Rode vs Studio Electronics...

[Benreturns]

I was all set to get a Rode NT1A (small home studio setup - upgrade from a Samson CO1 of which i have been advised is not going to give me the best results for vox/acoustic guitar) so i walked into my nearest dealers (academy of sound/leics) and the guy upstairs tried to sell me a SE 2200A.

He really 'bigged it up' gave me the whole salesman hog (its 10/20 pounds more expensive than the rode), but after awhile it occured to me he wasnt making a sale he was a genuine fan of the mic and uses it extensively himself. For that budget price range he insisted it was the top of the class and passable as a slightly higher end mic in the price bracket above. Needless to say i didnt actually get any mic that day and came home to check it out/chew it over. The SE2200A has won awards (music tech anyone?) and does seem to be quite well regarded. The Rode NT1A however i know is also a solid mic for the price.

What i need to know is which is better?? It will be mainly used on vocals and acoustic guitar. im after clarity and a little warmth and my vocals to sound like they wernt recorded in a shoebox as they do now. Low noise is always a plus of course.

Has anyone anything ot say about either mic? Anyone have experience with the both of them and have a firm favourite?

Any input appreciated thanks!

 

[kidvybes]

Imho...

I can't really speak for the NT1A...but I have an NT2 and an NT1000 (both better mics than the 1A)...I recently purchased the SE2200A after reading about the company on the web...you can purchase the SE mic with a beautiful Neumann style mount (the mount alone is worth over $50.) and a nice road case for about $50. less than the NT1A...in my brief experience, the SE easily competes with both Rodes that I have, so I'd have to assume that it's a notch or two above the NT1A...I actually prefer the SE to both Rodes due to it's "openesss"...very nicely detailed...with more presence than the Rodes (which have their own distinct sounds, as well)...moreover, I can tell you that the build quality of the SE also seems to be a notch above the sea of Chinese mics out there...at $149. it's a steal! (I paid $139. on ebay about a month ago)...I would compare the SE mic to the new ADK Vienna/Hamburg models which seem to be similar in build quality and pricepoint (meant to retail at about $299.)...

This seller lists about one a week on ebay at that price...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=41466&item=3774098160&rd=1

Here's a link to the SE reviews...check out the top one on the list! (and pay particular attention to the reviewer's comments about the -10db switch's effect)

http://www.warpdriveprod.com/se_reviews.htm

 

[Benreturns]

So the rumours are true, the SE2200A is a good buy and is good value for money!As far as I can see, the best im going to get in my budget range. Thanks for the input. I think i know which mic im going to get...

 

[noisedude]

There are others in the price range...Academy of Sound just don't stock them. I have an SE2200 (not the newer 'A') and it's very good for the money. I would also be certain to look at the Studio Projects line (go to the Digital Village or Turnkey websites) and be aware that the SE2200A is the exact same mic as the JoeMeek JM47, so buy whichever you can find cheaper as they are identical.

I have nothing bad to say about my SE2200, but I haven't used enough of the comparable products to comment. Certainly preferable to the Behringer and Samson products at the price point IMHO though.

 

[kidvybes]

not the same...

Noisedude said:
"...and be aware that the SE2200A is the exact same mic as the JoeMeek JM47, so buy whichever you can find cheaper as they are identical."

...I already went thru this on an earlier thread about the JM47 with Alan Hyattt...go back a couple of days and check the posting...if those 2 are the same, you can fool me...I own both and although they sound somewhat similar, the build quality is much sweeter on the SE...at the same price point, the SE gets the nod hands down..."exact same mic" is absolutely incorrect...the schematic from which they are both constructed may be the same, but that's where the similarity ends...components, build quality, body/grill design and construction, etc. are very different...you only need to hold both in hands at the same time to begin to understand the difference... yes they are similar (both derivative of MXL's V67G) but not the same...I'll sell you my Joe Meek, but I'm keeping the SE...

 

[noisedude]

Kid - I hear what you're saying - but this is the UK and the pricing may not be the same. I haven't got time to look up best prices now but I'll see where I'm at later today - they're pretty much the same price so if the SE comes with shock and case it's obviously a better buy. I don't think build quality is a massive worry to most home users who don't get their stuff tonked around like clients!

 

[Mr Blues]

I finally tried my SE Electronics 2200A this evening and man I am blown away, its far better then my ADK-A51, I recording a song on my Tascam DP-01FX with a focusrite trackmaster pre amp unit and compared the vocals on both the ADK-A51 and the SE. The SE really brought out the detail in my voice much clearer, I also did a rough duet with my teenage daughter and I was standing quite away from the mic for harmonies and it still picked up the tone of my voice with clarity.

Its also got a nice clean sound with my jumbo tanglewood guitar where as the ADK-A51 on strumming my guitar sounds too boxy and mushed.

I am very pleased with the SE and i am glad that i took my time on reading up a lot on this mic.
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