Rode NTG-2 Multi-Powered Shotgun Microphone,Black

**** WARRANTY CAUTION ****This does not impact my rating because it is seller related, but I wanted others to know.I purchased this from seller "Kellards" as a used unit. The description says "Minor Dented Box. Full manufactures Warranty 100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION". I interpreted (rightly so in my eyes) "full manufacturer warranty" as meaning the full 10 year warranty was included. You get a 1 year warranty regardless, but if you register through Rode's website, you get a 10 year warranty.While trying to register, I was unable to find Kellards as an authorized dealer. I contacted Rode support to see what the deal was and if I could get the warranty. I was instructed by Rode to select the seller as amazon.com. I did so and completed my registration. I do not know if this was a special privilege they extended because I was contacting them concerned or if it's just "the way" to do it. I do know that the website is very specific about selecting the particular vendor when buying from amazon while registering.In my case, I've printed and documented everything just in case my mic fails past the 1 year warranty and they try to claim I didn't buy it from an authorized retailer. I want you guys to be aware so that if you're very concerned about getting the 10 year warranty and you don't buy directly from amazon, you can at least know that's something you will want to research prior to your purchase. You can contact Rode by going to their website at rodemic.com (where you register for your warranty).On to your regularly scheduled review.**** END CAUTION ****This microphone is worlds better than my prior shotgun mic the Azden SGM-1X. The frequency response is so realistic, and it's not missing the mid-highs that some of the other cheaper shotgun mics are (this is considered a cheap shotgun mic for those wondering... not talking about the sub-$100 pieces of trash).I have no problems with the mic, and I'm glad I got it. I don't know if I can really add to what's already been said. I can confirm the mic clip it comes with is crazy snug (feels like I was going to break something the first time the mic in the clip). I can also confirm it works good with phantom power and with a battery. I noticed about a 12db gain using 48v phantom power with my unit. Not sure if they are all like that, but good to know if you're having trouble with getting good enough volume out of it.This mic does pair well with the zoom h4n, but expect to have to boost your levels by up to 24db in post to get usable audio if you're booming from more than a foot away from the actor's mouth (!Note! This is true for basically all shotgun microphones with the zoom h4n and not exclusive to the rode NTG-2). I strongly recommend using a preamp with this microphone, such as the ART USB preamp. Matter of fact, I'd recommend first getting this microphone with the ART USB preamp, then connecting it directly to your camera through the preamp. Then get the H4N when the funds are available if you are using this primarily for DSLR/dual system filming like myself.Remember that if there is ANY breeze at all (you can feel the air moving, any) it will be picked up with the included windscreen. A deadcat is a must. I couldn't afford one at the time of purchase and thought I could get away with an outside shoot without it... I turned out to be wrong sadly, a lot of the audio was unusable and being a live event there were no retakes. Don't make my same mistake!Hope this helps somebody! :)

The media could not be loaded. The Rode NTG-2 is now part of my location recording rig that also includes the Rode Blimp suspension system and the Roe boom pole. My video shows the microphone, blimp, and pole as part of the introduction and then the whole rig used to gather some sound. (For an HD version of the video, see my YouTube channel, lenswork4.) No editing of the sound was conducted as part of the video; it is presented exactly as recorded by the mic directly into my Canon XF100 camera. In the video, you'll see the unit in the frame picking up sound from a helicopter on a breezy day, then a few other examples indoors and out. The NTG-2 itself is an excellent mic for recording location sound. It's pick-up pattern is focused enough to use for interviews where you may not be able to control all surrounding noise. You can keep it focused on your subject, especially with the Blimp GREATLY reducing wind noise. I'm now using it to gather "wild" sound to build a library of sound effects used in my productions as well as to improve the quality of my location interviews. The mic also offers dual power, either through the XLR cable or via a AA battery. I highly recommend this entire outfit for its reasonable price, good performance, and as a great way to improve your videos by getting better audio.

Ok so I was debating on this or the NTG-3. I was completely sold on the NTG-3, until I personally used the NTG-2. A lot of people say you can't tell the difference between mics until you compare. Well that is true, however a lot of people do not record the correct way and then sometimes good mics sound bad and bad mics sound good.I use this in conjunction with my Zoom H6 which has beautiful preamps. The sound is amazing. The quality is superb. I am super happy with this as I know how to use it 'correctly' and have gotten superior results over any other mic I've used in the past. I also use this with the RODE Blimp to cut out all wind noise.Used correctly, this can match the NTG3 quality and results. Save the money and buy this with the RODE Blimp and still save $100