nt-1 or nt-1a?

[SimonW]

What's the difference between the rode nt-1 and nt-1a except for the lower self-noise of the nt-1a. Are they good for recording male vocals, acoustic guitar and harmonica? What's the sound like? Bright/coloured/neutral etc.?

Always Grateful!

Simon

 

[knightsy]

I've never used them, but the nt1 is obviously the old design and is noisier, the nt1a is made with surface mount devices (SMD) components, which has lowered the self noise. However, for resons that I admittedly have a very sketchy knowledge of, you won't find SMD components in real high quality gear. Why, when it could lower the noise? Quality control is one thing, also beware of some companies that sell stuff quoting low noise floors and low THD figures.

Anyway, after hearing what I've heard, I won't get one.

 

[Wide Awake]

Why buy the NT-1a, when there is the NT1000 ? Excellent on acoustic guitar, a neutral sound with good high end detail. The NT1000 and NTK were a big step up from the NT1.