The Best Shotgun Mic For YouTube & Streaming? Sennheiser MKH 50

Can you get great audio without needing to have a microphone in frame? This video focuses on the legendary Sennheiser MKH 50 and compares it to a few other options like the Rode VideoMic NTG and Deity S-Mic 2.

Thank you to Allen @SoundSpeeds for helping to provide some sound advice on this sound device. Check out Allen's channel here for more great info:

• Sennheiser MKH 50

• Deity S-Mic 2

• Rode VideoMic NTG

📼 My Review of the VideoMic NTG:

🎙 Ever thought of starting your own podcast? Check out The Podcaster Playbook, my step-by-step DIY course to help you launch your show!

⏱ Chapter Markers:
0:00 - Mic Check The Frame
1:06 - Disclosures & Context
2:04 - Shotgun Mic Expectations vs. Reality
2:51 - MKH50 vs. Rode VideoMic NTG
4:43 - A Professional Opinion: Allen from SoundSpeeds
7:56 - My Problem With XLR Mics (I’m Lazy)
9:03 - MKH50 vs. VideoMic NTG vs. S-Mic 2
10:32 - Outdoor Mic Comparison
11:37 - MKH50 Build Quality & Features
12:48 - A Common Audio Mistake
13:52 - Channel Supporter Thanks

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Hi! My name is Tom Buck, a lifelong A/V nerd and former high school Digital Media teacher. I started this channel in 2017 as a project to share my enthusiasm for everything related to audio and video production.

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Episode 280: The Best Shotgun Mic For YouTube & Streaming

[HeathcliffBlair]

Thanks. FYI, the vents on the sides of shotgun mics are designed to actually HELP the rejection of sounds coming from the sides. It's an "interference tube" design and they're meant more for outdoor use than indoor. Hope that helps. 🙂

[timrober]

Might be a bit confused on the slits on a shotgun mike Tom. The "interference tube" (the extension to the mic's housing with the slits in) is actually designed to filter OUT the side pickup. It does not allow more room sound in to the recording, instead it improves the tight directionality of a mic. Inside a shotgun mic is a regular small diaphragm 'pencil' mic (just like a Rode NT5 or AKG 451 or Sennheiser E614...). Adding a well designed 'interference tube' creates a tighter pattern allowing less in from the sides. There is an argument that the interference tube is less effective in a small room, but the principle still stands.
Thanks for all you're doing :)

[gabiafterhours]

Tom, I wanted to drop in and give you some praise. I love your thumbnails. You manage to capture your personality and your channels vibe/essence and still be unique. Your content is great. I am happy to see your channel growing. Keep up the great work!

[AudioHotline]

I have been wanting this microphone for quite a while. It sounds so good!

[kylemckenna]

Just treated myself to the MKH 50 so decided to rewatch this video - super excited for it to arrive!!

[truce]

Nice to hear a fresh take on video microphone. Do glad you included @sound speeds !

[clintedmonson]

Great discussion Tom! I have the RODE VideoMic NTG as well and noticed the room reverb as well. After seeing the MKH 50's design and you pointing out that the air ports were only near the front, I took some electrical tape and covered up all but the first 3 rows of ports on both sides of the NTG. It moderately reduced the reverb pick up from my voice bouncing off the walls. Hope this helps others while we're all saving up our dollas for the 50. Cheers!

[DashWithAshinCanada]

Awesome shotgun mic review, I actually love that you included a interview that you did with someone else who is a expert in audio. Super cool!

[MatthiasLenardt]

I completely agree!
Lot's of misconception about using mics.
Have a fabulous week!
Best,
Matthias 👋

[karatjuicepodcast]

I appreciate getting into the weeds when it comes to audio and this video did not disappoint! Tom, Your delivery and breakdowns on vids like this is refreshing and entertaining. I am rocking a Shure MV7 with a Zoom Podtrak P8 and I could not be happier with my sound quality with that combo. I think the most important insight from this is making sure that you treat the sound in your room more than the mic. The same is true for lighting your studio properly over the type of camera that you use. Keep up the great work brotha!

[HowiSpangler]

Dude your videos are so good! And your lighting and color palettes hit me in the feels for sure. Great work!

[angliski]

WOW, I was first listening to the mikes on my pc speakers and couldn't hear the difference but then I put my headphones and the Senheizer is a clear winner with so much depth into your voice. Thanx for this useful comparisson. The choice is obvious.

[SoundSpeeds]

I love the intro. Get that mic outta the frame but still have great sound. Yes! Yes! Yes!

[jimshaw]

Consider: The dominant 'room effect' in your scenes is what acousticians and engineers call 'first reflection.' Beyond distance and aim of the mic, it will dominate the timbre of your environment. For your case, the first reflections come from your tabletop. Change that acoustic surface and you will strongly affect the captured sound of your voice. Without the table, it might be the ceiling, or floor, or back wall.

First reflections dominate, maybe even more than your selection of microphones. Witness what Allen said in his video, the acoustic treatment around him allows a $50 mic to be his choice.

Positioning a mic? Think first of distance, then of aim, then of first reflections. :)

[joaovitorjoaovitor]

Allen is absolutely great. I came here because of his channel.

[BensTechLab]

Glad you're enjoying the MKH50 Tom!

[JakeSloan]

Fantastic video and great info comparing microphones

[MSladekPhoto]

The Rode NTG is pretty impressive for the price, compared to these 2-4x more expensive options. I really appreciate the suggestion to think about room treatment investment BEFORE mic investment. So easy to get excited about buying a mic or gear and overlook the environment.

[PatrickRambles]

The bottom on the Sennheiser sounds lovely!

[CreativeVideoTips]

I'd love to hear what you think of the Octava MK-012 since its a more similar design to you new MKH 50 but is in a lot more folks budget. Great video as always