Aputure is shipping their new microphone: "Aputure Deity" (meant to be a competitor

[David Peterson]

Aputure is shipping their new microphone: "Aputure Deity" (meant to be a competitor

The Deity will retail at $369 USD or $429 in a kit with a Rycote Lyre shock handle.

Their launch video from yesterday:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyOTivakluM


Curtis Judd reviewed it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kom1nMM0DrQ


TubeShooterMag also reviewed it:

http://tubeshooter.co.uk/2017/01/01/aputure-unleash-chinese-deity-on-the-world/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POawJfj21g4



Other coverage:

http://www.redsharknews.com/audio/i...im-at-prestigious-rivals-with-new-shotgun-mic

http://thehouseofvideo.com/2017/01/11/Is-the-new-Aputure-Deity-shotgun-mic-a-Rode-killer/

 

[Marc Wielage]

This might explain why Sennheiser cut the price of the MKH416 down to $499 for the last month. It's very, very hard to beat the reliability and sound quality of the higher-end Sennheiser mics.

 

[David Peterson]

Curtis Judd is giving away an Aputure Deity shotgun!

 

[Marc Wielage]

My only two comments:

1) that's not the way to spend "aperture"

2) it's very hard for me to defend cheap Chinese copies of precision-made gear from Germany or Switzerland or other high-tech countries. And this is really just a knock-off of a Sennheiser MKH416.

I get that people need cheap stuff, but come on -- I'd rather have a real Sennheiser than something "almost as good" that costs $100 less.

 

[C. Burkhart]

The 416 may be a workhorse, but it's old, very old technology. The real question is if the knock-off actually has something more going for it. It wouldnt be the first time. Further, it is entirely possible that the mic resembles a mkh-60 more than a 416. No one knows for sure until it fully tested. So lets not jump to false conclusions.

 

[Terry VerHaar]

Time marches on and great products don't just appear out of thin air. Virtually every great product has borrowed something from the ones that came before. If a company literally steals proprietary technology and embeds it into a "knock-off" product, that is one thing. But, if a hungry company incorporates several good ideas that are already out in the universe and reverse engineers good results - maybe even making improvements in the process, then good for them. Not sure if the 416 is actually 4 decades old technology as seemed to be suggested in one of these videos but, if it is, you'd think Sennheiser would have found their own way to improve upon it.

 

[Ryan Williams]

I'd rather have a real Sennheiser than something "almost as good" that costs $100 less.

Can you please link me to the legitimate retailer that is selling the Sennheiser MKH416 (NIB) for $459 or is this just hyperbole?

Edit: Also, that is how you spell "Aputure" the company name. (Ref: www.aputure.com/ )

 

[Ryan Williams]

Not sure if the 416 is actually 4 decades old technology as seemed to be suggested in one of these videos but, if it is, you'd think Sennheiser would have found their own way to improve upon it.

It was originally developed in the 1970s, however they've been making refinements/improvements.

"The MKH series of radio frequency condenser microphones was continually developed, and is still being developed by Sennheiser, over the last half century. Refinements include a symmetrical capsule design to reduce acoustic distortion in the upper frequency response, but these incremental improvements have always been in the interest of preserving the original's iconic sound signature." (Ref: B&H Article)

 

[Malik Moore]

Can you please link me to the legitimate retailer that is selling the Sennheiser MKH416 (NIB) for $459 or is this just hyperbole?

Edit: Also, that is how you spell "Aputure" the company name. (Ref: www.aputure.com/ )

I think they’re probably referring to a sale. I remember buying a 416 for $600 brand new from B&H back in Dec 2016. I doubt Sennheiser is slashing prices because of Aputure... People fail to realize that dealing with certain companies that appear to be “jack of trade” with their product catalog may not provide great customer service. Aputure is here to make money not quality. Nothing wrong with cheaper products, but don’t be fooled. They do have build quality issues. I own two of their LS1S lights.

 

[Ryan Williams]

I think they’re probably referring to a sale. I remember buying a 416 for $600 brand new from B&H back in Dec 2016. I doubt Sennheiser is slashing prices because of Aputure... People fail to realize that dealing with certain companies that appear to be “jack of trade” with their product catalog may not provide great customer service. Aputure is here to make money not quality. Nothing wrong with cheaper products, but don’t be fooled. They do have build quality issues. I own two of their LS1S lights.

I'm not claiming the Deity is the equivalent of the MKH416. However, you need to look at the facts of the post he made (which was one day ago saying, "I get that people need cheap stuff, but come on -- I'd rather have a real Sennheiser than something "almost as good" that costs $100 less.") because his claim is currently a bit disingenuous. I see a few possibilities here, and I'll try to give him the benefit of the doubt as to what I believe is the least ridiculous.

1) He believes that the price of the MKH416 was cut and has remained at the $600 flash sale price to this day. Meaning he posted without researching his statement beforehand.
2) He knows full well that the price returned back to the normal price of a MKH416, but would rather just push his point regardless of the facts.

I think it is probably the former, and not the latter. One probably should not go around stating that the price is so insignificant and low that its absolutely ludicrous to purchase a Deity instead of a 416, if it isn't true. I think that is a pretty reasonable statement, but I'm sure there will be a dissenting opinion out there (it being the internet and all). Also, for the record and as of this moment specifically, if the flash sale was on for the 416, it would be a difference of more than $100 ($241).

That being said, I do agree with some of his points and some of yours.

-Yes, it is pretty much a knock-off MKH416. Granted it isn't the same as the 416, but for people out there that aren't in the same position as he is, and have a smaller budget, the cost to quality is remarkable. The sound it produces is pretty phenomenal, all things being considered. Again, I must reiterate it isn't the same as the 416, but it does a bang-up job (in my subjective opinion).
-Yes, I'd love to purchase a NIB 416 for $459 right now and have all of that glorious Sennheiser quality for my audio kit, but seeing as there is no person out there willing to do that, well then I guess that statement is kind of moot...because the 416 is retailing at $999 for a NIB mic. So unless you are offering to sell a new 416, to everyone who asks for one at the price point of $459 (that is, $100 more than the Deity at this moment), I really don't see what point you are making.

And while I'd generally agree with you that some of the companies are dodgy as hell, I don't find Aputure to be one of them. They aren't perfect, but every time I've seen an issue brought up, they seem to do a pretty good job of making it right and standing behind their products. I've had nothing go wrong with my 120Ds, so no anecdotes here. However some of their 300D units had the green tinge that "scared" a lot of people, and they publicly announced their mistake and outlined a way forward to make it right for their customers. Talking specifically about the "cheaper" companies, I've never seen Photodiox, Ikan, etc etc. offer that kind of statement (that is just anecodotal though, on my part). Just because the price is lower it does not always mean it is inferior in every respect. It isn't binary. I personally cherish the fact that Aputure is out there trying to innovate and/or make better quality equipment for people who don't have stacks of cash laying around.

Edit: Also, in my experience of owning a RED camera, I've had more issues with it (some that are still unresolved and unacknowledged from RED) than any other camera I've owned. However, RED, as a whole, is generally pretty good at trying to take care of their customer base. So just because you pay more $$$ doesn't always mean you get a flawless product.

 

[Malik Moore]

Yes, more money doesn’t equal better. It’s company dependent. My experience with the LS1S has veered me away from Aputure products. I sent in my pair of lights for repair(humming and flicker issues) and they sent me brand news ones. It’s just that one of the brand new ones just shut off randomly when I turned it on for the first time. The connectors from the controller to the light head aren’t interchangeable between my lights. They’re the same cord, but I guess it’s a QC issue. They didn’t respond after I notified them. I’ll happily pay more to a company that can provide high QC and after purchase support. It’s all about our experience and I guess I got the bad pull. There’s nothing innovative about Aputure’s product. It just bringing more affordable products. If more affordable is innovative, I can see that. If you just need something to get by, do it.

 

[Ben Scott]

Aputure are a perfect example of a company on a huge social media marketing drive who you'd think make an amazing top notch product but the truth is the only special thing they make is the COB120D - which to be fair is a brilliant (although not perfect) light for the money and which I just used on our new pilot.

Speaking as an owner of a fair bit of their gear to see this blanket revision in the public psyche compared to the reality of their products because of the weight they are throwing behind sponsored content is sometimes a bit galling. They make decent low budget stuff for low budget productions.

I have no expectation that a mic they produce would be any better than a Rode NTG-2, and would almost certainly less bombproof.

 

[Ryan Williams]

There’s nothing innovative about Aputure’s product. It just bringing more affordable products. If more affordable is innovative, I can see that. If you just need something to get by, do it.

For the innovative part, I was specifically talking about their COB technology, which was innovative. Their Deity mic wasn't, but that is also why I put in the second piece that said better quality equipment for less. It is a poor man's 416, and I'm ok with that. I understand if you think its shit because it is Aperuture, but its disingenuous to try and say that I can get a new 416 for $100 more than a Deity when that isn't even close to the truth at this moment. I still haven't seen a single person post a link, at this moment, to validate that claim. Again, if I saw a brand new 416 for $459, I'd happily buy it up. That is an easy choice. I don't think the logic behind the statement is that hard to follow.

 

[Ryan Williams]

Aputure are a perfect example of a company on a huge social media marketing drive who you'd think make an amazing top notch product but the truth is the only special thing they make is the COB120D - which to be fair is a brilliant (although not perfect) light for the money and which I just used on our new pilot.

Speaking as an owner of a fair bit of their gear to see this blanket revision in the public psyche compared to the reality of their products because of the weight they are throwing behind sponsored content is sometimes a bit galling. They make decent low budget stuff for low budget productions.

I have no expectation that a mic they produce would be any better than a Rode NTG-2, and would almost certainly less bombproof.

Ben,

Going off topic here...I've read a few of your other threads and I understand where you are coming from and agree with you on some points. I may not agree with how they run their marketing campaign but then again I don't base my choices on someone who just says that "X brand is the best and has no issues". I'm trying to be as objective and unbiased as I can, and that is what I look for when I'm looking for honest reviewers. Curtis Judd (referenced in this thread) is quite honest and forward, advertises his ethics statement, etc. I've come to trust him and his reviews after following him for some time. Now I can't speak to how the NTG-2 measures up to the Deity, but it seems like the Deity might be a bit more "bombproof" than you give it credit for. This could also come down to audio subjectivity. Some people can't tell the difference between a Deity and 416, or a 416 and C4U, or a C4U and CS3E. What sounds good to you and you can get work with is going to be the best choice in most situations. Again, if anyone here is saying they are willing to offer up a brand new 416 at the previously mentioned price, then let's make a deal. Until I am independently wealthy or I win the lottery, I guess I'll just stick being labeled as low budget. I can live with that.

 

[Ben Scott]

I own an NTG-2 - have done for many many years, and it is incredibly bombproof. It's also only £150. But made by people who are experts in their field. The trade off is that it isn't a 416 in terms of quality.

Some people can't tell the difference between an iPhone and a Red Weapon. But that's an issue with people.

 

[David Peterson]

My only two comments:

1) that's not the way to spend "aperture"

A little ironic to comment on their spelling ;-)

And it is not mispelled "Aperture", but their name is "Aputure" (doesn't make sense to name themselves "Aperture" as that would make it very tough to find when searching for them!).

2) it's very hard for me to defend cheap Chinese copies of precision-made gear from Germany or Switzerland or other high-tech countries. And this is really just a knock-off of a Sennheiser MKH416.

So? That is also what the NTG3 is. And the NTG3 is a good starting mic on a budget.

I get that people need cheap stuff, but come on -- I'd rather have a real Sennheiser than something "almost as good" that costs $100 less.

What Sennheiser that is a hundred dollars cheap which is also better than this?!

Pretty much the only options new would be MKE600 or ME66/K6, would either of them be a good alternative instead? Sure! Got no problem with a person preferring to buy one of those instead.

But I don't seem them as an automatic no brainer choice of the Aputure Deity, the Deity is still in the running.

 

[David Peterson]

1) He believes that the price of the MKH416 was cut and has remained at the $600 flash sale price to this day. Meaning he posted without researching his statement beforehand.

Even at $600, that is still close to nearly double the price of a Deity!

But for sure, if a person can buy a Deity or 416 at a nearly similar price then buy the 416 every single time!

Not sure if the 416 is actually 4 decades old technology as seemed to be suggested in one of these videos

The Sennheiser 416T replaced the 415T around 1971, so yeah it is no joke when people say the 416 is over forty years old! It really is indeed true :-o

And while I'd generally agree with you that some of the companies are dodgy as hell, I don't find Aputure to be one of them. They aren't perfect, but every time I've seen an issue brought up, they seem to do a pretty good job of making it right and standing behind their products. I've had nothing go wrong with my 120Ds, so no anecdotes here. However some of their 300D units had the green tinge that "scared" a lot of people, and they publicly announced their mistake and outlined a way forward to make it right for their customers. Talking specifically about the "cheaper" companies, I've never seen Photodiox, Ikan, etc etc. offer that kind of statement (that is just anecodotal though, on my part). Just because the price is lower it does not always mean it is inferior in every respect. It isn't binary. I personally cherish the fact that Aputure is out there trying to innovate and/or make better quality equipment for people who don't have stacks of cash laying around.

Edit: Also, in my experience of owning a RED camera, I've had more issues with it (some that are still unresolved and unacknowledged from RED) than any other camera I've owned. However, RED, as a whole, is generally pretty good at trying to take care of their customer base. So just because you pay more $$$ doesn't always mean you get a flawless product.

Exactly. Aputure is one of the "good guys". They've been making great strides forward in offering higher quality lighting at a lower cost. And I welcome their entry into the audio market as another player.

For the innovative part, I was specifically talking about their COB technology, which was innovative. Their Deity mic wasn't, but that is also why I put in the second piece that said better quality equipment for less. It is a poor man's 416, and I'm ok with that. I understand if you think its shit because it is Aperuture, but its disingenuous to try and say that I can get a new 416 for $100 more than a Deity when that isn't even close to the truth at this moment. I still haven't seen a single person post a link, at this moment, to validate that claim. Again, if I saw a brand new 416 for $459, I'd happily buy it up. That is an easy choice. I don't think the logic behind the statement is that hard to follow.

Same! Would be an automatic purchase for me too if I saw say B&H or any of the other big sellers offering a NIB 416 at that price. As even if their performance is identical, it is still nice to have a 416 in my kit of my own because it is a popular name brand model that everyone recognizes. (even though I use a Sanken CS3e as my own microphone, which is a "higher end one", it is by no means anywhere near as well recognised by producers as say a 416 would be)

 

[David Peterson]

Now I can't speak to how the NTG-2 measures up to the Deity, but it seems like the Deity might be a bit more "bombproof" than you give it credit for.

This seems pretty damn boom proof to me (using the Deity to smash through ice on a river to then dunk it into freezing water!!):

Or this one, he just goes nuts bashing the mic around:

Reckon we can put to bed any worries about it not being tough enough for normal use!!

I own an NTG-2 - have done for many many years, and it is incredibly bombproof. It's also only £150. But made by people who are experts in their field. The trade off is that it isn't a 416 in terms of quality.

I'd take the Aputure Deity for less than a hundred bucks USD extra.

 

[Ben Scott]

Dunno, see if it is working in 6 months just from general wear and tear. That’s the issue I’m currently having with my lights of theirs.

Hopefully it is brilliant.

 

[Malik Moore]

Dunno, see if it is working in 6 months just from general wear and tear. That’s the issue I’m currently having with my lights of theirs.

Hopefully it is brilliant.

Yeah, it’s easy to get caught up in the theatrics(initial enthusiasm and advertisement). Time is the true result with these products. Price can really cloud a person’s judgement, especially if you’re tight on money. Sometimes it’s good to save, sometimes it’s good to spend a little more.