THIS IS A REPOST. Thanks to some careful listeners, we found an issue where the audio clips were aligned with the incorrect video clips in the audio samples section. It turns out that Final Cut Pro X has trouble with poly wave files. You can also listen to the original uncompressed wav audio files at drive.google.com/open?id=1AcgIeUcGtI5EZY2vd_kEBO-E8ibzZP7g Index: 0:21 Intro 0:45 Indoor NTG5,NTG3, MKH 416, S-Mic 2S Samples 3:55 RF-bias advantages 5:01 Build quality & size 5:34 RF Immunity/wireless interference 6:01 Polar pattern 6:28 Outdoor samples 7:41 Polar pattern/isolation samples 9:34 Isolation analysis - how good is each mic and rejecting off-axis sound 12:26 Practical noise performance 13:35 Handling noise & Shockmount 14:45 Fur cover and wind 15:04 Accessories 15:21 Should I upgrade? 17:11 Cons 18:34 Summary
@@curtisjudd I consider Resolve to be an extremely versatile, reliable and professional toolset. Fairlight... it's coming along! Each update brings about big improvements.
I've been narrating voice over and audiobooks for the past seven years and for the past two years I've been using the ntg 5... never thought I would switch from using the microphone that I was using, but I'm glad I did the ntg5 is just plain gold!... not only does it sound good right out of the box oh, but it is also crazy easy to manipulate with EQ Etc.
I bought the Zoom F3 and this Rode NTG5. I think I've made a good investment after watching your videos ;) By the way a fantastic channel, greetings from Spain.
At 0.55 audio comparison ... NTG3 sounds crispier (better to my taste) than NTG5. (Listened with my High Fidelity headphones.) Thank you Curtis and the rest of the team , for the time you put ... to present all this amount of information.
Great review as usual. Thanks for addressing not only the off-axis sound, but the signal/impedance and handling noise, which few people often do on reviews. Looks like this mic may finally set a new size/performance standard for others to chase, and a price point that can't be beat. Also, I like your rougher, 2-day unshaven look. Looks much more like a location sound guy now. :D
I think you're selling yourself short in terms of the title of this video. You should mention the other mics you are comparing with, both for SEO and so people interested in them can benefit from your experential wisdom.. I got lots of good info about all of those mics from this, because you're always so thorough and provide such practical results. Thank you!
Thankyou for your reviews, they’re always thought provoking. One area not really covered that’s been an issue is reliability. I work in news gathering and have predominantly used 416s and 816s before that, for all their faults they are really tough and reliable where as I have had an array of Rode mics and while they sound great they all failed the reliability test .
Yes, good insight, thanks for bringing that up. In my work, we don’t go out in the field much so I don’t have as much insight to share there. Your insights on that are valuable. 👍
Thank you Curtis, this was very clear and helpful, (as always!) I have been struggling with this choice for quite a while and your demonstration really helped nail things down. I live in the rainforest in southern coastal B.C., so the fact that the NTG5 can handle humidity is really good to know. Best wishes!
Diligent and thorough as always, thanks Curtis. Q: for my channel, which is a female voice and often inside without sound treatment, would you steer towards the NTG3 over the NTG5?
Great review Curtis and awesome mics... I'm sticking with my ntg4+ for now and my new baby zoom f6 and couldn't be happier with the results I'm getting for my needs.
Great review as always, Curtis. Thanks for putting all the work into it! Thought something felt off in the first one but figured it was just me haha! I’m loving the NTG5. I shot a few interviews this week with it and I’m loving it more and more each time I use it.
Great vid as again as usual! I actually want _some_ off-axis pickup in case I may do a little side-to-side body movement, or even approach the chair from off-frame as part of Intro. Thanks again Curtis.
Thank you for this review! I wonder if the ntg5 could be eq'd to sound more like the ntg3 because the broadcast vocal sound of the ntg3 for controlled environments sounds great, but during the outdoor segment the ntg5 blew the ntg3 away! :)
@@nealpobrien Shotgun mikes are desinged for outdoor boompole scenario. Just the NTG5 is shorter mike so must be positioned closer to the speaking person. NTG3 excells outdoors when you can place it some more cm further away from the speaking person and record nice sounding voice. For indoors dont use shotgun microphone - use pencil mic.Moreover my impression is that with NTG5 Rode brand wants to make shotgun mike but universal - for outdoor/indoor which is nice but impossible to have the best of both worlds. So its a shotgun mike, but a short shotgun. Thats why is sounds thin outdoors when record voice further than 30-40 cm.
Thanks this was great. My challenge….. I have a naturally deep and resonnt voice… and while I like my NTG3… it accentuates those lower frequencies and I have to EQ the heck out it to improve clarity. The NTG5, being slightly brighter may be worth a look.
Great review! Since I own an NTG3, I’m going to pretend like I don’t need it, knowing I’ll get it anyway. Rode is really putting out some great stuff this year.
I really like the NTG5. I do have the NTG3 which is almost only used for sound effects, foley and stuff like that. i like the big bottom end i get out of the sounds using that mic. I use the 416 for dialog (aswell as the audio technica 4053b). And i am super happy with these mics. Not really sure which one i would trade for the NTG5 tho. It seems to be placed awkwardly in the middle of the 416 and the NTG3, but probably incapable of delivering the best of both worlds!
Thank you for including the bit of info about rf-bias vs dc-bias humidity considerations. I'm in a rain forest and trying to figure out if my Audio Techica AT85R is the reason the beginning of my sentences are staticky. It doesn't say if it's RF anything on their site.
Very helpful, thank you. I’m sure you already know but if you add 0:00 at the beginning of your time index it will add chapters to your video. Thanks again, this was helpful in my research and purchase decision.
I bought the RODE NTG5 to use for Voice Overs as a possible backup for my MKH416 and returned it right away. It's so muddy and woofy compared to the Sennheiser. It seems to enhance the worst low mid frequencies when used in a close Voice Over setting. The included Foam Windscreen is made of a really scratchy fabric that enhances mouth noise and harsh upper frequencies as well. The more intimate/close I got with this mic the worse it sounded. This mic is much more suited to uses that don't require crystal clear audio. It would work well for News Crews or Low Budget Movie Makers that just need dialogue recorded on the cheap. I've used about 2 dozen mics for Voice Overs and the NTG3 and NTG5 are the only mics I immediately packed up and returned. However, I will always keep my Rode NT1. That mic is incredible and versatile and I actually have a client that rejected MKH416 files in favor of the NT1.
Interesting feedback. Thanks for sharing form a voice over perspective. I was reviewing this from a filmmaking perspective where we don't usually place the mic as close as for voice over.
Great review Curtis. The great about Rode is that now that they are faced with the major competition from deity , they have produced a mic that will definitely disrupt the current dominance of audio review on RUclips. Will be getting the NTG3 for Run & Gun on camera audio and keep my NTG3 for external audio with my Zoom F4. Love rode gear .
I was looking for the best option to upgrade from rode videomic pro and I stumbled across your channel. Great review! Awesome production quality in your videos! I'm totally subscribing and buying myself a ntg5 right after!
@@curtisjudd do you have comparison of videomic ntg vs 416 or ntg3? i just want to see the isolation/polar pattern of the videomic ntg. or can i get your suggestion? currently i only use videomicro for my video. and now i interest to buy videomic ntg, because the price is half of ntg 3/ntg 5. what do you think? better i go buy videomic ntg? or wait until my budget is enough to buy ntg 3 or ntg 5?
The Sennheiser MKH-416 still sounds the best imo. The transients, that airy open sound sounds so natural and real. Even better then the real source I would think!
Excellent review and great job showing all the in use and technical comparisons. I think I much prefer the more natural sounding NTG5 for online video and everyday purposes, especially if buying a microphone for the first time. The NTG3 has great sound, although the lower bass seems more useful for broadcasting as you were discussing. Thank you for sharing! I'll be getting the NTG5.
Curtis Judd If we have the NTG5 close range within 1-2 feet, would the sound be decent enough to not have to do extensive soundproofing if say we were operating in a garage?
Got a lemon. Worked fine when I tested it at home but on a professional shoot it started creating squealing noises. Rode took it back for repair under warranty. Now it works great. Lesson: there have been a few cases when the NTG5 goes bad so always have backup audio, but Rode is good with doing repairs.
Brill. I watched this before I bought the ntg5 last year. Thinking about the ntg3 but sounded like there was more noise. I might have to rent one for a weekend and test them to my voice. Also going to get this video on my computer with proper headphones.
Stellar review! @17:35 you mention that this is really not for on-camera sound. Could you elaborate please? I have used this mic on my C300 and I think the NTG5 is far too sensitive, with lots of handling noise. Perhaps I need a better shock mount? Or maybe, as you imply, this just isn't a good choice for on-camera recording?
I just didn't want people to think that buying a $500 mic and mounting it to camera would result in the type of sound we usually hear in movies. Yes, you probably need a shock mount like those made by Rycote. Best wishes!
Didn’t really understand what RF bias was, so I looked it up. RF bias refers to a radio frequency alternating current that is applied to the microphone diaphragm. Due to the very high frequency of the AC current, usually in the megahertz range, the diaphragm doesn’t really vibrate as a result of the current, but it has a stiffening effect on the diaphragm, so that external bumps and disturbances do not move the diaphragm and induce noise into the signal. Basically, it’s like an electrical spring that makes the diaphragm stiff like a spring, and it is tuned in such a way that it blocks out mechanical response of the diaphragm to very low frequencies like bumps and handling noise, while letting through audio frequency sound. Typically, RF bias microphones also have DC bias. DC bias essentially means that the diaphragm is designed to naturally rest off-center when there is no bias, and then a DC bias is added during operation to push it back to center, which creates a kind of stiffening and stabilizing effect for the diaphragm. The difference with RF bias microphones is that it is like an extra step that further stabilizes the diaphragm without the need for more mechanical stiffness in the diaphragm design. This allows for greater microphone sensitivity without a heavier diaphragm or increased noise sensitivity.
Thank you Curtis for this review. That kit shock mount, though - the weight of the pistol grip seems to more than erase the lightweight advantage of the mic itself. I did invest in the NTG5, but will probably stick with lightweight minimalism on the tip of my handheld boom.
Finally got my copy. Thank you Curtis for your reviews. It made selecting the NTG5 easy. It was further delayed due to the covid-19 pandemic but it’s home. Any in depth material you can recommend how to professionally this microphone will be high appreciated. Thanks
@@curtisjudd awesome! Will check it out. Please extent discount. Hahaha. Now the next selection between the Zoom F Series and Mix Pre series begins. Will be upgrading from zoom H6. But for now I will explore the H6 + NTG5.
@@hbl_channel Not to worry, we have everyday very low prices! LOL! I think you'll be able to make some great recordings with the H6 - NTG5 combo. Happy recording!
Thanks Curtis! Hope you could keep the NTG-5 you tested. You totally deserved it. As much you deserve our gratitude for these reviews. I'm not a RODE fan(especially since DEITY came on the market) but I think they totally nailed it, this time. Videomic NTG looks really promising too. As much as the 416 is still a great mic, I just don't see the need of it anymore like in the past. For that amount of money you could have now more than one mic and have more options. I think it's good news all in all.
3rd time watching. Broke out the headphones for the last one to truly appreciate what you have put together here. I loved the floor noise test and absolutely appreciated the polar pattern white noise test. The NTG5 is a great value at $499 usd for the beginning youtuber or beginning film maker. The Rode PG2 R pistol grip and cable alone is $140 on B&H. The NTG 3 is a great mic at $700 by itself. Wouldn't we all like to have a Sennheiser MKH 416 in our arsenal for $1K . Deity puts out some good stuff too, with there S2 location kit coming in at $429 at B&H as well. The location kit comes with comparable accessories to the NTG5. However overall after the tests you have provide us today, value and sound, pound for pound, its the NTG 5 for the win. Thanks Curtis -Will
The noise is quite accurate in the specs of most models: model, sensitivity in mv/Pa, A-weighted IEC651 noise level in dB SPL AKGC414 23 6 (a large diaphragm studio mic as a benchmark) mkh60 40 8 me66 50 10 ntg5 66 10 ck69 54 11 mkh8060 63 11 ntg3 31,6 13 S-Mic2s 25 15 mkh416 25 16 ck98 20 17 The SMic2S noise spec does not sound accurate. It should have same level with lower noise than mkh416. What is not in the specs and most tests is every other aspect, which is typically a lot more important than noise. An MKH60 for example is excellent in handling noise, build quality, etc, something one cannot say for me66, the ck69 has the most forgiving pickup pattern in the group, the NTG series sounds a little constrained compared to the Sennheiser models, and so on. Modern shooting requires relatively high levels of room tone. This will mask small differences in noise. These mics will not really be used in studio environments.
Thanks for the thoughts and specs! On the practical noise sample readings, it is the S-Mic 2S’s wider polar pattern which picked up more room sound, not more self noise. We are making a gross measure of room tone, polar pattern, and self noise combined - a practical measure rather than a self noise spec measurement alone. And I agree, in most cases for film production, the room tone will mask most self noise.
Hmm, the NTG5 has the better package for sure. But after listening I do prefer the NTG3, fuller lows while having more detail. The NTG5 sounds a tiny bit muffled in comparison. It would be great in the future to include some female vocals to see how the low end treatment affects the sound. Great review as always!
still looking at ntg3/5 for dialogue, i have a mid level tone voice not too much bass, deffo more higher its mainly for dialogue / streaming. i did look at the 416 but sadly due to it being infamous the price has gone up. my room is treated acoustically
@@RathOXI think the NTG5 is more neutral sounding and the NTG3 is bassier. They’re all fine mics. But If you want the 416 sound, then the NTG3 is probably a better choice.
While I’m not a 416 fan as a general (DPA 4017 for me), it’s leagues beyond the others in sound quality, though seemed like the NTG5 had slightly better noise floor. Most of them have some sort of weird resonance or jagged peak in the spectrum making sibilance sound dirty. The 416 has a much more transparent sound with much more midrange and high frequency detail. The deity sounded like absolute garbage.
@@curtisjudd initially the MKH 416 was my initial pick, but i think the new NTG is good enough for my up coming applications. What suggestions might you have for a blimp ?
It is!? Thanks for letting me know! I’m working on a boom mic meta review this week. Won’t have side by side samples as there isn’t enough time but will speak to where I think each is a good fit.
Great video, Curtis! Just for clarification: If you were a voice actor, and you could get the NTG 5 for $500, or the MKH 416 for $999, which would you get? :)
I have an NTG2 and would like to upgrade, just not sure if I can get by with the shorter model "VideoMic NTG" which they say is similar to the NTG5. I'll be waiting on that video comparison to make a final decision. Once again thank you for your time and great video content!
Hi David, the VideoMic NTG is similar to the NTG5 only in that it has the circular hole interference tube design. Where they differ is that the VM NTG is a DC bias mic with a 3.5mm output while the NTG5 is an RF bias mic (this is the least expensive RF-bias mic of which I am aware) and has a balanced XLR output. You can evidently adapt the VM NTG to XLR though I'm not sure yet whether it has a balanced output which dictates how long a cable you can use. I'll do a review of the VM NTG as soon as I can get a copy.
@@curtisjudd I cant wait, I love your detailed reviews! Curious how the 3.5 connection will do against the XLR, does XLR still have a huge advantage in audio these days?
@@Dubi00 The question is whether the VideoMic NTG's 3.5mm output is balanced or not. That still very much makes a difference in how long you can run a cable. Balanced is still superior for longer cables such as when booming the mic.
Excellent work as always Curtis! On your recommendation, I purchased the AT4053b a couple years ago. Question: snag another 4053b for conducting interviews between 2 subjects, OR get this new Rode instead? PS - I loved your Mix Pre 3 course! Thx in advance!
Hmm, tough call. I could see either way. The advantage of going for the NTG5 is then you'd also have a mic for those rare outdoor occasions. But, a hyper like the 4053b is a good one and won't have issues with phase interference - though that is quite rare.
Curtis, why does the NTG3 sound so harshly strange in the outdoor sample? I am owning three of them and they never sounded like that when used outside... In your indoor samples the NTG3 and NTG5 sounded much more similar.
Thanks Juan. It's been on my list for a while but I have had a hard time sourcing one for the review (no budget at the moment). Will keep it on the list.
thank you so much for great review again Curtis ! I am using sennheiser mke 600 for on-camera mic mainly and booming sometime ( already bought Rycote shock mount with Classic-Softie for it ) , I am always looking for a better boom mic , do you think NTG5 is a good choice in this price range ? or even more expensive stuff like MKH 416 as a long team investment ?
Great review as usual Curtis. Mixpre3ii and my NTG5 sound great. One thing I did find that upgrading my cable to mogami quad and neutrik gold connectors did bring out slightly more fidelity over some very good cables I owned. No regrets on these purchases.
Thanks for the great review, I'm getting into location sound and your video's are off great help! I'm considering the ntg5 but the windscreen worries me a bit, I don't wanna tel a client 'sorry we can't record here because of the wind' unless the conditions are exceptional. I think (please correct me if I'm wrong) going for a rycote super shield kit with either a mke600 or AT 895 would be a safer bet. Also the super shield is gonna stay useful later if I upgrade to a better mic. your thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
I would think of wind protection in the form of something like the super shield to be something you’ll need regardless of the mic you choose. If you’re saying that your budget cannot afford the NTG5 and supershield then yes, I’d go with one of the other mics and a supershield for now.
Personally, I think the Sennheiser and the NTG3 sounded crisper and clearer but I think the NTG5 had less noise than the NTG3, although I can't see it being an issue on the NTG3. The Sennheiser is probably my favourite though.
All of these mics are great, but the 416 just sounds so much more natural to my ears. It's just so well balanced that you don't "notice" any weird audio characteristics. The low end on the NTG5 is still a bit much.
Are all Diety mics DC bias? I happen to live in South Florida so the talk about humidity caught my attention. Diety product line has caught my attention over the past year. But humidity is a huge issue particularly during hurricanes. So thanks for bringing this to our attention. Now I have to re-think everything. I am assuming I should stay away from anything DC bias which would seem to rule out Diety. I should add that I have seen the word “waterproof” used on some of Diety’s branding and that had me wondering if that factors into the equation. I am thinking not, since air/moisture are pretty hard to stop long term but perhaps i am wrong?
Hi Adam TV, Yes, all of the Deity mics along with 98% of all condenser mics use a DC-bias or JFET principle. The DEITY S-Mic 2 and S-Mic 2S have coated circuit boards so that if they do get wet, they should not be permanently damaged. However, this does not necessarily mean that they will continue to capture good sound if a substantial amount of water condenses on the microphone diaphragm while the diaphragm is still wet. They may need to dry out for 24 hours before they'll work well again. RF-bias isn't totally absent of issues in humidity, but does tend to continue working more reliably when moisture condenses on the diaphragm. But if you drop it in a bog, there's a good chance it won't capture good sound, at least until it dries out. 😀
@@curtisjudd Well, not much survives in the Everglades, not even humans, but that's a different story. But thanks for the reply and all you do for the community. Deity is also doing a lot for the community and I in no way mean to bash their product line. Like I said, I have been impressed and was seriously looking at several of their products until this "humidity issue" raised its head. I have now heard you raise the humidity issue in more than one video which makes me think it something I should take seriously since humidity is an issue year round in Florida. I guess this is going to severely limit my choice but at least the Rode mic in this video is RF bias. I still need to look at the rest of the Rode product line but with any luck that will also be RF bias.
@@AdamTV The NTG3 and NTG8 are also RF-bias microphones. The other manufacturer who has a lineup of RF-bias microphones, indeed the company that has done the most with that technology, is Sennheiser.
@@curtisjudd Thanks. Yes, I have been catching up with those on some of you older videos which are a gold mine of information!!!!! And then Wikipedia has a very good section on RF vs DC that I found very helpful.
Love the colour-coded backgrounds during the audio samples - super smart and effective!
Thanks Casey!
I agree. Also how do you light that?
@@thefilmalliance Light aimed at the wall behind me. Can use an RGB LED panel or re-color in post. In this case I re-colored the background in post.
Yeah brilliant idea. Love your videos Curtis!
I'm sold on the NTG5. Can't wait to get it.
👍
THIS IS A REPOST. Thanks to some careful listeners, we found an issue where the audio clips were aligned with the incorrect video clips in the audio samples section. It turns out that Final Cut Pro X has trouble with poly wave files. You can also listen to the original uncompressed wav audio files at drive.google.com/open?id=1AcgIeUcGtI5EZY2vd_kEBO-E8ibzZP7g
Index:
0:21 Intro
0:45 Indoor NTG5,NTG3, MKH 416, S-Mic 2S Samples
3:55 RF-bias advantages
5:01 Build quality & size
5:34 RF Immunity/wireless interference
6:01 Polar pattern
6:28 Outdoor samples
7:41 Polar pattern/isolation samples
9:34 Isolation analysis - how good is each mic and rejecting off-axis sound
12:26 Practical noise performance
13:35 Handling noise & Shockmount
14:45 Fur cover and wind
15:04 Accessories
15:21 Should I upgrade?
17:11 Cons
18:34 Summary
I thought you edited in Resolve, mr Judd?
@@Nicdehouwer Final Cut Pro X 99% of the time as Resolve is a bit on the beta end of the spectrum in Fairlight. But that might change now. 😀
@Zzzz oop Keep your NTG3 and sorry to pull the rug out from under you. 🙂
@@curtisjudd I consider Resolve to be an extremely versatile, reliable and professional toolset.
Fairlight... it's coming along! Each update brings about big improvements.
Yess, uncompressed samples, noooice) thanx man!
Great video, Curtis!
Thanks Gerald!
The 416 still has the best "bite" in the mid-range for vocals, it just cuts through better. Great review Curtis!
👍
I've been narrating voice over and audiobooks for the past seven years and for the past two years I've been using the ntg 5... never thought I would switch from using the microphone that I was using, but I'm glad I did the ntg5 is just plain gold!... not only does it sound good right out of the box oh, but it is also crazy easy to manipulate with EQ Etc.
👍
Thank you for sharing - your audio skills are unmatched here on YT everyone of us needs to take your full course. 🔥💯👌🏽👏🏽🙌🏽
Thanks Carlos!
I have been a subscriber for a long time, I need to say that you are the best audio reviewer out there
Thanks ATH!
Wow MKH 416 sounds so much pleasant to my ears. Its high freqs are clean and pronounced yet not harsh. Amazed.
👍
Lighting cues, of course! Genius;) The NTG3 my fave is so wonderfully quiet but the NTG5 sounded slightly quieter, wowzers. Nice review...as always.
Thanks Ray!
I bought the Zoom F3 and this Rode NTG5. I think I've made a good investment after watching your videos ;) By the way a fantastic channel, greetings from Spain.
Congrats - I hope this works well for you. Happy recording!
At 0.55 audio comparison ... NTG3 sounds crispier (better to my taste) than NTG5.
(Listened with my High Fidelity headphones.)
Thank you Curtis and the rest of the team , for the time you put ... to present all this amount of information.
Thanks!
Great review as usual. Thanks for addressing not only the off-axis sound, but the signal/impedance and handling noise, which few people often do on reviews. Looks like this mic may finally set a new size/performance standard for others to chase, and a price point that can't be beat.
Also, I like your rougher, 2-day unshaven look. Looks much more like a location sound guy now. :D
Thanks Stefan! Happy to embrace the location sound guy look! 🙂
Hopefully Rode sent you their new VideoMic NTG for review as well, it appears very interesting indeed.
Nothing yet, but hoping to get one however we need to make that happen.
@@curtisjudd Eagerly waiting for your review on this!
Thank you for this review. I've been looking for my first microphone and I believe the NTG5 will be it.
👍
I think you're selling yourself short in terms of the title of this video. You should mention the other mics you are comparing with, both for SEO and so people interested in them can benefit from your experential wisdom.. I got lots of good info about all of those mics from this, because you're always so thorough and provide such practical results. Thank you!
Thanks for the suggestion - I updated the title.
Thankyou for your reviews, they’re always thought provoking. One area not really covered that’s been an issue is reliability. I work in news gathering and have predominantly used 416s and 816s before that, for all their faults they are really tough and reliable where as I have had an array of Rode mics and while they sound great they all failed the reliability test .
Yes, good insight, thanks for bringing that up. In my work, we don’t go out in the field much so I don’t have as much insight to share there. Your insights on that are valuable. 👍
I've been waiting for your review of this mic! Lemme grab some popcorn, be right back!
Enjoy!
Thanks again Curtis, by far the best audio videos out there. Saludos from Chile!
Thanks Daniel
Thank you Curtis, this was very clear and helpful, (as always!) I have been struggling with this choice for quite a while and your demonstration really helped nail things down. I live in the rainforest in southern coastal B.C., so the fact that the NTG5 can handle humidity is really good to know. Best wishes!
Thanks for the feedback and best wishes!
Excellent Job Curtis!! I have the Rode NT1. After watching your review I will soon purchase the NTG5 for my voice over gigs. Keep up the great work!
👍🎙️🎧
Love your microphone reviews. Very helpful comparisons to the other models!
Thanks Mike!
Diligent and thorough as always, thanks Curtis. Q: for my channel, which is a female voice and often inside without sound treatment, would you steer towards the NTG3 over the NTG5?
Thanks! I'd probably opt for the NTG5 - will be easier to work with indoors due to its smaller size.
Wow, fantastic work on this review. I love your attention to detail in testing as well as the aesthetic choices in the video.
Thanks Zaim!
That polar pattern test was genius and it made me decide which one to get. Thank you.
Thanks. Happy recording!
You helped me pick lights. Now we meet again with mics
👍
Great review Curtis and awesome mics... I'm sticking with my ntg4+ for now and my new baby zoom f6 and couldn't be happier with the results I'm getting for my needs.
Nice! Happy recording!
Great review as always, Curtis. Thanks for putting all the work into it! Thought something felt off in the first one but figured it was just me haha! I’m loving the NTG5. I shot a few interviews this week with it and I’m loving it more and more each time I use it.
Thanks Tyler and glad its working well for you!
Another greatly informative video from a "go to source" for my audio information.
Thanks again, Curtis! 👍
Thanks Pradeep!
This was amazing, loved your video. I'm a filmmaker and this truly help me decide on which mic to choose for my next film. Thank you!!
👍 Happy recording!
Great vid as again as usual! I actually want _some_ off-axis pickup in case I may do a little side-to-side body movement, or even approach the chair from off-frame as part of Intro. Thanks again Curtis.
Thanks Glen. Makes sense.
This was great. Thank you!
Thanks.
Awesome review. Thanks for putting in the work on that.
The NTG5 really does look and sound like a great mic.
👍
WOW. And hey! You got you some merch happening there!!
And there I go again. Commenting from the wrong channel. 😂😂😂
Wow! I've never had a comment from the BFM unscripted channel. It is an honor!
@@curtisjudd LOL! It's a mistake. Logged into the wrong channel. But hey! I need a kudo today, so I'm taking it! :)
I love how quiet the NTG 5 is. Great stuff, thank u very much
👍
Thank you for this review! I wonder if the ntg5 could be eq'd to sound more like the ntg3 because the broadcast vocal sound of the ntg3 for controlled environments sounds great, but during the outdoor segment the ntg5 blew the ntg3 away! :)
That or a transformer saturation plugin, yes.
@@curtisjudd Do you happen to have a video explaining a transformer saturation plug in?
Not just the opposite? Outdoors NTG3 sounds so much better than NTG5. And outdoors is what those shotgun mics are made for, aren't they?
The ntg 5 captures higher frequencies (ie eq’d for less lows) than the ntg 3 which is better for wind and worse for voice over.
@@nealpobrien Shotgun mikes are desinged for outdoor boompole scenario. Just the NTG5 is shorter mike so must be positioned closer to the speaking person. NTG3 excells outdoors when you can place it some more cm further away from the speaking person and record nice sounding voice. For indoors dont use shotgun microphone - use pencil mic.Moreover my impression is that with NTG5 Rode brand wants to make shotgun mike but universal - for outdoor/indoor which is nice but impossible to have the best of both worlds. So its a shotgun mike, but a short shotgun. Thats why is sounds thin outdoors when record voice further than 30-40 cm.
Your videos are so good. Thanks!
Thanks so much!
Thanks this was great. My challenge….. I have a naturally deep and resonnt voice… and while I like my NTG3… it accentuates those lower frequencies and I have to EQ the heck out it to improve clarity. The NTG5, being slightly brighter may be worth a look.
Indeed!
Great review! Since I own an NTG3, I’m going to pretend like I don’t need it, knowing I’ll get it anyway. Rode is really putting out some great stuff this year.
They are on a roll!
I really like the NTG5. I do have the NTG3 which is almost only used for sound effects, foley and stuff like that. i like the big bottom end i get out of the sounds using that mic. I use the 416 for dialog (aswell as the audio technica 4053b). And i am super happy with these mics. Not really sure which one i would trade for the NTG5 tho. It seems to be placed awkwardly in the middle of the 416 and the NTG3, but probably incapable of delivering the best of both worlds!
Sounds like you’ve already got a solid kit that’s working 😀
@@curtisjudd Yes im really happy with the gear! Next for me is to upgrade my G4 systems for the A10 with phantom power so i can go wireless!
great comparison test, thx for that Curtis! really appreciate your videos and your work!
Thanks!
thank you so much for explaining it in a way that us commoners can understand. very well produced video. thank you!
👍
Very comprehensive and helpful review as always. Thanks Curtis!
Thanks Paul!
Thank you for including the bit of info about rf-bias vs dc-bias humidity considerations. I'm in a rain forest and trying to figure out if my Audio Techica AT85R is the reason the beginning of my sentences are staticky. It doesn't say if it's RF anything on their site.
That Audio Technica is a FET or DC bias mic and is likely the reason you're experiencing a staticky sound.
@@curtisjudd Thank you for the reply. I'm very happy that I found your channel.
What a solid review with awesome sound quality.
Thanks LaHamada.
Excellent review Curtis, many thanks
Thanks Steve.
You are so good at what you're doing. Thx for the input.
Thank you.
Thank you so much for this. Deity S-MIC S2 is better for my application which recording stereo(paired) nature sounds :)
👍
Very helpful, thank you. I’m sure you already know but if you add 0:00 at the beginning of your time index it will add chapters to your video. Thanks again, this was helpful in my research and purchase decision.
Yes, we've started doing that on all of the new videos. Thanks!
I LOVE THE RODE NTG5 Tecture
👍
I bought the RODE NTG5 to use for Voice Overs as a possible backup for my MKH416 and returned it right away. It's so muddy and woofy compared to the Sennheiser. It seems to enhance the worst low mid frequencies when used in a close Voice Over setting. The included Foam Windscreen is made of a really scratchy fabric that enhances mouth noise and harsh upper frequencies as well.
The more intimate/close I got with this mic the worse it sounded. This mic is much more suited to uses that don't require crystal clear audio. It would work well for News Crews or Low Budget Movie Makers that just need dialogue recorded on the cheap.
I've used about 2 dozen mics for Voice Overs and the NTG3 and NTG5 are the only mics I immediately packed up and returned. However, I will always keep my Rode NT1. That mic is incredible and versatile and I actually have a client that rejected MKH416 files in favor of the NT1.
Interesting feedback. Thanks for sharing form a voice over perspective. I was reviewing this from a filmmaking perspective where we don't usually place the mic as close as for voice over.
Great review Curtis. The great about Rode is that now that they are faced with the major competition from deity , they have produced a mic that will definitely disrupt the current dominance of audio review on RUclips. Will be getting the NTG3 for Run & Gun on camera audio and keep my NTG3 for external audio with my Zoom F4. Love rode gear .
👍
Great video! Thanks Curtis for doing this test
Thanks Chris.
I was looking for the best option to upgrade from rode videomic pro and I stumbled across your channel. Great review! Awesome production quality in your videos! I'm totally subscribing and buying myself a ntg5 right after!
Thanks and I hope the NTG5 works well for you!
Excellent in-depth review, thank you.
👍
thank you for the review. i really new in this sound/audio gear. i need a lot of learning to improve my channel sound.
You're welcome. I hope my videos will help you make your audio better. 😀
@@curtisjudd do you have comparison of videomic ntg vs 416 or ntg3? i just want to see the isolation/polar pattern of the videomic ntg. or can i get your suggestion? currently i only use videomicro for my video. and now i interest to buy videomic ntg, because the price is half of ntg 3/ntg 5. what do you think? better i go buy videomic ntg? or wait until my budget is enough to buy ntg 3 or ntg 5?
As always, great video. Thanks for the detailed review! Think we're going to go with this one at my office to replace our old NTG2 that's wearing out.
Thanks Tyler and hope it works out well for you all!
The Sennheiser MKH-416 still sounds the best imo. The transients, that airy open sound sounds so natural and real. Even better then the real source I would think!
👍
Great review, very helpful thanks.
👍
Excellent review and great job showing all the in use and technical comparisons. I think I much prefer the more natural sounding NTG5 for online video and everyday purposes, especially if buying a microphone for the first time. The NTG3 has great sound, although the lower bass seems more useful for broadcasting as you were discussing. Thank you for sharing! I'll be getting the NTG5.
Thanks Jonathan. I hope the NTG5 works out nicely for you. Happy recording!
Curtis Judd If we have the NTG5 close range within 1-2 feet, would the sound be decent enough to not have to do extensive soundproofing if say we were operating in a garage?
@@J_bui Depends on the garage and how loud the noise is. But the NTG5 has good reach for a short shotgun mic.
Got a lemon. Worked fine when I tested it at home but on a professional shoot it started creating squealing noises. Rode took it back for repair under warranty. Now it works great. Lesson: there have been a few cases when the NTG5 goes bad so always have backup audio, but Rode is good with doing repairs.
Thanks for sharing Mary! I hope the new version holds up well.
Really impressed with your video man! Super helpful. And just really well executed.
Thanks!
Always well done. Thank you Curtis.
Thanks Ismael.
Thanks for the amazing reviews !!!
👍
Great video Curtis. The ntg5 sounds great and looks like the best bang per buck.
I've been happy with it.
Fantastic, incredibly detailed review including outdoor tests. Wow.
Thanks Eduard.
Thank you for a fantastic review! Very helpful!
👍
Brill. I watched this before I bought the ntg5 last year. Thinking about the ntg3 but sounded like there was more noise. I might have to rent one for a weekend and test them to my voice. Also going to get this video on my computer with proper headphones.
I hope you find it helpful. Happy recording!
Man I really dont need a Enthusiast shotgun mic... but you do make a really compelling evaluation for why I'd want one
Don't but it if you don't need it. 😀
Stellar review! @17:35 you mention that this is really not for on-camera sound. Could you elaborate please? I have used this mic on my C300 and I think the NTG5 is far too sensitive, with lots of handling noise. Perhaps I need a better shock mount? Or maybe, as you imply, this just isn't a good choice for on-camera recording?
I just didn't want people to think that buying a $500 mic and mounting it to camera would result in the type of sound we usually hear in movies. Yes, you probably need a shock mount like those made by Rycote. Best wishes!
Didn’t really understand what RF bias was, so I looked it up. RF bias refers to a radio frequency alternating current that is applied to the microphone diaphragm. Due to the very high frequency of the AC current, usually in the megahertz range, the diaphragm doesn’t really vibrate as a result of the current, but it has a stiffening effect on the diaphragm, so that external bumps and disturbances do not move the diaphragm and induce noise into the signal. Basically, it’s like an electrical spring that makes the diaphragm stiff like a spring, and it is tuned in such a way that it blocks out mechanical response of the diaphragm to very low frequencies like bumps and handling noise, while letting through audio frequency sound.
Typically, RF bias microphones also have DC bias. DC bias essentially means that the diaphragm is designed to naturally rest off-center when there is no bias, and then a DC bias is added during operation to push it back to center, which creates a kind of stiffening and stabilizing effect for the diaphragm. The difference with RF bias microphones is that it is like an extra step that further stabilizes the diaphragm without the need for more mechanical stiffness in the diaphragm design. This allows for greater microphone sensitivity without a heavier diaphragm or increased noise sensitivity.
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Curtis for this review. That kit shock mount, though - the weight of the pistol grip seems to more than erase the lightweight advantage of the mic itself. I did invest in the NTG5, but will probably stick with lightweight minimalism on the tip of my handheld boom.
Makes sense. Best wishes!
Finally got my copy. Thank you Curtis for your reviews. It made selecting the NTG5 easy. It was further delayed due to the covid-19 pandemic but it’s home. Any in depth material you can recommend how to professionally this microphone will be high appreciated. Thanks
Hi Homer, congratulations on your new NTG5! I've got several courses over at school.learnlightandsound.com. Best wishes and happy recording!
@@curtisjudd awesome! Will check it out. Please extent discount. Hahaha. Now the next selection between the Zoom F Series and Mix Pre series begins. Will be upgrading from zoom H6. But for now I will explore the H6 + NTG5.
@@hbl_channel Not to worry, we have everyday very low prices! LOL! I think you'll be able to make some great recordings with the H6 - NTG5 combo. Happy recording!
@@curtisjudd 💯. Will be enrolling soon sir. More power.
Thank you Curtis very intuitive review.
Thanks Brian
Great review Curtis, thanks!
Thank you, Andrew.
Thanks Curtis! Hope you could keep the NTG-5 you tested. You totally deserved it. As much you deserve our gratitude for these reviews. I'm not a RODE fan(especially since DEITY came on the market) but I think they totally nailed it, this time. Videomic NTG looks really promising too. As much as the 416 is still a great mic, I just don't see the need of it anymore like in the past. For that amount of money you could have now more than one mic and have more options. I think it's good news all in all.
Thanks alonzojt!
you put so much into this clip .... thx
Thanks Oleander.
Finally setting up my NTG5/Zoom F3...
Happy recording!
Another fantastic video. Can't wait for your review on the new Rode VideoMic NTG??
Plan on it!
@@curtisjudd Can't wait!
3rd time watching. Broke out the headphones for the last one to truly appreciate what you have put together here. I loved the floor noise test and absolutely appreciated the polar pattern white noise test. The NTG5 is a great value at $499 usd for the beginning youtuber or beginning film maker. The Rode PG2 R pistol grip and cable alone is $140 on B&H. The NTG 3 is a great mic at $700 by itself. Wouldn't we all like to have a Sennheiser MKH 416 in our arsenal for $1K . Deity puts out some good stuff too, with there S2 location kit coming in at $429 at B&H as well. The location kit comes with comparable accessories to the NTG5. However overall after the tests you have provide us today, value and sound, pound for pound, its the NTG 5 for the win.
Thanks Curtis
-Will
The noise is quite accurate in the specs of most models:
model, sensitivity in mv/Pa, A-weighted IEC651 noise level in dB SPL
AKGC414 23 6 (a large diaphragm studio mic as a benchmark)
mkh60 40 8
me66 50 10
ntg5 66 10
ck69 54 11
mkh8060 63 11
ntg3 31,6 13
S-Mic2s 25 15
mkh416 25 16
ck98 20 17
The SMic2S noise spec does not sound accurate. It should have same level with lower noise than mkh416.
What is not in the specs and most tests is every other aspect, which is typically a lot more important than noise. An MKH60 for example is excellent in handling noise, build quality, etc, something one cannot say for me66, the ck69 has the most forgiving pickup pattern in the group, the NTG series sounds a little constrained compared to the Sennheiser models, and so on.
Modern shooting requires relatively high levels of room tone. This will mask small differences in noise. These mics will not really be used in studio environments.
Thanks for the thoughts and specs! On the practical noise sample readings, it is the S-Mic 2S’s wider polar pattern which picked up more room sound, not more self noise. We are making a gross measure of room tone, polar pattern, and self noise combined - a practical measure rather than a self noise spec measurement alone. And I agree, in most cases for film production, the room tone will mask most self noise.
In a realistic shooting situation it wouldn't matter much. I liked this test a lot:
ruclips.net/video/yWFKGpv21QA/видео.html
Btw, you are doing an excellent job in all things audio. Your material is an oasis.
@@aristotle_4532 Thanks!
Hmm, the NTG5 has the better package for sure. But after listening I do prefer the NTG3, fuller lows while having more detail. The NTG5 sounds a tiny bit muffled in comparison. It would be great in the future to include some female vocals to see how the low end treatment affects the sound. Great review as always!
Trust your ears - if you prefer the NTG3, that's legit! And yes, will include female voices in the future.
@@curtisjudd Wow, that would be awesome, looking forward to it! Thanks!!!
BEST TEST EVER
👍
still looking at ntg3/5 for dialogue, i have a mid level tone voice not too much bass, deffo more higher its mainly for dialogue / streaming. i did look at the 416 but sadly due to it being infamous the price has gone up. my room is treated acoustically
👍
@@curtisjudd what do you think?
@@RathOXI think the NTG5 is more neutral sounding and the NTG3 is bassier. They’re all fine mics. But If you want the 416 sound, then the NTG3 is probably a better choice.
While I’m not a 416 fan as a general (DPA 4017 for me), it’s leagues beyond the others in sound quality, though seemed like the NTG5 had slightly better noise floor. Most of them have some sort of weird resonance or jagged peak in the spectrum making sibilance sound dirty. The 416 has a much more transparent sound with much more midrange and high frequency detail. The deity sounded like absolute garbage.
Thanks for the insights Henri.
Great review trust your feed back so just ordered!
I hope it works well for you!
@@curtisjudd initially the MKH 416 was my initial pick, but i think the new NTG is good enough for my up coming applications. What suggestions might you have for a blimp ?
The world is waiting for a Rode NTG5 vs. AT4053B shootout, Curtis ;-)
It is!? Thanks for letting me know! I’m working on a boom mic meta review this week. Won’t have side by side samples as there isn’t enough time but will speak to where I think each is a good fit.
Great video, Curtis! Just for clarification: If you were a voice actor, and you could get the NTG 5 for $500, or the MKH 416 for $999, which would you get? :)
Hi George, depends on the voice, for sibilant voices, I definitely prefer the NTG5, for very dark voices without much high frequency energy the 416.
Great review as always! Having recently bought the NTG3 think I'm going to return it for the NTG5.
Thanks Sedley. Best wishes!
Did you do that?
I have an NTG2 and would like to upgrade, just not sure if I can get by with the shorter model "VideoMic NTG" which they say is similar to the NTG5. I'll be waiting on that video comparison to make a final decision. Once again thank you for your time and great video content!
Hi David, the VideoMic NTG is similar to the NTG5 only in that it has the circular hole interference tube design. Where they differ is that the VM NTG is a DC bias mic with a 3.5mm output while the NTG5 is an RF bias mic (this is the least expensive RF-bias mic of which I am aware) and has a balanced XLR output. You can evidently adapt the VM NTG to XLR though I'm not sure yet whether it has a balanced output which dictates how long a cable you can use. I'll do a review of the VM NTG as soon as I can get a copy.
@@curtisjudd I cant wait, I love your detailed reviews! Curious how the 3.5 connection will do against the XLR, does XLR still have a huge advantage in audio these days?
@@Dubi00 The question is whether the VideoMic NTG's 3.5mm output is balanced or not. That still very much makes a difference in how long you can run a cable. Balanced is still superior for longer cables such as when booming the mic.
Excellent work as always Curtis! On your recommendation, I purchased the AT4053b a couple years ago. Question: snag another 4053b for conducting interviews between 2 subjects, OR get this new Rode instead? PS - I loved your Mix Pre 3 course! Thx in advance!
Hmm, tough call. I could see either way. The advantage of going for the NTG5 is then you'd also have a mic for those rare outdoor occasions. But, a hyper like the 4053b is a good one and won't have issues with phase interference - though that is quite rare.
Curtis, why does the NTG3 sound so harshly strange in the outdoor sample? I am owning three of them and they never sounded like that when used outside...
In your indoor samples the NTG3 and NTG5 sounded much more similar.
Cable issue with the Cyclone which needs repair, it turns out. 😕
@@curtisjudd I see, thanks for clearing that up :)
Great review as usual! Could you please also do one of the Sanken CS-M1? Looks like a very interesting option in the under $1000 range.
Thanks Juan. It's been on my list for a while but I have had a hard time sourcing one for the review (no budget at the moment). Will keep it on the list.
Ntg5 sounds the best! Nice sound, good reject noise, It's a great deal for the price!
I agree!
No. NTG5 no professional series!
Good comparison........ Thanks CJ......!!!
👍
thank you so much for great review again Curtis ! I am using sennheiser mke 600 for on-camera mic mainly and booming sometime ( already bought Rycote shock mount with Classic-Softie for it ) , I am always looking for a better boom mic , do you think NTG5 is a good choice in this price range ? or even more expensive stuff like MKH 416 as a long team investment ?
I like it quite a bit though i think you’ll mainly hear the difference when booming. I prefer the sound of the NTG5.
Great review as usual Curtis. Mixpre3ii and my NTG5 sound great. One thing I did find that upgrading my cable to mogami quad and neutrik gold connectors did bring out slightly more fidelity over some very good cables I owned. No regrets on these purchases.
Excellent, thanks. I’ve had very good luck with my Mogami cables as well.
Thanks for the great review, I'm getting into location sound and your video's are off great help!
I'm considering the ntg5 but the windscreen worries me a bit, I don't wanna tel a client 'sorry we can't record here because of the wind' unless the conditions are exceptional. I think (please correct me if I'm wrong) going for a rycote super shield kit with either a mke600 or AT 895 would be a safer bet. Also the super shield is gonna stay useful later if I upgrade to a better mic. your thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
I would think of wind protection in the form of something like the super shield to be something you’ll need regardless of the mic you choose. If you’re saying that your budget cannot afford the NTG5 and supershield then yes, I’d go with one of the other mics and a supershield for now.
Personally, I like the warmer sound of the NTG5. Fantastic review.
Thanks Todd.
Personally, I think the Sennheiser and the NTG3 sounded crisper and clearer but I think the NTG5 had less noise than the NTG3, although I can't see it being an issue on the NTG3. The Sennheiser is probably my favourite though.
@@David-ud9ju Cool - always trust YOUR ears.
All of these mics are great, but the 416 just sounds so much more natural to my ears. It's just so well balanced that you don't "notice" any weird audio characteristics. The low end on the NTG5 is still a bit much.
Interesting, thanks!
I agree.
Are all Diety mics DC bias? I happen to live in South Florida so the talk about humidity caught my attention. Diety product line has caught my attention over the past year. But humidity is a huge issue particularly during hurricanes. So thanks for bringing this to our attention. Now I have to re-think everything. I am assuming I should stay away from anything DC bias which would seem to rule out Diety.
I should add that I have seen the word “waterproof” used on some of Diety’s branding and that had me wondering if that factors into the equation. I am thinking not, since air/moisture are pretty hard to stop long term but perhaps i am wrong?
Hi Adam TV, Yes, all of the Deity mics along with 98% of all condenser mics use a DC-bias or JFET principle. The DEITY S-Mic 2 and S-Mic 2S have coated circuit boards so that if they do get wet, they should not be permanently damaged. However, this does not necessarily mean that they will continue to capture good sound if a substantial amount of water condenses on the microphone diaphragm while the diaphragm is still wet. They may need to dry out for 24 hours before they'll work well again.
RF-bias isn't totally absent of issues in humidity, but does tend to continue working more reliably when moisture condenses on the diaphragm. But if you drop it in a bog, there's a good chance it won't capture good sound, at least until it dries out. 😀
@@curtisjudd Well, not much survives in the Everglades, not even humans, but that's a different story. But thanks for the reply and all you do for the community. Deity is also doing a lot for the community and I in no way mean to bash their product line. Like I said, I have been impressed and was seriously looking at several of their products until this "humidity issue" raised its head. I have now heard you raise the humidity issue in more than one video which makes me think it something I should take seriously since humidity is an issue year round in Florida. I guess this is going to severely limit my choice but at least the Rode mic in this video is RF bias. I still need to look at the rest of the Rode product line but with any luck that will also be RF bias.
@@AdamTV The NTG3 and NTG8 are also RF-bias microphones. The other manufacturer who has a lineup of RF-bias microphones, indeed the company that has done the most with that technology, is Sennheiser.
@@curtisjudd Thanks. Yes, I have been catching up with those on some of you older videos which are a gold mine of information!!!!! And then Wikipedia has a very good section on RF vs DC that I found very helpful.