10Jun Used Gear Watch: Audio Technica 4073 shotgun mic $290
One of my favorite boom microphones, the Audio Technica 4073 is often overlooked by filmmakers. It’s popularity in ENG work has made it so common that you can usually get it for a good price on the used market. New, the Audio Technica 4073 will set you back around $700, but right now there’s a 4073 boom mic on ebay with right angle cable and shock mount for just $275+$15 shipping.
If you are in the market for a very formidable boom mic at a reasonable price, you might want to move fast. These used 4073 mics only show up at this price 3 or 4 times a year.
June 10th, 2014 at 10:11 am
I’m tempted , how much better is this than a videomic pro? i don’t always have my dr 60d with me and this thing needs phantom power. Would i just be better off with a ntg 2 for my situation where i need the mic to have the option to power itself?
June 10th, 2014 at 11:03 am
@MS Don’t waste your money. This mic isn’t really for on camera use and won’t give you much if any improvement on camera vs the Rode mic. This mic is meant to be boomed. That’s the only way you’ll noticeably improve sound. You have to get it close to the speaker.
June 10th, 2014 at 11:50 am
thanks rob, what mic would you recommend?
June 10th, 2014 at 12:17 pm
Rob’s right, if you are looking for an on camera only mic, the 4073 isn’t a good choice. If you are looking for an on camera mic the Videomic pro is the default in that price range.
June 10th, 2014 at 6:56 pm
@MS Truthfully, the Videomic Pro is fine for on camera use. I don’t care for the suspension and 9 volt battery but it provides good sound. The newer lower end model with the red Rycote bands doesn’t require any batteries at all. It has fewer settings, though, and probably less sensitivity. The Sennheiser MKE 400 is really nice and uses a AAA battery. It’s the most expensive of the group. My friend has one but I haven’t had a chance to compare it to the Rode.