Curtis Judd This is a great review. Been looking at Tascam 60d using this mic as my rode video mic on camera isn't the best, lots of hiss. - Guessing thats the mini jack - So this is perfect. Thanks for clearing it up :-)
+Justin Glynn Thanks! I don't know whether you've already seen this but here is our review of the Tascam DR-60DmkII recorder. It does a great job for my projects. ruclips.net/video/TRoIMPHS91U/видео.html
Curtis Judd Thanks. I decided to go for the NTG4+ & tascam 60d. Mainly because monitoring the channels and the cost of the uint. The 70d, just isn't that much better and more expensive. Thanks for the great reviews though, these were extremely helpful.
Thank you! I learned so much from you on lights and here we are, six years after you made this video, one of your current subscribers in 2021 found it incredibly helpful and on point as I ponder upgrading my sound game. Thank You and keep em' coming, Sir!
I have watched several RUclips videos regarding Rode microphones and different folks who use them. I have found Curtis Judd to be the best at reviewing the Rode microphones and explaining how to use it and what the features do. Very Helpful. I also have taken his Adobe Audition course and found it also to be extremely helpful. I have learned a lot from Curtis Judd. I cannot be more thankful for his time, knowledge and support. Please if you are looking for the right person to learn from Curtis Judd is the go to guy. Marshall from Arizona.
Thanks Curtis, I have had the NTG2 for quite a while but today picked up the NTG4 which was on sale for AUD$300 (USD$200), normally AUD$389 ($USD 259) which is AUD$150 (USD$100) less expensive than the NTG4+. The saving was my determining choice. I can't wait to try it out and see what some EQ can do. A great video mate.
Curtis Judd, thank you very much for your review of the Rode NTG4+. I am highly interested in getting this for my studio setup. Great job on the video! I am looking forward to more reviews!
Hi David, since I reviewed this back in 2015, I've found some other microphones which sound better on most voices. In the same price range, I prefer the DEITY S-Mic 2: ruclips.net/video/x4tPO0G8b2Y/видео.html Best wishes!
Curtis I've seen quite a few of your reviews and I just gotta say that every single aspect of your work is beyond flawless. Thank you creating such excellent and helpful content. I can only aspire to produce something as great as what you make!
Hi There Roger Thanks! The Zoom H4n is showing its age pretty well with noisier pre-amps than others, even in the same price range. If you only need to record up to two XLR based mikes at a time, I'd look at the Tascam DR-60DmkII which we reviewed here: ruclips.net/video/TRoIMPHS91U/видео.html It runs about $175 USD at present.
Thank you so much for this view! I want a great microphone that I can adapt to 3.5mm when needed for certain run and gun situations where I may need a simpler setup.
Linked up by Rode on facebook, nice score;) Great job. The mic sounds as good as I hoped and I think it looks like a solid purchase even in place of the NTG3. Some real interesting results when you switch on the HPF, almost an echo with a really open sound. Might not be a good choice indoors but would have to hear more. Great work Curtis.
Ray Ortega Thanks Ray! Agreed, not the best choice indoors. I had hoped to spend more time outdoors with it but the weather's been a little hit and miss here in the mountains. I suspect the NTG3 has a stronger signal (certainly pans out when reading the specs) which is probably important for those using a Zoom H4n which doesn't have quite as much clean gain.
@@curtisjudd I know this is 3 years old.. but I am looking for a quality mic for interviews INDOORS only. Since this isn't the best for indoor use, what would you suggest? I have the budget for anything $999 and below. Would the NTG3 be the best option? What about the a wireless lav? I don't think people care about seeing a lav mic anymore so I am open to either one (or perhaps a wired Lav with a really long cord)? Thanks so much
@@RyanGproductions1 Hi Ryan, you might find this comparison of indoor mics helpful: ruclips.net/video/q-b_1gOYOEQ/видео.html Or this one (which is newer): ruclips.net/video/iLOp-_oIzeg/видео.html Or this one with pro level mics: ruclips.net/video/RYWD5wI6B9k/видео.html Of those priced at less than $1000, I like the Audio Technica and the Oktava best. Best wishes!
Thanks for the review, Curtis! As an NTG2 owner I don't find that I need to upgrade to this one yet. Perhaps if I should need another mic, this will be it.
Have used Rode NTG-2 and NTG-3 for outdoors MG shoots and auto rifles. The NTG-3 was super recording AFV (tank) engines and track noise at 20-30 metres but we found the NTG-2 better indoors where bare walls, ceiling and lino floors produced more reverb. Love them both (with Tascam DR-100 Mk II and new DR-70D). Anxious to try the NTG4+ to see if it's even better! BTW our Full On - Full Auto DVDs are available from my website.
Thanks Ware Production. Before you do, consider watching this review first. It is a newer mic that I think sounds better and costs a bit less: ruclips.net/video/x4tPO0G8b2Y/видео.html
Just a minor question - at 5:28 you mention that the impedance of the recorder should be at least 10x that of the microphone. What would happen if it's less than that? I have an MKE600 microphone which has an output impedance of roughly 250 ohms. If I was to pair it with the DR60D MKII it would fall a tad bit short.
I would love to see how you setup the Rode NTG 4+ in the Rodecaster Pro-- for those of us not as techy? I don't think that RODE has put any kind of pre-set options in the RCP for this mic in their family, like they have done with their other RODE mics? Thanks for any guidance on that! Thanks for the video; I'm working in a studio with the RCP.
Hi Mark, I don't have the NTG4+ anymore, I gave it away. But the general idea is to set the RCP to condenser microphone, turn on phantom power, and then set the gain until the meters top out at around -6 to -12dB when talking.
Great job... I was pretty convinced before but now definitely I think I'll get one. My real dilemma is tascam 60d or 70d! Thanks for the great (as always) work!
Thanks. Info that may help on your recorder decision: the guys at the Tascam booth at NAB confirmed that the DR70D has the same preamps as the DR60DmkII. So the question comes down to how many inputs you need and which form factor you prefer. If I were buying today, I'd go 70D.
To properly connect to the 3.5 minijack, you need to close the left and right channels of the minijack to the XLR channel 2, and close the XLR channels 1 and 3 to the ground. The noise will decrease and the signal strength will increase. And you will be happy.
I hear system noise of sorts when you turn on the High-pass filter (at 2:56)...can you confirm? Is this introduced because of the onboard circuitry or not? Thank you!! Great video, by the way.
Confirmed. I suspect it was the freezer in my basement "studio". Apologies I missed that. ONE NOTE: This is not my first recommendation for shotgun microphones in 2020. You might prefer to watch this more recent overview of various boom microphones: ruclips.net/video/q7rfwCFjBDg/видео.html
In 2022, I would not bother with the NTG4. There are so many better options today. And for direct to camera, yes, I'd opt for the VideoMic NTG over the NTG4 or 4+
+محمد الناظر Yes, three major things: Price, Sensitivity, and RF rejection. The NTG3 is better in terms of sensitivity and RF rejection though it costs quite a bit more. It also sounds a little different, with more bass pickup than the NTG4.
It's exactly information which I searching at 9:49 of your video. I considered buy NG5 for this radio low sounds, but you say as we can have this radio sound in EQ chart also (more or less)... So It's seem to be better solution for me. Question: Please, can I modify this EQ directly in Tascam D60mkII preamplifier before writing on SD Card ??? ( I thinking to buy NGT4+ with Tascam preamp) Thanks you very much!
No, the Tascam does not have an EQ and also, the NTG5 and NTG4 are VERY different microphones. The NTG5 will hold up better under humid conditions with its RF Bias design. And it is a LOT smaller and lighter. It is superior in every way except that it does not power itself.
Hey Curtis, I'm a huge longtime fan of the channel and not expecting you to see this - but on the off chance that you do, could you help clear up where and when you think this mic suits best? I do corporate interviews boomed overhead (usually one person at a time, for multiple I use Lavs) - all have been indoors so far but they're often in a decent sized room. Is this NTG4+ suited? I've just sold an Audio Technica AT875R to fund this NTG4+ thinking the longer mic would be better for rejecting background noise but now I'm wondering if it's too long for my typical use case? What would you recommend I do/use this mic for?
The NTG4 is actually not especially directional relative to other similarly sized shotgun mics in 2022 and definitely would NOT be my first choice. I’d opt for the NTG5, NTG3, Sennheiser MKE600, or Deity S-Mic 2 instead.
@@curtisjudd thank you so SO much for replying! As a RUclips channel with 3k subs myself I can find it takes me a while to reply, so I hugely appreciate a reply at all! Thank you, Curtis 😁
I just purchased the Zoom H5 , the pre amps seem to be much better then the H4n. I do do hope the NTG3 or 2 will be compatible with the H5. I know you said you have a video coming on the H6 (wich is the same pre amps as the H5 ) Would love to get a heads up from you before purchasing any shotgun mic from Rode . Thanks again Curtis, great work as always .
+Steven Delopoulos Yes, here's my written review along with some audio samples of the H6. I would say that the H6 works great with the NTG2 and NTG3. learnlightandsound.com/2015/06/29/zoom-h6-my-impressions-after-4-weeks/ Best wishes!
I have a few questions regarding the battery use in the NTG4+. I hope somebody can share their widsom. 1. How many volts does the battery in the NTG4+ have? And how many Volts of Phantom Power does it provide? P12 or P24? 2. When using a female-XLR to male-3.5mm adapter to connect the NTG4+ to a mirrorless camera with 3.5mm mic input, the NTG4+ only needs the power provided by its internal battery. So if possible, I should turn plug-in power off? Or will it automatically only use the battery? 3. What is the usual maximum gain you can expect when connecting this microphone to a professional mirrorless camera which only has a 3.5mm jack, like the Canon EOS R series?
Hi Wadocan, 1) I don't know, it is a proprietary design specifically for the NTG4+ so you shouldn't need to worry about the voltage. It is right for this mic. Probably 12V if I had to guess, but I don't know. 2) Yes, no need for plugin power from the camera. 3) A decent amount. But in this cirucumstance, I'd just use a RODE VideoMic NTG.
@@curtisjudd Thanks so much for taking the time to reply 🤗 I had contacted Rode and they told me I didn't need to know anything about their battery. So why would you rather use the RODE VideoMic NTG when connecting to 3.5mm? My main concern is, if I already have the Rode NTG4+ , will it sound better when adapted to 3.5mm than a native 3.5mm mic like the RODE VideoMic NTG? I would assume it would, since it is HOPEFULLY getting more than 5V (ideally 12V) from its internal battery [is there anyone willing to dissasemble it and measure it?], while the other one just gets 5V from the camera, and it's probably not Phantom Power, at least not a standard one, but it's probably still balanced. And the NGT4+ should lose some sensitivity in battery mode, but it should still be more than the other mic because the NTG4+ has hopefully more voltage? Or if the battery is not up to the task (the NTG 2 used a single 1.5V Alkaline ‘AA’ battery, which I doubt could work as anything comparable to "phantom power", so maybe this model hasn't made a leap all the way to 12 V, and maybe settled for 9V or who knows what), then could the NTG4+ lose a lot of quality because it's not getting its optimal voltage and/or current, so its performance decrease is so steep that it becomes worse than a native plug-in powered microphone? I would like to know how those power differences affect noise and frequency response. I do hear a lot of noise in your test in this video with the 3.5mm adapter, and I assume the noie comes from the camera's preamp, because it's set to a high level? Also, the NTG4+ is actually cheaper than the VideoMic NTG, so it seems like the NG4+ has more potential for the same amount of money, since it can work with better equipment which has XLR inputs, like hotshoe adapters, cinema cameras, interfaces... But I still haven't tested this myself, and I don't find any reviews that make this comparison between these two mics (or equivalent) connected to the same camera and with the same mic level and same talking distance from the mic. Maybe an idea for a future video 🤔
@@Pwasercan it is not safe to assume that microphones which require more power sound better. I have not found that to be the case. I prefer to use the tool which fits the rest of the signal chain and sounds good. The reality is that where the microphone is positioned will make much more of a difference than whether you use a VideoMic vs an NTG4+. If they’ll both be mounted on the camera and you record a person talking 2 meters away, they’ll both sound rather bad.
It's 2018, so this video is about 3 years old now... How do you feel the NTG4+ holds up against the new Rode shotgun mics that they've released? Perhaps you already have a video on this. I'll take a look through your channel
Hey Cole, the NTG4+ is RODE’s newest XLR based mic. To me it sounds a bit on the thin side compared to the NTG3 and NTG2. My order of preference would be NTG3, NTG2 (but only with a good strong preamp), NTG4.
Curtis Judd thanks again for another reply. For some reason I thought there was a newer version but that was just me thinking of the top of my head. Your advice is helpful. Thank you
Please Please tell me please do i need cable XLR F to XLR M to use my NTG3 with ZOOM H8 when i use the Blimp and The Boom RODE ? And which one you think is the best for filmmaking and cinema ? NTG3 or NTG4+ ? Thank you sooooo much ❤ Great work . thank you
Great review Curtis! I have the NTG-3, and you're right, it's really "boomy." It sounds great, but I don't think I've ever used it on a project in which I didn't have to roll off the lows.
Joe Baker Thanks Joe. I have to confess that when I first started working with the NTG4+, I felt like it was not "rich" enough on the low end. But I think that is because I was so used to the NTG2.
I’m really stumped on this to be honest. I have this mic with a Scarlett solo recorder and I cannot get this mic to not sound like it’s 15 feet away (like same sound as when you shot with it connected to your camera.) When I use my hyperX podcast style mic into the Scarlett it sounds fantastic. The rode was double the price though so I’d like to try and make it sound good….
Hi the cable in your link is incorrect. Does it not have to be female XLR in order to fit the microphone. You sent a link to the male XLR ended cable. Please clarify ? thanks
I use a Zoom H5 to plug in with my NTG4+. I noticed the battery life in the recorder doesn't last long. Do you recommend certain batteries when using phantom power on the recorder? Wanting to do interviews.
Best review I've seen! I have been using the RODE Video Mic Pro and want to step up my audio game as I continue to work with my new channel. Will this mic out perform the Video Mic Pro in both outdoor and indoor situations? Also, If I am capturing the audio file into the Zoom H6, can the quality be "professional" (given the right settings and conditions) to drop strait onto the timeline of my video project? Thank you Curtis!!!
Hmm, at a general level, I'm not sure that the NTG4 sounds better than the VMP. It's polar pattern is a little more focused, but it has a bit of a mid-range focused sound that isn't my favorite at this price. The NTG4 is better suited for booming so if you've been using the VMP on top of your camera, then you will hear a substantial improvement. Just want to make sure you are not disappointed. :-D
Hey Curtis Judd when you tested the mic straight into the the camera; did you do some other things than audio normalization? I heard a little bit of noise, but i guess it might be possible to remove most of it in adobe audition, have you done some test's on that? I have the ntg-3, but i have been looking into a on camera michrophone (3,5mm without phantom) what's my best bet: the rode ntg4+ or the videomic pro?
Kristoffer Vandvik Tørstad I did not do any noise reduction for the on-camera clip because I wanted to show what you might expect straight out of the camera. Part of the noise is the GH4 audio pre-amp which isn't great. There's also all the room ambience, which you get more of when you put the microphone farther than 60cm from the talent. I haven't used the Videomic Pro personally, but in others' tests, it sounds quite good to my ears, at least when the tester places the mic within 60cm of the person speaking. But if you have the budget, the NTG4+ would let you work with it on camera and boomed.
+BravingTheOutDoors I have recorded with the Sennheiser MKH416 but I do not personally own it. Legendary microphone with a sound almost everyone has heard in various TV shows and movies.
Hello Curtis, what would say about acoustic panels? Do you use them? I got a zoom h4n and ntg2 combo and I'm considering using acoustic panels for indoor scenes in my cine videos.
do you put the dead cat over the microphone with the foam cover ? or would you use without the original foam cover? Also with the blimp , would you place that directly over the nt4 mic without the foam or with foam cover?
Hi from Greece..I like your video and push me to by this mic for my camcorder..nice quality of sound and nice built..The only thing i wanted is the wind shield not cover the buttons.I shoot in a lot of different sound conditions (weddings) and i would like to shange the settings or see with what filter i shoot..
Γιώργος Αλεξίου That is a good point. I have been using the windscreen such that it does not cover the buttons so that I can see them. That doesn't appear to affect the sound it captures.
Curtis Judd If i do not push it at the end to reach the buttons i see the widshield on my screen.I have a wideangle camcorder ...I am thinking to cut it a litle bit,so at least to be seen the -10db button
Hello Curtis have enjoyed your video and learned much looking at setting up your "Apple White" in my garage for info videos. I have Nikon D-750 which I will be using what Mic would you recommend in that configuration? NTG4+ looks good but going to 3.5mm connection on the camera concerns me, and if go that route thinking I should boom it overhead?
Raphael Smith Yes, shotgun mics sound best when boomed overhead within about 40 - 60 cm of the talent. I record the audio separately to a Tascam DR-60DmkII which works well for me. You could also run the audio out of the Tascam into the D750 which would get you the better quality pre-amps of the Tascam but then you wouldn't have to sync the audio to the video in post. Here's my review of the Tascam if that is of interest to you: ruclips.net/video/TRoIMPHS91U/видео.html
Definitely a lot of info, is is safe to say you are using the aputure cob120t as a key through a scrim? reflector on opposite side? This video as an example. I was under the impression the cob120 was tungsten, is it just white balanced to look white? Thanks again!
Actually, this one was shot before the COB 120t was invented. In this piece, I used an old Tungsten softbox as well as tungsten lights on the back drop and as a rim light. It all looks white because I set the white balance to tungsten. The same can be accomplished with the 120t and in fact, that is what I now use most of the time for the new episodes. And yes, you have all the other details right - key light camera left, reflector camera right, background light behind me aimed at the paper backdrop, and a hair or rim light camera right. Good eye!
Hey Curtis! I notice in many of the comments below that you're suggesting the Deity S-Mic 2 is a better option on the basis of US prices. However here in Europe, Deity products are considerably more expensive relative to Rode products. To give you an example, at time of writing, the NTG4+ is £199GBP (approx $245USD), the NTG4 is £176 (approx $217USD) and the NTG2 is £171.16 (approx $211USD) - all Amazon UK prices - whereas the Deity S-Mic 2 in the UK is £357GBP (approx $440USD). How do you feel that would affect the purchasing decision based on price to performance here?
Hi. From Turkey write. I am using sony a6300. Rode ntg 4+ connecting sony a6300. Xlr to female to 3.5 mm jack cable. But record sizzle / rusttle audio. Why audio sizzle noise taking ? Thank you very much for information.
Hello Curtis, Another great and helpful video! I need some microphone advise. This is kind of a repeat of my question regarding the RODE NT5....I am running an amateur round table stream. My 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 on a dedicated PC.) 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 two of these RODE NTG4 serve my purpose to mic each cluster of three people? (If yes I would probably run these through a Yamaha MG10XU or two Shure X2U XLR-to-USB Signal Adapters.) If not, what might you recommend? Any thought you might provide would be beneficial.(As I said before, I really can't set up seven lavaliers or six shotgun microphones.)I look forward to hearing from you. Tom
Why would the connection from XLR to TRS affect sound quality? If they are the same connection then it would be the same, right? Unless it is because of the preamp in the camera?
+Grev McGrevington Yes, the camera pre-amp is definitely one factor but probably the biggest is that usually when someone goes from XLR to TRS, they're mounting the mike on camera. Sometimes that's the only practical option but for dialogue, that's not usually going to result in the best sound because the mike picks up a lot of ambience when it is farther from the talent. That's why on pro shoots, they usually have the mike boomed within about 90cm or less of the talent speaking. It just sounds cleaner.
Hi Curtis, Excellent explanation. I have a question. can we connect the rode ntg to audio recorder and then connect audio recorder to camera so that audio gets directly to camera. I believe this avoids the post production work of syncing the audio and video. Is it possible??
***** Yes, looks like you caught it before RUclips had finished converting. In my experience, it seems to convert to 360p first. I hope you enjoy the review!
Is there a lot of difference with NGT5 ? which one do you recommend ? I use a H6 Zoom as recorder. I am a Photographer / Videographer and I need it for my videos
hi, what do you think about using shotgun mic on interior. I read somewhere that the reflection of the voice came to the side of the mic and cancel a part of voice specter...
Great review. Can you talk about using the NTG4+ in a run and gun situation without a bulky Tascam? Is there an XLR solution that is cheap and small enough for this type of camera use?
Curtis Judd I'll be connecting it to a zoom h1, so the rode vmp+ will be suitable for me. I'll assume that in terms of sound quality, they are kind of same. Thanks !!
I m looking for sound solution for my short film ...I already have Zoom H6 ,NTG.2 ,RoDe Wireless Go. in My short film most scene of two person talking while walking and sitting close..In this situation can I use two Rode wireless go with zoom h6? or I use a mic with zoom h6 on bloom pole for better sound ? plz help me..thanks
All your sound production videos are stellar. Thanks for the great job. I am a visually inclined filmmaker and learning about audio production can feel overwhelming, your videos really take the intimidation factor out and inspire. Where you recording in a sound treated room with the NTG4+ for this video? And if so, could you please share what you did? I ask because it sounds great and I just bought one but I also just learned that dialogue boom mics are used to record indoors instead of shotgun mics like the NTG4+. The first time I recorded with the NTG4+ with a used H4N recorder I got a very low volume, high-pitched frequency background noise that I have not been able to replicate again but have had that issue arise every once in a while with different shotgun mics. Do you think that background noise is caused by the sound reflections hitting the NTG4+?
Hi betomena1, This was recorded in my unfinished basement where I have concrete floors and no finished walls (concrete, wood frame, etc.) Is the high-pitched background noise continuous or does it sound more like RF interference from a phone or wifi?
Thanks Curtis. Did you remove any hiss at all from this review in post. I find the ntg2 > zoom h5 unbearable and your audio is clean as a whistle. Do you often remove hiss on Audition like on recent video? Ended up echoey for me :-/
Jim Elliott Hi Jim, no noise reduction on this episode. I have heard that the Zoom recorders tend to be a bit noisier than Tascam recorders and the NTG2 is a bit noisier than the NTG4+ in my tests. I just received a Zoom H6 in for testing and will compare it against my Tascam for myself in the next couple of weeks.
My preferences are for the Deity S-Mic 2 and even the NTG2: ruclips.net/video/x4tPO0G8b2Y/видео.html But the NTG2 requires a preamp/input with a bit more gain that the lower-end recorders like the Zoom H4n Pro. Deity S-Mic 2 sounds good even with lower end recorders.
This is perfect. Most reviews focus on describing the products but fail to educate. Rarely, people like you nail both! Awesome.
Thanks Siddharth!
I agree solid video for sure!
Curtis Judd great job reviewing the NTG4+
RØDE Microphones Thanks! Good job designing a great new shotgun mic!
Curtis Judd This is a great review. Been looking at Tascam 60d using this mic as my rode video mic on camera isn't the best, lots of hiss. - Guessing thats the mini jack - So this is perfect. Thanks for clearing it up :-)
+Justin Glynn Thanks! I don't know whether you've already seen this but here is our review of the Tascam DR-60DmkII recorder. It does a great job for my projects. ruclips.net/video/TRoIMPHS91U/видео.html
Curtis Judd Thanks. I decided to go for the NTG4+ & tascam 60d. Mainly because monitoring the channels and the cost of the uint. The 70d, just isn't that much better and more expensive.
Thanks for the great reviews though, these were extremely helpful.
Micro amp ha400
Thank you! I learned so much from you on lights and here we are, six years after you made this video, one of your current subscribers in 2021 found it incredibly helpful and on point as I ponder upgrading my sound game. Thank You and keep em' coming, Sir!
Thanks so much for watching even the really old videos!
I have watched several RUclips videos regarding Rode microphones and different folks who use them. I have found Curtis Judd to be the best at reviewing the Rode microphones and explaining how to use it and what the features do. Very Helpful. I also have taken his Adobe Audition course and found it also to be extremely helpful. I have learned a lot from Curtis Judd. I cannot be more thankful for his time, knowledge and support. Please if you are looking for the right person to learn from Curtis Judd is the go to guy.
Marshall from Arizona.
Thanks so much, Marshall.
Thanks Curtis, I have had the NTG2 for quite a while but today picked up the NTG4 which was on sale for AUD$300 (USD$200), normally AUD$389 ($USD 259) which is AUD$150 (USD$100) less expensive than the NTG4+. The saving was my determining choice. I can't wait to try it out and see what some EQ can do. A great video mate.
I hope it works well for you. 🎙
Curtis Judd, thank you very much for your review of the Rode NTG4+. I am highly interested in getting this for my studio setup. Great job on the video! I am looking forward to more reviews!
Hi David, since I reviewed this back in 2015, I've found some other microphones which sound better on most voices. In the same price range, I prefer the DEITY S-Mic 2: ruclips.net/video/x4tPO0G8b2Y/видео.html Best wishes!
Curtis I've seen quite a few of your reviews and I just gotta say that every single aspect of your work is beyond flawless. Thank you creating such excellent and helpful content. I can only aspire to produce something as great as what you make!
Hi There Roger Also, I have a quick question. Would you say the ZOOM H4NSP would be a good sound recorder to plug this mic into?
Hi There Roger Thanks! The Zoom H4n is showing its age pretty well with noisier pre-amps than others, even in the same price range. If you only need to record up to two XLR based mikes at a time, I'd look at the Tascam DR-60DmkII which we reviewed here: ruclips.net/video/TRoIMPHS91U/видео.html It runs about $175 USD at present.
5 years ago your video quality was already great!
Thanks cobraX.
Thanks for this great review Curtis! Really enjoyed it and found it helpful.
Ati Shephard Thanks, glad it helped!
Wow thank you for this test. I'm definitely going to be getting the NTG 4+
You're welcome and best wishes!
Thanks for this video. We have the NTG4+ and it was great to see your examples and demonstrations of different set ups.
Thanks M-Studios.
I wish more people that do video reviews could be as clear and concise as you are. Well done Curtis Judd!
Thanks!
I always love your detailed and very balanced reviews! They are extremely helpful! Thank you!
Thanks!
Great job Curtis, thank you very much, big help! I'm looking forward to buying the Rode's NTG4 soon.
👍 happy recording!
This video was recommended to me so I said "Why Not" and decided to watch it. You still had it back then dude. Another great video Curtis.
Wow! That's an oldie. Thanks for coming by!
Curtis Judd thanks for such a comprehensive review of the NTG4+ I definitely will be sharing this video.
Simple Audio Tips Thanks! Looking forward to your thoughts as well!
Thank you always sir, Your reviews guides us alot in Microphone Purchases.
You're welcome!
Thank you so much for this view! I want a great microphone that I can adapt to 3.5mm when needed for certain run and gun situations where I may need a simpler setup.
Try a Sennheiser MKE600.
Great review, it really helped, I just bought the NTG4+ and totally happy with it, thanks
👍 happy recording!
Wow. Very thorough! I'm watching this in 2017 and this review holds up!
Thanks Sam!
Awesome review!! You're really good at breaking it down for ppl like me who aren't that technically savvy. *Subscribed!*
Thanks!
Curtis Judd I just bought this mic, can by wait to get it!
I just ordered an ntg4, so excited!
I hope it works well for you - happy recording!
Thanks Curtis, enjoyed your video just ordered one :)
Thanks Craig. Happy recording!
Linked up by Rode on facebook, nice score;) Great job. The mic sounds as good as I hoped and I think it looks like a solid purchase even in place of the NTG3. Some real interesting results when you switch on the HPF, almost an echo with a really open sound. Might not be a good choice indoors but would have to hear more. Great work Curtis.
Ray Ortega Thanks Ray! Agreed, not the best choice indoors. I had hoped to spend more time outdoors with it but the weather's been a little hit and miss here in the mountains. I suspect the NTG3 has a stronger signal (certainly pans out when reading the specs) which is probably important for those using a Zoom H4n which doesn't have quite as much clean gain.
@@curtisjudd I know this is 3 years old.. but I am looking for a quality mic for interviews INDOORS only. Since this isn't the best for indoor use, what would you suggest? I have the budget for anything $999 and below. Would the NTG3 be the best option? What about the a wireless lav? I don't think people care about seeing a lav mic anymore so I am open to either one (or perhaps a wired Lav with a really long cord)? Thanks so much
@@RyanGproductions1 Hi Ryan, you might find this comparison of indoor mics helpful: ruclips.net/video/q-b_1gOYOEQ/видео.html
Or this one (which is newer): ruclips.net/video/iLOp-_oIzeg/видео.html
Or this one with pro level mics: ruclips.net/video/RYWD5wI6B9k/видео.html
Of those priced at less than $1000, I like the Audio Technica and the Oktava best. Best wishes!
Your videos are really helpful and well organized. Great job, keep it up!
Thanks Jeremy.
thank you for this excellent review. helped me understand how to proceed with this mic idea.
You’re welcome!
You are really good at explaining a product. Good work !
Thanks!
Incredible review, thanks a lot for all the advice in your channel, it's really really appreciated. Keep it going!
Thanks Ocram, will keep it going!
Thanx again. NTG4+ is on the wishlist here.
Bhikkhu Samahita Thanks Bhikkhu! I hope you enjoy it when it arrives.
Great job Curtis!! Big help, thank you very much!
Thanks Layne!
Comprehensive review and as always, one with a high production value.
Stijn Lauwen Thanks!
Love your REview so Simple and good
Thanks!
Always spot on Curtis! You are my sound Guru!
Thanks Homer!
Thanks for the review, Curtis! As an NTG2 owner I don't find that I need to upgrade to this one yet. Perhaps if I should need another mic, this will be it.
Zexun Tan Yes, the NTG2 is a solid mic. Keep making cool stuff!
A great review. Just got one today. Thank you.
I hope it works well for you!
Really great review. Very helpful. Thank you!
Thanks!
Thank you, Curtis. Great info! Ordered the mic with boom and the Zoom F6. I never liked for camera audio.......
Sunscribed
Happy recording!
Such valuable information. Thank you Curtis.
Thanks!
can I just connect this to a scarett solo and connect it straight to my PC?
If you have an XLR Cable, yes.
@@cursivefox oh ok ty! Just making sure because I wanna get an ntg4+ but I don't have a dslr camera lol.
Agreed with @CursiveFox.
Well, this made my mind up what to buy, great review. Thanks!
👍
Thanks for the work you put into this!
BoredChef Productions Thanks, the pleasure is mine!
Have used Rode NTG-2 and NTG-3 for outdoors MG shoots and auto rifles. The NTG-3 was super recording AFV (tank) engines and track noise at 20-30 metres but we found the NTG-2 better indoors where bare walls, ceiling and lino floors produced more reverb. Love them both (with Tascam DR-100 Mk II and new DR-70D). Anxious to try the NTG4+ to see if it's even better!
BTW our Full On - Full Auto DVDs are available from my website.
+Ian Skennerton I actually prefer the NTG2 and NTG3. I find I don’t use the NTG4+ given my other options.
5 STARS REVIEW. THANK YOU
+Ramiro Hernandez thanks!
Great review Curtis thinking of getting one 😊👍🏾
Thanks Ware Production. Before you do, consider watching this review first. It is a newer mic that I think sounds better and costs a bit less: ruclips.net/video/x4tPO0G8b2Y/видео.html
Just a minor question - at 5:28 you mention that the impedance of the recorder should be at least 10x that of the microphone. What would happen if it's less than that? I have an MKE600 microphone which has an output impedance of roughly 250 ohms. If I was to pair it with the DR60D MKII it would fall a tad bit short.
The sound of the microphone can change. But that should be close enough to not cause any perceptible issues.
@@curtisjudd Thank you! In that case I'll probably go ahead and pick up the Tascam unless you have any recommendations for a superior unit under $300
@@python5732 Hi Brendan, nothing else I've tried is better for less than $300. Happy recording!
Excellent video. Very high quality and extremely informative. Subscribed!
Thanks Rov!
Could you do a review on the Sony ECM-VG1 shotgun microphone
I would love to see how you setup the Rode NTG 4+ in the Rodecaster Pro-- for those of us not as techy? I don't think that RODE has put any kind of pre-set options in the RCP for this mic in their family, like they have done with their other RODE mics? Thanks for any guidance on that! Thanks for the video; I'm working in a studio with the RCP.
Hi Mark, I don't have the NTG4+ anymore, I gave it away. But the general idea is to set the RCP to condenser microphone, turn on phantom power, and then set the gain until the meters top out at around -6 to -12dB when talking.
Congrats!!! Great channel, and great info... you helped me a lot!!!
Thanks!
Great job... I was pretty convinced before but now definitely I think I'll get one. My real dilemma is tascam 60d or 70d! Thanks for the great (as always) work!
Thanks. Info that may help on your recorder decision: the guys at the Tascam booth at NAB confirmed that the DR70D has the same preamps as the DR60DmkII. So the question comes down to how many inputs you need and which form factor you prefer. If I were buying today, I'd go 70D.
Curtis Judd Aha! That is good to know. I figure, what the hell, for the extra $50 (which is what it is here in Japan) I'll go for the 70D. Ordering!
Phil Smy Great, let us know what you think after you've had a chance to put it through its paces!
To properly connect to the 3.5 minijack, you need to close the left and right channels of the minijack to the XLR channel 2, and close the XLR channels 1 and 3 to the ground. The noise will decrease and the signal strength will increase. And you will be happy.
Thanks Vladimir.
I hear system noise of sorts when you turn on the High-pass filter (at 2:56)...can you confirm? Is this introduced because of the onboard circuitry or not? Thank you!! Great video, by the way.
Confirmed. I suspect it was the freezer in my basement "studio". Apologies I missed that. ONE NOTE: This is not my first recommendation for shotgun microphones in 2020. You might prefer to watch this more recent overview of various boom microphones: ruclips.net/video/q7rfwCFjBDg/видео.html
Fantastic review m8
👍
8:16 mark what was your input gain into your zoom recorder or camera? thanks
This was so long ago I don’t remember. I’m sorry.
If connected directly to camera via 3.5mm, would you expect better quality out of the NTG4+ or the NTG? Thanks!
In 2022, I would not bother with the NTG4. There are so many better options today. And for direct to camera, yes, I'd opt for the VideoMic NTG over the NTG4 or 4+
Is there a big difference between the NTG4 and the NTG3?
+محمد الناظر Yes, three major things: Price, Sensitivity, and RF rejection. The NTG3 is better in terms of sensitivity and RF rejection though it costs quite a bit more. It also sounds a little different, with more bass pickup than the NTG4.
+Curtis Judd thanks a lot for the quick reply 😊
Curtis Judd what is rf rejection?
@@johnpaulporrelli6208 It means that it is less likely to pick up interference from wireless devices.
It's exactly information which I searching at 9:49 of your video.
I considered buy NG5 for this radio low sounds, but you say as we can have this radio sound in EQ chart also (more or less)... So It's seem to be better solution for me.
Question:
Please, can I modify this EQ directly in Tascam D60mkII preamplifier before writing on SD Card ???
( I thinking to buy NGT4+ with Tascam preamp)
Thanks you very much!
No, the Tascam does not have an EQ and also, the NTG5 and NTG4 are VERY different microphones. The NTG5 will hold up better under humid conditions with its RF Bias design. And it is a LOT smaller and lighter. It is superior in every way except that it does not power itself.
@@curtisjudd Thanks you for response. I see, there is so many thinks which I must understand :) I ask so many wrong questions. :)
@@marek_vanco_photo No, your questions are good. Keep asking them.
You deserve more subs!
I can barely keep up with the subscribers in this community we have currently. ;-)
Hey Curtis,
I'm a huge longtime fan of the channel and not expecting you to see this - but on the off chance that you do, could you help clear up where and when you think this mic suits best?
I do corporate interviews boomed overhead (usually one person at a time, for multiple I use Lavs) - all have been indoors so far but they're often in a decent sized room. Is this NTG4+ suited? I've just sold an Audio Technica AT875R to fund this NTG4+ thinking the longer mic would be better for rejecting background noise but now I'm wondering if it's too long for my typical use case?
What would you recommend I do/use this mic for?
The NTG4 is actually not especially directional relative to other similarly sized shotgun mics in 2022 and definitely would NOT be my first choice. I’d opt for the NTG5, NTG3, Sennheiser MKE600, or Deity S-Mic 2 instead.
@@curtisjudd thank you so SO much for replying! As a RUclips channel with 3k subs myself I can find it takes me a while to reply, so I hugely appreciate a reply at all!
Thank you, Curtis 😁
if i have to use this with my dslr? which extra amplifier i should buy?
I just purchased the Zoom H5 , the pre amps seem to be much better then the H4n. I do do hope the NTG3 or 2 will be compatible with the H5. I know you said you have a video coming on the H6 (wich is the same pre amps as the H5 ) Would love to get a heads up from you before purchasing any shotgun mic from Rode . Thanks again Curtis, great work as always .
+Steven Delopoulos Yes, here's my written review along with some audio samples of the H6. I would say that the H6 works great with the NTG2 and NTG3. learnlightandsound.com/2015/06/29/zoom-h6-my-impressions-after-4-weeks/ Best wishes!
Thank you sir !!
I have a few questions regarding the battery use in the NTG4+. I hope somebody can share their widsom.
1. How many volts does the battery in the NTG4+ have? And how many Volts of Phantom Power does it provide? P12 or P24?
2. When using a female-XLR to male-3.5mm adapter to connect the NTG4+ to a mirrorless camera with 3.5mm mic input, the NTG4+ only needs the power provided by its internal battery. So if possible, I should turn plug-in power off? Or will it automatically only use the battery?
3. What is the usual maximum gain you can expect when connecting this microphone to a professional mirrorless camera which only has a 3.5mm jack, like the Canon EOS R series?
Hi Wadocan, 1) I don't know, it is a proprietary design specifically for the NTG4+ so you shouldn't need to worry about the voltage. It is right for this mic. Probably 12V if I had to guess, but I don't know. 2) Yes, no need for plugin power from the camera. 3) A decent amount. But in this cirucumstance, I'd just use a RODE VideoMic NTG.
@@curtisjudd Thanks so much for taking the time to reply 🤗
I had contacted Rode and they told me I didn't need to know anything about their battery.
So why would you rather use the RODE VideoMic NTG when connecting to 3.5mm?
My main concern is, if I already have the Rode NTG4+ , will it sound better when adapted to 3.5mm than a native 3.5mm mic like the RODE VideoMic NTG? I would assume it would, since it is HOPEFULLY getting more than 5V (ideally 12V) from its internal battery [is there anyone willing to dissasemble it and measure it?], while the other one just gets 5V from the camera, and it's probably not Phantom Power, at least not a standard one, but it's probably still balanced.
And the NGT4+ should lose some sensitivity in battery mode, but it should still be more than the other mic because the NTG4+ has hopefully more voltage? Or if the battery is not up to the task (the NTG 2 used a single 1.5V Alkaline ‘AA’ battery, which I doubt could work as anything comparable to "phantom power", so maybe this model hasn't made a leap all the way to 12 V, and maybe settled for 9V or who knows what), then could the NTG4+ lose a lot of quality because it's not getting its optimal voltage and/or current, so its performance decrease is so steep that it becomes worse than a native plug-in powered microphone? I would like to know how those power differences affect noise and frequency response. I do hear a lot of noise in your test in this video with the 3.5mm adapter, and I assume the noie comes from the camera's preamp, because it's set to a high level?
Also, the NTG4+ is actually cheaper than the VideoMic NTG, so it seems like the NG4+ has more potential for the same amount of money, since it can work with better equipment which has XLR inputs, like hotshoe adapters, cinema cameras, interfaces...
But I still haven't tested this myself, and I don't find any reviews that make this comparison between these two mics (or equivalent) connected to the same camera and with the same mic level and same talking distance from the mic. Maybe an idea for a future video 🤔
@@Pwasercan it is not safe to assume that microphones which require more power sound better. I have not found that to be the case. I prefer to use the tool which fits the rest of the signal chain and sounds good. The reality is that where the microphone is positioned will make much more of a difference than whether you use a VideoMic vs an NTG4+. If they’ll both be mounted on the camera and you record a person talking 2 meters away, they’ll both sound rather bad.
It's 2018, so this video is about 3 years old now... How do you feel the NTG4+ holds up against the new Rode shotgun mics that they've released? Perhaps you already have a video on this. I'll take a look through your channel
Hey Cole, the NTG4+ is RODE’s newest XLR based mic. To me it sounds a bit on the thin side compared to the NTG3 and NTG2. My order of preference would be NTG3, NTG2 (but only with a good strong preamp), NTG4.
Curtis Judd thanks again for another reply. For some reason I thought there was a newer version but that was just me thinking of the top of my head. Your advice is helpful. Thank you
Please Please tell me please
do i need cable XLR F to XLR M to use my NTG3 with ZOOM H8 when i use the Blimp and The Boom RODE ?
And which one you think is the best for filmmaking and cinema ? NTG3 or NTG4+ ?
Thank you sooooo much ❤
Great work . thank you
Yes, you do need a standard XLR microphone cable - XLR M to XLR F. I prefer the NTG3.
@@curtisjudd
Thank you sooooo much for help ❤
Well done, I enjoyed watching this, good information.
+CTL OnTheLine Thanks, I appreciate the feedback!
Really great video. Love this channel!!
Thanks Dave!
Thank you!
Great review, thanks!
👍
Great review Curtis! I have the NTG-3, and you're right, it's really "boomy." It sounds great, but I don't think I've ever used it on a project in which I didn't have to roll off the lows.
Joe Baker Thanks Joe. I have to confess that when I first started working with the NTG4+, I felt like it was not "rich" enough on the low end. But I think that is because I was so used to the NTG2.
I’m really stumped on this to be honest. I have this mic with a Scarlett solo recorder and I cannot get this mic to not sound like it’s 15 feet away (like same sound as when you shot with it connected to your camera.) When I use my hyperX podcast style mic into the Scarlett it sounds fantastic. The rode was double the price though so I’d like to try and make it sound good….
How far are you from the mic?
Great review!
Thanks!
Great Vid and info, best one for this Mic, thanks!
Thanks!
Hi the cable in your link is incorrect. Does it not have to be female XLR in order to fit the microphone. You sent a link to the male XLR ended cable. Please clarify ? thanks
Thanks for catching that! I have updated the cable link for an adapter with a female XLR connector.
I use a Zoom H5 to plug in with my NTG4+. I noticed the battery life in the recorder doesn't last long. Do you recommend certain batteries when using phantom power on the recorder? Wanting to do interviews.
I use Ni-MH rechargables, either eneloop or Ikea brands.
can you explain to me what happens if the input impedance of the recorder is not 10x more than the mic?
The quality of the sound can change and sometimes you can end up with more noise.
Best review I've seen! I have been using the RODE Video Mic Pro and want to step up my audio game as I continue to work with my new channel. Will this mic out perform the Video Mic Pro in both outdoor and indoor situations? Also, If I am capturing the audio file into the Zoom H6, can the quality be "professional" (given the right settings and conditions) to drop strait onto the timeline of my video project?
Thank you Curtis!!!
Hmm, at a general level, I'm not sure that the NTG4 sounds better than the VMP. It's polar pattern is a little more focused, but it has a bit of a mid-range focused sound that isn't my favorite at this price. The NTG4 is better suited for booming so if you've been using the VMP on top of your camera, then you will hear a substantial improvement. Just want to make sure you are not disappointed. :-D
Thank you Curtis!
Hey Curtis Judd when you tested the mic straight into the the camera; did you do some other things than audio normalization? I heard a little bit of noise, but i guess it might be possible to remove most of it in adobe audition, have you done some test's on that? I have the ntg-3, but i have been looking into a on camera michrophone (3,5mm without phantom) what's my best bet: the rode ntg4+ or the videomic pro?
Kristoffer Vandvik Tørstad I did not do any noise reduction for the on-camera clip because I wanted to show what you might expect straight out of the camera. Part of the noise is the GH4 audio pre-amp which isn't great. There's also all the room ambience, which you get more of when you put the microphone farther than 60cm from the talent. I haven't used the Videomic Pro personally, but in others' tests, it sounds quite good to my ears, at least when the tester places the mic within 60cm of the person speaking. But if you have the budget, the NTG4+ would let you work with it on camera and boomed.
Curtis, do you have the infamous Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 ?
+BravingTheOutDoors I have recorded with the Sennheiser MKH416 but I do not personally own it. Legendary microphone with a sound almost everyone has heard in various TV shows and movies.
Hello Curtis, what would say about acoustic panels? Do you use them? I got a zoom h4n and ntg2 combo and I'm considering using acoustic panels for indoor scenes in my cine videos.
+ALTEREALITY they're very useful for managing reverb. I generally use sound blankets on set and I use broadband/bass traps in my editing room.
do you put the dead cat over the microphone with the foam cover ? or would you use without the original foam cover?
Also with the blimp , would you place that directly over the nt4 mic without the foam or with foam cover?
With the dead cat, yes, over the included foam. In the blimp, I take off the foam cover so that we don't get too muffled a recording.
Hi from Greece..I like your video and push me to by this mic for my camcorder..nice quality of sound and nice built..The only thing i wanted is the wind shield not cover the buttons.I shoot in a lot of different sound conditions (weddings) and i would like to shange the settings or see with what filter i shoot..
Γιώργος Αλεξίου That is a good point. I have been using the windscreen such that it does not cover the buttons so that I can see them. That doesn't appear to affect the sound it captures.
Curtis Judd If i do not push it at the end to reach the buttons i see the widshield on my screen.I have a wideangle camcorder ...I am thinking to cut it a litle bit,so at least to be seen the -10db button
Γιώργος Αλεξίου That's a good idea!
Hello Curtis have enjoyed your video and learned much looking at setting up your "Apple White" in my garage for info videos. I have Nikon D-750 which I will be using what Mic would you recommend in that configuration? NTG4+ looks good but going to 3.5mm connection on the camera concerns me, and if go that route thinking I should boom it overhead?
Raphael Smith Yes, shotgun mics sound best when boomed overhead within about 40 - 60 cm of the talent. I record the audio separately to a Tascam DR-60DmkII which works well for me. You could also run the audio out of the Tascam into the D750 which would get you the better quality pre-amps of the Tascam but then you wouldn't have to sync the audio to the video in post. Here's my review of the Tascam if that is of interest to you: ruclips.net/video/TRoIMPHS91U/видео.html
Hey Curtis, awesome review. Was wondering how do you light these videos? they look very professional and clean. Thanks!
Hey Thanks! Yes, here's a playlist of my lighting tutorials and reviews: ruclips.net/video/x3o2e5efn00/видео.html
Definitely a lot of info, is is safe to say you are using the aputure cob120t as a key through a scrim? reflector on opposite side? This video as an example. I was under the impression the cob120 was tungsten, is it just white balanced to look white?
Thanks again!
Actually, this one was shot before the COB 120t was invented. In this piece, I used an old Tungsten softbox as well as tungsten lights on the back drop and as a rim light. It all looks white because I set the white balance to tungsten. The same can be accomplished with the 120t and in fact, that is what I now use most of the time for the new episodes.
And yes, you have all the other details right - key light camera left, reflector camera right, background light behind me aimed at the paper backdrop, and a hair or rim light camera right. Good eye!
Curtis Judd thanks for the help man, keep it up. subscribed!
Hey Curtis! I notice in many of the comments below that you're suggesting the Deity S-Mic 2 is a better option on the basis of US prices. However here in Europe, Deity products are considerably more expensive relative to Rode products. To give you an example, at time of writing, the NTG4+ is £199GBP (approx $245USD), the NTG4 is £176 (approx $217USD) and the NTG2 is £171.16 (approx $211USD) - all Amazon UK prices - whereas the Deity S-Mic 2 in the UK is £357GBP (approx $440USD). How do you feel that would affect the purchasing decision based on price to performance here?
I would buy the NTG2 before the NTG4 or 4+.
Hi. From Turkey write. I am using sony a6300. Rode ntg 4+ connecting sony a6300. Xlr to female to 3.5 mm jack cable. But record sizzle / rusttle audio. Why audio sizzle noise taking ? Thank you very much for information.
Not sure, but I suspect the XLR to 3.5mm adapter may be part of the issue. Best to contact RODE tech support. Best wishes!
Hello Curtis, Another great and helpful video! I need some microphone advise. This is kind of a repeat of my question regarding the RODE NT5....I am running an amateur round table stream. My 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 on a dedicated PC.) 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 two of these RODE NTG4 serve my purpose to mic each cluster of three people? (If yes I would probably run these through a Yamaha MG10XU or two Shure X2U XLR-to-USB Signal Adapters.) If not, what might you recommend? Any thought you might provide would be beneficial.(As I said before, I really can't set up seven lavaliers or six shotgun microphones.)I look forward to hearing from you. Tom
I would not use shotgun microphones for this scenario. Full answer on the other video comment...
Why would the connection from XLR to TRS affect sound quality? If they are the same connection then it would be the same, right? Unless it is because of the preamp in the camera?
+Grev McGrevington Yes, the camera pre-amp is definitely one factor but probably the biggest is that usually when someone goes from XLR to TRS, they're mounting the mike on camera. Sometimes that's the only practical option but for dialogue, that's not usually going to result in the best sound because the mike picks up a lot of ambience when it is farther from the talent. That's why on pro shoots, they usually have the mike boomed within about 90cm or less of the talent speaking. It just sounds cleaner.
Great review! Thanks you.
WaynesWorldStudio Thanks! Glad it was helpful!
Hi Curtis,
Excellent explanation. I have a question. can we connect the rode ntg to audio recorder and then connect audio recorder to camera so that audio gets directly to camera. I believe this avoids the post production work of syncing the audio and video. Is it possible??
Yes, definitely possible!
Curtis is the youtube video quality only 360p or just me!?
Doesn't seem to be available.
Thanks.
***** It's 1080p for me. Perhaps RUclips was just converting the HD version.
***** Yes, looks like you caught it before RUclips had finished converting. In my experience, it seems to convert to 360p first. I hope you enjoy the review!
Curtis Judd Yeah youtube converting.
The review is great!
Thanks, cheers.
hi Judd, why the end of the video is not very clear ？
Hi Julien, do you mean the sample with the microphone on the camera with the XLR to 3.5mm adapter? It just is not a good way to use this microphone.
so does using a recorder like h4n pro using xlr only records to one (left) channel? sorry beginner to audio
I don't remember specifically with the H4n Pro, but even if it does, you can make it dual mono in post so that it plays in both channels.
Is there a lot of difference with NGT5 ? which one do you recommend ? I use a H6 Zoom as recorder. I am a Photographer / Videographer and I need it for my videos
There is a huge difference between this and the NTG5. Have a listen here: ruclips.net/video/bv1xUShuUY0/видео.html
hi, what do you think about using shotgun mic on interior. I read somewhere that the reflection of the voice came to the side of the mic and cancel a part of voice specter...
If you keep it aimed well and control/prevent reverberation where you're recording, a shotgun microphone is fine.
Hi Curtis, which one should I choose for outdoor dialogue recording? Ntg4+ or Sennheiser MKE 600
I would choose the Sennheiser MKE600.
Great review. Can you talk about using the NTG4+ in a run and gun situation without a bulky Tascam? Is there an XLR solution that is cheap and small enough for this type of camera use?
zoom h5 or h6
Please do a comparison with the videomic pro plus ! Just confused between those two mics.
P.S.- you're a great reviewer
Thanks Ranjana. Here’s the simple comparison: does your camera have an XLR or 3.5mm mic input? If 3.5mm, the VMP is probably a better choice.
Curtis Judd I'll be connecting it to a zoom h1, so the rode vmp+ will be suitable for me.
I'll assume that in terms of sound quality, they are kind of same.
Thanks !!
They are very similar in terms of audio quality. I prefer the sound of the VideoMic Pro+
Curtis Judd so the rode videomic pro plus is sure good for me. Thanks
what about the rode video. mic ntg on boom pole or shortly?
I m looking for sound solution for my short film ...I already have Zoom H6 ,NTG.2 ,RoDe Wireless Go.
in My short film most scene of two person talking while walking and sitting close..In this situation can I use two Rode wireless go with zoom h6? or I use a mic with zoom h6 on bloom pole for better sound ? plz help me..thanks
If you already have the NTG2, why not put that on the boom pole and run it to the H6?
All your sound production videos are stellar. Thanks for the great job. I am a visually inclined filmmaker and learning about audio production can feel overwhelming, your videos really take the intimidation factor out and inspire. Where you recording in a sound treated room with the NTG4+ for this video? And if so, could you please share what you did? I ask because it sounds great and I just bought one but I also just learned that dialogue boom mics are used to record indoors instead of shotgun mics like the NTG4+. The first time I recorded with the NTG4+ with a used H4N recorder I got a very low volume, high-pitched frequency background noise that I have not been able to replicate again but have had that issue arise every once in a while with different shotgun mics. Do you think that background noise is caused by the sound reflections hitting the NTG4+?
Hi betomena1, This was recorded in my unfinished basement where I have concrete floors and no finished walls (concrete, wood frame, etc.) Is the high-pitched background noise continuous or does it sound more like RF interference from a phone or wifi?
Thanks Curtis. Did you remove any hiss at all from this review in post. I find the ntg2 > zoom h5 unbearable and your audio is clean as a whistle. Do you often remove hiss on Audition like on recent video? Ended up echoey for me :-/
Jim Elliott Hi Jim, no noise reduction on this episode. I have heard that the Zoom recorders tend to be a bit noisier than Tascam recorders and the NTG2 is a bit noisier than the NTG4+ in my tests. I just received a Zoom H6 in for testing and will compare it against my Tascam for myself in the next couple of weeks.
What are the arguably better microphones than the rode NTG4+ that share similar style, design, and price range in 2019?
My preferences are for the Deity S-Mic 2 and even the NTG2: ruclips.net/video/x4tPO0G8b2Y/видео.html But the NTG2 requires a preamp/input with a bit more gain that the lower-end recorders like the Zoom H4n Pro. Deity S-Mic 2 sounds good even with lower end recorders.