Nady RSM-2 ribbon first impressions...

[cnix]

I upgraded my vocal mic 2 weeks ago from a Studio Projects C-1 to a Rode NTK, and was not satisfied with either on my voice. The SP was my first condensor which I have had for a year and half, loved it at first, but lately sounding a little "harsh" ( I think more experienced ears really). Wanted a tube and decided could not go wrong with NTK, well a tube is not for me. I double track my voice, and my songs have 3 and 4 part harmony's, also double tracked for fullness, mellow simular to the Beach Boys, only not as good. The tube created too much after-effects, all those tracks with "tube" noise. I know you guys love your NTK, but I believe mine is headed for auction, we'll see.

I got the RSM-2 for $179.00, plus free screen, which I usually do not use, but will from now on to protect the fragile ribbon. I first tried with EH 12AY7, not enough gain for my voice. Next, tried with RNP/RNC combo and got the gain I needed. After hearing Scrubs, I am wondering what the VTB-1 will do for this mic and my voice as I am not a big fan of the RNP on my voice.

Vocal-This is the main reason for buying the mic. In a word, smooth, real smooth. Very impressed with the clarity, fullness, and clean sound. Now, the NTK is nice also, but on many tracks... A quick A/B vocal, and I am very happy with this for vocals. For my voice, it's a keeper for vocals alone.

Acoustic Guitar - I do not like the RNP on acoustic guitar and prefer the EH which does not have the gain for this mic, however, finger picking or any lead on acoustic guitar and this mic again shines. Nice tone and clarity, however, for strumming, the SP C-4 is better on my guitar.

Those were the only A/B test I have done so far.

For $179.00, this mic is a bargain. Hope this quick review helps someone who is on the fence.

[reshp1]

Originally Posted by cnix

I upgraded my vocal mic 2 weeks ago from a Studio Projects C-1 to a Rode NTK, and was not satisfied with either on my voice. The SP was my first condensor which I have had for a year and half, loved it at first, but lately sounding a little "harsh" ( I think more experienced ears really). Wanted a tube and decided could not go wrong with NTK, well a tube is not for me. I double track my voice, and my songs have 3 and 4 part harmony's, also double tracked for fullness, mellow simular to the Beach Boys, only not as good. The tube created too much after-effects, all those tracks with "tube" noise. I know you guys love your NTK, but I believe mine is headed for auction, we'll see.

I got the RSM-2 for $179.00, plus free screen, which I usually do not use, but will from now on to protect the fragile ribbon. I first tried with EH 12AY7, not enough gain for my voice. Next, tried with RNP/RNC combo and got the gain I needed. After hearing Scrubs, I am wondering what the VTB-1 will do for this mic and my voice as I am not a big fan of the RNP on my voice.

Vocal-This is the main reason for buying the mic. In a word, smooth, real smooth. Very impressed with the clarity, fullness, and clean sound. Now, the NTK is nice also, but on many tracks... A quick A/B vocal, and I am very happy with this for vocals. For my voice, it's a keeper for vocals alone.

Acoustic Guitar - I do not like the RNP on acoustic guitar and prefer the EH which does not have the gain for this mic, however, finger picking or any lead on acoustic guitar and this mic again shines. Nice tone and clarity, however, for strumming, the SP C-4 is better on my guitar.

Those were the only A/B test I have done so far.

For $179.00, this mic is a bargain. Hope this quick review helps someone who is on the fence.

I'm using the VTB-1 with my Shiny Box (virtually identical to the Nady) and it's working very well. Very clean with the tube blend all the way off. Also has plenty of gain to power the ribbon for just about any source.

[chipwits]

Think the M-AUDIO DMP3 can power the Nady RSM-2 as well as the VTB 1 does? Cause I am not only going to get a shinybox (or nady), but am intending on purchasing a new preamp.

James

[gemsbok]

yeah that eh pre looks like cheap junk. i kinda figured it was under powered too. i might buy a tampa though.

[reshp1]

Originally Posted by chipwits

Think the M-AUDIO DMP3 can power the Nady RSM-2 as well as the VTB 1 does? Cause I am not only going to get a shinybox (or nady), but am intending on purchasing a new preamp.

James

I bet it would do just fine. I think DMP3 gives you like 66dB to the 70dB on the VTB, but the 70dB is with the output gain cranked all the way up, and I normally don't need to do that.