So, I'm completely sold on the RODE NT-1

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Guitarer

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I just got back from Guitar Center. I spent about an hour with this mic, some random Takamine I picked up, a glitter strap (:o), and one of those rediculously overpriced Bose PA systems.

The thing sounds amazing. So much clarity and warmth. Although, I did have a couple questions:

Does this mic sound equally as good or better on vocals? Is the Rode NT1000 worth the larger price tag? What else should I be comparing in the same price range?

Thanks,
Holden
 
If you're talking about the NT1a, then yes, it should do the same to vocals. I have been really happy with the results I get from mine on acoustics (along with a matched pair of sdc's in X-Y configuration) and vocals. I have never had the priviledge of trying an NT1000 though. In my opinion this mic is hard to compete with in the price range, but my experience with other mics in that range are quite limited.
 
You tested a mic by playing it through a Bose PA system? Good way to test it if you're going to use it for live playing through that PA.

If you're going to use it for recording your test may be misleading.
 
That's what the guy hooked me up to. I wasn't about to complain. Besides, the recording room was crowded at the time and filled with loads of stuff I wouldn't know what to do with.

This is gonna sound like a very stupid question, but what exactly is an XY configuration? I see people talking about it all the time on here...
 
Guitarer said:
So, no one's got anything bad to say about the Rode NT-1, eh? I suppose I just have to wait on my paycheck then :)
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Oh no, use the "search" function and you see the word "harsh", "brite" and "Rode NT1" in the same sentence a lot...
 
I have the rode NT1 and really like it..I don't think it's too bright really...good for acoustic and probably even better for vocals (with a good pop shield)

It's cheap and cheerful, don't expect LA studio quality, but I've seen it used in pro studios for acoustic over some more expensive mics. (though for vocals they stick with the more pricey ones..)

If you can afford better, do so obviously. I imagine it'd sound nicer in recording than thru a PA too, being a condensor.

It's also very very sensitive so great for acoustic instruments.

Sold?
 
http://www.dpamicrophones.com/
go to microphone university, go to stereo techniques, go to xy
its a fabulous technique for a matched pair of sdc's to capture an acoustic instrument (including grand piano)
PS if you like the mic, then it's a good one! I have an NTK and an NT2A and they both get used with some frequency
 
yeah i had 2 rodent 1000's, one rodent k and one rodent 4 (the stereo mic) and liked them all. all got replaced, but i dug them all
 
Sonixx said:
FWIW, consider a used AT4033 instead.
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Having used both side by side, I agree with this. However, you need to get what suits your ears. If you like the NT1 after auditioning it beside some other mics, then go forth, make music and be happy. If this is the only mic that you auditioned, then you may be doing yourself a favor by listening to some others before purchasing.
 
omtayslick said:
Having used both side by side, I agree with this. However, you need to get what suits your ears. If you like the NT1 after auditioning it beside some other mics, then go forth, make music and be happy. If this is the only mic that you auditioned, then you may be doing yourself a favor by listening to some others before purchasing.
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That's the problem. I was looking for other mics to compare it too, and I couldn't find any. I wanted to test out the AT3035 as well, but neither Guitar Center or Sam Ash had it, and those are the only 2 places nearby.
 
I've never used an NT1 (I have an NTK that I like a lot), so I can't speak directly to that mic. But I will say that if you're going to use this one mic for guitar AND for vocals, you really should go back to GC, best in the morning when they're not busy, and give the mic a proper audition. If you have a portable recorder, take it and record some guitar and vocals. While your at it, do the same with another mic or two in your price range. Even if you can't record it, at least give it a listen with some nice headphones on and compare it to a couple of other mics.
 
I think that's a good idea. I would recommend bringing a pair of headphones that you're used to listening/monitoring through so you might have a better idea of how the mic's sound will translate. Also, if they don't have the preamp you are going to be using, you might want to bring that too so they don't plug you into an ssl channel strip or something (FWIW not trying to start the debate about whether or not the preamps' sound will be audible to the listener).
 
While the NT1-A is a quiet mic, it is lackluster in sound and there are many better choices. For the same price, I would opt for an AT3035, which is a smoother mic.
 
sound125 said:
While the NT1-A is a quiet mic, it is lackluster in sound and there are many better choices. For the same price, I would opt for an AT3035, which is a smoother mic.
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I also agree with this. I'm surprised that your local GC and Smash don't have one in stock.
 
I'm going to go back to Samash this weekend and actually ask if they carry it. I didn't think about the fact they may have just sold the floor model.

So, I'll do a side by side comparison of the NT1a and the AT3035 on one of the recording systems if I can. Are there any other mics in the price range you guys would suggest me comparing?
 
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