Capturing true-to-life audio on location is one of the most fundamentally important aspects of videography and filmmaking. Thanks to their excellent ambient noise rejection and natural response, shotgun microphones have long been the standard across all areas of the film and video production industry.
When on a budget, simple lapel mics can offer great bang-for-buck, but they can often sound too clinical, and can also often be seen in shot, which is hardly ideal.
To balance out the quality vs. budget battle, Rode released an outstanding range of shotgun microphones – the NTG series.
From the NTG-1, the ultimate budget shotgun mic, to the NTG-3, a true film-grade professional microphone, the NTG series does what Rode does best – Fits any given use case, with the right product at the right price.
Let’s take a look at the range.
The Rode NTG-1
The most affordable in the range, the rode NTG-1 is an excellent budget option for those entering the world of shotgun microphones. A broad 20Hz-20kHz frequency response, and excellent The NTG-2 is designed with versatility in mind. makes this mic a fantastic bang-for-buck option. To add to the versatility of this mic, NTG-1 can be powered by either 24v or 48v Phantom power.
- Broadcast sound quality
- Low noise circuitry
- Super-cardioid polar pattern
- Condenser transducer
- Rugged metal construction
- Two step HPF (Flat/80Hz)
- Low handling noise
- Low weight – 105g (3 oz.)
- Includes mic clip, wind shield and bag
- Ideal for videography and filmmaking
The Rode NTG-2
With very similar specs, and a very similar price-point to the NTG-1, the NTG-2 is designed with versatility in mind. The inclusion of an AA battery socket means the mic can be powered independently, allowing it to be used with recorders or interfaces that do not offer phantom power, like many DSLR and Mirrorless cameras. If you’re looking for a high quality microphone to pair with your camera, the NTG-2 is an excellent option.
- Broadcast sound quality
- Low noise circuitry
- Condenser transducer
- Rugged metal construction
- Two step HPF (Flat/80Hz)
- P48 phantom power or AA battery
- Low handling noise
- Low weight – 161g (5.17 oz.)
- Includes mic clip, wind shield and bag
- Ideal for DSLR’s
The Rode NTG-3
The NTG-3 takes a real step up into the professional range, being Rode’s premier shotgun microphone offering. Switching to RF Bias techonology, it is almost completely resistant to moisture, making it the indispensable when recording in environments where condensation is an issue.
Being Rode’s premier shotgun microphone, the NTG-3 exhibits excellent audio reproduction with a rich, warm quality and a full frequency response rated at 40Hz – 20kHz with a blistering sensitivity rating of -30.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal.
- Superior broadcast sound quality
- High Sensitivity
- Super-cardioid polar pattern
- Designed to withstand adverse environmental conditions
- 50% less self-noise than the majority of shotgun microphones
- Extremely low handling noise
- High level of immunity to radio frequency interference
- True Condenser (external RF biased)
- Includes durable aluminium storage cylinder for transport, pop filter, mic clip and large zip pouch
- Designed for professional use on film, television, ENG & wherever high resolution broadcast audio is required
The Rode NTG-5
The NTG-5 is the latest in Rode’s lineup. Desgned to bridge the gap between the NTG-2 and NTG-3, the NTG-5 offers professional level response and sensitivity with frequency repsonse at 80 Hz – 20 kHz ±3 dB and a groundbreaking sensitivity of -23.5 dB re. 1 Volt/Pascal, and of course the coveted RF Bias technology.
One of the primary differences you will notice is the size and wieght. This makes the NTG-5 the ideal boom microphone. Rode were very intentional in this, including a full shockmount, grip and deadcat windshield kit with the microphone.
- Revolutionary acoustic design, delivering a natural, uncoloured sound.
- Extremely lightweight (just 76g), and short in length (just 203mm)
- Tailored frequency response and very low self-noise of just 10dBA
- Highly directional supercardioid polar pattern and smooth off-axis response
- RF-bias technology and conformal coating ensure superior performance in adverse environmental conditions
- Comes in a complete location recording kit with WS10 windshield, PG2-R pistol grip and other accessories
