Odd mic question..

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westnyle

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I just got a used NT1A, I have a NT1000 and a AT3035. Both pickup alot more signal. I have no room acoustics at all. And i notice with the new NT1A im hearing backround fannoise from my computer in the recordings... Any reason why? maybe the NT1A i have is damaged ect?? :( please let me know
 
Could it just be that the mic has a hotter output so background noise seems louder?

As long as you haven't moved the mic, the polar patterns are the same, and the frequency response is reasonably close between them all, background noise should still be the same relative to the source.
Do some A/B/C recordings with the mics and get the voice at the same volume on all three, then assess the background noise between them.
 
I will do some more tests today, I know my nt1000 and at3035 sound cleaner cuz i dont have to turn the preamps up to hear the vocal.
 
Silly question, but are you sure you're addressing the right side of the mic? The extra computer fan noise made me wonder if the correct side was facing the computer, not you.
 
Good call Bobbsy. That's definitely worth a look.

The NT1a has a gold dot on the address side as far as I remember.

Check both sides to be certain though. If it's used I guess somebody could have interfered with it.
It seems to be one of the most modded mics out there after all.
 
yeah same side as the nt1000 i figured these were similar mics but im learning how very different they are unless my nt1a is broken
 
very strange tho, cuz the person i bought it off was living with their parents, in a high class neighborhood. i just dont want to send over a text if the mic isnt bad, haha i wish i could post some recordings here for u guys to hear the differences, i can do the a b c thnig easily
 
You have ten posts now so you should be able to post links.
If you don't already have a means of hosting files, get a soundcloud account (or similar).
You can upload clips and post up links to them.

Did you try the 'wrong' side like I said, just incase someone's had it open and footered with it?
I might be wrong but I think it's possible to put the NT1a back together backwards.

Try both sides, and if that's no good record us a clip please.

As I understand it, the NT1000 is a slightly higher class of mic. Most people seem to prefer it over the nt1 or nt1a, but the nt1a is still a very usable mic.
I've found it to be very clear, bright and detailed.
It's not the kind of mic where you might think something's wrong, if you know what i mean.
 
ok i will do that awesome! thanks for your help. I just barrowing this NT1000 and i want to have something as close to this sound, the NT1A mixed sounds like the highs are muddy and if i mute the beat/instrumental i hear the noise alot more.
 
Put them right next to each other and set both of the pres to give the same record meter level. Then compare the background noise with them both at the same play back settings?
 
It does seem the mic's outa whack, IDK though my coffee must be defective this morning. :confused:

with the new NT1A im hearing backround fannoise from my computer in the recordings...
Click to expand...
= mic is more sensitive (gives higher voltage to the pre) for a given SPL, and needs less gain.

if i keep pres at same level the NT1A is almost 50% quieter
Click to expand...
= mic is less sensitive.. This one might be key. That's noise and the main pick up level?

if i set the pres to give the same exact recording level the NT1A has alot more noise.
Click to expand...
--is this fan and room noise like in the first case?

I guess all that's missing (or left) is a) did the mic go omni' -does it pick up less from the back? (that would be a weird one
b) Be specific about the noise, background/fan/room or electrical, hiss, hum whatever?
 
westnyle said:
Yeah if i set the pres to give the same exact recording level on my protools the NT1A has alot more noise. and if i keep pres at same level as eachother the NT1A is almost 50% quieter.
Click to expand...

Where is the preamp gain at though? Is it the same for each mic?

You're saying the nt1a has greater background noise and a much lower (desired) signal?

That does sound strange but your recording sounds fine. Admittedly i only gave it a quick listen but nothing jumped out at me.
 
Steenamaroo said:
Where is the preamp gain at though? Is it the same for each mic?

You're saying the nt1a has greater background noise and a much lower (desired) signal?

That does sound strange but your recording sounds fine. Admittedly i only gave it a quick listen but nothing jumped out at me.
Click to expand...

He seems to have cleared up gain setting' vs varying the gain for the same recorded level.. but?
..and the clip was example of 'when it souned ok..? Not sure what the point there.. :o:D
 
Yehp, my bad. That's what i get for skimming.

I'll wait for the A/B clips then. :p
 
I know others have said this before, but it sounds so much like you might be singing into the wrong side of the mike. If your highs are muddy and it's picking up computer noise, you might be addressing the back, while the front is facing the computer.
 
I listened to the recording. It sounded fine to me as well. I didn't listen to the whole thing, just to the first few seconds of vocal.
 
gecko zzed said:
I listened to the recording. It sounded fine to me as well. I didn't listen to the whole thing, just to the first few seconds of vocal.
Click to expand...

Ha! You skimmed over the part where I did that too. :p

Hang around OP. If you're lucky someone will read your post. :)
 
took back the nt1a to the guy who sold it to me, bought hte at4040. problem solved and sounds even better then ever.
 
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