Rode NT-1a or M-Audio Solaris?

[Kyle Aaron]

I am in the market for a decent mic to record my demos with. I will be recording vocals, acoustic guitar, fiddle, mandolin, dobro, and maybe an electric guitar amp on occasion. I am willing to spend between $200-$300.

I will be recording into my PC through an M-Audio USB Duo. It gets great quality with the crappy old Shure mic I have, so I am anxious to hear it with a good mic.

I've heard great things about the Rode mic. I've actaually heard some recordings that a friend did with his Mbox to PC with the Rode and it sounded great. On the other hand, I haven't heard much at all about the Solaris mics, but I have seen the specs on them and they look good. So, my question is: Should I just get the Rode and save the extra $100, or should I go for the Solaris?

Opinions on both mics would be very helpful.

Thank you!

KA

 

[chessparov]

It would be smart to include the Studio Projects B1 in your shortlist, along with these two. Only had direct experience with the original NT1, long gone now.

Also have the M-Audio Duo and it puts out slightly more than 44 volts of phantom power when only one channel is used. (less if both are used)
That's fine for the B1, but check the other ones to make sure they don't require more voltage to stay within "specs".

Chris

P.S. Many "crappy old Shure" mics can sound great on certain voices
and instruments.

 

[Massive Master]

The Solaris is my new favorite mic under... I don't know, under $500 for sure, maybe higher... Here's a thread with some samples

I just recorded another orchestra with nothing more than the pair. Pretty fargin' scvheet, ya.

 

[noisedude]

Something like an SP B1 and a pair of C4s (or equivalent MXL SDCs) might give you a lot of options ...

 

[freshmattyp]

Something like an SP B1 and a pair of C4s (or equivalent MXL SDCs) might give you a lot of options ...

That's a good suggestion. A B1 and a pair of 603's would cover a lot of ground for right around $300

 

[zbert]

I now have a pair of each B1's, 603's and the Solaris. All very good to have. I'm lovin the Solaris right now. The B1's also do a great job. The 603's a really good mic. The were my first overheads but I don't use them as much on drums anymore but the do get a lot of use on other things.

 

[Kyle Aaron]

Thanks for the quick responses, guys.

I listened to some of the tracks on the Solaris thread a while ago. It sounds nice, though I'd still like to hear some vocal and acoustic instrument samples.

Thanks again.

KA