Shure BETA 58A or Rode NT2-A?

  • Thread starter Thread starter heron
  • Start date Start date
H

heron

New member
Hey guys!

I am kind of new to this place. Short self introduction: I've been writing songs on my computer for about and half a year. The way I did is recording the notes by midi keyboard, then edit & mix on Logic. Recently, I would like to get started to record some vocals. However, I don't really know too much about microphones, the things I learned are all from internet searching.

"Shure BETA 58A or Rode NT2-A?" I can't decide which one is better for me. I know these two are totally different kind of microphones. Shure BETA 58A is cheaper and may have less quality. On the other hand, Rode NT2-A is more expensive but with higher quality and is able to record instruments instead of only vocal.

I don't really have a quiet place for recording since my room is located somewhere near a busy road in the city. And this is the reason I don't know which microphone is better for me. Will BETA 58A have a better performance than NT2-A because that NT2-A records more noise in this environment? I don't really have chance to listen to real demos of these two microphones. Can anyone give me some suggestion, thank!

Sorry if that I don't use good English, it's just not my mother tongue.
 
Well, as you say they're totally different microphones. The Beta 58A is much more aimed at the live sound market and it's ability to reject extraneous noise is more because it's designed to work on a noisy stage.

If it was me, I'd still go for the Rode NT2 A (or another condenser mic) since it'll give you a more natural, accurate recording.

Background noise can be divided into a couple categories. First, there's actual background noise (things like the busy road you mention but also fan/disk noise from your computer, ventilation, etc.) This can be pretty well controlled by planning your room layout when recording--the mic is cardioid in pattern meaning it's far less sensitive from the back than the side that points at you. Put the noise sources behind the mic and pickup will be minimal.

The second "noise" is the normal ambiance as things echo around your untreated walls. You can control a lot of this by putting something thick and soft behind you as you record--the mic pattern takes care of things in front of you (behind the mic) and a duvet or movers blanket behind you can greatly minimise reflections off the wall behind you. Depending on your room, maybe just hang something there but another good way is to make a 2 or 3 sided frame out of light PVC pipe and use this to hang the duvet(s) in such a way that they're behind you and partly on either side (though it sounds better not to be "buried" completely.

Hope this helps.
 
Thanks for your quick response, Bobbsy :)

I will take your advise and go for NT2-A, also try to make good plans for my room's layout. As I know, there may be some built-in functions in NT2A which reduce background noise (the switch on the side, "-5", "-10", "0"?). I hope this may also help.

Anyway, I will pick one NT2-A then play around with its settings with a right room layout.
 
The NT2-A has 3 switches

1st.
Changes the pick-up pattern (cardioid, omni, or figure-8 polar patterns)

2nd.
Changes the 'cut' on the highpass filter (flat, 40 Hz and 80 Hz)

3rd.
Changes the pad (0, -5 dB and -10 dB)


In my non-professional-noobish opinion I think all these options would be helpful to your specific situation. :D


Source
 
I actually just got an NT2-A a week ago.

I'm very happy with it. I'm with the others on this one, go with the Rode. It's more versatile then the 58 since it has switchable polar patterns and a bass roll off switch.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top