Better of the two? AT4033/NT1

  • Thread starter Thread starter Pier Calacino
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Pier Calacino

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Hello guys!

I have a simple question and probably a dumb one, but is the AT 4033 a lot better than the Rode NT1 for vocal work and to justify the extra $.?

Thanks Pier
 
The AT4033 might be more versatile. The Rode doesn't have a low frequency rolloff switch or pad. If you're mixer has those then it's not a big deal. The LF roll-off(high-pass filter) when engaged can reduce the proximity effect.

The proximity effect is a phenomenon in cardoid mics where bass response increases dramatically as the source(singer in this case) approaches the mic. I use the roll-off all the time, especially on acoustic guitar, and I think it's a great feature.

I can't comment on the two mics sound because I only have the AT4033. Different singers will also sound better through different mics. A lot depends on your voice. The AT has a reputation as being a great mic for the money.

Good luck Pier
 
AT4033...

an expert from this very board (taking a break from it right now... hint hint...) steered me to a AT4033 even over an NT2 for a good reason... 145dB max input level. He said you can REALLY lean on it if ya want.

I've never heard the NT1 in person (and it does depend on your voice) but I did finally find a place to demo the AT4033 verses many other mics and I REALLY liked it on my voice. Warm but still clear. The only one I tried I really liked better was the Neumann T103...but I ain't got $1000...

good luck and check'em out if you can...

zip >>
 
If you have the extra $ get the 4033 and be done with it. The NT1 isn't bad though. What is your recording medium? If you are doing digital the 4033 will probably be much smoother. The odd airyness of the NT-1 sounds cool on my old Four-track though. When I record digital with the NT-1 I compress the hell out of it.

-jhe
 
Zip: I took that same expert's advice and bought the 4033 even though I own a pair of NT-1's that I love. All I can say is that the 4033 is easily just as good as the NT-1 but costs nearly two bills more. Makes me wonder if the NT-2 would've been a better choice. Sure the AT has those two extra toys built into the mic, but my mixer covers those bases so maybe that's why I'm not drooling over the 4033. It's a sturdy workhorse just like the NT-1, but from the reports I've read all over the AT has better quality control. So the upshot of this data is that you'd better listen to the Rodents you get to see if they will suit your purposes as well as the 4033. I didn't. I never even owned a condenser mic prior to buying these. I lucked out.
It gets pretty subjective beyond this price level.
That's all I've been able to conclude from second hand knowledge.
 
In direct comparisons, the AT4033 was much more natural and accurate sounding than the NT1. The NT1 *may* be preferable if you are trying to enhance a voice, or something, but the AT is more accurate sounding on instruments. I was using it for acoustic guitar.
 
I bought these same two mics for the same reason - I wanted to know if I was justified spending the extra $$$ (about US $170.00) I recorded several passages with both mics and could hear the difference. Hard to describe, but on acoustic guitar it seemed I could hear each individual string more clearly with the AT. Can you hear the difference? Absolutely. Is it a huge difference? I don't think so. Is it worth the extra money? That's always the big question, and nobody can answer that for you. Good luck.
 
My recording medium is tape (tascam 424 MKII)

Well thanks for all the input guys" It really gives me something to think about now!

Thanks again, Pier
 
drstawl said:
Zip: I took that same expert's advice and bought the 4033 even though I own a pair of NT-1's that I love. All I can say is that the 4033 is easily just as good as the NT-1 but costs nearly two bills more. Makes me wonder if the NT-2 would've been a better choice. That's all I've been able to conclude from second hand knowledge.
Click to expand...

Interesting...but NO ONE carries Rode around here...arg! The 4033 I found was $350 and so was the NT2. The price I saw on the NT1 was $300...is that inaccurate?

I do know I really liked the sound of the 4033 on my voice so if I can't find a way to compare to the Rodes - I will probably buy it. Unfortunately not living in sunny CA music store choices are very limited...

thanks drstawl...something more to think about....:)
 
The price of the Rode NT1 around here are $179.00. Is that a good price ?

Pier
 
Rode NT1 for $179 is the lowest price I've seen. Check out the on-line retailers for comparison shopping. Musician's friend, Bayview Pro Audio, and Eighth Street Music all tend to have fairly comparable prices, and I think they all have some kind of low price guarantee.
 
So, there's no strong relationship between the increased price of the 4033 and the better sound of the 4033... Thanks, all. This has been a good thread.
 
Found an AT4050 for $359.00 used (Not a mark on it)
Like it alot better than my NT1, For vox and acoustic guitar. Alot smoother and natural sounding. But i still think the NT1 is a good deal for $179.00, I paid $299.00 a year or so back.
 
Go for the NT2 if you are going to buy a Rode. It has all the missing features listed in the 1st reply to this thread and it is my personal favorite. You can get 'em on Ebay NEW for $299...I paid $400 for mine (ouch!)

Just for the record (about the 100th time): I LOVE MY NT2!!

Pete
 
NT2...

Although the NT2 has the additional features, it still ALSO has the characteristic Rode sound, which is excessively "sizzly" for my taste. The AT4033 is still more accurate and widely useable. (Though I am not knocking the NT2, which may be exactly what you want in some applications)

Peace,
Rick
 
I think it depends alot on your studio also. I borrowed a friend's 4033 last month before I got my NT1. I don't have a vocal booth in my basement studio. It seemed like the 4033 didn't sound as good without the booth. Picked up everything ie room reflections, hard drive noise, etc. I know that it is because it is a better mic, but the NT1 does as good a job in my particular studio.
 
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