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

[David Peterson]

Dunno, see if it is working in 6 months just from general wear and tear.

It has been part of my kit for over six months now, a few people have had it for over a year.

I've heard of no reported issues from it due to long term use.

 

[Marc Wielage]

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

It was a brief sale, referenced above. I think the regular price of an MKH416 is typically close to a grand. I've owned three of them and paid a lot less used, depending on the vintage. I always preferred the MKH50 (indoors) MKH60 outdoors (partly because of the switches for roll-off and/or the hyped mid-range for dialogue), but selecting microphones is always a very subjective process. There's lots of good ones out there: Neumann makes great mics, Schopes' mics are world-class, Sanken has some great microphones (and a few that are quite unusual), and the Danish company DPA has some extremely good mics as well.

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

I know. And they're spelling it wrong. I never liked it when people took perfectly good words and then bent them for products. (But I love The Beatles and The Byrds. On the plus side, they're not trying to sell me microphones.)

Anybody who really wants to buy microphones, I have three bits of advice:

1) don't buy them based on price. Check them out and listen to them. You will find mics do sound drastically different, and my experience is that the cheap ones are rarely as good as the expensive ones. I can think of cases where I would use a cheap mic, like in a case where there was a good chance it might be destroyed (like in an explosion or a violent rainstrom).

2) there are a lot of cases where wireless lavs may yield more usable dialogue than a shotgun. Especially a $499 shotgun. Many, many modern TV shows and films routinely use a dozen or more wireless lavs simultaneously in order to reduce ADR on the final mix. The boom almost always will sound better under optimum conditions, but optimum conditions don't always happen.

3) don't buy a mic at all. Rent them from a good pro sound dealer, which will cost only a fraction of the cost of a purchase. Or better yet, hire an experienced sound mixer and allow them to pick and choose the best mics for the job. Most of the pro LA mixers I know carry upwards of two dozen mics on their trucks, and at any one time, a particular mic may be better for the shot than another.

One key rule: a well-placed crappy mic will often sound better than really great mic placed in a bad position. So positioning and shooting conditions make a huge difference. It takes a lot of time and experience to figure that out, because there are no easy answers to great sound.

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.

I think that's very wise advice.

 

[Ben Scott]

It has been part of my kit for over six months now, a few people have had it for over a year.

I've heard of no reported issues from it due to long term use.

I heard no complaints from anyone about the Tilta Gravity I wasted £3,000 on either, because everyone was trying to move theirs on!

 

[Ryan Williams]

I heard no complaints from anyone about the Tilta Gravity I wasted £3,000 on either, because everyone was trying to move theirs on!

So you make a point based on anecdotal findings (that the Deity isn't as "bombproof" as your NTG-2), then when specifically pointed to a video that shows the mic being tested in rigorous conditions you dismiss it, citing that it isn't enough to just beat the hell out of it and for it to work after its taken its beating. You then say it needs to be proven over time. When people who actually have the mic speak up and say they have had no issues with theirs and aren't trying to sell them to you, you dismiss them because of a bad experience with Tilta. Am I getting all that right? Am I the only one who sees the logical fallacies with all of that?

I understand your cynicism about being burned in the past, but not everyone is out to get you and not every product of every company who burned you is absolute shit just because it is inexpensively priced. I really don't understand the point you are making as you haven't provided any objective material showing how David or anyone who has invested in the Deity, as having made an extremely idiotic choice for getting the mic. Is there a reason you are being so unreasonable about the Deity or is it just because you want to vent about your Aputure experience? I mean, if David is continuing to use his Deity and get work, and his clients are happy, is he really as dumb for using the Deity as you all make it to be?

 

[Ryan Williams]

It was a brief sale, referenced above. I think the regular price of an MKH416 is typically close to a grand.

So why make a post two days ago, about a sale that was in 2016, and has no bearing on its current price? That's like me saying, well you all are really dumb for not buying all the property that I did back when the prices were low. Maybe you didn't have the capital to invest at the time? Maybe you weren't even around to invest? Plenty of reasons how someone can miss investing in a great deal. What I don't understand is how you can talk down about a product (now, a year and change later) and the people who are trying to build a better audio kit and trying to get more bang for their buck on a product that sounds fairly good. It's already been conceded multiple times that the Deity is no 416, but let's say that the Deity was 80% of the audio quality level (subjectively to your ears), would you purchase that item for a little over the 1/3 of a cost of a 416? What about if it was 90% of the audio quality 1/4 the price of the 416? What if the Deity dropped in price and was now 1/5 the price? Really? Where are you objectively drawing the line? Is everyone else that doesn't have the same gear as you, that has tested and likes the sound of the Deity and are happy about the savings of $ really that much lower than you? Again, if clients are happy, and the soundie is getting good audio, who are you to say that it is poor decision to invest in it? Seems like an odd position to take, but I guess to every man each his own.

 

[Ryan Williams]

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)

Same here mate. Would love to have one just for my kit, especially if I could get one for the price of a Deity!!! That being said, I do actually like the sound of the Sanken CS3E over that of the 416. I still haven't got to hear a C4U yet, so I'm still wondering if my ears are going to pop off once I get to a place that has one I can test out!

 

[Ben Scott]

So you make a point based on anecdotal findings (that the Deity isn't as "bombproof" as your NTG-2), then when specifically pointed to a video that shows the mic being tested in rigorous conditions you dismiss it, citing that it isn't enough to just beat the hell out of it and for it to work after its taken its beating. You then say it needs to be proven over time. When people who actually have the mic speak up and say they have had no issues with theirs and aren't trying to sell them to you, you dismiss them because of a bad experience with Tilta. Am I getting all that right? Am I the only one who sees the logical fallacies with all of that?

I understand your cynicism about being burned in the past, but not everyone is out to get you and not every product of every company who burned you is absolute shit just because it is inexpensively priced. I really don't understand the point you are making as you haven't provided any objective material showing how David or anyone who has invested in the Deity, as having made an extremely idiotic choice for getting the mic. Is there a reason you are being so unreasonable about the Deity or is it just because you want to vent about your Aputure experience? I mean, if David is continuing to use his Deity and get work, and his clients are happy, is he really as dumb for using the Deity as you all make it to be?

I asked if it was a bombproof as the Rode. That doesn't mean perform a gimmick like drive over it. it means use it in the field for an extended period and see if connections come loose. I said I hope it is great. Not sure why your knickers are in such a twist. I couldn't care less what mic you own but no idea what you're going on about 'idiotic choices' for. Don't put words in my mouth.

I haven't dismissed anyone at all. Please point out where I did. I just made a point about nobody publicly admitting we'd all bought a POS in the Gravity.

I have had issues with every single Aputure product I have owned, LS1, Cob120T, Cob120D. And I let it slide because they are cheap and they are flawed. If the mic isn't flawed then brilliant.

 

[David Peterson]

So you make a point based on anecdotal findings (that the Deity isn't as "bombproof" as your NTG-2), then when specifically pointed to a video that shows the mic being tested in rigorous conditions you dismiss it, citing that it isn't enough to just beat the hell out of it and for it to work after its taken its beating. You then say it needs to be proven over time. When people who actually have the mic speak up and say they have had no issues with theirs and aren't trying to sell them to you, you dismiss them because of a bad experience with Tilta. Am I getting all that right? Am I the only one who sees the logical fallacies with all of that?

I understand your cynicism about being burned in the past, but not everyone is out to get you and not every product of every company who burned you is absolute shit just because it is inexpensively priced. I really don't understand the point you are making as you haven't provided any objective material showing how David or anyone who has invested in the Deity, as having made an extremely idiotic choice for getting the mic. Is there a reason you are being so unreasonable about the Deity or is it just because you want to vent about your Aputure experience? I mean, if David is continuing to use his Deity and get work, and his clients are happy, is he really as dumb for using the Deity as you all make it to be?

I will admit, it is kinda funny when you phrase it like that

The objections are rather lacking substances....

Got to note however the Aputure Deity is not my main microphone, is just one of my back ups that get use now and then for various purposes. Because my main daily shotgun is a Sanken CS3e.

For instance I used the Aputure Deity here:

As I didn't feel like risking my Sanken on an ultra low budget short film while scrambling up and down rocks in the dark next to the ocean.

Same here mate. Would love to have one just for my kit, especially if I could get one for the price of a Deity!!! That being said, I do actually like the sound of the Sanken CS3E over that of the 416. I still haven't got to hear a C4U yet, so I'm still wondering if my ears are going to pop off once I get to a place that has one I can test out!

I used the 416 for quite a while before finally getting a CS3e, but never got to use a Schoeps CMIT5U yet :-( Worked on one feature film with it used as the main mic, but I was just the 2nd boom so never got to swing the CMIT5U myself.

 

[Marc Wielage]

So why make a post two days ago, about a sale that was in 2016, and has no bearing on its current price?

Because I never paid more than $600 for an MKH416, including one new one. Go over to eBay right now, you'll see a bunch of them. I would still recommend an MKH60 over it, but all of them are useful and can be handy to have. Heck, I always carried a 416 just as a backup in case any of the other mics failed. I think I used it twice, but I loaned it out plenty of times just as favors to friends of mine. For the record, I never bought anything solely on the basis of price. And I think it's a huge mistake for anybody to do so here as well.

BTW, beware of counterfeit MKH416's, which are out there. There's a long discussion about this phenomena over on the JWSoundGroup.net -- and BTW, that's an excellent resource for anybody looking for solid advice on good mics at any price range.

For instance I used the Aputure Deity here... As I didn't feel like risking my Sanken on an ultra low budget short film while scrambling up and down rocks in the dark next to the ocean.

Yes, that's a good idea. I have used cheap disposable lavs and waterproof transmitters on occasion where I thought there was a big risk of splashes and dunking. I had one MKH60 get dropped off a boat once, but Sennheiser service in Connecticut had it good as new in 2 weeks, and the cost was reasonable ($150 or so). The production was insured, it was a freshwater lake, so it wasn't that bad.

I used the 416 for quite a while before finally getting a CS3e, but never got to use a Schoeps CMIT5U yet :-( Worked on one feature film with it used as the main mic, but I was just the 2nd boom so never got to swing the CMIT5U myself.

Yes, there are some huge fans of the CS3e out there. It's a unique shotgun mic in that it has three elements in front, and there are situations where it's the right choice. I think the Schoeps CMIT5 is pretty much the best shotgun mic in the world for a lot of applications, but it's not cheap (about $2500). Not hard to find it for under $30/day as a rental, hence my recommendation to the o.p. that they rent instead of buy.

 

[Ryan Williams]

I asked if it was a bombproof as the Rode. That doesn't mean perform a gimmick like drive over it. it means use it in the field for an extended period and see if connections come loose. I said I hope it is great. Not sure why your knickers are in such a twist.

No need to get defensive about it, I was just asking what objective proof or facts you were using to imply that the Deity isn’t going to hold up in the field (more than “I have had flawed products from Aputure in the past”). By all means, if you’ve got some data about how they’ve been breaking down in the field and they aren’t living up to the very minimal expectations that people have for them, then share it. I have no doubts it isn’t the same quality as the 416, but it also not priced as the same level as a 416, so I don’t hold it to the Sennheiser standard. Do you really not see how it is disingenuous to measure a product against anecdotal info and then arbitrarily dismiss everything that isn’t in line with your thoughts (especially when others who actually own the mic report back in the opposite)? You’ve implied multiple of times that the quality of the Aputure Deity is lack-luster with no substantive facts behind it.

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

Dunno, see if it is working in 6 months just from general wear and tear.

If you don’t see how people could draw that conclusion based on your statements then no amount of explaining (on my part) is going to remedy your lack of understanding in that regard.

I have had issues with every single Aputure product I have owned, LS1, Cob120T, Cob120D. And I let it slide because they are cheap and they are flawed. If the mic isn't flawed then brilliant.

I’ve only owned one RED but I’ve had problems with it, but overall it’s a pretty solid camera. So it is expensive and flawed. Should I never recommend or get another RED? Should I automatically let RED get a pass because I paid more for it? Should people not look at getting a RED based on my anecdotal experience? Or just maybe, is it possible that it isn’t all binary?

Because I never paid more than $600 for an MKH416, including one new one. Go over to eBay right now, you'll see a bunch of them.

That has nothing to do with current soundies (in this very moment) who may/may not want to buy a Deity. To go back to my original statement, what you said was just hyperbole then, got it. You cannot buy a NIB 416 from a legitimate retailer for $459 ($100 more than the retail price of the Deity).

Stepping away from the whole “don’t buy it based on price” tangent as I don’t believe anyone here has advocated for buying a mic solely on its price tag (take it into consideration yes, but sole factor, no)…I’d guess that there are people out there, who, like me, would like to own a 416 but don’t currently have the means to get one. I don’t live in a place where I can rent one, nor can I hire someone every time I need to get sound. So the choices you and Malik have left for others in terms of advice are essentially, don’t get something that because it isn’t the same quality or better as the 416, or some other top end mic (this is the “do without option”), or just get more money and buy the top end model. These are very binary options and I don’t feel they accurately reflect the whole gamut of possibilities for potential buyers.

I’d contend there is some grey area in there, and in that grey area is the Deity (amongst many other mics). Not as known or proven as the other mics, not as expensive, and the audio quality isn’t as good. However, it is about ¼ or less in terms of cost, and even though its audio quality isn’t as good, it is still probably a 70-80% of the way there (with regards to the 416). Take note that I’m specifically citing multiple characteristics of the mic (not just price) that go into a person’s decisions. I think we can all agree that there are multiple points that feed into a decision to buy a mic, right?

Obviously the mic is not acceptable to you, and you are ok with paying quite a bit more for that last 30% of quality/improvement. That’s fine and dandy. But it is also fair to say that others who aren’t in your same shoes may come to a logical conclusion that there can be good enough quality audio capture but with a product/item that costs less… and that is an acceptable and realistic solution that doesn’t seem to register to you though much of the other advice you've given is solid. It is also fair to say that most soundies who don’t have a 416 in their kit but see one NIB from a retailer for $459 would probably opt to pick one up vs getting the Deity, at that price point. That, however, is not the current situation so your position about it really is a non-starter in terms of whether or not the Deity is a good pick-up for someone trying to move towards 416 level audio quality but don’t have the current financial means to do so.

As I didn't feel like risking my Sanken on an ultra low budget short film while scrambling up and down rocks in the dark next to the ocean.

Probably a smart move, mate!

I used the 416 for quite a while before finally getting a CS3e, but never got to use a Schoeps CMIT5U yet :-( Worked on one feature film with it used as the main mic, but I was just the 2nd boom so never got to swing the CMIT5U myself.

I have the CMIT5U on my wishlist at B&H, and I drool just dreaming of that awesomeness. Maybe I’ll get to listen to one when I get back to more civilized areas that have film/sound production.

 

[Malik Moore]

Ryan, the only reason you can’t get a 416 is because you’ve recently sold your soul for some primes. The Deity can’t save your soul now, Son.

I wasn’t comparing the 416 to Deity in this thread. I’ve only mentioned the 416 regarding that post mentioning that recent sale. I only then added my comment for reference regarding a time period/pattern of when that sale usually/might occur. I stumbled on it by mistake that year. I was also doubting that Sennheiser was cutting prices due to the Deity. As far as sound quality goes, I have no input. I don’t own a Deity.

My posts were mainly talking about Aputure’s quality control. I feel it’s useful for end users to share their experiences of a product/brand. That helps create a healthy environment where readers can find honest input. Ultimately, it’s up to the user to make that final purchase, but atleast they had the info present beforehand. I don’t have a problem if someone own/use/prefer an Aputure product. My only issue is if the product is being crippled due to lack of QC. Affordable is good, but if doesn’t work, it’s expensive.

As far as the “advice” I gave, it was pretty open-ended. I’m sure the readers know where they fall. I’m not protesting the Deity. I’m just providing a perspective.

 

[Ben Scott]

Jeeze.. You're incessant. It's not disingenuous to ask about the road-worthiness of any piece of kit, not least a cheap piece of kit, not least a cheap piece of kit from the manufacturer of other cheap pieces of kit I own that you could probably drive a truck over but instead their cables failed etc etc.


I'll leave you to it though because I think you actually want to marry a microphone.

 

[Michael Hastings]

I know. And they're spelling it wrong. I never liked it when people took perfectly good words and then bent them for products. (But I love The Beatles and The Byrds. On the plus side, they're not trying to sell me microphones.)

It is much easier to create, defend and maintain a trademark if isn't an actual word. If you use an actual word, you are usually VERY limited in the scope and product areas where you can claim trademarks. With a made up (maybe variation) of a word - your trademark can be fairly unlimited.

 

[Ryan Williams]

Ryan, the only reason you can’t get a 416 is because you’ve recently sold your soul for some primes. The Deity can’t save your soul now, Son.

Fact, Father. Didn't realize you were part of the clergy. lol

I wasn’t comparing the 416 to Deity in this thread. I’ve only mentioned the 416 regarding that post mentioning that recent sale. I only then added my comment for reference regarding a time period/pattern of when that sale usually/might occur. I stumbled on it by mistake that year. I was also doubting that Sennheiser was cutting prices due to the Deity. As far as sound quality goes, I have no input. I don’t own a Deity.

My posts were mainly talking about Aputure’s quality control. I feel it’s useful for end users to share their experiences of a product/brand. That helps create a healthy environment where readers can find honest input. Ultimately, it’s up to the user to make that final purchase, but atleast they had the info present beforehand. I don’t have a problem if someone own/use/prefer an Aputure product. My only issue is if the product is being crippled due to lack of QC. Affordable is good, but if doesn’t work, it’s expensive.

As far as the “advice” I gave, it was pretty open-ended. I’m sure the readers know where they fall. I’m not protesting the Deity. I’m just providing a perspective.

That's fine and all, but what would be really nice is if you were to add some perspective on acceptable alternatives to the 416 that meet the price (or lower) of what Marc originally claimed (which is $100 more than the Deity). I too hope that if someone chooses to invest in a product, that it works. If it isn't living up to expectations, then it would be nice to know that as well so we can take that into consideration before purchasing.

 

[Ryan Williams]

Jeeze.. You're incessant. It's not disingenuous to ask about the road-worthiness of any piece of kit, not least a cheap piece of kit, not least a cheap piece of kit from the manufacturer of other cheap pieces of kit I own that you could probably drive a truck over but instead their cables failed etc etc.

I'll leave you to it though because I think you actually want to marry a microphone.

I don't understand why you get so upset when someone asks for proof to back-up your claims? The fact that you are resorting to defensiveness says enough about point. I don't think the point of this specific thread was for you to vent about your lack of care about Aputure and its business and advertising practices but rather to objectively discuss the Deity as a possible competitor for grand daddy of mics (416). Might I suggest the off topic forum and starting another thread where you can whinge and make arbitrary points, without being hindered by others who are looking for the facts and proof of whether or not the Deity will be an acceptable/note-worthy alternative (albeit lower in quality and price) than the 416.

 

[Brandon Veen]

I think if somebody is going through stepping stones to eventually get a Sennheiser MKH416, the Deity could be a potentially good step to getting there, accessory-wise at least, since the dimensions are the same. Although, if that’s your goal, it might be more effective to just wait until you can purchase one second-hand or if you find a good deal on it. I think ultimately though, if getting the Deity is the difference between you just recording on something like a Zoom H4N’s Shotgun Mic to a more professional microphone, it’s priced fairly nice for that.

That and the Rycote Mount seems to retail for $159 by itself.

 

[David Peterson]

Because I never paid more than $600 for an MKH416, including one new one. Go over to eBay right now, you'll see a bunch of them.

I can't find any new ones on eBay right now for under $600

BTW, beware of counterfeit MKH416's, which are out there. There's a long discussion about this phenomena over on the JWSoundGroup.net -- and BTW, that's an excellent resource for anybody looking for solid advice on good mics at any price range.

I know about the counterfeits, which is why even *IF* I saw a sub $600 new 416 on eBay I wouldn't buy it!!

 

[David Peterson]

Probably a smart move, mate!

The day's shoot turned out to be less crazy than I was expecting from their description! Probably could have taken my Sanken, but better safe than sorry.

I have the CMIT5U on my wishlist at B&H, and I drool just dreaming of that awesomeness. Maybe I’ll get to listen to one when I get back to more civilized areas that have film/sound production.

There is a secondhand CMIT5U on B&H right now ;-)

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/used/405353/Schoeps_CMIT_5U_CMIT5U_Shotgun_Microphone_Blue.html


Have you seen the Schoeps SuperCMIT 2U? it is based upon the CMIT5U design, but digital. (so I'd need to first upgrade my recorder to one that supports AES!)

Goes for the low low price of US$4.5K
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...u_mini_da42_supercmit_2u_digital_shotgun.html

I think if somebody is going through stepping stones to eventually get a Sennheiser MKH416, the Deity could be a potentially good step to getting there, accessory-wise at least, since the dimensions are the same. Although, if that’s your goal, it might be more effective to just wait until you can purchase one second-hand or if you find a good deal on it. I think ultimately though, if getting the Deity is the difference between you just recording on something like a Zoom H4N’s Shotgun Mic to a more professional microphone, it’s priced fairly nice for that.

That and the Rycote Mount seems to retail for $159 by itself.

Yes, that is another attractive feature of the Aputure Deity is that not only is the microphone sharply priced but the kit is even more so! Which is what I'd recommend people get rather than just a microphone by itself.

 

[Ryan Williams]

I think if somebody is going through stepping stones to eventually get a Sennheiser MKH416, the Deity could be a potentially good step to getting there, accessory-wise at least, since the dimensions are the same. Although, if that’s your goal, it might be more effective to just wait until you can purchase one second-hand or if you find a good deal on it. I think ultimately though, if getting the Deity is the difference between you just recording on something like a Zoom H4N’s Shotgun Mic to a more professional microphone, it’s priced fairly nice for that.

That and the Rycote Mount seems to retail for $159 by itself.

Brandon,

Agreed. I'm still holding out till I can get back to a place where I can test out my ME66 against the Deity to see which sounds better.

 

[Ryan Williams]

The day's shoot turned out to be less crazy than I was expecting from their description! Probably could have taken my Sanken, but better safe than sorry.

There is a secondhand CMIT5U on B&H right now ;-)

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/used/405353/Schoeps_CMIT_5U_CMIT5U_Shotgun_Microphone_Blue.html


Have you seen the Schoeps SuperCMIT 2U? it is based upon the CMIT5U design, but digital. (so I'd need to first upgrade my recorder to one that supports AES!)

Goes for the low low price of US$4.5K
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...u_mini_da42_supercmit_2u_digital_shotgun.html

I need to round out other parts of my sound kit first, but thanks for the link anyways (even if its only eye candy for me atm)! I may end up never upgrading to any of the high-end mics, as by the time I'll need any of those I'll probably be in a spot where I can hire a soundie professional w/ full kit. We'll see. In the mean time though, I'll keep practicing with what I got and pickup improvements when/where I can. As I mentioned above, I might try to trade out my ME66 depending on how the Deity is performing against it (and we see other people chime in on their experiences with the Deity).

Does the F8 not support AES? Isn't that what you use?