| I don't think the mic sucks. I have noticed that some NTK's seem to have a different, less sibilent character than others, even with a tube swap. Maybe different manufacturing line or parts source, who knows?
However, I've been working with tube audio for almost 40 years and I have never run across a circuit where the brand of tube makes such a huge difference as the NTK.
I have an AT 4060 (which uses the same tube) and it is not anywhere near as senistive about the brand of tube.
The NTK also has some very large HF peaks (around 8 and 12 Khz) that can easily overload the front end of many preamps, resulting in a somewhat course, sibilent sound. I've heard these sound not so good through some expensive preamps because of this. Attenuation at the front end seems to eliminate the problem in some cases. Some preamps just don't work with NTKs well at all in my experience and one has to wonder about the output circuitry on these mics.
Still, if you get a good one, change the tube , are careful with preamps (use that input pad) they can sound amazing on some sources (male vocals and acoustic guitar for sure).
And last but not least-don't worry about whether someone else thinks theirs sounds good, use your own ears. If it sounds good-use it.
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Greg
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