Rode NT1 serial numbers?

[SouthSIDE Glen]

There appears to be a general consensus that Rode produced at least two different versions of the original NT1, with the second version (pre-NT1A) being the lesser of the the two.

What I cannot find is any information as to how to tell which of the two types any given original NT1 would be. Does anyone have any information where one could tell by serial number or manufaturing date or some other telltale whether the mic was an early or later productin type?

Thanks in advance for any info,

G.

 

[nedped]

I found your question where I was seeking an answer. I believe I have the early (good) version of this mic, as I bought it from a previous owner in 2000 or 2001. I don't know what year the allegedly bad capsule was swapped in for the original, but the complaint I read was published in 2003. The mic I own has no Rode label on the face of the cylinder. It's obviously the Rode NT1, yet is not stamped like the ones you see in the photos. Its soft-leather pouch says Rode microphones. Upon closer inspection, a black ring at the base of the mic cylinder bears: "Rode NT1/ Made in Australia / Ser. No. 41693" --- the serial number is hand-scripted and required a magnifying glass for me discern it.
So, I'm pretty sure I have the dinosaur, which is said to be the real deal. I like it fine. It's sensitive, though. Hates it when I belt out my vocals and get cranked in the high range. It begs for compression, else a more intimate (or deeper) tone. I can't hit it like I would my SM 58. I'm about to match it up with a Presonus Eureka mic pre channel strip, so maybe I'll get to hear it through new ears. Sorry this reply comes so long after the question. But I'm new here. Hopefully you're still around, and maybe others will pick it up the thread. If not, I guess I just wasted some time here. When it comes to wasting time, I am a professional.

 

[scrubs]

I've looked for this info, too, to no avail. The RODE site used to have a "history of the NT1" type story, but they have since taken it down. It did not give serial number info but, iirc, did have some description of some of the manufacturing changes.