Advice needed: Studio Projects B1 or Rode NT1A?

  • Thread starter Thread starter loboman
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loboman

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Hi everybody,

I’m a rookie designing my own home recording studio and would like some advice… I will be recording on a digital portastudio in a room in my house (it’s in a relatively quiet neighborhood). I will be recording mainly acoustic and electric guitars, voices and percussion.

I’ve already bought a Shure 55SH II cardioid dynamic microphone. I have also bought an Audio Technica AT2020 condenser microphone but I want to buy another one as a back up. I’ve thought of either a Studio Projects B1 or a Rode NT1A… I’ve read some reviews but I cannot make up my mind.

I’ m in Japan and want to buy my second condenser microphone now, before leaving because here microphones are cheaper than anywhere else…

I would appreciate some input.

Thanks.

J.
 
For what it's worth, I tried the Rode NT1A and it was not for me. For some reason it seemed too bright on my voice. Others like it though.

Although I didn't get the B1, I did get the tube version, the TB1 and I thought the sound was a bit warmer. I've used it on several male and female voice and acoustic guitar with much success. It's been a great mic to start with and I'm sure I'll keep it for background vocals when I upgrade to another vocal mic.

Since you have a condenser, maybe you should try a tube or ribbon mic.

Just some thoughts!

Earl
 
I have not tried the NT1a but I did have a B1...it is a great beginner's mic and I think that if you get it, that it will become your main mic rather than being backup to the 2020...the B1 is a true LDC where I think the 2020 is actually an SDC in an LDC body...
 
Thanks

Thanks everybody. I posted the same question here and in another forum and there seems to be a consensus: most people chose the Studio Projects B1.

Once more, I appreciate it.

J.
 
Just curious, since you're in Japan - how much are the 4x series Audio Technica mics, like the AT4040 and AT4050?
 
At4040 & At4050

Hi

A quick online search (Japanese online shops):

AT4040 = U$ 370

AT4050 = U$ 950

J.
 
antichef said:
Just curious, since you're in Japan - how much are the 4x series Audio Technica mics, like the AT4040 and AT4050?
Click to expand...
Oh, ok - out of the range, I guess. Still speculating (and imagining that they're somehow cheaper and more plentiful in Japan, despite your evidence to the contrary), but it might be worth looking at the used market there to see if you can get one of those.
 
I have the Rode NT-1a, Studio Projects B1 and MXL V67g.

All three mics are excellent but different.

The Rode is very bright.
The Studio Projects is also bright but a little warmer than the Rode.
The MXL is much warmer than the others.

It might be an idea to get a more neutral mic to start with like the CAD M177.
 
All good advice so far.

Of the mics you mention, they are all good mics, but finding the perfect mic for a vocal is a lot like trying to get the perfect fitting shoe. Once you find the one that fits the best, that's the one for you.
The SP B1 is a good one to have in your arsenal tho. I like it a lot. The Rode was the favorite mic of the last singer that I worked with and she sounded better through it than anything else.
 
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