For acoustic guitar - Rode NT3 or NT1-A?

[lo beam]

At the risk of driving all you forum regulars nuts with having to deal with endless variations of the same question.....
I'm in the market for a new mike to record acoustic guitars. I've checked out various threads on the subject, and I'm torn between buying a Rode NT3 or a NT1-A.
From what I've managed to filter through the various responses on the subject, it would seem that small diaphragm condensors are generally better for acoustic guitars ( I've previously used the much-maligned(here) AKG C1000S with great results & figured that the NT3 would be similar - if not much better.
But I've also read many good testimonials re the NT1-A and its' wonderful applications for ac guit ( despite it being a larger diaphragm mic).
Since there's not a lot of price difference between the 2 Rodes ( in the UK at any rate) - what do we reckon?
Much appreciated,
lo beam.

 

[muttley]

An SDC mic will produce a slightly brighter response, where as a LDC mic will produce a response of more warmth and body of guitar, the SDC will reveal a little more string noise ( sound ) than the LDC. It's always best to audition both mics then choose the one that produces the recording results you're after.........



da MUTT

 

[muttley]

Also mic position contributes to the overall recording result.......

Can you audition the mics at the store where you're thinking of purchasing them?? If they have a decent monitoring system, this is well worth the time/effort......


da MUTT

 

[ausrock]

I can't comment on the NT1-A, but the NT3 has a 19mm (3/4") diaphram and I have yet to hear one that is not overly bright, dare I say harsh sounding.

You also have to consider the style of acoustic you will be primarily recording............a large full bodied guitar is likely to have a full bodied sound that may not be a good balance with a LD mic.

So far, the best "bang for buck" mic I have found for acoustics is the MXL-603. I have used ours on everything from full sized dreadnaughts to slimline acoustics and they haven't let us down yet. Obviously YMMV.

 

[lo beam]

Thanks -
I can pick up an MXL 603 for just over £80 in the UK - good price?

What's so great about these mics, though? I know everyone raves about them here ( i'd never heard of them - not well known in UK) but what's the big deal?

Cheers.

 

[lo beam]

OK - I've read just about everything there is to read here on the forum re MXL603 mic.
Most people seem to use em in pairs though - I can only afford one at the moment.
Will it still cut the mustard used on its' own?

 

[DJL]

For acoustic guitar - Rode NT3 or NT1-A?

I prefer a Marshall MXL603S on acoustic guitar.

 

[ausrock]

Lo Beam,

I would suggest you look at buying direct from the US as you should save heaps. Do a search on Ebay for dealers that will ship o/seas as you can get the 603's for around $55 US each that way.

 

[Big Kenny]

run a stereo set up using a ldc and sdc. the ldc at the twelfth fret pointing at the sound hole and the small at the bridge. never had a phase problem and the mix is sweet
for the large, use a tube (at 4060, rode ntk, akg solid tube, or whatever studio projects you can get your hands on) for the small a rode, shure, or even an akg c1000s ( i know doorstop joke goes here0 works well for this application. a dynamic also works great at the bridge ( sennheiser 421 or ev re20)
Therer ya go
In hIs Name
Big Kenny