Rode nt1000

[OrangeJulius]

I am looking for a LDC for recording acoustic guitar and vocals. Looking to spend about 250-350. My current setup is Sonar 2, an sm57 and a 58, delta 44, and an audiobuddy (My next purchase will most likely be a grace 101). I was searching the forums, and I have read people saying that the nt100 sounds "dark". I am somewhat confused as to what dark means in this context. Also, I read recommendations for the studio projects line, but I couldnt even find a place online that carries the line. If need be I could go up to about 400/450 for a mic, but it would have to make a significant difference. Any suggestions?

 

[chessrock]

I was searching the forums, and I have read people saying that the nt100 sounds "dark". I am somewhat confused as to what dark means in this context.

That's confusing to me as also, since it isn't really dark at all -- just the opposite, actually. So in this particular context, I would call it dark in the sense that it's actually bright.

Also, I read recommendations for the studio projects line . . .

You'll get a lot of that around these parts.

If need be I could go up to about 400/450 for a mic, but it would have to make a significant difference. Any suggestions?

I think you'll hear a significant enough difference when you get in to the $500 territory -- Shure ksm44, ksm32, AT 4047, or the NTK.

The NT1000 isn't a bad choice at all. In the $300 bracket, I would have a serious look at that, as well as the AT 4040.

The Studio Projects line is pretty decent for the price, although I can't say I've ever been thrilled with anything I've heard out of them on accoustic guitar, though I'm sure they'd do the job. Have heard some stellar vox out of the C1 and the B1 -- mostly female . . . and the B series seems to do well as a cheap, all-purpose utility deal.

 

[Recording Engineer]

I haven't used the NT1000 myself nor have I heard any comments on it from ears I trust.

The ones chessrock mentioned are a good choice, except, I've found I don't like the KSM44 as much as the others mentioned in the $500 or so range.

I haven't used the NTK either, but every comment I hear seems to be everyone is in love wth it!

On the otherhand to what chessrock said about the Studio Projects line and acoustic guitar, I've found I AM thrilled with the C3 in omni on acoustic guitar, with some space between the guitar a mic, and in a somewhat decent room...

Here, on the right-side of this sample, you hear a C3 in omni positioned around the middle of the guitar's neck, at it's neck height, and about 3 feet back:
http://home.attbi.com/~pjandcompany/index.html Listen to DaviSound "Mic-All" Preamp Sample

 

[Solafide]

I have a nt1000, a ntk and I have access to two akg 414 mics (I can borrow them from work when I need them) that I often use for vocals. I bought the nt1000 after reading reading the review of it on http://www.prorec.com/
Also on the forum there many said they thought it sounded quite similar to a 414. I already knew what that was like and liked it very much so I got the nt1000 ($175 used).

In my opinion it does sound very much like the 414 in its card pattern. It is very difficult to tell the difference between them on vocals and guitar. The only slight difference might be the high end is a litle smoother on the nt1000. of course the 414 is a more flexible mic, but for $175 I have been thrilled (I have not borrowed the 414's since I got the nt1000).


As to this mic beeing "dark," I would not say that at all. I use this more as a reference mic. I start with this and then try other options. It is very acurate and gives a nice open and full sound.

I think the reason it is called dark is in comparison to other lower budget mics, it is not as hyped in the top end (like the c1).

I would recomend this mic with no reservations.

Hope this helps.