new mic - whittled down to 2(ish?!)

[gavski82]

Hi there
After much deliberation and research, I have shortlisted 2 mics for my next, and first proper, mic purchase.
I am struggling to decide and despite scouring the forums until the whites of my eyes turned pink, I couldn't find much to help with these specific mics...

It's between the Rode NT1a, and the Red5 Rv8 (possibly Rv10?)

I know there is the obvious price difference, but for now that is irrelevant - I have heard mostly positive things about both of these mics! The technical data doesn't really help me as I'm quite clueless in that respect.

One main aspect I've seen is 'self noise', the Rode being considerably lower than the Red5 (at approx 5dB and 16dB respectively). I will be recording at home, acoustic guitars and vocals, and so just how much of a difference will this make? Should this be the deal breaker?

While we're at it, would the Rv10 be a better buy than the Rv8 (and indeed the Rode)? I know it has the different modes available but again I'm not sure how much I will use this feature.

Please help! Your advice is much appreciated!

 

[Big Kenny]

my experience with the Rode nt 2a has been positive

 

[darrin_h2000]

Knowing what I know now...Id have approached it as the Shure KSM32 or AKG C214 for that first serious mic...both can be bought new for arround the same money...Im still trying to get rid of my cheap chinese made mics.

 

[gavski82]

oh no!!! you can't put two other mics in the mix! i'm afraid my poor little brain wouldn't take it.
I know chinese mics have got a reputation, but the Red5 have had a lot of positive reviews from users, and the Rode ones are Australian (apparently) which is why I have chosen those two makes really. Unless something really thinks that these are bad choices?

 

[darrin_h2000]

I have a locker full of inferior chinese mics that got "Good Reviews" if it wasnt for the reviews...I might not have bought them in the first place.

 

[gavski82]

Just out of interest, where are you looking at the mics you suggested?
I did a quick google of them and the cheapest I could find the AKG one for was £292, and the Shure between £300 and £400!

The ones I was looking at all come in under £150, as that really is my maximum amount I can spend on a mic

 

[darrin_h2000]

You should shop used...Im not sure where those numbers fall in US money...but I just picked up a KSM32 for $300 new on EBAY...there were some C214s on there for $300 too...I allready have a C414 so I didnt buy it.

 

[gavski82]

Ahh I see! I think on this occasion I would prefer to buy something new. Really so that I am covered by warranty and stuff if it goes wrong, and I at least have some form of recourse if that happens - you never know I guess!

 

[Seafroggys]

My NT2-a's are my primary mic (I own 2). I use them as drum overheads, on piano, acoustic guitar, and vocals. I know there's better mics out there, but these are pretty good too!

 

[dgatwood]

Buying a mic based on self noise as the primary criterion is like buying a car based on torque from 0-5 MPH as the primary criterion. I'm just sayin'.

There is no single mic I would pick for both acoustic guitar and vocals, much less piano or overheads. IMHO, any mic will be a tradeoff for voice, for instruments, or both. You'll probably be happier choosing mics accordingly. Just my $0.02. You should generally use a pair of good SDCs for acoustic, piano, and overheads. For voice, you probably either want a LDC or ribbon.

 

[Richard Monroe]

I'd go with the Rode just because of my positive experiences with Rode's customer service. If the thing goes wonky, you'll be glad you did.-Richie

 

[Big Kenny]

Buying a mic based on self noise as the primary criterion is like buying a car based on torque from 0-5 MPH as the primary criterion. I'm just sayin'.

There is no single mic I would pick for both acoustic guitar and vocals, much less piano or overheads. IMHO, any mic will be a tradeoff for voice, for instruments, or both. You'll probably be happier choosing mics accordingly. Just my $0.02. You should generally use a pair of good SDCs for acoustic, piano, and overheads. For voice, you probably either want a LDC or ribbon.

he's right ya know, but for now, go Rode