Should I sell all mics and get Rode NTK?

[aznwonderboy]

I am dead set on using SP VTB-1 as the preamp. Right now I am using Rode NT1000, SP B1, and MXL V67G microphones with this pre. I am still indecisive about which one to keep.

Should I sell all these and get the Rode NTK? Will its potential be wasted by going through the VTB1? I am only afraid of spending $400 on a mic and have the preamp or the software (Cool Edit Pro) depreciate it.

I also just read some very good reviews about the SP C1. ARGHHH...so many choices.

So, please help me pick 1 out of these 5 following microphones that complements really well with the VTB-1 and good on ALL TYPES of VOICES (vocals only.) Music genre: everything.

Please keep in mind that the mic will go through the Studio Projects VTB-1 preamp.

Thanks ahead for solving the headaches for me. I am a home recording enthusiast, but I do thrive for semi-professional quality.

 

[Gidge]

record a clip of all your mics thru the VTB-1 and blindly pick the one that sounds best....then do a head to head of that mic vs the NTK using the VTB1.......

if it was me, id get a different preamp (dmp3,rnp)....those are 3 very decent mics you have......

 

[c7sus]

Software isn't going to have an effect on your signal chain to the extent the mic/pre/ and soundcard do.

The software just allows you to manage and manipulate the WAV.

Hardware is what makes or breaks having a good signal going to disc.

 

[Middleman]

Gidge called it. Your mics are fairly decent. A new preamp would help you step up.

 

[calidus]

Agree with Gidge, a better preamp will likely improve the sound of the mics you got. If you have to sell something, then start with the VTB-1.

The NTK is though a great mic.

 

[chessrock]

If you're gonna' sell the farm . . .

. . . why do it just so you can get one mic (NTK) that's only marginally better than one you already have (NT-1000).

I like the NTK; don't get me wrong. It's not some huge leap in quality, though, to justify it if you ask me.

I'd wait unitil you have the dough to make a more significant step up and hold on to what you have for the time-being. Wait unitil you can afford a Soundeluxe or at least something like a Blue Dragonlfly. Something that wouldn't make you wonder if you made the right move or not.

 

[Sonixx]

keep what you have... your diversity of mics out weighs any small quality gain in the NTK. i have two NTK's and they get regular use, but mic diversity is very important

IMO... if you want to increase your mic locker quality, do so with another mic and look for a mic that will complement what you already have.

 

[bgavin]

I'd wait unitil you have the dough to make a more significant step up and hold on to what you have for the time-being.

Ditto

 

[aznwonderboy]

Thanks for all your replies so far.

However, I really do not like having so many mics in the house. I would only like to keep one (for financial, spatial, and time reasons.)

I like the smoothness of NT1000. Maybe I should keep it and get rid of the other two "budget" mics, sell the VTB1, and get the DMP3. Meanwhile, I will wait for the NTK to go down in price, or until I find one that costs $300.

How is that plan?

 

[c7sus]

Mics take up too much space?

Mine all fit under the bed, except the BLUE Cactus because the flight case is too tall.

Folks go to a "pro" studio for the ability to use different mics and pres, and for the engineering talent behind the board.

If you don't have time to match the best sounding mic/pre combo to the task at hand you're not putting aside enough time for recording!

 

[Sonixx]

... I really do not like having so many mics in the house...

I wish I had your problem...

I don't think you can have enough mics...

 

[Richard Monroe]

Well, if you decide to sell your V67G, send me a PM, I'm looking to pick one up. I'm sorry to say that you are on a wild goose chase. *NO MIC* sounds good on all voices, and that includes $5,000-$10,000 main vocal mics. You're asking for a swimsuit that looks good on all women. And while a perfectly good mic, Rode NTK sure as hell is not it. Aside from that, you cite time as an issue, and the damn thing takes a good half hour to warm up!
If you are trying to record all kinds of music with all kinds of singers, you need a hell of a lot *more* mics, not less mics.-Richie

 

[Tonio]

Rich , I like your train of thought LOL.
T

 

[aznwonderboy]

Well, if you decide to sell your V67G, send me a PM, I'm looking to pick one up. I'm sorry to say that you are on a wild goose chase. *NO MIC* sounds good on all voices, and that includes $5,000-$10,000 main vocal mics. You're asking for a swimsuit that looks good on all women. And while a perfectly good mic, Rode NTK sure as hell is not it. Aside from that, you cite time as an issue, and the damn thing takes a good half hour to warm up!
If you are trying to record all kinds of music with all kinds of singers, you need a hell of a lot *more* mics, not less mics.-Richie

Interesting. "NTK takes up half an hour to warm up". I guess I should just stick to NT1000 then. It's just that I rather be a "one-microphone man" and devote most of my time to EQ'ing, mixing, mastering and whatnot.

I think I will sell the V67G for $85 (shipping is included within the 48 states.) I still have the box and everything that was included originally. I used it 4 times over the course of 2 months.

How's the price?

 

[Richard Monroe]

Actually, I can buy them new in the box with warranty for about $80.-Richie

 

[aznwonderboy]

Wow, price has dropped. It'll be a waste to sell it so soon then.

Thank you, Richard. I guess I should hang on and try to use it a bit more.

 

[kid klash]

keep what you have... your diversity of mics out weighs any small quality gain in the NTK. i have two NTK's and they get regular use, but mic diversity is very important

IMO... if you want to increase your mic locker quality, do so with another mic and look for a mic that will complement what you already have.

I agree with Sonixx... keep'em, and add a new "color" to your collection when you've got the money.

 

[Robert D]

I am dead set on using SP VTB-1 as the preamp.

OK, so you want to be a painter, and you want to use just one brush........AND, you want to use just one color.......for everything?

I have an NTK, which I like very much. I have to say though, that it would not simplify my recording life if it were my only mic, to use with my only pre. To the contrary, I would now have the difficult job of trying to paint with only one color. I don't know why you are so dead set on using the VTB-1 as your only preamp, but if I was in your shoes, I'd be saying "ok, I've got a few flavours of mics, time to add a new pre. The last thing I'd be saying is, and excuse me for paraphrasing you...... "Ok, I've got it down to just one preamp, now I think I'll really limit my sound and get it down to just one mic". I know it makes sense to you at some level, but that kind of sense just doesn't apply to art or music.
Anyway, that's my little opinion on this, for what it's worth.

RD