Rode NT1-A too crisp!

  • Thread starter Thread starter SirReaL303
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SirReaL303

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So here's the deal. I purchased a Rode NT1-A a few years ago with the intention of using it to record rap vocals. We record all of our album material in a pro studio so I've never really used it until now. The problem I've come across with this mic is that it's too crisp for my voice! I have a hard S compared to your standard recording artist and this microphone really picks that up even with the mic flattened out and running a d esser in Adobe audition. Does anyone have any info on how I can make this thing handle my S's? Would you recommend switching on to maybe a tube mic or something that would deaden the harshness of my hissing? Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!
 
Maybe Adobe Audition isn't the answer. Are you running a pre? Do you have a compressor and a graphic EQ? Side chain the EQ, and run everything perfectly flat. Now boost between 5K and 8K maybe 3dB or 6dB. Run the compressor with a Threshold of -30dB or -20dB, a ratio of 4:1, and the Attack and Release both at high noon. No promises, but this just might work.
 
I actually just run it though a M-Audio Fast Track Pro directly into the laptop. I've been lookin for a mic in the $500 range that I can just plug into my soundcard and get a decent recording with.

What do you think of the AT4050? Or I was talking to an engineer at our studio and he was saying the Blue Mini Tube would work well because of my S's.


myspace.com/realtalk303 has some of my stuff.... You can hear what my voice sounds like if that helps.

I just want somethin I can slap into my soundcard and have it sound decent enough for some myspace nonsense and promo garbage.
 
I was also looking at the Shure SM7B that a lot of people are into. I think it may capture a rap vocal well with the flat response.


Found the Blue Dragonfly for like $499 that's b stocked and it's originally like an 800 dollar mic. Might look into that also.


All I need is flat, warm, full rap vocals on the fly.
 
Or replace your K67-type capsule mic with a K47-type capsule mic. Most K67-type capsule mics do not include the HF de-emphasis circuits used in the U 67 and U 87 that is necessary to make them sound spectrally balanced.
 
I think you should start with experiementing with mic position and EQ, before de-essing or looking for a new mic. Hell, even try the ol' pencil trick (although I've never tried this myself TBH)...

Good luck!
 
take one big step back. vocal booth might help. pop filter (although an "s" won't really get stopped by a pop filter but whatever)... I have an NT1a as well, but I just make sure i'm not too close to the mic.
 
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