounds are a bit more similar.
Great show…Im moving offices this week and worried about sound options. A shotgun has been in my mind but this might fit the budget of the move
I think I could go for a Comica CVM-30 if I want a good budget "with some pro functionalites" boom mic.
I've got a lot of favorite boom mics in my head right now even with the on camera ones. 😅
on a pair of Presonus E3.5, I do like the AT897 better. Great video.
The AT875 is also a champ
AT897 and MKE 600 are great values in Shotgun mics. Good video as always TB!
Which of the two would be your favorite one and why? Have to make this decision at the moment and I'm still evaluating. Hm.
@@WatchMysh Honestly, I'd go for the one that fits your budget. AT and Senny make good stuff. Maybe look at the Self-noise of each one and pick the one with better performance. Seriously, I don't think you can go wrong with either.
It is huge! My favourites are the RØDE NG3 or the NTG5. All sound good though. (The RØDE NTG2 can be run off an AA battery too). Sorry if I sound like a RØDE fanboy. Hehehe.
Haha, don't worry, I've been known to like a Rode product or two in my day 😉
I use that exact Audio Techn8ca AT897 for field recording SFX
I have a NTG2 sitting around and may be I should try that instead of the NT1 1st Gen? for podcasting, I am using a Elgato Wave XLR
I use my ntg3 in most of the videos on my channel.... Sounds great (Imho)
You should! I’ve tested mine against a dozen different mics, and it ranks near the top. It’s just a bit gain hungry.
Hi Tom, great information ad always. I am a Windows person who uses per project editors for my video and audio. I recently went over my head and bought an Elgato Prompter, the Facecam Pro 4K camera and the Stream Deck plus and a U Green 100 watt external power hub to give Stream Deck plus more power. This is what I'm using for my home office and my wife isn't supportive and understanding like your wife is. Can you recommended or would you consider making videos about how to use this gear together? 😂 Thanks for taking the time to consider this.
Great review, thanks!
The Audio Technica sounds great but it's lacking in the bottom end.
I'm going to assume nothing was done to EQ or otherwise dial in this mic. I guess I should watch more to see if this is mentioned or not. It really should be addressed in audio videos
With the raw footage, the Audio Technica did a better job with room rejection. For video conferencers, I wonder if the AT would be the better choice.
That makes sense, mk50 is designed to not colour the sound of off axis when in a room, so it sounds more natural with room echo I believe.
I don't think you get enough credit for the puns!
Thanks for sharing an "inexpensive" option. I been looking at shotgun mics and they're always so pricey.
You definitely get what you pay for, so I tend to avoid the absolute cheap options, but once you get past the $100-$150 price points there are A TON of amazing choice, and there's a pretty steep law of diminishing returns.
So the difference between a $50 and $150 mic will be way more noticeable than the different between a $250 and $800 mic, for example.
Mkh50 for me. 😂 That's a dream mic for me.
I love that $250 is a "budget" mic.
The office has a cheap Panasonic shotgun microphone.
It has an XLR, but, also needs a battery inside.
Always, wondered if that would work on my focusrite...
Can't bring it home, and personal equipment aren't allowed on location...
I'm in a predicament.
Hence, my question to you...
Will it work, with phantom power?
Yep, it'll work with phantom power (or a AA battery) 👍
@@tombuckThank you!
@@tombuckBtw, I'm sorry for the late reply, I don't know why RUclips doesn't give me notifications on any answers to my comments.
Wish I could just reset everything in the notifications or something.
Another great video Tom... which would you recommend?
Filming Video in SLOG on the camera & Audio through the rodecaster into something like Audacity then downloading both files to the PC and syncing up in editing...
Or
Using an XLR Input straight into the camera and having the mic baked into the video footage...
I've tried both and I've tried just using OBS with the camera & Audio as separate inputs which obviously saves a lot of time but I just can't seem to get the same final quality... interested to hear your thoughts
Hi Tom, may I ask a seemingly ignorant question? What impact does the Ohms impedance rating have on a microphone? I see it listed on most mic specs but have no idea how it stacks up if comparing microphones. Or doesn't it really matter? Maybe a video for the future? Cheers from your mate from Australia.
If that's an ignorant question, then call me ignorant! I don't know much of the technical side, but I do know that Ohms impact how a mic interacts with other audio equipment (high impedance vs. low). It's honestly not something I've personally paid much attention to for the type of stuff that I do, but there might be someone in the comments here who can chip in and drop some knowledge 👍
Great comparision. How does the AT compare to a Sennheiser MKE600 being closer price points?
My very unscientific opinion is that the Sennheiser sounds a bit better, but the AT is more directional.
I dont know why but i love to see your videos Sir 😅 but why the video on a Tuesday rather Thursday
I haven't been keeping to a schedule lately, just to see how I like it. So upload days have been a bit random 😁
Check out the Syncho D2 vs the Sennheiser 416. That's another budget one that sounds good.
..After 12 years..well deserved review..lol yeah..looks solid option! Nice one!
I bought rodcaster due and at897 today 😃😃 can you tell us your setting for it in rodecaster (gain+filters) ❤
Nice! Hope you enjoy it! I don't do a ton of processing to be honest. For the AT897, I start with the generic "condenser" mic preset and then just play around with each setting to see if I want to tweak anything. Often I just leave it as is since the presets are quite good.
Another good option just $50 more than the Audio Technica is the Sennheiser MKE600. I have it on my wish list (I don't need it).
Thanks for this video, this is really helpful!
I just wanted to ask; you make the point that the MKH 50 is worth the extra money if your budget is good for it, but on the other hand of what I saw you don't really show any downsides for the AT897 that makes the point of the difference. What is it about the MKH 50 that makes it 5-6 times better than the AT?
Great question! This is definitely where the law of diminishing returns comes into play (along with just personal preference).
I don’t think the MKH50 is 5-6 times better than the AT897, but it IS a better sounding mic. That better sound makes it easier for me to get audio I like with minimal or no processing, which speeds up the whole process.
Multiply that by lots of projects over several years, and now a difference that seems small on the surface has made a huge impact!
@@tombuck OK great, thank you for that! Does that mean that the AT897 took more production/signal fixing than the MKH50 in this video? If so, what things did you have to do to it?
I'm wondering because I'm thinking about getting the AT897 for recording vocals in acoustic song performances, and it means I'm trying to find the best balance of sound quality and directionality (I want as little guitar to be picked up as possible for reasons that I won't explain here). Is the AT897 something you'd consider suitable for that? Thanks again!
Great video, thanks
Amazingly detailed reviews brother! Thank you and God bless you!
I appreciate that!
Hi Tom. Your videos has been the most reliable specially when it comes audio aspect of content creation.
I have been struggling to keep produce a high quality audio for my vlogs.
I am currently using zoom H1N connected to my Sony A6400 (set on the lowest gain).
I’ve been thinking about upgrading to Focusrite 2i2 and a shotgun microphone that will give deep and rich output (high quality podcast).
My only concern is: I want the audio to go straight/sync to the video bypassing the need for traditional method of syncing it using editing software. Is that possible?
How do I set it up?
Hope to get this noticed.
Thank you.
I still like the Sennheiser but the MKH416. Lol...honestly, the AT897 sounds like a great mic for people that need a self powered condenser shotgun mic. I still like the NTG-2 better compared to the AT897.
I'd like to see a review of the Cherry UM Series 9.0 PRO RGB USB Microphone and of course you'll need the pop fliter.
I am a sucker for RGB.
It'd be great to have you typing or tapping the desk to hear how background noise and especially vibrations effect the mics... I have a Yeti Blue and it was TERRIBLE on my desk with it's normal stand. So u upgraded to a boom arm with a huge bloody Yeti specific vibration remover/holder thing and now that i've changed my setup the boom arm no longer works cause my new screen is in the way.
But buying any new mic means a new arm and new vibration isolator etc etc meaning the true price might be a lot more after i start getting into it.
I just wanted a mic for work and games while i type on my mechanical keyboard. But this video didn't really help with that. :'(
Great video Tom! Based on your experience, how does the Audio Technica compare with any shotgun mic from Rode?
I think it's better than the NTG2/3 but probably not quite on the same level as the NTG5 (not a super scientific comparison, just my opinion).
I guess I'm just an old jerk, but shotguns should never be used like this. I've seen this trend more and more with streamers now and it's kinda dumb. It's like using a SM7B or a RODE Procaster as a side address mic... which I have also seen streamers do far too often. Thanks Tom! Great video as always!
Voice-Over actors use the MKH416 this same way to record all those big commercials and movie traillers you see and hear every day.
I just bought this mic used. DOA LOL. Any suggestion as to why a mic wouldn't work? I have battery and phantom to it and my other mic works fine on the same setup. There was some corrosion in the battery area but it doesn't seem to have been too bad or gotten into the internals. Seller "said" it was working. My friend has this mic and it impressed the heck out of me but it may not be meant to be. Have an MKE600 on the way :)
Off-topic, I know... but where did you get the stand for the Rodecaster Pro?
Any VESA arm will work, but I like this one because it's super long: geni.us/bOkzyk1
Thanks, Tom. I knew you'd come through for me. 😃
Which microphone would you recommend for recording a whole class discussion?
Tom, have you done any tests with how a regular mic sounds at a distance compared to a shotgun mic? For example, comparing a mic like the Rode Podmic vs the Audio Technica shotgun mic at the same out of camera distance. I know this might be a niche test, but the use case is applicable to a lot of people with the key question being: If you have a Rode or Shure, or dynamic mic, etc., do you need to get a shotgun mic and does it perform better at a distance and why?
They basically sound like the built in mic on a camera- which is to say, not very good 😁
Generally speaking, if you want a mic to be far away/out of frame, it's best to stick with a pencil condenser or shotgun.
@@tombuck that’s what I thought and that has been my experience. I just haven’t seen much on the why. Thanks again for the excellent videos and content that you share!
Whether intended or not, Tom just low key became the #1 global affiliate of Sennheiser MKH50s.........
I would 100% be ok with this.
@@tombuck I'll be sure to use your link. That was quite the comparison and review. Unrelated side note: your product shot broll has gotten next level and Madison Avenue is not happy with you...
Great video as always I have a question. I just got a rodecaster duo and I noticed that exporting main audio usually comes out fine, but when I export my audio as a multi track, it’s usually about 10 dB lower. How do you usually export your audio from your rodecaster?
Great video brother. Nice. Can you suggest this microphones for making tutorials. I hate microphones like blue yeti or shuru where we need to put that infront of our mouth. I am looking for a mic atleasr one meter away so that while typing when I make tutorials it would be easy for me to look at screens and keyboard.
If you want it at least a meter away, then honestly, this would be a great choice 👍
@@tombuck Thank you
This microphone sounds really good! Do you have any insights about it when compared to the AT875R? Thank you!
Short shotguns like the 875r are better indoors due to less comb filtering from being shorter,the 875r is a fantastic budget do it all mic.
@@OlympiaMortgageLender Thank you for your response! I appreciate it!
Thoughts on the Senal MC24-ES in comparison to these you have in the video? It's selling at BHPhoto for $60 right now when it's normally $160.
I had the AT875r I sold it and have never found one I liked better.
A few people have mentioned that one today and it seems like a super interesting mic.
@@tombuck good stuff
Aye, the AT875R puts in work, I love how rich it sounds. Tried the Mv7x recently and granted Its Dynamic but It just sounded flat and without a cloudlifter having to bump gain up it kinda defeated the whole purpose of getting an upgrade for quality/noise rejection.
@@rauthe6842 you are right
@Tom. Do you have synch problems with AT897 when using it for zoom meetings? How do you overcome that problem? Do you rather recommend a USB mic?
Sync issues are usually related to the interface and not any specific mic. It's a totally normally thing that happens because of the difference in complexity of audio vs. video signals.
You cna fix it in a few different ways- for streaming/live recording, software like Ecamm and OBS has built in delay features. Some interfaces like the Rodecasters and Mackie DLZ Creators also have built in delay options. And of course you can always sync/retime your audio and video when editing. 👍
Hey Tom, how would you say this mic (or these kinds of mics) does when we take into account things like keyboard noise? Is there ways to position it so that it picks up your voice well without hearing typing/clicking noises?
At a glance, this ticks pretty much all the boxes, but with mics you won't ever know for sure until you experiment with it..
Do you find a shotgun mic being better to use than say a mic that is right in your face? Or is it just a matter of preference, by having a microphone out of the shot over one that is in the shot.
I think it’s all personal preference. A mic closer to the speaker will usually sound better, but sometimes it’s worth the trade off to clean up the frame and free up some space.
Hey, it will work with dji osmo 3 right?
Hey Tom! I have picked up some more video production jobs for social media commercials, and want to expand from my Hollyland Lark max connected to Rode Lav mics for audio to this as an entry level mic until I can afford to upgrade to the MKH50 after a few jobs. What gear would you recommend to connect this to my Sony ZV-E10. All I have now is the Donner Live Jack M audio interface. Not sure yet if it can do the job for this mic. With you being a video production teacher, looking for your wisdom and hands on product knowledge of what worked for you.
Hey Mike!
I’m not super familiar with the Donner, but it looks similar to a 2i2, which would need a computer to run the signal into.
I think there are some 3.5 to XLR adapters for cameras like the E10, but the quality can be hit or miss.
The most practical option might be something like a Zoom H4n or similar recorder to record audio separately and then sync during editing.
That being said, for the sake of simplicity, it might also be worth looking into a mic like the Rode Videomic NTG. It’ll work directly with the E10, has a physical gain control, and can even be used with a longer cable or wireless system to work as a boom mic.
@@tombuck thanks! I have the Rode video mic go 2 and deity d4 pro for my church videos, but didn’t like the quality at 3 feet away in untreated rooms I have to tackle sometimes with clients. Definitely gonna go the route of the zoom p4 - use my limited budget on equipment that still lets me grow with a mkh50 later!!! Thanks thanks a bunch! You’re the best 😁 😎👍🏻
Hey Tom, I see another mixer on the table in front of you, is that the Boss mixer up and coming for a new review or something else?
Yep it’s the Gigcaster! It’s amazing for music and super frustrating for everything else, so I’m still figuring out how to approach it for a review 😁
How about NTG-2 Can you test that mic as well?
I’m honestly not a fan of the NTG2. I had one for a while but never liked how it sounded and wouldn’t recommend it.
Please review the Comica VM30 Microphone.
Hi, where did you get those blue earpads for the NTH-100?
Rode sent them, and I'm hoping it's a tease that they'll be selling them soon!
I’m trying this mic in an untreated room and I’m getting a lot of echo/reverberance. Any tips? Also, the preamp from my audio interface (IK Multimedia Axe I/O One) is struggling to deliver enough gain to get good levels from this mic. Is it fairly low output?
Have you tried the SYNCO Shotgun Mic, D2 $200
I haven't! I'll have to check it out!
Would this mic work for meetings where I'm having the audio come through speakers or would it pick up to much of the sound coming from the speakers?
I found one called the sureshot for 25 dollars on Amazon
Would this work well on a boom pole for amateur filmmaking?
Absolutely it would!
Is there a shotgun mic price wise between these two microphones?
The Sennheiser MKE600 and Rode NTG5 are some nifty options 👍
What is the setting you have on the Rodecaster Pro II when the AT897 is a meter away? How much gain is needed?
I had about 35dB of gain on the generic condenser setting 👍
Watched the video, bought the mic, came back to the comments hoping this question had been asked and answered, watched the video again, left happy again.
What are those right right angle adapters in the thumbnail? Do you have right angle adapter or cable recommendations?
These are the ones I use: geni.us/WUf8pz
Hey...I am liking this budget shotgun mic. I might have to pick this one up.
It's a great workhorse of a mic but I always found it was very quite and needed a lot of gain.
Interesting- I’ve been getting a decent signal with about 35dB (and phantom power).
pleeeeeeaseee keyboard test for background noise rejection
Synco D2?
Hi Tom, what is your gain level for the mkh50 on your Rodecaster Pro 2?
I usually have it around 30dB 👍
Great. Many thanks
Do you have a usb condenser to recommend please ?
My favorite USB condenser is the Sennheiser Profile, but it's not a shotgun mic. If you need something to sit out of frame, then maybe the Rode Videomic NTG could be a good option?
To my really uneducated ear, the fullness of your voice seems to really fade in and out on this mic as you move. Only sounds basey when directly facing it. Otherwise, it sounds a little tinny.
I think it's all about what sounds best to your ear, regardless of how educated/uneducated it may be 👍
Where would the MKE 600 microphone land on a list under the Mkh 50?
It's probably in between the 897 and the MKH50, but so much does depend on personal taste too!
Ok, the mk ultra is way out of my price range, it's now 1 year later, is your stance on the AT mic the same or does something else sound like a better option going in to 2025
I still love this mic- it's been around for years and at the price point I feel is pretty unrivaled.
@@tombuck thanks Tom!
Fuck I want this mic! Thats what I really need!
sir how much gain need at897 in goxlr ?
to not bobbing
With phantom power the mic doesn't require a ton of gain. The GoXLR can definitely provide more than enough. 👍
Can I plug this microphone right into a camera with a TRS to XLR addapter or must I have a XLR port om my camera?
With this mic, you can try that if you put a AA battery in the mic, but I don't know how good the audio quality will be. Typically and XLR interface would be the best way to go.
@@tombuck Thanks! The Sennheiser MKE 600 is able to plugg directly into the camera, it comes with a addaptor :D
I would love to see a review of this microphone aswell :)
What is the red mount you are using on the stand?
It's an iFootage quick release: geni.us/PWxjAH7
How to shoot with multiple cameras and sync Audio ?
There cheapest way is to record audio on each camera, as well as your “main” mic. At the beginning of the recording take, do a nice crisp clap. This will create a spike in the waveform for each audio source. Later in post, pull all the video/audio files into your video editing app (Da Vinci, Premiere, Final Cut, etc.)-and use the spike in each waveform to line everything up. Once you’re satisfied that things are properly aligned, silence or delete all the unwanted audio tracks, leaving only the different video angles and your “main” audio you wish to keep.
The easier way (but with more upfront expense) is to use timecode, which essentially pre-syncs all your devices. You’d need special equipment for this, and to ensure that this equipment “plays well” with all your recorders.