Rode NT1-A mic? Any worries?

Author
M_Glenn_M
Max Output Level: -65 dBFS
  • Total Posts : 1276
  • Joined: 2011/09/13 10:58:11
  • Location: Comox BC
  • Status: offline
2012/12/20 12:30:19 (permalink)

Rode NT1-A mic? Any worries?

I'm hoping to find a mic that fits my sound.
I know it's mainly personal but is there any hard reasons for not buying a Rode NT1-A?
Problems?


Producer Exp x1d 
Win XP, intel Core2 Duo CPU E4600 @ 2.4 GHz, 2 GHz RAM  
Nvidia gforce 8500 GT    
BR800 controller , DR880 drum machine. GR20 guitar synth, Alesis QX25 
KRK 6 + 10" sub.   Sennheiser HD280pro cans  
2 Yamaki acoustics, Korean Strat, 60's Jazzmaster, 60's BF Deluxe Reverb,   

 



#1

4 Replies Related Threads

    SvenArne
    Max Output Level: -48 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 2719
    • Joined: 2007/01/31 12:51:29
    • Location: Trondheim, Norway
    • Status: offline
    Re:Rode NT1-A mic? Any worries? 2012/12/20 14:15:59 (permalink)
    It's a very bright mic. The brightness might be fine on some voices but it's a pain in the ass on acoustic guitar, especially. I would recommend the MXL 2003A instead. It's far more balanced and natural, without being dull.





    #2
    Rob[at]Sound-Rehab
    Max Output Level: -47 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 2819
    • Joined: 2011/02/03 04:31:35
    • Location: Sound-Rehab, Austria
    • Status: offline
    Re:Rode NT1-A mic? Any worries? 2012/12/20 14:38:03 (permalink)
    What do you guys think about the more expensive brothers?

    RODE NT2000
    RODE K2

    advertised with "Infinitely variable control of the K2's polar patterns" ...

    GOOD TUNES LAST FOREVER
      +++   Visit the Rehab   +++
     
    DAW: Platinum/X3e, win10 64 bit, i7-3930K (6x3.2GHz), Asus Sabertooth X79, 32 GB DDR3 1600MHz, ATI HD 5450, 120 GB SSD OCZ Agility3, 2x 1TB WD HDD SATA 600
    Audio-Interface: 2x MOTU 1248 AVB, Focusrite OctoPre, (Roland Octa-Capture)   Control-Surface: VS-700C 
    VSTi: WAVES, NI K10u, FabFilter, IK, ... (too many really) 
    #3
    bitflipper
    01100010 01101001 01110100 01100110 01101100 01101
    • Total Posts : 26036
    • Joined: 2006/09/17 11:23:23
    • Location: Everett, WA USA
    • Status: offline
    Re:Rode NT1-A mic? Any worries? 2012/12/20 16:10:20 (permalink)
    I've had an NT1-A for many years. Unfortunately, it didn't suit my own voice at all and I considered selling it. But one day I tried it on someone else's voice and it was a perfect fit for him, so I hung onto the mic. I've also tried it on acoustic guitar and wasn't terribly impressed, though it was OK.

    Based on my experience, I would not recommend it as your one all-around general-purpose condenser, although it'd be a nice addition to a mic collection. If you don't have any LDCs now, look instead for something that's fairly flat, has good off-axis response, a high-pass filter, and preferably one with multiple polar patterns for best versatility (the NT1-A has none of these features).

    Unfortunately, that set of features jumps you into a higher price range than the NT1. Some of the mid-range Audio Technica mics offer excellent price/performance value. Consider saving up for an AT-4050, for example (~ $700), or an AKG C414 (~$1K) or Shure KSM-44 (also about a grand).

    But if you need something now and you're limited to an under $400 price range, your best bet is to order from somebody with a liberal return policy such as Sweetwater and just try the Rode out. If that doesn't float your boat, return it and try an MXL, AKG C214, AT-4040 or Shure SM-27.


    All else is in doubt, so this is the truth I cling to. 

    My Stuff
    #4
    SvenArne
    Max Output Level: -48 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 2719
    • Joined: 2007/01/31 12:51:29
    • Location: Trondheim, Norway
    • Status: offline
    Re:Rode NT1-A mic? Any worries? 2012/12/20 16:17:58 (permalink)
    FreeFlyBertl


    What do you guys think about the more expensive brothers?

    RODE NT2000
    RODE K2

    advertised with "Infinitely variable control of the K2's polar patterns" ...

    I've used the NTK a bit and think it's kinda "meh" (Maybe a little unfair, since it always ended up being compared to the vintage U87 they had at that place). The K2 is supposed to be better and it's nice to have a big impressive 'toob' mic up when your friends and clients walk in... 


    Dunno about the NT2000...





    #5
    Jump to:
    © 2024 APG vNext Commercial Version 5.1