Showing 1 to 19 of 19 Reviews
Reviewed by Bill on B&H Photo Video
I recently picked up a the new Deity S-Mic 2, and I've got to say I am impressed. There simply isn't another microphone out there that can compete at this quality and price point! I'm a bit of an everyman, I started working in production 12 years ago in camera and lighting, but in the past few years I've gotten much more serious about sound. I've mixed two extremely low budget features and several short films borrowing mics or renting as I never could justify the upfront purchase of a $1000+ mic, and the RODE NTG-1 I've owned for a decade as an on camera mic got some things done, but it doesn't really cut it on a boom pole. That NTG-1 finally broke, and now I've absolutely been without a personal mic for some time, I had to use a Rode Videomic Pro on a gig once! Yeesh! Introduce the Deity S-Mic 2! This thing is honestly a beast. I spend more time than most folks researching gear online before I pick anything up, and so of course I've spent far too many hours reading about buying the Sennheiser 416 vs the Rode NTG-3. It's been frustrating determining which one to buy when I finally decide to pull the trigger on a new mic, to save $300 and get the Rode, or save for the 416 as I don't buy used gear... I missed the B&H sale in 2016 on 416s for $800 and I've been kicking myself ever since. I've also watched the reviews of the Aputure Deity mic from 2017 and been impressed with the durability, but was concerned about the self noise... It was already somewhat comparable to a 416, but I wasn't sure. Over the last few months I've been watching all of the trade show hype about the upcoming separate Deity brand, and the S-Mic 2... how they've fixed the noise issue, and how it's going to be the same price as the original. I couldn't wait any longer on not having a mic, and I still can't afford a 416 today, so I was very excited about the S-Mic 2. Now that I've got one I'm extremely happy. For my purposes; personal projects, low or no budget films and competitions, quick and dirty web videos, and tons of other content I know I'm SET. This mic is built like a tank, and is supposedly good to go in the most humid of conditions... Like the rain! I'm not too keen on testing that out, but I am glad to know that should I have no other option, the mic will perform. It also sounds wonderful! It's rich and can pick up everything I need it to, and rejects what I don't need. It also has a slightly wider pattern than a 416, meaning that if I need to use it on someone who moves around a lot, or give it to an inexperienced boom op I don't have to worry too much. I've heard a few comparisons online of this new S-Mic 2 and the 416... I can't for the life of me tell a significant difference, at least not $600 difference. I think that for what we're getting at $429: the mic, foam, hard case, mic clip, dead cat, and Rycote pistol grip... it can't be beat! So here's my plan... Now that I've got a mic that can perform, I'm going to put it to work. I'm going to bring it out and unless a client specifically requests a certain mic, I see no reason to tell anyone what it isn't. The way I see it, I can make this mic pay for itself three, or four times over, then buy a 416 and beyond... Then, for when those rainy or extra humid days come, I can pull out this beast and keep working! It will also just be a fantastic secondary mic, or backup mic and more! This mic is available on Gotham Sound, BH, and Trew Audio. It's $359 for the basic kit (mic, foam, basic clip, hard case) and $429 for the "location kit" (additional deadcat and Rycote Invision pistol grip shock mount). I might repurpose the hard case and toss the mic in a bag. So, based off of my experience I can say that this mic will be a fantastic first time microphone for those who are just getting into sound mixing or indi-filmmaking, as well as wonderful additional tool for seasoned Pros who want something they can throw around like a hammer. ... More
Reviewed by Andrew on B&H Photo Video
I recently bought the S-Mic 2 online. I was on the fence between this and the NTG4+. I really like the build quality over the NTG4+. It feels like a tank. I've only used it on one shoot but I've been very happy with how it sounds. This seemed like it would be a good value since it has the case too you know! The microphone clip is ok, not great. I bought another shock mount for it for like $35. The microphone is pretty nice. Its super directional but like not in a bad way. I have been able to use in indoors without having reverb causing a problem. Curtis Judd's Youtube video compared this against the NTG4+ and I liked how it sounded vs the RODE. I don't need all those extra features the RODE has because my Zoom F4 already does all that. Plus I plan on using this mostly for sit down interviews anyway. After getting imnoticed it is a pretty sturdy microphone. I wasn't excepting it that, Curtis Judd only talked about the sound quality and it not having a low cut filter. The hard case is a nice add-on, I don't need it but I can see how some people might like it. I just throw my S-Mic 2 into a pouch on my Zoom audio bag when I transport it. If you do like cases its a nice case. It feels strong, I did stand on it and it could hold a persons weight. I'm pretty happy. I foam is custom cut but I will probably remove the bottom foam and use it to store something else. And while I don't plan to use the hard case, it is a $99 item I don't have for another piece of a gear I would want to store in a hard case. I didn't want to spend a bunch of money on what will end up getting used once or twice a month. I also like that it will work with all the accessories I already own for my 416. That was also a deciding factor for me, I didn't want to have to buy a softie for a wider diameter microphone. Would I recommend it to other working professionals? Yea. It sounds pretty good. ... More
Reviewed by Bryan on B&H Photo Video
I received this just a few days ago but I really enjoy the sound it's very natural sounding and I think will work well for most voices. It's not bassy or siblent. I did tear the foam cover the first time that I put it on but I chalk that up to being overly excited getting it out. Its got a good weight to it, it's clear that its made of all brass. I wouldn't go swimming with it but the coated PCB mean that it will do well in humid environments as well. Fitted it into a rycote blimp and was very happy with how it fit although I think the durometer of the supports could have been a bit more as it is a little heavier mic. Not the mics fault at all but something to consider when buying shock mounts for this mic. Its 19mm wide and 250mm long and fairly short for a shotgun mic. The Smic-2 also has very good off axis rejection. Overall I'd recommend this mic to the new sound person or someone that wants a bombproof mic to add to their collection. ... More
Reviewed by Alex on B&H Photo Video
Purchased last year to mount on my rig as a run-and-gun audio option. First off, this thing is solid. I don't use the case anymore, I just toss it in my CineBag and go. The solid metal construction means I'm not worried about it breaking and the moisture-resistance means it can be tossed in a case even in the most humid conditions. Audio-quality is fantastic. I would not recommend if you, like me, find yourself having to film in indoor locations with a lot of ambient reverb or a lot of reflective surfaces. I learned this the hard way and now primarily use this outdoors or in very controlled studio setups as an on-camera mic. ... More
Reviewed by Brian on B&H Photo Video
So before you buy any gear you need to do your research. And the Senneheiser 416 is a hard mic to beat. It's highly directional and has a great pick-up range. However it is also extremely expensive. And the technology of the 416 hasn't changed in thirty years. The S-Mic 2 sounds just as good if not even a little bit better. And it is light years ahead of other, less expensive alternatives. I'd highly recommend this mic for anyone that does a lot of on-location shooting. It is the perfect choice for anyone looking to shoot a lot of interviews. ... More
Reviewed by Sarah on B&H Photo Video
I won this microphone in a contest but I love B&H. I use the S-Mic 2 with my Zoom F4n. Its a simple and easy setup. I like that it works off 48v. I know some people like the option for a AA battery but I have always had those explode and get all crusty on the inside of the microphone. I like the simple plug and play aspect of the S-Mic 2. I should also mention that it actually sounds really good, like I was really shocked at how well it sounded.
Reviewed by Tyler on B&H Photo Video
Love this mic, we tested it with the MKH-416, rear reflection is not as good as the 416 but the sound is fantastic and darn close.
Reviewed by Ronald on B&H Photo Video
This is a great mike. Almost as good as the Sennheiser MKH416 but at 1/3 the price. A must-have in your inventory. Great for as a travel mic.
Reviewed by Sarah on B&H Photo Video
I won this microphone in a contest but I love B&H. I use the S-Mic 2 with my Zoom F4n. Its a simple and easy setup. I like that it works off 48v. I know some people like the option for a AA battery but I have always had those explode and get all crusty on the inside of the microphone. I like the simple plug and play aspect of the S-Mic 2. I should also mention that it actually sounds really good, like I was really shocked at how well it sounded.
Reviewed by Jamaal on B&H Photo Video
This microphone is dope. My partner and I have been looking for a microphone for our videos we do and this one is cheap but it don't feel cheap. It feels like a professional microphone you know. It sounds alot better than the on camera microphone we had been using. I suggest you get this one if you want to step up your game.
Reviewed by Jacob on B&H Photo Video
Ive had this on two 12-hour shoots now. We wanted something in our kit for those situations that dont call for anything other than a boom pole on a c-stand. The S-Mic 2 pays for itself much quicker vs the 416 and as far as Im concerned the quality and performance are the same. At this price point, there is no reason for an owner/operator not to have this in the kit.
Reviewed by Bryan on B&H Photo Video
I'm used to Sennheiser mics, so I was skeptical. I knew this didn't have all the bells and whistles. I wanted an affordable mic to throw in my kit for quick setups. So far, I'm happy with what I hear.
Reviewed by Nate on B&H Photo Video
Upgraded from the Deity D 3 Pro and the S-Mic 2 is one of the best I've heard. Great at sound isolation and has rich tone.
Reviewed by Lenny on B&H Photo Video
So disappointed. Got my mic yesterday. Has a bad fit on the XLR connector. Mic works but you need to push very hard to connect the cable. Sent it back today. Asked for an exchange will give it a second chance. I believe in second chances but you know I'll be checking that right out of the box. if bad second time well...Hope not
Reviewed by Jovon on B&H Photo Video
The Pistol Grip Shockmount and Windjammer were not included. Still waiting to hear back from the manufacturer.
Reviewed by Kevin on B&H Photo Video
I am super happy with my purchase of the Deity S Mic 2. Lovely sound, easy to use and a great affordable price point. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Reviewed by Martin on B&H Photo Video
Love the look, feel, and sound.
Reviewed by Jadranka on B&H Photo Video
I bought this Microphone because of all the praise it got by many people online who were reviewing it. Sadly When I got to use it, it wasn't even close to the 416 it is supposed to emulate. Well, I know that there is a huge price difference and I respect that, but then just sell it as another shotgun microphone and not as a rival to the 416. I wouldn't recommend it and it is better to save for a Rode NTG3, or find one used for the same price!
Reviewed by Renzo on B&H Photo Video
Compete perfectly with microphones of up to 500