Here is a video I produced in order to test the sound of the Rode Nt-3 microphone as a boom mic and an on-camera mic. Its on-camera prowess is specifically compared to the RODE VideoMic Pro in the video.
The following conversation is in regards the video posted above and took place between myself and my Instructor at Spokane Falls Community College, Ira Gardner. In it, we discuss the possibility of keeping this microphone and why. –
Me:
The test came out pretty well. I’m super hard pressed to make a decision but I’m leaning on finding another $300 somewhere to get the Audio-Technica AT4053b.
But, at the same time, I feel that this mic (the Rode NT-3) sounds really good and I might miss the extra leeway in positioning the mic overhead of actors- being that it is a cardiod vs the hypercardiod Audio-Technica.
Do you think the hypercardiod Audio-Technica will really make that much of a difference in room reverb and refrigerator noises?
Ira:
Hi Kyle, The difference between the RODE NT-3 and the RODE video mic pro is night and day! The NT-3 sounds much more alive and natural with a rich mid-tone and bass that is much improved over the old RODE. Now as to whether or not the Audio Technica mic is worth the extra money… to my ears it isn’t. Listening to this side by side test I thought the NT3 sounded better:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUHoWLemleQ&lc=Ugi2SQ_nZjJt3XgCoAEC
In my opinion Hypercardiod mics are best used to capture foley sounds and not for dialogue. I would use hypercardiod mics to get individual instruments in a studio recording session or to get isolated background noises to spice up the audio later on in post-production.
Just my two cents worth of feedback.
-Ira
Me:
I might have to just keep the NT-3. As long as I control off axis noises like washing machines, refrigerator, people talking in background, then it does actually sound better. Hypercardiod mics seem to sacrifice some sound quality in their quest for off axis noise reduction. But, that loss of sound quality actually improves the sound when the room has a lot of natural reverb and echo like hardwood flooring etc.
One of the best features of the NT-3 though is that it takes a 9v battery for when you don’t have phantom power. Thus, making it the ultimate run and gun on-camera mic. So, even if I get one of the more expensive mics next quarter, I think I’ll still have uses for this one. All the other mics recommended for indoor booming take phantom power only so portability is shot. Plus, I really like the way the nt-3 sounds on-camera. And, that eliminates a lot of hassle with booming a set every time
I think it will work really good for people to clearly hear my comedy lines coming from my mush mouth.
Thanks for your input. I spent all morning trying to justify keeping it just because of the 9v battery vs phantom situation. I think you just pushed me to go ahead and use it.
Ira
Good choice.