Thoughts between Rode NT-1 Studio Projects C-1

[baekgaard]

And sometimes even the same models sound different from each other.

Yes, there can be quite some sample variation also.

There can be different generations of the same microphone (this will inevitably happen with most equipment in production for a long time, when a sub-supplier is changed, etc). And in general, with cheaper mics the tolerances are usually larger, and henceforth the sample variation will be as well.

So: Your best option is really to test the mics -- possibly by buying all of them and returning the ones you don't like for a refund ;-)


-- Per.

 

[Rick Shepherd]

I would recommend saving up a bit more cash and getting something in the 3 to 4 hundred dollar range. Then, in the future you may want to upgrade, or not, but you will have a good mic for most anything.

 

[Frankm666]

Let's say $300 out the door

What would be the pick for a vocal microphone for different singers. I record many different types of voices. Thanks, Frank Military

 

[noisedude]

You are unlikely to find one vocal mic that suits all your singers. In fact, I've yet to find ONE which I like on my voice ... but I have a couple of new options arriving tomorrow so we'll see then ...

My approach - and Chessrock will probably go with me on this - would be to get one mic that has as much detail and transparency as you can afford, and then to try and bodge together EQ-ing to suit the final sound to the vocalist more. If you get a quite idiosynchratic-sounding mic, you have less of a 'blank canvas' and are bound more by its tone.

That's just my theory though, there's no substitute for having a range of different sounding mics.

 

[mamm7215]

My voice is quite low so the C1 is perfect for my style, puts a presence on it and sits perfectly in my mixes. As with any microphone, it depends on your sound and/or style. It would be much better if you could even rent both to A/B them to see what would fit you better. I've read Bono actually records sometimes with a 58! (not that it's a bad mic).

 

[noisedude]

That's interesting, I have quite a low voice, I never even considered the C1 as an option for me. We are thinking in different ways!

I really REALLY wanted the Shure 545 I got off ebay to be THE vocal mic for me. Just cos it's a really old USA-built one and looks soooo cool. But it's just not, and neither are any of the others I've got. But we'll get there ... hopefully!

 

[scrubs]

That's interesting, I have quite a low voice, I never even considered the C1 as an option for me. We are thinking in different ways!

I really REALLY wanted the Shure 545 I got off ebay to be THE vocal mic for me. Just cos it's a really old USA-built one and looks soooo cool. But it's just not, and neither are any of the others I've got. But we'll get there ... hopefully!

I'm a natural baritone/bass, but tend to sing more baritone/tenor (at the upper end of my register). I use the NT1 for my vocals. Occasionally, sibilance is noticeable, but it still is a solid mic that brightens up darker voices and works fine on smooth higher voices as well. On another note, I use the SM57 live, so that's pretty close to the 545.

 

[noisedude]

My voice sounds great through a 58 in an acoustic set, but with a band it gets lost. That's why I started buying Senn E845s. It never occurred to me that I should try the same idea in a recording mix!! *slaps head*

 

[DJL]

And back to the subject again...

Looking for my go to vocal microphone. Thanks for the help,
Frank

You're welcome... so which one did you get?

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

That's interesting, I have quite a low voice, I never even considered the C1 as an option for me. We are thinking in different ways!

I really REALLY wanted the Shure 545 I got off ebay to be THE vocal mic for me. Just cos it's a really old USA-built one and looks soooo cool. But it's just not, and neither are any of the others I've got. But we'll get there ... hopefully!

I don't know if I'll ever find the 'right' mic for my voice and I think perhaps that's because I don't like my voice too much?

"Nope, I still don't sound like Marvin Gaye, this mic obviously just isn't right for me."

 

[noisedude]

I used to think like that too, but the thing is that I've heard my voice how I like it. The problem is that I can't fit a 2kW PA into a CD player for others to listen to!

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

I used to think like that too, but the thing is that I've heard my voice how I like it. The problem is that I can't fit a 2kW PA into a CD player for others to listen to!

Yeah I'm OK live, it's just recording it and then hearing it played back. I'm actually using an SM58 to record any vocals I do at the moment and that's the best it sounds to my ears. Maybe my voice just suits dynamics better? I'd like to try out some decent dynamics on my voice actually.

 

[skipwave]

I have an NT-1a and it works very well on some voices. I have not noticed the sibilance issue mentioned in this thread. It seems very clear and pleasant to me, with a touch of hype in the high end. It just suits some better than others.

I recall Matmos saying of Bjork, when a test vocal track was needed, she had her pick of any mic in a world-class studio and she grabbed the sm58. I have seen many pics of other singers tracking with a 58 or a large dynamic like the SM7 or EV RE-20.

The point being, don't rule out a dynamic, LDCs are not the only way to track your vocals.