Which of the two mics?

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geodoc

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Hi guys.
I am intrested mainly in recording vocals at home and i want your help! I have decided to buy Tascam US122 MK2 audio interface but i don't know which microphone to chose from(maximum budget 200$) :
1)Rode Nt1a,
2)Audio Technica AT2035
Which one do you suggest and why?How can i avoid the noise coming from the fans of the pc which will be is in the same room with the mic?Should i rather use a dynamic mic because i don't have an appropriate sound isolated room?
 
geodoc said:
Hi guys.
I am intrested mainly in recording vocals at home and i want your help! I have decided to buy Tascam US122 MK2 audio interface but i don't know which microphone to chose from(maximum budget 200$) :
1)Rode Nt1a,
2)Audio Technica AT2035
Which one do you suggest and why?How can i avoid the noise coming from the fans of the pc which will be is in the same room with the mic?Should i rather use a dynamic mic because i don't have an appropriate sound isolated room?
Click to expand...

Of those two mic, definitely the Nt-1a .

If you can't put the CPU unit in a closet and run the cords under the door, you will have to build an enclosure for it. If you can't do one of these options, then make sure you record with the back of the cardioid mic toward the computer. If it is still a problem, then definitely consider a dynamic mic (sm58 $100). The closet is a great option if available.
 
Any other suggestions in the same price range as Rode NT1a(200$)?Is MXL2003a as good as they say?Has anyone tested it?
Thanks.
 
I would recommend neither one. I have two NT-1s, and frankly they mostly sit in their cases in the mic closet collecting dust. They have for me a very brittle and harsh-sounding high end to them that is not very suitable for much of anything, except to brighten up stuff that would otherwise wind up sounding particularly dark or muffled. The AT isn't quite as harsh, but it in a similar way to the NT-1, tends to sound a bit high-end biased.

If you absolutely HAVE TO get a cheap condenser, try an MXL V69N. I've had some very good results for the price with that mic. But frankly, I have not heard many large diameter condensers for less that that I consider to be worth the money. The V69M's little brother, the V67, may be a bit of an exception.

G.
 
geodoc said:
Any other suggestions in the same price range as Rode NT1a(200$)?Is MXL2003a as good as they say?Has anyone tested it?
Thanks.
Click to expand...

Used Oktava MK319 ($100) - darker than the others here, but nice (better yet with mod)

Studio Projects B1 ($150) - very smooth, sounds good on male and female vocals

AT3035 ($125) if you can find one - nice flat response but nothing magic

Your best choice (in lieu of a cheap condenser) might be to save up for an
SM7b ($300) dynamic mic - better than any condenser in the price range.

Haven't heard the MXL2003a ($150) - Michael Joly likes it.

The Nt-1a is very good for the price - mine does not seem not harsh, but I have heard others describe them this way, so I respect that opinion. They have a nice low end boost at about 150 hz which flatters many male voices, I think. Last I checked RMC Audio (rmcaudio.com) had them for $183. Use the MICS coupon for 20% discount on any of their mics.
 
An other option is the use a ribbon mic. I hear good things about the Fathead and you can get one for $150. I don't have one, I haven't used one, but it's on my shopping list. Just a thought.
 
gehauser said:
Used Oktava MK319 ($100) - darker than the others here, but nice (better yet with mod)

Studio Projects B1 ($150) - very smooth, sounds good on male and female vocals

AT3035 ($125) if you can find one - nice flat response but nothing magic

Your best choice (in lieu of a cheap condenser) might be to save up for an
SM7b ($300) dynamic mic - better than any condenser in the price range.

Haven't heard the MXL2003a ($150) - Michael Joly likes it.

The Nt-1a is very good for the price - mine does not seem not harsh, but I have heard others describe them this way, so I respect that opinion. They have a nice low end boost at about 150 hz which flatters many male voices, I think. Last I checked RMC Audio (rmcaudio.com) had them for $183. Use the MICS coupon for 20% discount on any of their mics.
Click to expand...

Check out the "king of the low end" thread in the mic forum.They did a shootout of 7 lower end mics with links to samples and backing tracks.The nta,20003a,octava,v67 and a few modded mics.

Not sure if the links to the sound samples are still available but if they are you can hear the mics for yourself.Male vox,low and mid.Female vox and acoustic guitar samples.
 
geodoc said:
Hi guys.
I am intrested mainly in recording vocals at home and i want your help! I have decided to buy Tascam US122 MK2 audio interface but i don't know which microphone to chose from(maximum budget 200$) :
1)Rode Nt1a,
2)Audio Technica AT2035
Which one do you suggest and why?How can i avoid the noise coming from the fans of the pc which will be is in the same room with the mic?Should i rather use a dynamic mic because i don't have an appropriate sound isolated room?
Click to expand...

There is no right answer to your question, though I must say that I find my AT2035 extremely price-worthy! Good on vocals, guitars etc.
 
geodoc said:
Any other suggestions in the same price range as Rode NT1a(200$)?Is MXL2003a as good as they say?Has anyone tested it?
Thanks.
Click to expand...

dont go with the rode nt1-a its a bit harsh.
try: mxl v88
or audio technica at3035
 
It's been a month and geodoc never came back. :( I wounder what he purchased for a microphone?







:cool:
 
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