The RODE NTG4 Shotgun Microphone is a phantom-powered supercardioid condenser mic built for indie filmmakers, TV productions, and documentary crews who demand broadcast-quality audio without the post-production headaches. With an ultra-low self-noise of just 16 dBA, a sensitive condenser element, and a balanced XLR output, the NTG4 captures warm, natural sound with exceptional detail whether you are working on a studio set or shooting outdoors.
What sets the NTG4 apart is its intuitive digital switching system, which lets you instantly tailor your tone with a selectable 75 Hz low-cut filter, a +6 dB treble boost for added clarity, and a -10 dB pad for handling loud sound sources — and crucially, the mic remembers these settings every time you power it on. Its 8.9-inch supercardioid body delivers focused front-facing directionality and strong side rejection, making it an ideal boom-pole or camera-mount microphone for professional on-location recording.
Key features
- Broadcast-Grade Low Noise: 16 dBA self-noise and high sensitivity deliver clean, detailed audio free from the hiss that plagues budget microphones, reducing costly audio repair in post production.
- Digital Switching with Memory: Digitally switchable pad and filter settings are retained when the mic is powered off, giving you repeatable, intuitive control over your sound on every shoot.
- Versatile Tone Shaping: The selectable 75 Hz low-cut filter cuts rumble from traffic and HVAC systems, while the +6 dB treble boost enhances clarity and intelligibility in controlled environments.
- Wide Phantom Power Compatibility: Accepts 12 V, 24 V, or 48 V phantom power via a standard 3-pin XLR connector, making it compatible with field recorders, mixer adapters, camcorders, and cinema cameras.
- Focused Supercardioid Pattern: The 8.9-inch body and supercardioid polar pattern provide tight front-facing directionality and strong attenuation of off-axis noise for cleaner dialogue capture.
- Durable and Boom-Ready: A lightweight metal housing keeps the mic rugged yet easy to balance on a boom pole, and an included foam windscreen and mic clip get you shooting straight out of the box.
Specifications
| Microphone Type | Shotgun Condenser |
|---|---|
| Polar Pattern | Supercardioid |
| Self-Noise | 16 dBA |
| Pad | -10 dB switchable pad |
| Low-Cut Filter | 75 Hz selectable high-pass filter |
| Treble Boost | +6 dB switchable treble boost |
| Power Requirement | Phantom power 12 / 24 / 48 VDC |
| Output | 3-pin XLR balanced output |
| Body Length | 8.9 inches |
| Housing | Lightweight metal |
Frequently asked questions
What phantom power does the RODE NTG4 require, and is it compatible with my camera or recorder?
The RODE NTG4 accepts 12 V, 24 V, or 48 V phantom power via its 3-pin XLR output, making it broadly compatible with handheld audio recorders, field recorders, mixer adapters, and the built-in preamps found on many camcorders and cinema cameras.
What do the digital switches on the NTG4 do, and will they reset when I turn the mic off?
The NTG4 features three digitally switchable settings: a 75 Hz low-cut filter to reduce low-frequency rumble, a +6 dB treble boost for enhanced clarity, and a -10 dB pad to handle loud sound sources without distortion. Importantly, the digital switching retains all settings when the microphone is powered off, so your configuration is always ready for the next take.
Is the RODE NTG4 suitable for outdoor filming, and what accessories help reduce wind noise?
Yes. The NTG4 includes a foam windscreen that reduces noise from breezes, fans, and air conditioners, making it suitable for light outdoor use. For demanding outdoor environments, RODE recommends the separately available Blimp furry windshield and shockmount suspension system for maximum wind and handling noise rejection.
