I took back the idea of the ME66 ;-) I had a very good offer (310€ net) for a bundle with the K6 including 30days sending back and full money back without declaration of any reason. I know the dealer so it's reliable.
I will compare it side by side with the NTG-2 first with the H4n to see (hear) what the difference is in real situation. ME66 + K6 is usable without phantom power so it could be usable on the DSLR input too. I know this is no good solution but it works at all in contrast to AT875R or MXL FR 300. I postponed the recorder until I did the mic test. Thanks for all comments & good advice.
@peaceonearth in a pretty quiet room. And it's Finnish ;)
@tonalt thanks for sharing this sample. sounds pretty good, way far better than the NTG-2. Was it outside or in a room? (and which language is it?)
Sounds pretty ok, I do not see much noise.
@HillTop1 That's another reason I went with the AT875R - several testers (including in earlier link ) claimed that it was better at managing the echo that shotguns are prone to indoors. Taking them at their word as I've not done comparisons myself. I've often been really happy with indoor results; I've also often wished to have a much more suited cardioid for indoor work. Compromises again.
I still love my NTG-3, Juicedlink combination...and I got them both used from a reputable seller to save a few bucks.
@peaceonearth for a one man team I have started using a mic stand (cost around £10-15) to hook ntg-2.
So the mic comes from the top facing downwards completely escaping the view from the camera with 14mm lens.
Worth a try I'd say...
I remember one problem with ntg-2 - it captures a wind hiss, shooting outdoors even with a dead cat. So rode tech acknowledged the issue and advised to use a sticky tape on the rear end of the microphone, covering the small hole.
@jleo I tried that out before. In deed it improves a little but doesn't save the recording
@ahbleza stamina mode restricts audio to 44.1 kHz, normally I go for 48kHz
I dropped the idea of the ME-66. I found are commendention of a Beyerdynamic MCE86 but heard also that it is too noisy. I think I will follow thecommendation of tascam recorder and MXL FR 300. What about using it directly at the camera?
@peaceonearth If you go with ME66, then you also need a powering module K6. That combo is quite a step up in price compared to NTG-2. Good stuff, no doubt, but not low budget anymore.
I decided to sell H4n right now and go for a new field recorder. I will see how it works with NTG-2 and decide what will I do with the mic later. I got a recommendation for a Sennheiser ME66. What's your opinion?
Roland R-26 vs. Tascam DR-100 MKII - no decision yet.
I attended a workshop by this sound guy... I think he is very good, and offers some great advice.
Specifically, he recommends the Roland R05 with Sanken lav. He talks about the input pre-amp problem of the H4N at around 2:50, and also recommends the Roland R26 if you have the budget.
@WalterH starting basis was my testimonial shoot, quite similar to interview / docu. sometimes I can take a person for a boom but sometimes it has to be done all alone. I guess quite the same as in your shooting conditions.
@WalterH, thanks for the advice. I was kinda considering the Beachtek DXA-SLR PRO for it kinda compact nature as I could just "fuse" camera audio adapter together for a more potable system. But you're right, great to have a second recording off camera.
The reason for the 2m record distance is based on the documentary and some of the people we will interview (traditional chief) as I was told, we are only allow a minimum 2m distance from him. They say we're outsiders and not of royal decent.
Cool. Yes, under the Softie and a shock mount the 875 basically disappears. I do like its size for mobility, whether on camera or packed away traveling between locations.
@Straffi, I also looked at the the Roland R26 which was described to me basically as the Edirol electronics (preamps, etc.) of the R44 stuffed into a smaller package. I bet its quality is very good, ie. low noise floor, etc. I did not go for it as it due to its size (a bit larger), cost (a good bit more), and the quality of the 100mkii was plenty good enough for me at this stage. I don't think you will get a lot more out of the R44 than the R26 unless you have a separate audio person working that machine - pro, dedicated gear at that stage.
re. the NTG-2, differences in that level of recorder won't matter beans if you have poor mic placement. My understanding is that the NTG-2 shines when placed within 18" (perhaps a bit more, but not 3' away) of the subject, just out of the camera view. Since I can rarely have someone boom for me... The R44 vs. R26 won't make the difference vs. mic placement as I understand, but I've not tested those units directly.
(p.s. don't mean to be a thread hog, but this is the one area I've spend a lot of time and energy as I'm learning this whole dslr gig. I have learned so much from others and there are great solutions out there other than mine. I just freaked a little when seeing another H4n/NTG-2 thread.)
Lastly, most of this conversation does not mean a great deal unless people say what they are hoping to record and in what conditions they expect to be doing it in. Me, I am doing a lot of docu, narrative, indy-journalism, both indoors and out. Realizing the necessity of a good lav at this stage.
@WalterH I also listended to those recordings from that article on Ken Stone before purchasing! With Rycote Softie 12cm is indeed good combo. I'm also eying your DR-100 mkII. :-) The AT875R has no weight at all, so very nice. It is very short, so can be a bit tricky with finding right shock mount.
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