RODE NT1 Vs NT1A...

[theblue1]

Originally Posted by TheSweetener

The NT1A is a great mic (not only regarding its price). I've just done a test for a German recording mag where it sounded very similar to the Gefell M990 tube mic that was the reference.
The NT1 (as far as I remember) was a rather honky sounding mic. Strange mid bumps.

Have only used my own Oz-made NT1 but I would not describe it in any way as "honky" sounding. Rather, I'd say it's got a prominent but somewhat smooth HF rise and a distinct LF roll off, which makes it a good mic for a lot of what I do, but not everything. Prox effect can get some bottom back in but can be a little quirky, with re axis issues.

Overall, I find it useful, it's my first choice among my limited selection for my own vocals -- but it's def not for every vocalist. I got the mic when I was still taking a few clients and I eliminated it for the several female vocalists and the female voiceover artist I was working with at the time. But it was just what I was looking for for my own vox.

[Yoda117]

Add another vote for "bright".

I've used it for more than a few VO gigs, and that's definitely the word I'd use for it. I'm not saying that I didn't like it for most of the work I was using it for, but it's definitely not a "one size fits all" kinda mic. For the cost, it's not a bad starting point for a first voiceover mic... so long as you test it beforehand (like others have said, it's not good on all sources).

NT1... it's been a while, but it was definitely a "honky" mic. I never liked using it for spoken word applications.

[low_z]

I know this thread is old but...
For those wishing to hear the NT1 (not NT1-A) on guitar, here is quick little demo I made for a wedding gig. It is two (layered) tracks of classical guitar, both tracked in a living room with the NT1 (which I've had since 2000). Recorded at 44.1 into garage band. A little GB reverb used, but no eq if I remember correctly. Cheers!

[padawon]

I just got an nt1a and its plenty warm if you get real close with a pop screen and get that proxiemity bump happening. I really like it. Havent tried it on anything but vocals yet. Beats the crap out of the at2035 i tried before i got the rode.

[amacfarlane]

I owned two NT1s. They are without a doubt the worst microphone I've ever used. Most of the time this could be subjective opinion but it is not with the NT1s or at least the ones I had. It is a very harsh microphone and it will kill you when mixing.

[Studiodawg]

I once did a tuba/euphonium quartet location recording with two NT1 mics into two ART MPs and the person that hired me told me it was the best they ever sounded...dumb luck w/ mic placement and a couple NT1s...

[AlexK]

NT1 and NT1a are completely different microphones from a sonic viewpoint.

The NT1a is great for 'airy' sounding female vocals - it's got a very sparkly sound (for the price), very laid-back sounding midrange and a rolled off low-end. Horrible with (a lot of) male vocals though. They almost always need a tonne of de-essing though. I do like NT1As on drums as an XY pair for more natural soft sounding drums with a big 'paah' sound on the snare.

The NT1a is better for darker sounding male vocals, and normally sounds pretty ghastly for the female vocalists I've recorded. Very in-yer-face sounding midband, slightly rolled off (although exciteable) top-end and just the right amount of low end presence to give vocals weight.

Both almost aways need de-essing though, and TBH, I much prefer SE's offerings from the NT1a for vocals (even though I own a pair of NT1As and no SE mics).

[low_z]

Originally Posted by AlexK

NT1 and NT1a are completely different microphones from a sonic viewpoint.

The NT1a is great for 'airy' sounding female vocals - it's got a very sparkly sound (for the price), very laid-back sounding midrange and a rolled off low-end. Horrible with (a lot of) male vocals though. They almost always need a tonne of de-essing though. I do like NT1As on drums as an XY pair for more natural soft sounding drums with a big 'paah' sound on the snare.

The NT1a is better for darker sounding male vocals, and normally sounds pretty ghastly for the female vocalists I've recorded. Very in-yer-face sounding midband, slightly rolled off (although exciteable) top-end and just the right amount of low end presence to give vocals weight.

Both almost aways need de-essing though, and TBH, I much prefer SE's offerings from the NT1a for vocals (even though I own a pair of NT1As and no SE mics).

So the NT1a is better for female vocals, while the NT1a is better for darker male vocals?

Did you mean NT1 or NT1a for female vox?

[rocksure]

To one person "it's the best mic I've ever used" to another it's "the worst mic I've ever used". Take people's opinions with a bit of a grain of salt. I have had an NT1 (original) for 10 years or so. I used to use it on vocals but found on my own voice which has a real 3k bite to it would at times get a bit much on this mic and slightly distort it. It was also a bit sibilant. I discovered that my NTK is much better on my voice and those things are not an issue. It has also worked well on other voices I have recorded. I don't use the NT1 on vocals any more, but have found it more than useful for recording acoustic guitar and as an ambient mic on drums. I would not sell it because I like it on the right source.

[trondned]

Some history:

When Røde started out, they got their diaphragms from China. Apparently these varied too much in quality, and that's the reason they decided to start manufacturing their own.

The original NT-1s have China-made diaphragms. I'm lucky, mine's rather good. I've used it on several recordings with different vocalists, and a lot of times it has been the preferred mic over U87s, AKG C414s and Brauners. I'd say it's great for giving a dull uninspired voice some "bite". I would choose a different/rounder/duller mic on a squeaky honky tonk gal...

NT-1 is definitely not a bad mic, neither is it an extremely good mic. It's a descent mic that shines in the right occasions!

[ddymann]

Does any one tried this mic on foley ?. I am thinking it will work great because on the low self noise, foley is dealing with very low sound levels some times ( like gentle hand pats , fs on carpet and so on ) David ,, Foley Stage - Foley Stage I Foley artist