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What are guys worried about? Either to go for Rode NTG2 or for Rode NTG3?
Both the mics belong to the same family? Then which one is more suitable?
You need not worry guys. In this article, we are going to discuss all the basic information about the two gadgets along with their similarities, differences, specifications, design, performance, pros, and cons. So, without wasting time, just dig in further about the two worthy mics of Rode company.
About the Rode Company
Rode company is one of the tops most popular and reliable companies. It tends to introduce the most genuine quality mics for musicians and other users.
Rode is an Australian company. It tends to introduce many useful products but got fame in producing quality mics. The mics of Rode are equipped with a combination of top-notch quality features that tend to work for a long time without disappointing you.
You will find, after using Rode mics, that they are multi-functional mics that can be used for various purposes.
Besides, they are good in battery lives, connection, frequency response, polar pattern, diaphragm, sensitivity, low self-noise, impedance output, easy setup, lightweight, elegant and stylish designs, colors, durability, and reliability, etc.
On top of all this, Rode mics are not very expensive to purchase. They are cost-effective that you can easily purchase and use them.
Here we are going to make a clear-cut comparison between two mics introduced by Rode company. They are:
- Rode ntg2 Microphone
- Rode ntg3 Microphone
Both of these mics are extremely great mics, equipped with all the best features. Both the mics are unbeatable mics because they have been designed to be worthy mics. So let’s make a comparison between both the mics to discover with mics suits your requirements.
Rode NTG Comparison Table of NTG2 vs NTG3
| Parameters | Rode NTG2 | Rode NTG3 |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
|
| Maximum SPL | 131 dB | 130 dB |
| Diaphragm size | 0.5”/ 12.70 mm | 0.5”/ 12.70 mm |
| Polar pattern | Unidirectional | Unidirectional |
| Impedance | 250 ohms | 25 ohms |
| Sensitivity | -36.0 dB | -30.0 dB |
| Microphone Type | Condenser | Condenser |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz | 40 Hz to 20kHz |
| Self-Noise | 18 db-A | 13 dBA |
| Weight | 0.36 pounds | 1.5 pounds |
| Material type | Metal | Aluminum |
| Color | Black | Black/Silver |
| High Pass Filter | 80 Hz | None |
| Pads | None | None |
| Connector | XLR | XLR |
Design of Microphone
- Rode NTG2 comes in a fine and attractive black color.
- Condenser shotgun microphone.
- Lightweight microphone.
- 11 inches long.
- The size of the capsule of this mic is 0.50”.
- manufactured in Australia.
- Comes with a foam windscreen that helps in avoiding noises from the background.
- The body is firm and solid as it is made up of metal material.
- To mount the mic the package also includes a heavy-duty microphone stand holder.
- This mic operates on an internal battery or phantom power.
- Offers a super-cardioid polar pattern.
- Has two high pass filters with a flat 80 HZ frequency.
- Comes with a zip pouch for carrying the mic.
- The package also includes a mic clip.
- Perfect and classic boom microphone.
- Specially designed to fit on DSLR cameras.
- The low self-noise mic makes it more admirable for bloggers.
- Wide frequency range.
- Uses a 3 pin XLR cable.
- Does not have any on or off switch.
- Has quite an extended working range.
- The polar pattern is one of the narrowest one among other shotgun mics.
- Comes in an attractive black and silver color.
- Rode NTG3 is a shotgun condenser microphone of rode series NTG.
- Has a cylindrical shape.
- The tune of this mic is quite long.
- Diaphragm size is approximately 0.5” or 12.7 mm.
- The body of this mic is approximately 10 inches in length.
- The body is made up of aluminum.
- Waterproof.
- Uses RF bias technology.
- Uses a 3 pin XLR cable.
- Requires phantom power of 44 to 52 VDC.
- The weight of this mic is approximately 1.5 pounds.
- Rode NTG3 is designed in Australia.
- Has a narrow polar pattern.
- Requires a three-pin XLR cable.
- Comes with an aluminum storage tube that is waterproof.
- The aluminum tube is black with a matte finish.
- The diameter of this mic is 19 mm.
- The frequency range of this mic is 40 Hz to 20 kHz.
- No control buttons or switches on it.
- The foam windscreen that comes with this mic is removable.
- Designed to work for different purposes.
- Rode NTG3 mic is designed elegantly with a combination of sturdy features.
Features of Microphone
- Professional mic for broadcasting.
- Maximum SPL of 131 dB.
- The smooth frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
- Self-noise of 18 dB-A.
- Maximum impendence of 250 ohms.
- Comes with a warranty.
- The body of this mic is metal platted.
- Multi-powered shotgun condenser microphone.
- Uses one AA battery.
- Can also work on phantom power of 48 volts.
- Gives low handling noises.
- The sensitivity of this mic is -36.0 dB which is quite elevated.
- Gives clear and precise sounds.
- A high pass filter avoids recording any low-end noises such as air.
- The maximum output level of this mic is 6.9 mV.
- Comes with accessories such as a windshield, mic clip, and zip pouch.
- Uses the line gradient acoustic principle.
- The dimensions of this mic are 22×280 mm.
- Its zipper pouch is padded ensuring the mic doesn’t get damaged while carrying.
- Rode NTG2 is not a thick microphone and is easy to handle.
- The dimensions of this mic are 19×255 mm.
- It comes with a shoe/pole shock mount.
- Also includes a windshield.
- The package has a cabled graphite boom pole and a bag for the boom pole.
- Rode NTG3 also comes with right-angled short and long XLR cables.
- The maximum impendence of this mic is 130 dB.
- Offers 25 ohms of impendence.
- Uses a super-cardioid or unidirectional polar pattern.
- Has a 13 dBA low self-noise.
- Can be used with multiple devices including cameras and camcorders.
- The output level of this mic is a maximum of 8.2 mV.
- Has a dynamic range of 117 dB.
- Frequency range of 40 Hz to 20kHz.
- Has a narrow polar pattern.
- Reasonably priced mic.
- The mic cable that comes with it is approximately 25 ft.
- Only records the sound that one wants to record and successfully rejects any other unwanted sounds or noises.
- Broad pick-up pattern.
- Comes at a pocket-friendly price.
- The weight of this mic is approximately 1.5 pounds which is not very heavy.
- Rode NTG3 is a superb mic that is available with unique and best features.
Performance of Microphone
- This mic is exclusively designed for film, video, and television broadcasts.
- Its frequency range is quite wide and ensures to avoid any unwanted noise from the surroundings.
- Its elevated frequency records all the details and makes sure the sounds don’t seem artificial.
- To get this microphone work you will require 48 volts phantom power as it operates on power.
- Can also work on a 1.5 V battery which is already integrated internally.
- To change or insert the battery unscrew the base of the mic by turning it anti-clockwise.
- Has two switchable built-in high pass filters.
- The cut-off frequency of this filter is 80 Hz.
- The mic has a recessed switch that can be flipped for activating and deactivating the high pass filters.
- This mic comes with a windscreen make sure to use it all the time to avoid interference.
- Its interference tube helps it in becoming more directional especially for the higher frequencies.
- Works quite well in humid environments and is moisture resistant.
- Rode NTG2 mic strives to show its best performance for different purposes.
- The RF technology of rode NTG3 makes it a moisture-resistant mic.
- Only operates on phantom power and requires a voltage of 48 volts.
- Performs well in all weathers and seasons.
- The phantom power to this mic can be supplied through the devices to which one attaches the mic.
- You would require an external phantom power source in case the camera or recording device does not have it.
- The short length XLR cable would be best to use with this mic to avoid maximum interference.
- While mounting the mic on the stand avoid blocking the side slots as it will affect the polar pattern and the quality of the sound would be changed.
- The difference between rode NTG3 and other condenser mic is that the rode NTG3 is specially designed to work in harsh and demanding environments.
- Make sure to store the mic in the cylindrical storage tube for better protection.
- Has a narrow and tailored pickup pattern that helps in recording natural and detailed sounds.
- The worthy Rode NTG3 mic is well suitable for various purposes and will its best in each performance.
Rode NTG3 vs NTG2, Similarities and Differences
Similarities between Rode NTG2 mic and Rode NTG3 mic
- Both the mics are of the same brand.
- Have equal size of diaphragm size i.e. 0.5 inches/12.70 mm.
- Have the same Polar Pattern i.e. both are designed with a Unidirectional Polar pattern.
- Have the same Condenser microphone type.
- Have XLR connectors.
Differences between Rode NTG2 mic and Rode NTG3 mic
- High maximum SPL as compared to Rode NTG3 mic.
- Rode NTG2 mic greater impedance output of 250 ohms while Rode NTG3 mic has just 25 ohms of impedance output.
- Rode NTG2 mic has greater sensitivity i.e. 36.0 dB while Rode NTG3 mic has low sensitivity i.e. 30.6 dB.
- NTG2 mic is designed with a low-frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz as compared to Rode NTG3 mic which has a vast and complete frequency response of 40 Hz to 20 kHz.
- NTG2 mic has high self-noise while Rode NTG3 has low self-noise.
- NTG2 mic is light in weight as compared to Rode NTG3 mic which has 1.5 pounds of weight.
- NTG2 mic is made of metal while Rode NTG3 mic has an Aluminum made body.
- Rode NTG2 mic is available in black color only while Rode NTG3 mic is available in two colors that are black and Silver.
- Rode NTG2 mic is designed with 80 Hz of High Pass Filter while Rode NTG3 mic doesn’t have any High Pass Filter.
Pros and Cons of Rode NTG2
- Comes with a warranty of 10 years.
- It is light in weight.
- Condenser mic.
- Affordable mic.
- Smooth and tailored frequency range.
- Professional mic for recording sounds during broadcast or vlogging.
- Offers two power options.
- Uses 48V phantom power.
- Internal battery.
- Metal finish.
- Includes a mic clip.
- Can easily be attached with cameras.
- Comes with a moisture and wind-resistant windscreen.
- Zipper pouch for carrying.
- Has a high pass filter.
- Elegant design.
- Made in Australia.
- Does not comes with a shock mount.
- Does not include an on and off switch.
- Doesn’t have an LED bar.
- No pads.
Pros and Cons of Rode NTG3
- Moisture resistant.
- Works in all environments.
- Budget-friendly.
- Waterproof body.
- Crystal clear and natural sound quality.
- Elegant, classic, and versatile design.
- Works well both outdoor and indoor.
- Light in weight.
- Low self-noise.
- Easy operation.
- Easy to use.
- Gives less handling noises.
- Comes with several accessories.
- Can easily be stored.
- Its sensitivity is high and captures natural and detailed sounds.
- Comes with a warranty of almost 10 years.
- Elegantly designed.
- Rejects any unwanted sounds.
- It No high bass filters.
- NTG3 has no switches to turn it on or off.
- No switchable pads.
- The frequency range could have been better.
- No LED bar.
- No battery.
- Operates only on phantom power.
Conclusion on NTG3 vs NTG3B
In a nutshell, we have described both the mics with complete information and compared them, from each point. Both the microphones are good and featured best.
We have compared their design, features like frequency response, impedance, SPL level, connectivity, self-noise, polar pattern, pads, high pass filter, sensitivity, etc, also their performances, pros, and cons. We also listed the similarities they share and the differences they differ in.
Now, we are hopeful that you are capable enough to make a distinction between both the mics produced by Rode Company. Also, they do have different prices. So go for the mic which is according to your needs and pocket.
If you are waiting for our recommendation, we will suggest you go for the Rode NTG2 mic.
There are several reasons for which we are suggesting this mic. The first and foremost thing is that the mic is featured with a complete range of features like frequency response, impedance, low self-noise, less prize, multi-functionality, etc.
Apart from this, the Rode NTG2 mic is a very reliable, durable, and sturdy mic that you can use for various purposes and for a long time. It will work with you without disappointing you and performing at its best.
However, the Rode NTG3 mic is also a very suitable mic to try but it is comparatively expensive and also has a complex setup to be used by some professionals and experts as it is difficult to handle.
No doubt that the Rode NTG3 mic is having some of the features better than the Rode NTG2 mic, like vast frequency response, low self-noise, two colors designs, etc but the Rode NTG2 mic is a cost-effective mic and also very light in weight that you can carry from one place to another place without and difficulty.
So we will recommend you to go Rode NTG2 mic that is also very user friendly.
