Rode NT1 - A condenser on an Alesis Multimix?

[reverbdk]

Hey all,

Just wondering if I could get some advice on a near-future mic purchase. I am interested in investing in a matched pair of Rode NT1s because I used them at my college studio in the past and they sounded very crisp. I also feel like I need to up my mic setup from my current availability of a Shure SM57 and ZOOM field recorder. But I am not sure if the Rodes would be worth the purchase without a decent external pre-amp. If I bought them now, all I would have them connected to would be my Alesis Multimix8 firewire mixer, and the preamps on that thing can be frustratingly weak and noisy.

Would these mics be worth the purchase without the decent preamp? Thanks

 

[Washburn100]

Every upgrade is worth something. Better preamps are a must, but I wouldn't hesitate to try the mic's in your set-up. If it sounds like crap, you've ruled the mic's out. Then save up for preamps!

 

[reverbdk]

Better preamps are a must, but I wouldn't hesitate to try the mic's in your set-up.

Yeah I guess it couldn't hurt...at least the mics would be ready for later. Having the mics without the preamp would certainly be more useful than preamps without the mics

 

[Justsomeguy]

I've used NT1a's on an Alesis Multimix 16 and never had any problems whatsoever with them or the sound. as LDC's they don't need loads of gain to get them to a decent level so you shouldn't have to drive the preamps very hard (unless it's a very quiet acoustic guitar/singer) so you shouldn't get too much noise. if you're worried and want an extra preamp, try the ART tube preamps. they're about £30 and sound really nice. it may not be loads better than the alesis pre's but if you don't like the sound of the alesis pre's then it may be worth a look. if you do buy an external pre, make sure you plug it into the stereo line in's on the multi mix 8 (you can plug them in as mono) so that you don't have to go through the alesis' preamp stage (which would double amp it and just create a world of distortion and noise)

 

[reverbdk]

if you're worried and want an extra preamp, try the ART tube preamps. they're about £30 and sound really nice. it may not be loads better than the alesis pre's but if you don't like the sound of the alesis pre's then it may be worth a look.

Thanks for the heads up, I'll look into ART. The alesis ones are just a bit noisy...I mean after all the mixer itself isn't exactly the priciest and well put-together

 

[Justsomeguy]

The alesis ones are just a bit noisy...

it's odd because i've never found this to be a problem, but i do agree that the build quality is....well.... "not great" is the polite thing to say we've lost 3 fader caps, a couple of EQ pots, had to re-solder the internals of the power unit, and i'm sure that come july when this years students leave there'll be more things to do! it's frustrating as there's nothing even close price wise for the functions of it. we use it for a combination of multitrack recording in rehearsal rooms and live mixing and recording (where it's the main mixer for the PA as well as feeding multi tracks to a DAW)

is it noisy on all the channels? have you tried it with a different mic and/or XLR cable?

 

[reverbdk]

is it noisy on all the channels? have you tried it with a different mic and/or XLR cable?

I should have clarified; basically I can't get the input I want with my current mic: an SM57. For the amount I want to get out of it I often have to turn the gain up high to the point where I get some nice fuzz at about -60 on the input channel.

 

[gecko zzed]

I should have clarified; basically I can't get the input I want with my current mic: an SM57. For the amount I want to get out of it I often have to turn the gain up high to the point where I get some nice fuzz at about -60 on the input channel.

You will find the NT1a mikes put out a lot more than the 57s, so yo won't have to turn your gain up as much . . . therefore less noise.

 

[reverbdk]

You will find the NT1a mikes put out a lot more than the 57s

Just what I was hoping to hear. Thanks

 

[reverbdk]

is it noisy on all the channels? have you tried it with a different mic and/or XLR cable?

If I had another mic to try it with, other than my field recorder, I would be able to tell hahaha. Do you use yours in a recording classroom of sorts?

 

[moresound]

Nope ... to be using it in a classroom of sorts would be like messing with DAVE.

 

[Justsomeguy]

Do you use yours in a recording classroom of sorts?

yeah, i'm a college lecturer, which means i get to see how "well built" gear actually is as 100+ teenagers a year will give any gear a lives worth of abuse in a couple of months

the alesis is setup in our largest rehearsal space to act as a third studio space when needed, or for the bands to quickly record rehearsals/demos etc. We pull it out every now and then for live use (for smaller shows) or it acts as a recording interface for live shows with direct outs from a little soundcraft desk (i can never remember the model)