The NTG5 builds on the ground-breaking technology of the NTG3 (namely the RF-bias technology, which ensures better immunity to moisture and other environmental factors that can affect performance) with a focus on making it the ideal location recording microphone.

First of all, it is much shorter and lighter than the NTG3, which makes it easier to handle on a boom pole. It also features a revolutionary new acoustic design, which delivers a beautifully natural and uncoloured sound; and it has a less pronounced low end response than the NTG3, which is preferable when recording on-location. Lastly, the electronics have been redesigned, resulting in lower self-noise than the NTG3 (10dBA vs 13dBA).

They are both great microphones that can be used interchangeably in many scenarios. However, the NTG5 excels as a location recording mic, whereas the NTG3’s pronounced low end is ideal for recording indoors, voiceovers and other applications where rich bottom end is desired.

The NTG5 is incredibly light at just 76 grams, making it a dream for boom operators or filmmakers looking for a compact shotgun that delivers broadcast-grade audio. It has a flatter low end, making it ideal for recording outdoors and on-location. This also effectively provides the preamp with more headroom. Finally, the RF-bias circuitry and conformal coating improve the resilience of all electronic components.

Absolutely! The NTG3 is a legendary voiceover mic, which is largely due to the extended low end but also its natural high frequencies. The NTG5 has a flatter low end, but a very similar high frequency response to the NTG3 and will sound fantastic as a voiceover mic.