#this feels like its post-sm7

[getting-spooky-on-a-friday-night]

Kevin: So, did everyone learn their lesson? Skid: No. Pump: I did not. Roy: I may have actually forgotten one. Susie: Also no. Kevin: Oh good, neither did I.

[droneseco]

RØDE VideoMic NTG On-Camera Shotgun Microphone Review

Our verdict of the RØDE VideoMic NTG: The RØDE VideoMic NTG is lightweight, versatile, and filled with useful features. The ease of use and broadcast-grade audio quality makes this a great tool for all professionals.1010

If you’re looking for a high-end recording mic that is reasonably priced, and small enough for you to carry around, look no further. As the dominating shotgun mic producer, RØDE has just created one of the most versatile mics ever.

Combining the signature broadcast-quality sound of the NTG shotgun mic and creating a compact version that can be used in most devices people own, the RØDE VideoMic NTG is definitely a mic worth trying.

With some brand-new features that standard shotgun mics have been lacking, to the small details which make this mic so easy to use, here’s why I think the RØDE VideoMic NTG will soon become the go-to mic for all different types of content creators.

RØDE VideoMic NTG: Specifications

Acoustic Principle: Pressure Gradient Electret Condenser

Polar Pattern: Super-cardioid

Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz

Frequency Response: 35Hz-18kHz ± 3dB

Output Impedance: 10 ohm

Signal to Noise Ratio: 79dBA

Dynamic Range: 105dB SPL (A-weighted, as per IEC651)

Equivalent Noise: 15dB SPL (A-weighted, as per IEC651)

Sensitivity: -26dB re 1V/Pa (50mV @ 94dB SPL) ± 1dB @ 1kHz

Input SPL at 1% THD: 120dB SPL

High Pass Filter Frequency: 75Hz, 150Hz

Battery Life: over 30 hours

Battery Capacity: 350mAh

Output Connection: 3.5mm auto-sensing, USB-C

Bit Depth: 24 bit

Sample Rate: 48kHz

Weight: 3.31 ounces (94 grams)

Diameter: 0.85 inches (21.6 millimetres)

Length: 6.73 inches (171 millimetres)

What’s In The Box?

In addition to the VideoMic NTG Microphone, it also comes with:

SM7-R Camera Mount

Foam Windshield

SC10 Cable

USB Cable (USB-A to USB-C)

RØDE VideoMic NTG: Build Quality and Design

When I first held the RØDE VideoMic NTG in my hands, I was pleasantly surprised. The weight distribution in the mic itself felt very even, and the body felt nice and solid. It definitely felt high quality, as you’d expect from a body built from “rugged aerospace-grade aluminum”.

The two main buttons on the mic are responsive and have a good feel to them when pressed. The gain knob is smooth when you adjust it, and has quite a nice amount of resistance so that it won’t change if you happen to accidentally knock or brush it. Overall, it seems that a lot of thought has been put into the design, and I believe that it will stand the test of heavy use, through all different scenarios.

Setting Up The Mic

The RØDE VideoMic NTG is actually quite straightforward to use and self-explanatory if you have some basic experience using audio gear. Straight out of the box, the mic is already sitting on the SM7-R mount, with the windshield on. All you need to do is connect it to your DSLR and it’s ready to go!

First, let’s talk about some of this mic’s exciting features. It has an auto-sensing 3.5mm output that interacts seamlessly with both cameras and mobile devices, and will auto-detect whether it’s plugged into a TRS or a TRRS input. Just plug it straight into your mobile devices, tablets, or cameras that accept a 3.5mm input, and it will work right away.

For the streamers and podcasters, the VideoMic NTG also comes with a USB-C output that allows you to connect it to desktops or laptops via USB-A, and it should be detected as an external mic.

Features and Usability

The RØDE VideoMic NTG has some built-in settings that you can adjust on the fly. It comes with 2 high pass filters (at 75Hz and 150Hz), a high-frequency boost (that you might like to enable when the windshield is on), a pad at -20db, and the option to use a safety channel (that will record in stereo with one channel at -20db). On the mic itself is also a dB peak warning light to alert you if your audio source is too loud.

One of my favourite features is actually the unique infinitely variable gain control that is situated at the back of the mic. It is an active control that allows you to deliver anything from mic level signal, all the way to a headphone level output. This results in cleaner audio and also a highly improved signal-to-noise ratio, all done on the mic before it even hits your recording device!

Some other handy features include a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides over 30 hours of battery life, and only takes 2 hours to fully charge from empty. It can be charged via USB-C which allows continuous recording with a power bank.

The auto-power feature can also be quite helpful – it switches the mic on or off based on the state of your camera, and works as long as your camera delivers plug-in power. This also works if you are using the microphone in USB audio mode.

Audio Quality: How Does The RØDE VideoMic NTG Hold Up?

As you would expect from a RØDE product, it lives up to its name.

I did a few quick tests and was very happy with the results, at a few different distances in a controlled environment, without changing any settings, I recorded my voice at 3, 10, and 20 feet.

There was clarity and a nice depth to the voice when I was 3 feet away (such as in an interview or streaming distance). For the time it took to set it up and calibrate the microphone – which was probably under a minute – it was pretty close to studio standard and hard to fault!

Sure, you could edit it in post-production and make it sound exactly the way you want it, especially if doing video type projects. But even if it’s just recorded directly for live stream or podcasts, I’m sure your audience will be pleased with the quality.

If your subject happens to be at further or varying distances, and you don’t have the luxury of calibrating the gain settings for each scenario (especially in moving scenes), I found that digitally increasing volume and enhancing the audio waves in an editor was actually pretty simple.

Just turning up the gain and equalizing out the noisy frequencies produced audio that I was quite happy with, and I don’t think many people would even be able to tell the difference!

I also happened to have its predecessor – the RØDE NTG-2 (which is built for broadcast and used by many professionals around the world), so I actually did a quick comparison. And to my surprise, the quality was similar.

So it was great to see that they’ve managed to maintain that audio quality in the smaller form factor of the VideoMic NTG, making it so much more versatile and convenient.

RØDE VideoMic NTG: Final Thoughts

The RØDE VideoMic NTG is the perfect tool for filmmakers, podcasters, or just content producers who want a multipurpose mic handy for whenever the need arises.

At $249 for a broadcast-quality mic, with more than 30 hours battery life, the flexibility to be used with most cameras and mobile devices, while also being small enough to fit into almost any bag, the RØDE VideoMic NTG is a great mic to help anyone from amateurs to professionals increase the quality of their work.

RØDE has kept to their high standards, as anyone who has used their products should be used to. For those new to their line of gear, this would be a great time to give them a shot!

Read the full article: RØDE VideoMic NTG On-Camera Shotgun Microphone Review

RØDE VideoMic NTG On-Camera Shotgun Microphone Review published first on http://droneseco.tumblr.com/

[grassroutes]

RØDE VideoMic NTG On-Camera Shotgun Microphone Review

Our verdict of the RØDE VideoMic NTG: The RØDE VideoMic NTG is lightweight, versatile, and filled with useful features. The ease of use and broadcast-grade audio quality makes this a great tool for all professionals.1010

If you’re looking for a high-end recording mic that is reasonably priced, and small enough for you to carry around, look no further. As the dominating shotgun mic producer, RØDE has just created one of the most versatile mics ever.

Combining the signature broadcast-quality sound of the NTG shotgun mic and creating a compact version that can be used in most devices people own, the RØDE VideoMic NTG is definitely a mic worth trying.

With some brand-new features that standard shotgun mics have been lacking, to the small details which make this mic so easy to use, here’s why I think the RØDE VideoMic NTG will soon become the go-to mic for all different types of content creators.

RØDE VideoMic NTG: Specifications

Acoustic Principle: Pressure Gradient Electret Condenser

Polar Pattern: Super-cardioid

Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz

Frequency Response: 35Hz-18kHz ± 3dB

Output Impedance: 10 ohm

Signal to Noise Ratio: 79dBA

Dynamic Range: 105dB SPL (A-weighted, as per IEC651)

Equivalent Noise: 15dB SPL (A-weighted, as per IEC651)

Sensitivity: -26dB re 1V/Pa (50mV @ 94dB SPL) ± 1dB @ 1kHz

Input SPL at 1% THD: 120dB SPL

High Pass Filter Frequency: 75Hz, 150Hz

Battery Life: over 30 hours

Battery Capacity: 350mAh

Output Connection: 3.5mm auto-sensing, USB-C

Bit Depth: 24 bit

Sample Rate: 48kHz

Weight: 3.31 ounces (94 grams)

Diameter: 0.85 inches (21.6 millimetres)

Length: 6.73 inches (171 millimetres)

What’s In The Box?

In addition to the VideoMic NTG Microphone, it also comes with:

SM7-R Camera Mount

Foam Windshield

SC10 Cable

USB Cable (USB-A to USB-C)

RØDE VideoMic NTG: Build Quality and Design

When I first held the RØDE VideoMic NTG in my hands, I was pleasantly surprised. The weight distribution in the mic itself felt very even, and the body felt nice and solid. It definitely felt high quality, as you’d expect from a body built from “rugged aerospace-grade aluminum”.

The two main buttons on the mic are responsive and have a good feel to them when pressed. The gain knob is smooth when you adjust it, and has quite a nice amount of resistance so that it won’t change if you happen to accidentally knock or brush it. Overall, it seems that a lot of thought has been put into the design, and I believe that it will stand the test of heavy use, through all different scenarios.

Setting Up The Mic

The RØDE VideoMic NTG is actually quite straightforward to use and self-explanatory if you have some basic experience using audio gear. Straight out of the box, the mic is already sitting on the SM7-R mount, with the windshield on. All you need to do is connect it to your DSLR and it’s ready to go!

First, let’s talk about some of this mic’s exciting features. It has an auto-sensing 3.5mm output that interacts seamlessly with both cameras and mobile devices, and will auto-detect whether it’s plugged into a TRS or a TRRS input. Just plug it straight into your mobile devices, tablets, or cameras that accept a 3.5mm input, and it will work right away.

For the streamers and podcasters, the VideoMic NTG also comes with a USB-C output that allows you to connect it to desktops or laptops via USB-A, and it should be detected as an external mic.

Features and Usability

The RØDE VideoMic NTG has some built-in settings that you can adjust on the fly. It comes with 2 high pass filters (at 75Hz and 150Hz), a high-frequency boost (that you might like to enable when the windshield is on), a pad at -20db, and the option to use a safety channel (that will record in stereo with one channel at -20db). On the mic itself is also a dB peak warning light to alert you if your audio source is too loud.

One of my favourite features is actually the unique infinitely variable gain control that is situated at the back of the mic. It is an active control that allows you to deliver anything from mic level signal, all the way to a headphone level output. This results in cleaner audio and also a highly improved signal-to-noise ratio, all done on the mic before it even hits your recording device!

Some other handy features include a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides over 30 hours of battery life, and only takes 2 hours to fully charge from empty. It can be charged via USB-C which allows continuous recording with a power bank.

The auto-power feature can also be quite helpful – it switches the mic on or off based on the state of your camera, and works as long as your camera delivers plug-in power. This also works if you are using the microphone in USB audio mode.

Audio Quality: How Does The RØDE VideoMic NTG Hold Up?

As you would expect from a RØDE product, it lives up to its name.

I did a few quick tests and was very happy with the results, at a few different distances in a controlled environment, without changing any settings, I recorded my voice at 3, 10, and 20 feet.

There was clarity and a nice depth to the voice when I was 3 feet away (such as in an interview or streaming distance). For the time it took to set it up and calibrate the microphone – which was probably under a minute – it was pretty close to studio standard and hard to fault!

Sure, you could edit it in post-production and make it sound exactly the way you want it, especially if doing video type projects. But even if it’s just recorded directly for live stream or podcasts, I’m sure your audience will be pleased with the quality.

If your subject happens to be at further or varying distances, and you don’t have the luxury of calibrating the gain settings for each scenario (especially in moving scenes), I found that digitally increasing volume and enhancing the audio waves in an editor was actually pretty simple.

Just turning up the gain and equalizing out the noisy frequencies produced audio that I was quite happy with, and I don’t think many people would even be able to tell the difference!

I also happened to have its predecessor – the RØDE NTG-2 (which is built for broadcast and used by many professionals around the world), so I actually did a quick comparison. And to my surprise, the quality was similar.

So it was great to see that they’ve managed to maintain that audio quality in the smaller form factor of the VideoMic NTG, making it so much more versatile and convenient.

RØDE VideoMic NTG: Final Thoughts

The RØDE VideoMic NTG is the perfect tool for filmmakers, podcasters, or just content producers who want a multipurpose mic handy for whenever the need arises.

At $249 for a broadcast-quality mic, with more than 30 hours battery life, the flexibility to be used with most cameras and mobile devices, while also being small enough to fit into almost any bag, the RØDE VideoMic NTG is a great mic to help anyone from amateurs to professionals increase the quality of their work.

RØDE has kept to their high standards, as anyone who has used their products should be used to. For those new to their line of gear, this would be a great time to give them a shot!

Read the full article: RØDE VideoMic NTG On-Camera Shotgun Microphone Review

RØDE VideoMic NTG On-Camera Shotgun Microphone Review posted first on grassroutespage.blogspot.com

[sustainpunch]

Shure SM7B Review (2019) | Sustain Punch

In this article, we’re going to be discussing and reviewing the Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone.

The SM7B is a cardioid studio microphone, and of course, is manufactured by the famous music equipment manufacturer Shure.

Shure is a company renowned for producing high-quality, yet incredibly affordable audio/recording equipment. With them being most known for producing microphones, in-ear monitors, monitoring systems, headphones and much more.

With rather humble beginnings, the company started out as a radio parts wholesaler in 1925, but by the early 1930s, they had already began creating their own microphones, such as the Model 55, and the rest is history.

Nowadays, Shure is seen as being an industry leader, with their microphones being used in all kinds of recording & live performances… The Shure SM-57, SM58 and SM7B are but a few of their astonishing successes.

However, going back to discussing the SM7B!

We’ve structured this SM7B Review in a way that not only makes it easy to follow, but we’ve included everything from technical specifications, high-quality images and video demonstrations of the microphone in action.

Ok, so let’s talk more about the Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone.

Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone

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Main Features/Benefits

One of Shure’s best selling cardioid microphones

Cardioid polar pattern to provide off-axis rejection

Flat frequency response for accurate and clean signal reproduction

Bass roll-off and mid-range emphasis (presence boost) controls

Versatile usage – Perfect for vocals, instruments and amplifier mic setup

Frequency range: 50Hz – 20kHz

Internal ‘air suspension’ shock isolation to eliminate mechanical noise

Built to last with rugged construction, a reason for its incredible reliability

Effective pop filter & windscreen to reduce plosives

Yoke mounting with captive stand nut for easy mounting/dismounting

Used by famous artists – Michael Jackson (most of the Thriller album)

Setbacks

Low signal levels, which means that you often have to turn up the gain on your audio interface/preamp to compensate

Using a Fethead or Cloudlifter will resolve this gain issue, meaning that you don’t have to push your audio interface preamp as much.

Reviews suggest that it’s not fantastic at rejecting large amounts of ambient audio – However, we’ve not had any issues with the SM7B in relation to this, as we think it does a decent job.

Description

The Shure SM7B is an upgraded variation of the former SM7 (introduced in 1976), SM7A (introduced in 1999). The SM7B was introduced in 2001, and since then it has been one of the most used microphones around the globe!

One of the main reasons for its adoption is the fact that it’s incredibly versatile, with it’s wide, flat frequency response, and cardioid polar pattern, it’s perfect to be used in recording setups for recording vocals, instruments and even micing up amplifiers, where off-axis sound rejection is required to gain clarity in a recording take.

Also, with the addition of it’s bass roll-off and mid-range emphasis (presence boost) controls, it’s also been widely used in broadcasting, podcasting and video commentary, as it really provides a lovely rich, clean tone.

The microphone itself has a cardioid polar pattern, but with the assistance of the bass roll off and mid-range boost controls, the polar pattern changes accordingly (refer to screenshot below) and as you can see, it has good frequency responsiveness.

The SM7B, or SM7 to be accurate, also has its claims to fame… when Michael Jackson released the Thriller album.

Quincy Jones and Recording Engineer Bruce Swedien decided to use the SM7 for most of Michael’s vocals. Here’s an extract of what Bruce had to say about his experience with the microphone in that particular setting:

“One of my absolute favorite microphones is the Shure SM7.  I recorded most of the big hit records of Michael’s career with him in front of one of my SM7s. I’ve been pretty vocal about how much I love that microphone, it’s a great mic.”

“I was allowed the freedom to make microphone choices, and nobody ever said a word. I just did it. For example, I used a Shure SM7 on most of Michael’s lead vocals — ‘Billie Jean’, ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’ — and boy, did that raise some eyebrows! But I love that mic, and I have six of them. The first one that I bought was in 1977 … one of the first SM7s to be used on a major music project. It’s dynamic of course and it worked just flawlessly with Michael – if you notice you can hear all the lyrics very clearly.” (Shure)

The microphone also comes with a pop shield and an added A7WS detachable windscreen to best reduce plosive sounds, meaning that you can use the proximity effect to get the most out of the microphone, as far as getting a rich, clean sound.

As far as the physical aspects of the microphone are, it certainly feels well-constructed, and I personally have owned one for over 5 years and have never had any issues with it.

It weighs approximately 765 g, and has a sleek dark gray enamel aluminum and steel casing, which is extremely nice to look at and sets it apart from other microphones.

Sound & Performance

As far as the microphone’s sound, it really does provide a clean overall sound. It must be noted that the microphone has a pronounced proximity effect, meaning that the low frequencies are not picked up as readily as soon as you’ve positioned yourself either off-axis or more than 2-3 inches away, on-axis.

None-the-less, like any microphone, positioning is key! And when you’re singing, speaking or using the microphone to mic up an instrument, when you hit that sweet spot, it really provides a lovely rich tone.

However, as with a lot of Dynamic Microphones, the Shure does require a lot of gain to get the signal to a near nominal level, which is why I recommend using a Fethead of CloudLifter to act as an inline microphone preamp.

I’m a large fan of this microphone, and hearing that the Thiller album was recorded with the SM7, was just the push I needed to get one.

You can also take a look at the video demonstration of me using the microphone.

Additionally, take a look at this other video, for more isolated demonstrations of the Shure SM7B.

Conclusion

In our opinion, the Shure SM7B is such a fantastic microphone! As we’ve said, it’s extremely versatile and we use it for recording vocals mainly, and we’re looking to even do some video commentary with it soon.

The only downside is the gain that it requires… Yes an audio interface preamp will be able to handle it, but as we suggested, getting an inline preamp would be a better long-term solution.

None-the-less, there’s a reason why the Shure SM7B Cardioid Microphone is a best-seller for Shure, and why it’s accumulated so many fantastic customer reviews.

Overall, we think that the SM7B is suitable for nearly everyone, given that it’s pricing is very affordable (when looking at the general price of high-quality microphones)

We have to give the Shure SM7B a large thumbs up, and we highly recommend giving the microphone a look at!

>>>Check out the Latest Amazon Customer Reviews of the Shure SM7B<<<

The post Shure SM7B Review (2019) | Sustain Punch appeared first on Sustain Punch.

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