Rode NTK mic users. suggestions?

[pM of impk21.co]

Well, it came down to this, we ordered a Rode NTK Tube Mic. Currently, I have to work with what I have.

We have a padded, somewhat dense sounding "closet" recording booth. We tested the current condensor mic in it and got way better results vs. recording in a full room, with no treatment. Less reverberation and more of a quite sound.

My concern is the NTK's sensitivity, I have a cheep, 4 channel mixer with only a 3-band EQ. And I have the effects on my 8- track, which include your basics, compression, dynamics, 3-band shelf EQ, etc.

Do I try and try to record the NTK raw, or should I anticipate on making some pre-set adjustments and effects setting that will alter the sound before it gets recorded to the hard disc. I fullly understand this will be a day, maybe several sessions trial and error to find the right settings, but other than that, does anyone who owns or has used a Rode NTK have any tips, pm

 

[Garry Sharp]

I'd be interested to read advice too. We have just got one, tried it out on Monday. All was going well until a mouse farted three miles away

 

[Big Kenny]

You are going to want a pre amp to really get this mic to work for you. The studio projects vtb-1 would probably be one of the most cost effective solutions for right now. ohers on thjis forum have good advice as well (do a search using cheap pre) here are two reviews of the vtb-1: http://www.recording.org/e-mag/article_70.shtml or http://www.digitalprosound.com/2002/08_aug/reviews/vtb1_review.htm
Now you have entered the world of eq and compression. There are many here with great advice, however, you will need to do your homework and don't ask any questions about compression settings. Search / read / buy buy buy
In His Name
Big Kenny

 

[still4given]

I have an NTK. I sure wouldn't start out by adding EQ to it pre hard disc. I use mine through a DMP3, which of course doesn't have any EQ. It is so easy to add EQ and other FX afterwords that I would just record it raw. You may want a touch of compression depending on how good your singer is at mic technique, but I would start out without it. Be sure and use a pop filter.

Blessings, Terry

 

[pM of impk21.co]

Cool, thanx for the advice n things, we have pop filter. I guess we will just have to mess around with it. Once we get it, which should be tomorrow, and do a lot of recording/experimenting, I will be more than happy to share any ideas and probably some complaints, LOL, peace, pm

 

[Robert D]

Very nice mic, congrats. As far as mouse farts, all I can say is just be glad you don't have big wood rats around like I do. I had to add a second pop filter!

I almost always record mics with nothing inbetween but the pre. Howevever, with the NTK for some reason, I like to put on a little opto compressor. I guess it's just how big and fat the mic looks on the stand. I just expect it to sound that big and fat in the cans.
Stupid reason, I know..........

 

[pM of impk21.co]

Cool, I could purchase a pre-amp/tube/ or what ever if I really had to,.. and spend about $160(that would be my limit). I kinda want to get the mic first to see how I feel it is going to suit me as is. I am realizing that its cool to get advice, at the same, people use mics for differenct kinds of music and are using them in different environments compared to mine.

Another Q, let me go against what I just said as far as adivce, LOL, my 8-track has compressors and dynamic filters/effects, if I feel I need to try and control distortion and peaks, should I go the route of applying some compression, or run the sound threw the dynamics filter to help tame some of the outbursts or do I just turn the mic down/gain?

Thanx for your replies, pm.............................

 

[Middleman]

The NTK through a DMP3 can be a really good thing. I have seen this pre on ebay for around $189.

 

[pM of impk21.co]

The NTK through a DMP3 can be a really good thing. I have seen this pre on ebay for around $189.

Ouch,LOL, $189, are you sure we are looking at the same thing, I can get the DMP3, if its the same thing, at zzounds for 159.95 and my guy can usually find things a lil cheaper than that. Yes though, I am considering it very much, I just want to at least "attempt" to get what I really need, but I may go that route, thanx for the post, hopefully you miss typed that quote or dudes on ebay are sellin good plated......................peace, pm

 

[Middleman]

Yeah $189 is list. Sorry to give you a heart attack. Actually I saw one go for $125 awhile back.

 

[Richard Monroe]

I bought my DMP-3 at GC for $120, and it was *not* easy. It required serious ball-grinding. As far as the NTK goes, or for that matter, any mic, I would not EQ it going in. That's for later. Compression is an occasional necessary evil, but I would avoid that too, if at all possible, and never more than 3:1 when tracking. My best 2 tips: 1.- this sucker puts out a hot signal. You will need less gain than with a lot of other mics. 2.-Most important- let the damn thing warm up. In the summer at 90 degrees- 5 minutes. In a cold room in the winter in Maine, an hour!! You'll know it's ready when you put your hand on it and it feels like a warm body, instead of cold steel. It sounds so much better when it's warmed up.-Richie

 

[c7sus]

Put that NTK through a Grace, Davisound, or similar "clean" pre and you'll jizz yourself!

 

[Big Kenny]

all excellent advice ( with the possible exception of jizzing yourself) don't forget to stay away ( 6"-8") and use a pop filter, compression is fine , per Mr. Monroe, and attack fast and release slow, eq later,maybe, and work out placement ( upside down with the diaphragm at your forehead pointing at your pie hole)
ROCK ME!!!!!!
In His Name
Big Kenny

 

[lumbago]

The NTK is very sensitive, and good even with proximity vocals (whisper etc). I use mine with a Focusrite Trakmaster - great - and a Roland MMP-2 - also fine.

At a range of 10 feet the mic still presents a balanced, warm, and coherent signal. I usually use a pop filter from about 10" away for ideal results.

As the mic is quite good quality, a reasonable and complementary mic pre is advisable - strengths in your mic will be cancelled out by too cheap a mic pre otherwise.

At worst I'd try a dbx mini-pre as a pre-amp.

Ideally, you'll never regret the mic if you pair it with a good preamp. The two are equal halves of a complementary pair.

 

[Middleman]

Actually, Big Kenny 's tip about placement is key with the NTK. If you put it a mouth level it tends to get spitty.

 

[bgavin]

I'd never place a condensor mic in front of a mouth without an intervening pop filter. Practice Save Micing: protect your tool from bodily fluids.

I also use wind screen filters on my performance mics used by other musicians. Who knows where those mouths have been, and you don't want it sprayed on your mics.

It is easier to run the screens through the dishwasher than your SM58s.

 

[Middleman]

By spitty I meant it has a 3K bite that is difficult to EQ out.

However, since you brought it up, spit can etch the metal on a mic. I just recently bought a TLM 103 for $430. It had spots all over the case and the Neumann logo. It looked pretty bad but was in perfect working condition.

I got most of the crud off the mic and logo with a warm damp cloth but could not get the metal discoloration to go away. I even used tootpaste because it is a mild abrasive and will not deeply scratch the metal but can act as a polish. Some of the spots came out but the deeper ones could not be removed and I did not want to leave any visible scratches.

It cleaned up OK but like bgavin says, use a pop filter or your mics will end up looking trashed and thus have a lower resale value.

 

[pM of impk21.co]

ITs was like Christmas..........

The last time I was this excited was when I got my sampler. The Rode NTK arrived today. Impressive packing job from zzounds and further more nice job from Rode. Nothing fancy but still it came with a sturdy case.

Im trying to record solo til my crew gets here. But I cannot believe how quite the mic is, i didnt understand what people where talking about til I recorded a little vocal sample. My first round I found it can handle well, but it seems to clip with out warning. The sound Im getting is just a tad bit boxy, Im mean very minimal, but that could be my environment, IM sure actually. I am recording in a somewhat dense, padded closet. Its a rectangle shape and a little over three fourths of it is padded all the way around, I left the back side, opposite of the mic, bare with the thought I may still get a taste of accoustic for a more natural sound. Im open to suggestions. I still need to get a shock mount, Im sure that'll make a big D on how sensitive the floor is, it picks up walking very well. lOL> peace, pm