Rode NT1A Mic, is it worth buying? Verdad...

[Jimsi]

Ok, I got a decent deal on an NT1A Rode mic from Zzounds for $199 because i wanted a bright mic for acoustical instruments...I think this will work out using a darker preamp for a Mandolin and Acosutic Guitars....did i buy the wrong mic?

Preamp

GT Brick and UA 710

[guitarboy94]

I've owned this one and didn't care for it....but if your source is dark, it could work.

[Jimsi]

Thanks Guitarboy, what preamp/s was used with yours?

Originally Posted by guitarboy94

I've owned this one and didn't care for it....but if your source is dark, it could work.

[guitarboy94]

Focusrite ISA ONE

However, give the mic a chance. You might like it. I was using it mostly on vocals. You really need to decide for yourself if it works for your needs or not. Take all opinions on this forum, including mine, with a grain of salt. Paired with a warmer preamp than my ISA ONE, you might have better luck than me.

[Jimsi]

yes, thanks....ill use it on instruments only, we have low darker vox here, but a deesser would help if needed, but i own darker mics as well(some too dark for my taste)....I can always flip it on ebay....

Originally Posted by guitarboy94

Focusrite ISA ONE

However, give the mic a chance. You might like it. I was using it mostly on vocals. You really need to decide for yourself if it works for your needs or not. Take all opinions on this forum, including mine, with a grain of salt. Paired with a warmer preamp than my ISA ONE, you might have better luck than me.

[guitarboy94]

The good news is that the Nt1a is a crisp, extremely transparent mic. If you're looking for zero source coloration with some added sheen, it really excels in that fashion. You just gotta really watch the top end on this thing. It gets harsh on the wrong sources. The fact that you're using a bright mic like the NT1A on a bright instrument like a mandolin worries me a little...

[Jimsi]

good point GB...I think the Mandolin will work best on a darker mic....I do have some realy dark guitar amps ((one) that i may stick it on and try....I like the fact its a transparent mic, good obversvation..thanks

Originally Posted by guitarboy94

The good news is that the Nt1a is a crisp, extremely transparent mic. If you're looking for zero source coloration with some added sheen, it really excels in that fashion. You just gotta really watch the top end on this thing. It gets harsh on the wrong sources. The fact that you're using a bright mic like the NT1A on a bright instrument like a mandolin worries me a little...

[GordZilla]

FWIW.... I did a mic shootout some time ago on my darker sounding acoustic. I used a variety of LDCs, pencil SDCs, and dynamics... none of which were what I would call high-end. At the end of the day... my NT-1A beat them all out, including a TLM103. It sounded the best on my guitar, hands down.

Mind you... as I stated, my Norman is not a very bright instrument....YMMV

[GordZilla]

Another line of good value mics to look into for instrument (and vocal) tracking are the Kel Audio HM-1, and HM-7U. These guys have a pretty good return policy, so if the mics don`t do the trick, simply return them for full refund

[Enlightened Hand]

Originally Posted by Jimsi

....did i buy the wrong mic?...

Only if you don't like the sound.

It doesn't matter what mic it is. Just use it and listen. If you don't like the sound no matter what you do (that part's important, because what YOU do with the mic and everything else matters) then it's not the right mic. Everything in this case, and I mean EVERYTHING everyone else says is absolutely worthless to you besides your ears hearing the thing in use, with your gear, in your situation.

You might find that someone says something that you agree with or that you like to hear or whatever. But ultimately their words are just commentary from people that have no clue what you're really doing or how it really sounds in your situation. I mean, how crazy is it to ask somebody over the net their opinion about something you're holding in your hand when you can just use the thing and see for yourself? It would have probably been better if you didn't ask because then you wouldn't have to deal with THEIR opinion floating around in your mind as you EXPECT to hear what they said you SHOULD hear. It's an insane situation.

This would be a different conversation if you hadn't already bought the thing.

[anna_britbass88]

own it, like it - and it's dead quiet.

Hang on to it.

[Jimsi]

its such a love hate mic.......wow zZounds botched up the order and it seems i have to call now to have it straightened out...ill digest this info before it is shipped to me...thank you all for the Verdad....

Originally Posted by anna_britbass88

own it, like it - and it's dead quiet.

Hang on to it.

[guitarboy94]

Why not just buy the thing used for around a hundred bucks? Then you can turn around and sell it for the same cash if it doesn't work out. I've learned to never buy microphones new. The used market on recording gear is the way to go, man!

[Jimsi]

I looked on Ebay and would for $100 bucks, The cheapest i seen them used is around $165 plus shipping and it comes around a few dollars bellow new price of $199 with warranty...Im realy desiring a bright mic and thought this would be good as any for acoustic guitars...

Originally Posted by guitarboy94

Why not just buy the thing used for around a hundred bucks? Then you can turn around and sell it for the same cash if it doesn't work out. I've learned to never buy microphones new. The used market on recording gear is the way to go, man!