NT2 or C1000?

[wes480]

I hate to post this thread..i really do. It seems so "worn out" - I did a few searches...and couldn't find much on this topic - (supringly...i only found one thread where these two were mentioned together..who knows).
Just looking for some opinions on which would be better. This will basically be strictly for vocal recording...but, who knows...getting another one for a pair is always in the cards I guess. Let me know what you think.

(Any opinions about the C1 vs. the NTK would be cool too...though, I can't afford an NTK..i'm sure I'd take it if i could)

 

[Guardian]

wait..

You mean AKG C1000 small diaphragm cond, or the Studio Projects C1? I'd say NT1000 over NT2, and choice between C1 and NT1000, strictly for vocals, C1 only from what I've heard others say..from personal experience, I think Rode Microphones just plain kick ass, and the thing sounds amazing on pretty much anything, so I would go for that, so just in case you need to try sdomething different on that acoustic guitar..

--Sal

PS if you DID mean AKG C1000, I'd say eww go away, and buy an NT3 for that price, or spend 2x and get the NT1000.

 

[geekgurl]

I think I've tried these both ... are you talking about the AKG C1000S small-cardioid condenser?? If you are, realize that the C1000s and NT2 are different kinds of mics (if you're not talking about this one, then I'm an idiot and aplogize).

At any rate, I own an NT2 and tried an AKG C1000s .... decided not to buy the C1000s. I was looking at them in a pair to record piano, drum overheads, whatever. Tried on voice just to be thorough. In all respects the NT2 was WAY better than the C1000. But again, they're two different types of mics. I also demo'd AT4041s for the overhead/2 mic on piano thing just to compare, and the 4041s were much crisper than the C1000s. I would go with a pair of 4041s over the C1000s in all applications I tried.

NOW, if you're only getting one mic, I think the NT2 would be the best choice. It's been a workhorse for me, recording vocals, acoustic guitars, and yes, acoustic piano. I will say, however, this mic has a very distinct sound, somewhat warm and retro (great with a tube pre); I don't think it will work on all vocals. It's great on my vox and I liked it on the guitar; I'd choose something else for my piano if I had the money ... and these are the results I got with my specific room and specific piano. In other situations, other people have been immensely happy with the NT2 on piano.

The best thing to do is try out mics; even in the music store singing thru them out of decent monitors and decent preamp you can get an idea of a mic's flavor. There are definitely more neutral mics out there than the NT2. Even so, it's pretty true ... it colors stuff, but the color is not "opaque", if you will. You don't lose the original quality of your source from what I've found.

Also, I'll tell you I picked mine up used for $300. You can definitely find 'em around for that.

Hope this helps.

 

[chessrock]

I think with all the hype over the C1, NTK, and every other new budget mic, that people have forgotten just how good the NT2 is.

It's just so versatile. Bass roll-off, pad, pattern switch . . . I can't NOT find a use for this thing.

 

[wes480]

DOH - my bad guys, what I meant was C1 vs. NT2 - that makes a slight difference

yeah...I have 2 Rode NT3s and I like them a lot. Starting to buy the hype on the C1 though a bit - but, I know that the NT2 is excellent...I think it has been overlooked a bit..

 

[JuSumPilgrim]

I totally agree with you chessrock. The NT2 is not just versatile..I never stopped loving this mic on vocals. The C1 is cool, itll do you right on 9 out of 10 vocalists and I end up using it more often than the NT2 bec it is more diverse but its not as original sounding by far. The NT2 can be other wordly at times. Of course this is something that is too fine and subtle for the masses to appreciate so they fill their sacks with C1s and V67s like the heathens they are.

 

[geekgurl]

I'm glad other people also like the NT2 ... I was wondering myself if I should get a C1 or NTK because of all the hype. But since I record just myself and the NT2 seems perfect for MY vox AND does a good job on acoustic guitar (and I'm sure I can make the piano recordings better with it, I'm probably doing something wrong there and probably don't have the ideal room, which for an LD mic on such a big instrument is bound to make a difference), do you folks think owning a C1 or NTK would be redundant?

I should probably get a nice pair of SD condensors ...

The only other thing I have to add is that in Harvey's awesome mic thread (thank you, Harvey, many, many people around here appreciate your effort! and thanks to Chris for starting that thread!) he mentioned the old Rodes tended to be inconsistent ... if you buy NT2 used (do they sell them new anymore or have they been replaced?) I guess just check try it out as thoroughly as you can.

When I bought my Event monitors used (do you see a gear-acquisition pattern here?), the guy I bought them from played a Rode test CD through the monitors so I could hear different instruments in isolation. Of course Rode was trying to sell its Tube mic (NTV?). The NT2 sounded much better than the NT1, but I noticed certain characteristics which in some cases could be limiting. Nvertheless, there were some things recorded with it that had that same sound that I get ... so maybe that means I got one of the good mics or it means that the differences/inconsistencies are more subtle. I think I have pretty good ears, but not experienced ones regarding engineering. Definitely take anything I say with a grain of salt.

I need coffee.

 

[swsmusic]

rode nt2

I have been extremly pleased with my nt2. I bought it about a year and a half ago, and it's been used on many projects. As far as the sd condensers go, geekgurl, try some at 4041's. I use one of them along-side the nt2 when cutting acoustic tracks, and I have been really happy with the results. I learned this trick from a producer friend. I have a pair of the event 20/20p's as well. I never heard the Rode demo cd through them, but I have heard people talking about the differences between the nt2 and the ntv. I finally got an ntv around christmas last year, but havent had a chance to use it yet...I am in the process of building my project studio. I have another friend that usually the ntv exclusively in his studio and his band has a deal with sony. Anyway, here are my 2 cents.....

swsmusic.net
daniel