Is there a difference between Rode nt-1, and the Rode nt-1a?

[Kyle Aaron]

I might buy an original nt-1, but noticed I can get an nt-1a for about the same price. Are the nt-1a's better than the original nt-1?

Sorry if this has been asked before. I didn't find anything in the search.

KA

 

[chessparov]

Better/worse will depend how either sound on a given musical source.
Generally, the NT1a has been said to be better than the original NT1,
although to makes things interesting SOME of the early NT1's are supposed to be (usually) better than the new or other old ones!

Chris

 

[shevsound]

You cant really go wrong with either of them.

I have 2 NT1a mics and I love 'em! I have done several recordings of Classical Harp and the NT1as sounded incredible on it.

The NT1as have one of the lowest self noise ratings for their price range and this is particularly useful if you are recording a very quiet instrument (like a harp) because there is less "circuit noise" from the mic if you crank the gain up (obviously, this is also affected by the quality of the preamps on your desk).

I have read in some magazines that the two models do have a slightly different sound, and that they reccomended going for the original NT1, but this really is a matter of personal taste.

That said though, you cant really go wrong at this price. Both models are great mics.

 

[billisa]

The NT1as have one of the lowest self noise ratings for their price range and this is particularly useful if you are recording a very quiet instrument (like a harp) because there is less "circuit noise" from the mic if you crank the gain up (obviously, this is also affected by the quality of the preamps on your desk).

The NT1a at 5.5db has one of the lowest self-noise specs of any mic at any price. One comment people make is you can't even tell it's on. My understanding is that the NT1a is a complete redesign -- the original NT1 was much liked, but later NT1 mics weren't as good due to a capsule change. So, the NT1a would be the way to go.

 

[chessparov]

I'd rather visit the dentist then hear a shrill singer on a NT1.

Chris