Rode NTG2 Microphone Review

If there’s one thing you can say about media in the 21^st century, it’s that filmmaking and videography have never been more accessible. Content creators now have a range of different tools at their disposal, at different price points, and for different purposes. Whether you’re an indie filmmaker or an aspiring journalist, you’re sure to find the equipment that you need.

However, film is always made better with sound, and even the best video can suffer from poor audio. As with everything, quality sound requires investment, and budding filmmakers may soon find themselves unsatisfied with the default mic.

Boom and shotgun mics can be pretty pricey, however, and while there are tons of great ones on the market, the prices may run a little steep for an indie outfit. Australian microphone manufacturer Røde steps up to the plate with the Rode NTG2, an entry-level shotgun mic that promises quality sound at an affordable price. Interested? Read the rest of this Rode NTG 2 review for more.

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About the Rode NTG 2 Microphone

Rode NTG2 Microphone

Polar Pattern	Supercardioid
Frequency Response	20Hz – 20kHz
Output Impedance	250 ohms
Equivalent Noise	18 dBA
Maximum SPL	131 dB SPL
Power OPtions	AA battery or P48 phantom power

Shotgun mics can get pretty pricey. While every videographer wants the best quality possible, sometimes that quality can be out of reach. These mics are ideal for film and television work, which often takes place out of the perfect silence of a professional studio. Their incredible directionality and focus are what make them ideal partners for DSLR cameras that take on the unpredictability of the outside world.

The Rode NTG2 is followed by several other microphones in the same line, namely the NTG4 and NTG4+. You may be asking, if there are newer models, then what makes the Rode NTG 2 so special? Several things, in fact. One is that while these mics are newer, they’re also around USD$ 100 more expensive than the Rode NTG-2, which can way heavy on a beginner’s wallet. That’s the surface-level take, and for the curious, we’ll go into more depth below.

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Rode NTG2 Microphone Pros

See more product details on Amazon.

The Rode NTG2 is a shotgun microphone that was designed for use in film, video, and television productions. It’s incredibly lightweight at only 161g and comes with a mic clip, wind shield, zip case, and 10-year warranty. The Rode NTG’s small size, affordable price, and useful accessories are all great reasons to pop out and buy one. But this mic has more than meets the eye, and the NTG-2 might be one of your best investments yet.

Full-Featured Sound

Despite its affordable price, this Rode boom mic doesn’t skimp on the audio quality. It’s got a very smooth frequency pattern, which ensures minimum coloration and maximum transparency of sound. Despite this lack of coloration, the NTG 2 has a sound that’s reasonably rich and pleasant. It also has enough sensitivity to capture details in its range, and the natural sound is flattering without sounding artificial.

Flexibility

Not everybody has the budget for professional-level filmmaking equipment, and the Røde NTG2 addresses that. Digital journalists, indie filmmakers, and regular vloggers are usually on the go, and that means a higher chance of encountering less-than-ideal recording situations. The Rode NTG2 deals with these with aplomb. Thanks to its built-in high-pass filter, it’s able to reduce background rumble. It’s also fantastically portable, compared to other audio recorders, with an option to use AA batteries if you can’t reliably find P48 phantom power.

Quality With Affordability

The Rode NTG2’s biggest selling point is its affordability, but just because this mic has a friendly price doesn’t mean you don’t get top quality. Despite its lightweight and small size, the Rode NTG2 has a durable build. It’s also got great resistance against popping or sibilance, which is especially important during spoken or sung scenes. The microphone also comes with a 10-year warranty, which is great news for more mobile filmmakers.

Comfort and Convenience

The Rode NTG2 is compact, lightweight, and easy to assemble, making it a great companion for recording with a DSLR camera on the go. It comes with its own windscreen, mic clip, and pouch, which means you can get started with recording as soon as it’s out of the box. However, the roll-off switch can be difficult to get to, and the mic doesn’t have an on/off button, which can be inconvenient when on battery power. In addition, users might want to invest in a more durable windscreen, especially when recording in outside conditions.

Video Voice

Despite minor annoyances, the Rode NTG2 proves that it’s worth every penny. With a clean, natural sound, fantastic clarity, and portability that makes it great for the road, videographers on a budget could ask for nothing more. The NTG2’s sound is crisp and clear, perfect for recording human voices and acoustic guitar inputs, with great focus and background rejection for field conditions. If you’re more of an indoor type, you can also use this microphone to record podcasts, although you might need to boost the low end for a warm and clear sound.

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Pros and Cons of the Rode NTG2

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What People Are Saying

You need the right equipment for the job, and for an entry-level shotgun microphone the Rode NTG2 puts in a top performance. With an affordable price, great sound, durability, and portability, it’s no wonder that the NTG2 is a favorite for beginner filmmakers and videographers.

“I’ve used a few “high end” shotgun mics in the past including the famous sennheiser mkh 416. This mic is comparable to the audio quality of more expensive mics, in my opinion, with a very low noise floor.”

Reviewer – Paul From Sweetwater

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Where to Buy the Rode NTG2 Microphone

Convenient, affordable, and portable. The Rode NTG2 has much to recommend it and is a great choice for anybody looking to bring more quality into their video content. While it might not be the best microphone around for the job, it does what it’s meant to do. Overall, it’s a great investment for casual users, and for more serious sound engineers it’s a top quality stepping stone on the way to better prospects. Find the best deals for the Rode NTG2 Microphone here.

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