Pro Shotgun Microphone Comparison: Sennheiser MKE 600, MKH 416, RODE NTG5, NTG3, Rycote HC-15, HC-22

In this video I review and compare 6 professional grade, film-quality shotgun microphones, including the Sennheiser MKE 600, Sennheiser MKH 416, RODE NTG5, RODE NTG3, Rycote HC-15, and Rycote HC-22.

I provide audio samples from a traditional boom arm setup, as well as in a closer, podcast or voice over style setup, so you can easily hear and compare the tone and character for each shotgun microphone.

I also share the unique features and accessories that each microphone provides, like low cut filters, battery support, and more.

After watching, leave a comment and let me know which microphone was your favorite, and which mic surprised you the most.

===========
== LINKS ==
===========

=======================
== TABLE OF CONTENTS ==
=======================

0:00 - Intro
0:38 - Sennheiser MKE 600
1:18 - RODE NTG5
1:52 - Rycote HC-15/HC-22
2:36 - RODE NTG3
3:12 - Sennheiser MKH 416
3:56 - Blind Audio Samples
5:20 - Blind Audio Sample Reveal

=============
== CONNECT ==
=============

[NewLayer]

Which one surprised you the most, or is your favorite? Do you have any of these mics? Or do you have another one you think is even better?

[righthererightnowproductio]

Nice having a blind test. That's truly the most scientific way to find out what you like best.

[Carl-Camera]

Great comparison; the MKH416 is something special

[jonathantredgett]

Sample B (MKH416) stood out as the best to me. Very neutral sound. The other mics need an EQ. They sounded muddy in comparison.

[abyss_mk]

Thanks for making this, really needed a longer back to back comparison

[cameraheadstudios]

Good to see you have the HC-22, I have it too.

[jasonvoorxeeshonestreviews]

I have blind selected B, D and F.
Meaning MKH416, NTG5 and NTG3 as somehow least "aggressive" and most natural sounding mics.
I would not consider other 3 mics for my projects.
Unfortunate, as I was planning to get MKE600 as a budget option for my setup.
Not going to do that after this review.
I like these kind of reviews it is the only right way for unbiased decision on what you need.
Great review, very helpful for me.

[AARVMUSIC]

Instantly recognized that B was the 416. I also liked the A and was surprised that it was the MKE 600.

[Okiyah]

MKH 416 was my favourite. And on a relative tie : 600, HC-22, NTG5. I was actually quite suprised with the HC-22, it seems to strike a nice balance. But I hated the HC-15, so not very confidence inspiring to buy into the brand ;)

[maxone]

MKE600 and NTG5 sounded the best to my ear and so similar to each other.

[itskenknight]

What mic are you using for your talking head shots? It looks awesome and sounds great!

[pingbookent]

Blind Test : Mic B is the best for me. Not surprise an answer. It's so obvious.

[GUANTAK]

I'm not an audio professional. But as far as I know, the sweet spot (distance from mic to sound source) is potentially different for every mic. So having them all at the same distance might give "distorted" results. This is indeed evident in comparison of the HC-15 vs the HC-22. Which I would expect to sound very similar under ideal situations (putting them in their respective sweet spots), since thy are using the same capsules as far as I understand, with the biggest difference being in length of the interference tubes. So probably what you're listening to in the blind recording of the HC-15 is it just sounding "more distant", which is not a fair comparison.

[Dracomies]

I prefer the NTG5 and Rycote HC-22 for your voice. The MKH 416 doesn’t suit you as well, and the NTG3 has a warmer, darker tone. Even in blind tests, I picked D and E (NTG5, HC-22), while F was the NTG3—more blubbery. B was the 416—too bright, and even your Lewitt sounds better. I think people who like the 416 prefer brighter mics, but for you, the NTG5 and HC-22 are the clear winners.

[sparketech]

What I am curious about is which Lewitt muc you are using? 540 sub zero?

[originalceo]

MKH 416 good but tendency to be harsh/thin to me. RODES I feel will be better for music than voice, not as much clarity. Rycote HC-22 and MKE 600 tied (most balanced) but give edge to HC-22. BUT not sure of reliability/brand (HC-15 disaster) so I think I'll end up getting MKE 600

[richardmerchant]

A & B sounded almost the same to me. No surprise. (my bias is I have the 600). I like the clarity and tone. 
C sounded pretty good but was bright as was E, both Rycotes so that must be their thing. I was unfamiliar with them. But E sounded better than C.
Of the two Rhodes D & F, they just sounded muffled a bit. The NGT3 a bit better than the 5.
If I was to list them out:
1. A/B
2. E
3. F
4. C
5. D

[lwinaus]

My favourite in the order were F, B, and D…. then I saw the results. Was considering buying the NTG5 but the NTG3 was actually better. The NTG3 and the MKH416 sounded nearly identical to me on my BD DT770…. Save $500 and I’ll take the NTG3!

[theshortlist]

This kind of microphone aren't the best option indoor... for that kind of situation, the MKH 50 is superior to the MKH 416... less trouble with room reflections !