Getting that "big mic" out of your face | Shotgun vs Dialog Mic for Desktop Streaming
Today we're tackling one of the weirdly most commonly-requested changes I make to my production setup: Moving to an off-camera microphone for my main webcam presentation. I've experimented with shotgun mics as the desk before, but I think I've finally found the proper setup that really works for me, at the end of the video!
► EQ tips video: • 3 Rules of #EQ
🔥 PRODUCT LINKS 🔥 (affiliate)
💻 Rode NTG5 Shotgun Microphone
Amazon - geni.us/Tj80
B&H - bhpho.to/2BJ1U4B
💻 Oktava MK-012
Amazon - geni.us/OgjdkG
eBay - rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53...
💻 Rode PSA-1 Mic Arm:
Amazon - geni.us/sZtX
B&H - bhpho.to/3cK9ysg
💻 Heil PL-2T Mic Arm:
Amazon - geni.us/zQ4yRMv
B&H - bhpho.to/3haINR6
💻 Heil RS-1 Riser: geni.us/rx1Vf
►► Dynamic vs Shotgun Microphones in desktop streaming setups: • Should you use shotgun...
►► Shotgun mic showdown: • Choosing a microphone ...
Thanks for watching!
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Пікірлер: 245
The NTG5 seems to reject a bit more of the reflections from the monitors. Both sound brighter than the SM7B, of course, but I'm definitely still hearing more reflections, presumably from the monitors than dynamic microphones. Really useful comparison!
@nephrium
4 жыл бұрын
Curtis, since you're kind of an authority on these things, would it be possible to setup multiple pencil mics from up above, gate them so the lower volume mics are not in use when moving around, then mix it down to one or two channels so that no matter how much you move around you'd come across as just one mic to the listener? Or would that introduce an entirely different set of problems?
@danielgaudet6114
4 жыл бұрын
I agree, the NTG5 was better at rejecting the reflections. I think the Oktava MK-012 would need to be closer to his mouth to avoid it, but I'm not sure if it's possible while keeping it out of frame.
@curtisjudd
2 жыл бұрын
@Johnny Appleseed I'd do all three, if possible: dynamic mic, move PC farther away, quieter fans.
Happy to hear you say you're still struggling with your EQ, not because it makes me happy that you're struggling, but because you've obviously been at this a long while. I'm just getting started, and I find I'm EQ'ing all the time. I've just about narrowed it down to where I want it, I think. Once I change my equipment, I'm sure I'll be at it again, but that will be a while yet. Frankly, I like the sound of that mic for your voice than your old one, since it's less "boomy." I started out "boomy," also, but have tried to taper that off, while keeping some of that low end. I can listen all day and keep finding things to adjust, but I have no solid amount of feedback to know what to work on.
I think the NTG-5 is a nice pairing with your voice. It brings out the natural bit of bass you have. Sounds great!
I’ve got two 18 month olds so making my desk that is toddler friendly! I feel you!!
Yes! Was waiting for a follow up video about shotgun mic/streaming! Sadly I’ve paused uploading content until I get more equipment & small desk for product shots... I want my next vid to be a HUGE improvement over my first few vids since starting Channel last month.
I've got 6 MK012s that I've used for location recording for years - they are a great mic, and are really well balanced. I think that I actually prefer the sound of the NTG-5 on your voice - possibly because its pickup pattern changes with frequency (effectively acting like an EQ curve), and it has a pronounced boost in the frequency response at the top end. But I think the MK012 sounded more 'focused'. It certainly wasn't night and day, and it would be interesting to hear a test of how they reject the ambient noise in your setup (keyboard noise, traffic, etc). For all my VO stuff that I do for work I use a close CAD M179 as otherwise I have to cover my area with soundproofing to stop the room reflections from taking over, but obviously that means having a mic right in my face - not an issue as I'm not a streamer, but I think it does make a big difference to your videos when there's no mic in your face. I've found that even being 3-4" from the mic means the room sound dominates a lot more than when you're really close to it.
All the best with being a dad and thx for your hard work, best wishes etc.
When you did the mic comparisons, I couldn't hear any changes when you switched mics. It could just be my speakers though (cheap-ish PC-Line speakers from about 10 years ago), you obviously got them both sounding quite similar. I'm definitely going to check out that EQ tutorial, I could do with some training myself, especially as I do live sound at my church, and so getting to know EQ more than just having played around with it would be really useful.
I kept thinking "I'm not hearing any of the reflections he's talking about" on the NTG. Then you switched to the Oktava and it was plain as day. Thanks for that. I'm sik of the Lav mic game, so between you and GeraldUndone this is a definite push to consider the Oktava.
Awesome video Adam, might need to give the Oktava MK-012 a try
Thank you for the walk through of your audio setup. I want a shotgun mic but I am scared about the echos in my room. I use a LAV now for recording at my desk but I think it's time to try something else.
noir tends to be super contrasty with one or two small hard lights cast over the edges. that could be a fun look, honestly
An awesome review and video as per usual, Adam. 😄 👍 👍 I have to say that listening to this video with in-ear headphones there is quite a stark contrast in the sound difference between the Røde NTG5 and the Oktava MK-012. Personally, to my ears Oktava definitely makes your voice sound much more natural as well as being more crisp & clear. Regarding the noise/vocal rejection aspect, I definitely think that the Oktava does a much better job than the Røde mic. 😁 👌 Cheers to you, my man! 🍻
I tried a shotgun condenser (Rode NTG2) but it picked up all my keystrokes. I switched to a podium microphone - an Earthworks FM500 on a microphone arm - and it’s a dream. Podium mics are designed to maximize speech intelligibility, reject off-axis sound (eg paper shuffling on the lecturn), and have small flexible necks so you can scoop them under frame. You can’t hear typing, and when my headset microphone failed before my webinar, I switched to the podium mic and was told it is the best microphone the producer has heard. Seriously, try a podium mic like the Earthworks FM500.
@clementines9
2 жыл бұрын
whoa it’s $600 on amazon. have you tried any podium mics that are more budget friendly?
Sounds great man. Really liking the rode mics lately
Did this guy read my mind? I just got the Oktava mk-012 and have it set up on my desk right now. I've gotten so many compliments on the sound of my voice since I switched. Used to use a Sennheiser ME-66 and the Oktava blows it out of the water.
I liked the clarity that the octava mic brought. Definitely sounded less boxy
Audio from the Rode NTG5 sounds nice and clear. I'm not noticing any weird EQ or phasing problems from near-field reflections. The Oktava mic sounds good too, but the NTG5 sounds a bit better to me. This is worlds better than having a mic an inch from your face. You have more freedom to move around slightly without the audio levels varying wildly (not to mention proximity effect variances). I think the slight pickup of room ambience is a good thing- it's not enough to be distracting, and makes you sound more natural.
Hey nice! I bought the NTG5 to use for online trumpet lessons. Lives just out of frame, and sounds great! :) seamless setup
Hey Epos, If you want to remove the ambient noise, or any other noises, I think the way to go is buying a Compressor,Gate,Expander,Limiter Like a DBX 286s for instance, Sure different microphone might do the work, as you know most of them are either cardroid, super-cardriod and such so pickup pattern will still be the same. (Most of it)
PSA1 does have cable routing channels, I'm using them on mine. The velcro is only if you don't want to disassemble your plug to route the cable
Ntg-5 provides a more compressed sound as the rejection pattern inherently focuses the signal. Your voice will just have more consistent "pressure" in the final sound (RMS level) than the oktava, which sounds less compressed and more natural. I use the NTG-3 and it's great, but I suppose at the end of the day it just comes down to personal preference.
love this video for mic set up
I have no problems with my RE20, with shock-mount and pop filter on a Rode PSA1. Swivels just fine. Didn’t know that the PSA1 fits on the Heil riser. Will need to pickup one.
Nice...gives me more to consider now as I do really want a mic out of frame for my telework, but I also have lots of background noise to cancel out. Decisions....
Sounds pretty good. What do you think about streaming with a setup like this? Perhaps with wired earbuds (wireless ones have battery life issues + routing is annoying) to ditch the headset?
It's always nice to have one microphone per setup!
@itwasntme4931
4 жыл бұрын
Yes
I found that the Rode actually brought out the low end in your voice more which I guess is appealing to some, though I see what you mean with the boxiness but it's definitely great either way, that being said, I also love your "in your face mic" collection but I'm a former sound engineer so I'm a sucker for a pretty and sexy sounding mic ahaha
As someone who has to make do with FiFine's new mic (K678), I have to say that I like what this mic is doing for you voice - A crisp, yet natural sound. If it weren't for as you mention about the sound bouncing off of nearby things like your monitor, it would be that perfect natural sound that I like, instead of the bass of the proximity effect that is probably good for radio commercials and the like, but is a distraction to me, when it comes to podcasting and video conferencing.
NTG5 is an awesome mic; have one and have been using it for a month or so. I prefer the thump from the NTG5 over the other in your demo. If you're worried about the bounce, do the simple freq sweep and nuke it if you can.
how about rode videomic ntg ? I have that and usually keep it in frame but I also wanna keep it out of frame , too much gain on it introduces a bit of noise floor.
Hey Adam, I was trying to find the video where you change to your current above shotgun mic, can you please post it here, need to review it, thinking on getting one for myself. Thx and happy holidays!
I’m glad you have purchased all the awesome equipment. I see lots of videos and 90% of the time I stop watching is they sound weird. Nope the person doesn’t have a weird voice. They just didn’t go with the good equipment to make the VBLOG appealing. Good job explaining what you use and why.
I mentioned using this mic for game streaming to Curtis Judd and he told me to check with you. How to you manage the keyboard and mouse noises on those highly sensitives mic. Does it work well and do you do any filters in OBS to minimize that and the room reflections? Thanks
For me no contest, Oktava wins. Thanks for another great video!
I've been thinking about getting a a mic for my a6400 to keep mounted at my desk when I do my talking head morning videos, as using the RE320 is cumbersome and looks terrible in frame. This Oktava is super intriguing. Thanks for the video bud.
@TheJASDrummer
2 жыл бұрын
I have the exact same gear and setups. Love to know how it's going on your end.
@Naaackers
2 жыл бұрын
@@TheJASDrummer Hey Jeff - I did end up buying a Deity D3 pro for recording other videos. I currently am bouncing between twoo use cases. 1. Using a beachtek MXA-Micro Pro as a preamp, but forwarding the signal to my camera so that i don't have to sync audio in post 2. Piping the DietyD3 directly into a Zoom Hn1 and syncing audio in post. I end up having to turn off all computers and equipment in my office to use a shotgun mic because of how high my room noise level is. My office just isn't the best for it. However, i've also tried using the D3 pro like a dynamic mic, with no pop filter and up close. Because it's so skinny it's not as distracting on camera. But can't use this if I want to record with my PC. So a year later, still bouncing around and trying different things haha.
+1 vote for the RODE shotgun mic. Sound was consistently great!
Whats your opininn of rode nt5 ? Better than oktava mk012 ???
I have the Oktava I discovered worked well when I was thinking about getting a good shotgun for my good video production, i.e. running audio into protools for processing. WOuld it make sense to get a little scarlett interface to use the oktava but run straight into laptop/video editor for my less polished training/screencast videos? As opposed to using the Yeti that I just discovered sounds a lot better pulling it into the picture but obviously it's HUGE.
Apparently if your sound source comes in on the sides of the shotgun mic, it can contribute to the boxy sound. I believe it was in a Sound Speeds video he explained that.
I immediately noticed that the setup at the beginning of the video was worse than with the big dynamic mic. The setup at the end of the video was much better, I can't be certain whether or not it equaled the dynamic mic setup but it definitely sounded good.
I am curious if you could add a closed cell foam tube around the sides of a shotgun mic to help block some of the surrounding sound.
Oktava sells different capsules for the MK012. Did you get the supercardioid?
Just as I started looking into Shotgun and Dialog mics. Apparently I'm not the only one looking into how to get the freedom from a mic in my face. You should review the Samson C02 Dialog Mic - it seems to be the nice budget option, just like the Samson Q2U for normal mic. I got the Samson Q2U on your recommendation and absolutely love the sound. I wonder if the Samson C02 could work for two persons on just 1 mic.
I had a light mic issue for my stand. I tied a weight onto the end close to the mic and it added enough weight to fix the issue.
Are you post processing at all? Love that you have the Autonomous chair. Good stuck. Question. Is pointing down cause you more ache with keyboard sounds? Or is it better to point it up from under your monitor point up above your head? (using a supercardioid assuming - sorry unfamiliar with the rode product and just talking in general about Shotgun Mics)
Great video, but I couldn't stop looking at the old VGA / Cathode Ray monitor.... ARCHAIC ! haha
You're gonna make Bandrew cry.
@xHadesStamps
4 жыл бұрын
Or me
@amsyarzero
4 жыл бұрын
shush, don't mention it!
@Podcastage
4 жыл бұрын
I’m not crying. You’re crying.
@samuel14674
3 жыл бұрын
@@Podcastage YO IM ACTUALLY DEAD 😂😂💀💀
I am the same way, I hate big mics on your face, like that’s what makes a stream a pro streamer! Mine is out of frame all the time! Also,mi recently started using the RTX Voice just to help out with the unwanted sounds and even know it’s not perfect, it actually helps a lot right now!
random question but have you got any suggestions for a reasonably priced mixer for a mic set up?
I have been using a yeti pro for years. I think its pretty close to a boom mic but with the cardioid audio and if you use the pro over the regular you can a pretty good depth. Imo it just looks more professional if your mic is not in the cam. I feel like you come off more as a hobbyist which is totally alright but if you want to have a professional look like a tv show then you got to create the illusion that your talking to them direct by not having the mic.
do you know why I'd be seeing about 280ms of delay with the G7 and Camlink 4k? I think your chart showed 63ms
@EposVox
4 жыл бұрын
I've definitely never had that high of delay
@TheREAPERBlog
4 жыл бұрын
@@EposVox I'm doing a clap sync and measuring the offset in my DAW in the recorded file.
Which of your cameras are you using for the front-on view? I see you have a Sony and that other unreleased cam (what's it called again?)
Would the rode psa1 handle the RE20's weight if you removed the huge shock mount?
When I play games and there's no mic arm in my way I feel naked. The arm brings me a warm feeling of a hug.
@lemonydes
2 жыл бұрын
:-DDDDD
would love to know what mic you are using for streaming, and if it is the same type of setup
any ETA of the Schiit Fulla 3 review? (Or Hel)
Can't believe I have been watching you since 100k. Question what is the U shape mic holder called thanks.
They should make isolation shields for shotgun mics that basically cover the side openings.
it never boather me, people just like to cry on internet, everything is top notch quality taking notes here
Oktava sounded rather good. A little less bass, and more intelligible treble. It seemed to soften the room tone as well. It probably means the treble pickup pattern is more directional.
EposVox is that a "sleeper PC" with an old CRT monitor! Classic! Haven't seen those in like 20 years or so!
@EposVox
4 жыл бұрын
Not a sleeper, an actual win98 rig!
Mmmm that Oktava is pretty damn nice, almost seems a teeeeny bit more clearer on the high end. I don't have a room that would let me get away with either of these atm, but def worth considering once I finish the garage project O_O
Im looking to get a Logitech c922 but i cant find them anywhere or i just see them being but its not buy the people who made it im new to all this where should i buy from
I know a lot of professional steamers us the GoXLR mixer and it is a pretty amazing piece of equipment, however I was wondering if you have ever had an opportunity to check out the Rode Rodecaster Pro? I know it's a podcast studio, but was wondering with all the integrations of what it can do if it might be able to do something similar to the GoXLR for a 1/3 the price? If it's nonsense, just ignore me. Thanks for the great content as usual.
Hi I have a startup where I Livestream outdoor wedding. What mic do you reccomeded for being a about 30 feet away from the subject. Parabolics are expensive but if it's the only way it's the only way
@ShaneChandler87
4 жыл бұрын
Probably need a wireless mic up close
Does Oktava MK-012-01 pick up keyboard strokes and mouse clicks easily? I absolutely hate the idea of a microphone in my face but not as much as every single keystroke being recorded. I guess a noise gate could cover that problem though.
Now I don't know whether to get an NTG5 or NTG3?
Whats your equalizer config?
I think a mic in your face is cool. You're a big part of me buying an RE20.
can you use any of them without an audio interface? or is there any mic?
Hmmm... I could swear there was a slight echo or something like it on the Oktava during the read
Rode sounds quality. Brings out that lower frequency in your voice. Suits it more to my ears.
Whats the filter attached to the main camera lense ?
Did you end up replacing the boom with the Oktava?
The second mic sounded a bit "hissy" to me with "S" sounds. The Rode NTG5 sounded warmer IMHO - maybe just a better match for your voice?
Pointing a mic down is not always optimal. You can have it horizontal or even pointing up from below. Whatever works best to reject unwanted sound.
Good to see and hear clearly, I think RE 20 is great, but on Bassdrum, the sm7b is overpriced over hyped, it’s basically a sm57 in a fancy wrapping, to me it always sounds like the speaker has a sock in hi mouth and I’ve got socks stuffed in my ears, if you want small and shotgun try the Sennheiser ME36..... Or if you can find one AKG D202ES, nearly NO proximity effect
This is a big improvement, giant big mic's are annoying!!!
My son plays games with the monitor super close to his face and bangs the table if he dies in game. Can a mic be on a boom arm and be to the left and still work
how does this stuff work in an office setting with others around?
What about if it's mounted low instead of high. I contemplated grabbing a mic like these and sticking it behind my main and side monitor, with it "aiming" through the gap between them. Maybe sticking a panel of dense foam between them with a hole for the mic to "shoot through" along with some trickery behind the monitors to break reflection. I just don't like the idea of mics aiming down on the subject when it comes to gaming because of how much noise generated comes up off the desk. Plus you can stick some absorbent material below the monitor, to break stuff from the keyboard coming back. (not that I like making weird setups and stuff :D )
4:00 the PSA-1 also has a cable channel, it just requires you to chop off and resolder one of the connectors on the cable. The top tube is used for this and this is why it has plastic bits on the ends of that.
@EposVox
4 жыл бұрын
Yeah but I'm not doing that lol
@CyBeRiun
4 жыл бұрын
@@EposVox Fair enough, though it's very much worth it for XLR mics if you have basic soldering skills. USB mics, different thing altogether. In any case I hate when people don't mention that because though it obviously does require a bit more work than the Heil arm, the option *is* there.
Which part of the video shows the shotgun vs the dialog mic?
I'm really surprised your Rode PSA1 had difficulty holding up that mic. I have a Blue Yeti along with some other bits hanging off it, on a PSA1. I actually have to put effort in to pull it down into position as it is so stable even with a lot of weight on it! Is it just wear and tear that has made yours unable to hold much weight?
@platespinner681
4 жыл бұрын
I was wondering that too - I've got the same set up as you - Rode PSA1 with Blue Yeti + Radius III + pop filter and no issues.
@platespinner681
4 жыл бұрын
or at least I mean a similar set up lol
How to set up noise gate cause the mic is far from my mouth
The Oktava seems a little too shrill, imo. Not sure if I like it better than the NTG. But thanks for testing!
So in the end, it always boils down to having the microphone close to your mouth in (most) streaming situations. Fair enough. But this is not what people want to hear, who just hate that big microphone right in front of them. 😅 I don’t mind the mic in front of me. Good job!
I feel like there isn't enough info out there on how to install the riser and whatnot. I would love to be able to clamp it down without having to screw into anything.
I would buy the Oktava for myself, but for you I think the Rode is a better fit for your voice.
Maaaaan, I've been wanting to buy a shotgun mic just because it's called a shotgun mic. This video just makes me wanna buy em more. :'(
What about an arm that has an adjustable tension for its springs, like the Blue Compass? Got a feeling it can hold it just fine.
@Mogawty
3 жыл бұрын
Had to return my Blue Compass because it couldn't. Lowered tension as much as possible, even the base screw, made no difference. Still slowly went back up to default state. It's just too light.
How far can you have the rode away from you? Without having echo
Noob trying to learn here: You said that you don't have an interface with multiple inputs, but also said that one of the mics was connected to a UMC404HD. Is that not an interface with multiple inputs? Do I have my terms mixed up? Regardless - your content is amazing and much appreciated
second mic was the best sounding
Won't it pick up a lot of the keyboard sounds when you aim it towards your chest?
I like the Rode more cause the other one is a bit too quiet sometimes
Seriously considering a Sennheiser 416 for this.
Sound the same to me. No problems.
Out of the box, the Rode makes your voice sound better, but with some EQ the Oktava should definitely win IMO. Rode has a much warmer tone while the Oktava is much brighter edging on sibilant, but you do pick up a lot less reflections with the Oktava. Try some EQ on the Oktava and ask us again in another video