I'm looking to purchase a shotgun mic within the next two weeks and I came across a Sennhesier ME80 with a K3U Power Supply used that I might purchase. Anyone have any reviews or info on this mic? My mic budget is about $300-$400, and I might go for a used mic. I already have a boom pole and shock mount, so I need shotgun mic, windscreen, powersupply, and XLR adaptor now. Anyone know of any other mics in my budget that perform well. Most of the filming will be done outside if that matters.

Well, it's not exactly to your specifications, but worth a look. The R0de VideoMic: http://www.rode.com.au/?pagename=Products&product=VideoMic

Picked mine up for AUD$200. Not really what your after but thought I would send it up in case anyone else wants a look. It's R0de, so I'll vouch for the quality. I love it.

The Senns are good in general - but FWIW it's not standard to have to buy a separate 'power supply,' since most mics aren't the modular design like the ME series.

Why do you need an XLR adapter? You mean something like a Beachtek to use the mic with a video camera?

$400 is going to be awfully close, since the adapter alone is $150ish, a decent windscreen scratches $150, and you're left with $100 for the mic. I'm still waiting to get a decent shotgun. I currently use an AKG C1000S, which is a high-sensitivity cardioid. It's actually pretty good for general use. Not quite as good at bringing in distant sounds as a shotgun, but easier to handle.

Oh, I meant $300-$400 for the mic alone.

Well Drew,

I purchased a Sennheiser AT835B (Retails for $230 at BH) in February and couldn't be more satisfied. Its a superb microphone with a good make. I didn't have any pickup issues and the gain was acceptable. You'll need a good windscreen for sure with any microphone, but perhaps more so with this microphone.

$230 may seem to be on the lower end of your budget, but its always worth consideration if its a good microphone

THE SENN ME 80 IS THE BEST YOU CAN DO FOR UNDER $700 PERIOD

anyone out there that owns this that wants to work free on a short?

quote:

O-Ba-Ma-Self

Where and when O-Ba-Ma-Self?