Zoom H5 Shotgun Shootout: SGH-6 vs. Rode NTG-2 vs. NTG-3

Zoom H5 shotgun shootout: the SGH-6 shotgun capsule vs. the Rode NTG-2 and NTG-3 shotgun microphones, Audio-Technica AT4053b hypercardioid microphone, and the XYH-5 stereo microphone capsule (included with the purchase of a Zoom H5). You will also hear the Zoom H5 used with the SGH-6 shotgun capsule outdoors, using the included "hairy" windscreen.

[Expeditom]

1:18 I like how the shade of the dude shows the thumbs up :)

[grogurt]

Every time you look into my eyes and say shotgun microphone testing 1, 2, 3. I get all sweaty and bent out of shape. Thanks for the video. Helped me decide on my mic. If it wasn't for people that take the time to make videos like this for people, we wouldn't know what we are buying.

[richardson.]

Thanks for this video. I'm an aspiring film director/writer/producer and I'm dedicating every waking moment to learning everything I can about all sides of video production. I am subscribed and I look forward to seeing more of your videos.

[blueapplesmedia]

Great shootout.  I have 3 of those 4 mics so it was really helpful to listen to these results.  Thanks for posting.

[Carl-Camera]

The NTG3 has a far superior noise floor to the cheap NTG2. Thank you for this fantastic video Sam

[amirhaydari]

Your video was very helpful. Thank you so much.

[PeteWoronowski]

Thank you for this video Sam!
Cheers, Pete

[johnnanavati]

thank you. this is exactly what i was looking for.

[JoeJacksonJr]

Thanks for the comparison. The SGH-6 to me sounds better for broadcast audio and pod casting as it sounds like it really cuts out the room echo more then the others. Which is what I am looking for. I bought the Rode VMP and hate the thing so much.. The VMP has the sound of the NTG-2 from my experience..

[Scorge]

SGH-6 sounds so brittle and has a weird transient when she says 1-2-3, but has great pickup and directionality (can't hear much midrange room reverb). The NTG's both have this reverb but the NTG-3 just sounds sooo good

[kennyextra]

thanks for the post! I'm having a lot of hum noise with the Rode Video Mic Go, so I decided to go for a seperate shotgun mic with a seperate XLR adaptor such as the H5. I think the shotgun adaptor for the H5 works well, and I might not need to use the Rode NTG2. I also like the fact that the H5 can run with an AC adaptor, and the juicedlink can only run on batteries! I love AC power!

[MrFoleyMatt]

Sam, if the Rode NTG-2 was plugged into your Sound Devices 302 in front of the H5, bypassing the H5 preamps, would the noise floor be as noisy? I'm guessing it won't.
How much better are the Zoom H6 and H5 preamps vs those on the H4n?
I also think that if the Rode NTG-2 had a battery and was plugged into the Zoom H5 with a Triton Audio FetHead in-line preamp, it wouldn't be as noisy, which I think shows the versatility of having a separate shotgun over the SGH-6. Of the microphones in your video, the NTG-2 at -36.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal sensitivity vs. the AT4053B ( -34.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal) or the NTG-3 ( -30.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal), could definitely benefit from the FetHead to boost its signal.


 

[saeedyari]

Someone answer please. Why the noise is too much. Is that because of h5 preamp? I've seen a lot of tests so far but all of them had less noise even with worse microphones so what is the problem? Thank u

[allaboutflow]

Hi Sam,
First off thanks for the infos, I've got a H5 and your videos do help alot!
I've got a question. I like recording myself and other people doing music (indoor and outdoor). Until now I only used the XYH-5 microphone capsule but I want to step up the audio quality.
So what type of microphone is good for recording music (normally it's singer/songwriter stuff, mainly guitar and vocals). I'm not sure if a shotgun mic is the right choice, because of it's characteristics.
I hope you can help me. Cheers :)

[cucharasdefuego]

Nice video!
I have a question, can i use the RCH-5 wired Remote Controller to control the SGH-6 shotgun connected in the Zoom H5?

And what sounds better, H5 + SGH-6 or H5 + Rode Videomic Pro?

Thanks!

[saskatchewandave]

Is it just me or does the NTG-2 have less room noise/hum than the SGH-6? The only thing I didn't like was how bassy the NTG-2 sounded, but that could be filtered out in post.

[SCharlesDennicon]

Hi. I have a question, if you're ever reading this. Do you know if it's possible to connect the Zoom H5 shotgun to a camera (I have a Sony AX-33) ? An answer would be much appreciated !

[CraigSenior]

Hi Sam, what were your settings on the H5 to reduce hiss? I looked at your blog, hoping to get the settings, but they weren't listed. I have the Zoom H5 and NTG2. As a baseline, I slap the NTG2 onto my iPhone 6 and have never gotten the H5 to beat it for quality and low noise. I'm just puzzled.


I'm outputting to a Canon 5D MkII, with its input volume set Manual 25%.



On the H5, my settings are In/Out:
In1/2 Pad (-20db)
Line out -30db
Low cut 115 Hz
Comp Limiter Comp2 Vocal


Line 1 Volume level 6
L/R Off


Thanks for whatever guidance you'd like to share.

[danielakachi]

Hey, I need help finding out if I should get a professional mic(for interview ) or get an audio recorder(Zoom H5).
is there any trade-off for connecting the NTG4+ (or any mic) directly to the camera?
what's the advantage of connecting it to an audio recorder?
Thanks in advance, I am new to audio sorry if the questions sound off

[FLOODOFSINS]

What's the best shock mount for the Zoom H5?