Mic Upgrade, From Roda Nt1a and Mxl 990

[hottsauce_21]

Hey its been awhile since i been on this site, WELL its like this i need help finding a mic. I have a Voicemaster pro, emu 1212m card in my computer and ai had a Rode Nt1a but it gave up on me a year ago, now i use a MXL 990, cheap mic. But now i got a lil cash set away for a new mic, I was thinking about a RODE NTK cuz i hear alot of rappers use them, but maybe some1 could recommend better. i have 800 just for a mic, so thats the price range thanks.

I need a mic that has a crisp sound, cuz my MXL aint doin it.


Here's a link to my site of some of my groups music, can u please tell me if a NEW mic would help the sound alot. i've been told i have a great Amp i just need a great mic to do the job.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=16725396


SICC RYDAS!!!!!!!

 

[Rick Shepherd]

What are you planning on recording with your mic, rap?

 

[jaykeMURD]

I don't know about rap mics, but the NTK will stomp the crap out of the 990.

 

[mjau]

Check out a c414, also - there's a few versions, and most can be found used for under $600. You can use these on lots of things, including vocals.

 

[kidvybes]

I don't know about rap mics, but the NTK will stomp the crap out of the 990.

...the NTK is a good "tube-condenser" recommendation (even better when the tube is upgraded)...or on the dynamic side, the Shure SM7 is excellent for "thick" vocals...both are less than half your budget...

 

[hottsauce_21]

Yea its for Rap, I was thinkin about the Rode NtK, BUT then i see the RODE K2, U think thats better. Its $700 while the NTK is $500, it should be better since it cost more and its part 2 of the NTK right???

 

[kidvybes]

Yea its for Rap, I was thinkin about the Rode NtK, BUT then i see the RODE K2, U think thats better. Its $700 while the NTK is $500, it should be better since it cost more and its part 2 of the NTK right???

...actually not...the NTK and K2 have totally different capsules and circuitry...what the K2 brings is an overall smoother top end, richer bottom and variable patterns...definately a step up from the NTK...if you've got the bucks, the K2 won't dissapoint...a tube upgrade would improve the K2 as well...same 6922 tube as the NTK...

 

[hottsauce_21]

What do u mean by Tube Upgrade???

 

[countrylac]

Taking the stock tube out of the mic and replacing it with a different one. Different tubes can produce different tonal results.

 

[hottsauce_21]

wow, so how do i do that??? is there a site u recommend to view different tubes to insert into the mic, which would be the best for the RODE K2??? Is it easy to install or should i have a pro do it?


P.S. What do u mean by TONAL results too???

 

[Ironklad Audio]

ok, here's my recommendation...since you say you're gonna be using this for mostly rap vocals, and you seem to not have the knowledge that some do in microphones, i would say buy 2 different LDC's so that you can have a little more versatility...using different mics on different songs, or even on the verses and choruses. or if you have more than 1 person rhyming on a track, you can put 1 person on 1 mic, and someone else on the other. $800 can score you both the Rode NTK and an AT4040 or 4033, both of which should yield good results while giving you more flexibility

 

[kidvybes]

wow, so how do i do that??? is there a site u recommend to view different tubes to insert into the mic, which would be the best for the RODE K2??? Is it easy to install or should i have a pro do it?

...very simple to do...no need for a "pro"...with the mic unplugged, and the body casing removed, you simply swap out the tube for a better grade vintage NOS equivalent...for further info, read these 2 older threads:
https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=181307
https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=182933

 

[roadwarrior]

Definition of "Dynamic Range"----K2...........there is NO substitute.......Just Do It!

 

[hottsauce_21]

Haha, ok. Well thanks, Ill look into them threads for changing tubes

 

[kidvybes]

Yea its for Rap, I was thinkin about the Rode NtK, BUT then i see the RODE K2, U think thats better. Its $700 while the NTK is $500

...here's some excellent opportunities to get the K2 for a very nice price:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Rode-K2-Condens...415221637QQcategoryZ41466QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/RODE-K2-K-2-TUB...415448975QQcategoryZ41466QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem