Topic: RODE NT1-A --- Anybody working with these mics?

[boojum]

The RODE NT1-A has a pretty large following as you get a lot of bang for your buck.  At a little over USD200 for new that is a good price, they are quiet and sound good.  I wonder if there are any folks on the board who have done a lot of recording with these mics or who are experimenting with them.  Anybody?   

[digifish_music]

The RODE NT1-A has a pretty large following as you get a lot of bang for your buck.  At a little over USD200 for new that is a good price, they are quiet and sound good.  I wonder if there are any folks on the board who have done a lot of recording with these mics or who are experimenting with them.  Anybody?   

Me.

Caveats: No adjustment of pattern, no low frequency filtering, no pad switch. However good mic preamps take care of all but the pattern (that is fixed Cardioid as I am sure you know).

The NT1-A is the bargain of the century (IMO), it's a very, very quiet, clean (neutral) sounding and detailed mic. ~ 5 dB self noise. Excellent sensitivity. I'd throw an NT1-A at almost any source, but it works particularly well on vocals (male and female, particularly female). I dont take mine out of the studio much (they are a bit of a hand-full, particularly in pairs). However when you do take them into the field to record nature sounds, they sound great out there too...

http://www.uwm.edu/~type/audio-reports/Rode_NT1-A_Mics/NT1-A_index.htm

http://www.uwm.edu/~type/audio-reports/Rode_NT1-A_Mics/NT1-A-field-recordings.htm
 
What are you expecting to record?

This site has some excellent comparisons of NT1-A to a Neumann TLM 103.

SOS Review

User reviews @ Sweetwater

User reviews @ zZSounds

digifish 

[boojum]

The RODE NT1-A has a pretty large following as you get a lot of bang for your buck.  At a little over USD200 for new that is a good price, they are quiet and sound good.  I wonder if there are any folks on the board who have done a lot of recording with these mics or who are experimenting with them.  Anybody?   

Me.

Caveats: No adjustment of pattern, no low frequency filtering, no pad switch. However good mic preamps take care of all but the pattern (that is fixed Cardioid as I am sure you know).

No problem.  That's what post processing is all about.


The NT1-A is the bargain of the century (IMO), it's a very, very quiet, clean (neutral) sounding and detailed mic. ~ 5 dB self noise. Excellent sensitivity. I'd throw an NT1-A at almost any source, but it works particularly well on vocals (male and female, particularly female). I dont take mine out of the studio much (they are a bit of a hand-full, particularly in pairs). However when you do take them into the field to record nature sounds, they sound great out there too...

http://www.uwm.edu/~type/audio-reports/Rode_NT1-A_Mics/NT1-A_index.htm

http://www.uwm.edu/~type/audio-reports/Rode_NT1-A_Mics/NT1-A-field-recordings.htm
 
What are you expecting to record?

This site has some excellent comparisons of NT1-A to a Neumann TLM 103.

SOS Review

User reviews @ Sweetwater

User reviews @ zZSounds

digifish 

I have one I bought for USD150 and was thinking of one or two more just for remotes.  At their price they are good.  At way more than their price they are good.  And I would like another type of mic, just in case.  And, in a session the vocalist likes the idea of the "big mic" as opposed to an SDC which may be as good or better.  A lot is the psychology.  I know of the DIY site but not the others.  Thanks.  I will check them out.

How are your recordings going with them and how do you rate them against other LDC's and maybe SDC's???

Thx.

L8R

[digifish_music]

How are your recordings going with them and how do you rate them against other LDC's and maybe SDC's???

Thx.

L8R

I find the NT1-A to be a clean, quiet and relatively neutral sounding LDC. Compared to some of the more expensive (vintage?) mics it sounds crisper/brighter in the high frequency range. I think at least some of the apparent transparency in the high-frequencies is simply due to the low noise floor in the mic. For example it picks up mouth noises (clicks, lisps) with particular clarity.

A female vocalist I record occasionally gets a resonance on her vocal chords that sounds like a inter-modulation distortion, the NT1-A was picking this up so clearly I had to dual-mic her (on a completely separate signal chain) and convince myself it was not a preamp/mic distortion/fault. Using an AT3032 I could hear it there also but it was by no means as obvious. The NT1-A is like an endoscope on the vocal chords  

People who are used to a 'laid-back' (dark?) sound may find an NT1-A a little 'clinical' or 'brittle' on first listen, but it's easy to EQ a vocal back to something a little more subdued than it is to add air/clarity when you didn't record it in the first place and it's masked by hiss

BTW: Here is a nice site with lots of audio comparisons of LDC mics...

http://www.testrecordings.net/mic/index_en.html

No NT1-A in the list tho, but most of the other Rodes are.

digifish

 

[boojum]

I have only used my NT1-A once, against a Schoeps CMC64 and while I did not listen closely to the session what I did hear sounded good.  I will have to drag the NT1-A along with me and see how it compares.  I was thinking two would be nice as overheads on a drumset.  Just an idea.

OK, L8R

[jim1274]

I am a newbie and just bought a pair of these RODE NT1-A's today on ebay before I discovered the Forum---seems I could have made a better choice---not used much by tapers it seems.  Anybody have a suggestion on how to get the best results from them or should I just be putting them back on ebay?   I'm planning to use with a Fostex FR2LE, but have not purchased it yet--trying to decide if I'm going stock or Oade mod version (or Busman Mod) before buying. (read the lengthy thread on the Busman mod--more confused than ever now on the relative value--wondering if the extra money is better spent instead on upgrading to a Tascam HD-P2???)  My intended use for the rig is primarily to record a musician friend in my living room and his live venues (primarily smaller bar settings).  It would be a 2 close mic set-up in my living room, one for vocals/harmonica and the other for acoustic guitar.  He has his own high quality expensive mics for this setting, but I might try the RODE's as a comparison.  The other live recording would likely be an "audience" recording in the bars using the matched pair of Rode NTIA's --he typically plays alone or with a bongo player in an an amplified setting.  These RODE's are going to be difficult to use in a crowded noisy bar?

[boojum]

A noisy bar is a problem for any mic.  The NT-1-A is a card, so it does not hear all of what is behind it.  That is a plus.  Omni's are very sweet, but only in a good room.  They hear everything.  So, the NT-1-A's will look real pro up there.  They will offer up good recording.  They are just bulky as they are built with primarily studio use in mind.  If that is what you have, and you got a good price, use 'em.  They are great to learn with and you will not be out much if you break them or have them stolen.  In the interim you could be racking up some very good recordings.  As good as what can be gotten on your friends "expensive" mics.

The most important thing with mics is placement.   

[digifish_music]

I am a newbie and just bought a pair of these RODE NT1-A's today on ebay before I discovered the Forum---seems I could have made a better choice---not used much by tapers it seems.  Anybody have a suggestion on how to get the best results from them or should I just be putting them back on ebay?   I'm planning to use with a Fostex FR2LE, but have not purchased it yet--trying to decide if I'm going stock or Oade mod version (or Busman Mod) before buying. (read the lengthy thread on the Busman mod--more confused than ever now on the relative value--wondering if the extra money is better spent instead on upgrading to a Tascam HD-P2???)  My intended use for the rig is primarily to record a musician friend in my living room and his live venues (primarily smaller bar settings).  It would be a 2 close mic set-up in my living room, one for vocals/harmonica and the other for acoustic guitar.  He has his own high quality expensive mics for this setting, but I might try the RODE's as a comparison.  The other live recording would likely be an "audience" recording in the bars using the matched pair of Rode NTIA's --he typically plays alone or with a bongo player in an an amplified setting.  These RODE's are going to be difficult to use in a crowded noisy bar?

Please be an individual and don't follow this crowd

The NT1-A is a stellar mic, I have no doubt that you will be able to make excellent recordings using a pair of NT1-A's. They will shine in the living room and be no more or less difficult than any other large diaphragm cardioid condenser. Most people don't use LD condensers here (I assume) due to the added bulk and complexity when compared to small diaphragm (pencil) condensers. That's one of the things that stops me from dragging mine around the shrubbery...

Do not mod any recorder before knowing exactly what you want to change about the sound.

digifish

[jim1274]

Thanks for the replies.  I am also new to forums, so feedback on whether this is the place to continue or, alternately, start a new thread would be welcome.  I suspect mixing subjects in not good protocol... 

Anyway, it is good to hear I bought something that is at least usable.  I paid a little over 200 bucks for a new matched pair, which seemed like a deal. Seems they are OK for my living room from the comments, but some small diaphragm (pencil) condensers will likely be in my future.

The vocal mic my friend used in my first recording attempt (that got me HOOKED) I think was a Neumann U87--don't recall what we used to mic his acoustic guitar.  Since this is a RODE NT1A thread, I'll try to contribute by doing an A/B of the RODE pair vs. his fancy mics and post the results.  I have been considering the Edirol R-44 as well as the previously mentioned FS2LE--a 4 channel recorder like the R-44 would be perfect for this comparison (?)  Not sure if a musician would like to play into 2 sets of mics at once---is that the best way to do an A/B test? 

I suspect that a rude awakening is in store for me when doing my first live bar recording.  The good results in my living room with his road mixer preamps just feeding my laptop aux input probably made my expectations too high.  (I still can't believe how good that came out just recording into Audacity and trimming the ends a bit.)

Since this is a RODE thread, I won't say much more on the mod issue, but did note that the Oade mod is only 100 bucks over the lowest price I found for a stock R-44, so I need to get to the bottom of that before proceeding if the R-44 option is selected.  Sounds like this is a hotly debated issue, but probably should be pursued in another thread.

[boojum]

The Neumann U87 retails for $2,000.  You paid a little over 10% of that for a pair of mics.  You will do very well with the NT-1-A's but you will also hear a difference when used side by side.  Do not let that stop you.  Just get out there with the mics and learn all you can about using cardioid mics.  That will keep you busy at least a year.   

[jim1274]

Sounds like I could have made a lot worse choice for a first mic...  This is the first set I have purchased, but may be ordering another set pretty quick.  The ebay seller just notified me that they won't be shipped until sometime after Jan. 1 due to having to go out-of-town unexpectedly.  Hope this sale is legit--he had no prior ebay transactions so there is some risk.  He offered to refund my purchase, which is good, but at a little over 200 for the matched pair listed as new, seems worth waiting?  (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=260333932591).   Do you know what typically comes packaged with this set?  Might as well start figuring out what I need in terms of accessories--basically starting from scratch.  (all I have is a mediocre mic stand and Shure PG48 that may be worthless from the look on my musician friend's face when showing his what the local guitar store sold me to get "started in recording")

I'm hoping to order my recorder (Edirol R-44) today---guess I should read the mic forum sections and start looking for a pair for those other 2 channels and to play with until the Rodes arrive!  Sounds like the NT1-A's were not the best choice for live recording in a noisy bar--maybe I'll grab a set of budget small diaphragm condensers that would be suitable for "bar" work.  I see this can easily turn into an expensive hobby....

Hmmmm...the wife's xmas gift for me did not come in....maybe she would rather get me some mics or accessories!

Merry Christmas to all!

PS: I kind of got off the thread track--sorry.  I will post some comparison tests on the RODE mics when they arrive to get back on track.  Curious to do an A/B vs that $2000 U87 my buddy uses.

[rastasean]

Whatever I say here, don't let it influence you one way or another. 

You got these mics for a pretty good price! That's great! It is kind of interesting that he has no history WHATSOEVER. I've bought things online and from ebay but I usually look at their history. Let us know when you get them.

It sounds like you want to get pretty serious for recording and the edirol R44 is a nice recorder--from what I hear--so just make sure you get your money's worth of it. You know, don't let it sit in the closet and use it a couple weeks a year or else you'll make a lot of other tapers mad. 

I would suggest you read as much as you possibly can on this board. There's 110,588 topics & 1,471,607  (not including this one) posts. That should keep you busy enough. Once you get 50+ posts you can start messaging (PM) the 19,374 (including you) members. Unless your wallet is bottomless, read, read, read so you don't buy gear you won't use or like.

Good luck!

[jim1274]

This is a great forum with a lot of generous people.  Looks like I broke a rule already--sent a PM to the guy selling the AT4041's before I hit the 50+ posts.  Oh--the R44 won't sit in the closet!  If it does, somebody on this forum will be getting a good deal on a used R44!  I have spent the last 3 days compulsively researching the subject, mainly hardware choices--wasted about 30 of those 36 hours by not finding this forum sooner!  I have learned the value of good equipment when it comes to things like this, and this equipment really is pretty reasonable priced compared to, say, audio equipment.  Started out initially with a Zoom H4 in my cross hairs, and, well...

Since the RODE NT1-A's are going to be delayed for at least a week, I'm trolling the forum for advice on budget small diaphragm condensers right now.  I'm hoping the AT4041's fit that bill, but there really was very little on the forum about these that I could find beyond a couple comments in the for sale ad that they were underrated mics.  Whatever I end up with, I'm still planning a "shoot-out" with the budget small diaphragm condensers, my RODE NT1-A's (if they arrive!) and my musician friend's high-end mics including his Neumann U87.  Mic choice seems like the most difficult part of the project--the recorder was easier to zero in on.  (Would have bought the Fostex FR2-LE if not for this forum--see all kinds of possibilities with 2 extra channels!).  Mics also are a LOT more expensive than I was expecting! 

[boojum]

The only problem with the NT1-A's in a bar scene is the size.  They are large to lug around compared to pencil mics.  Other than that you are in the clover.  For $200 you got a very good deal.  I just hope the seller comes through for you. 

The great, great, bike racer, Eddy Merckx offered this advice on how to become a great rider: "Ride a bike a lot."  Same with recording.  Just keep doing it, over and over again.  You will get better and better.  You will learn the little tricks which increase your chances of success.  It is a joy for me.  I love going out, setting up, dragging the gear home, editing, mastering and, in some cases, torrenting it.  Over a period of time you will stop doing the things which do not work.

You can have a lot of fun for what you have invested.  Do not let anyone poo-poo your gear.  Sure there is better gear.  So what's the point?  There is always better gear.  Number one: put those mics in the right place.  When you can do that more often than not you are on the road to having a big monkey on your back.  Welcome.     

[TNJazz]

This is a great forum with a lot of generous people.  Looks like I broke a rule already--sent a PM to the guy selling the AT4041's before I hit the 50+ posts. 

No rule against that.

I'm trolling the forum for advice on budget small diaphragm condensers right now.  I'm hoping the AT4041's fit that bill, but there really was very little on the forum about these that I could find beyond a couple comments in the for sale ad that they were underrated mics.

They are very underrated.  I would reach for them over a number of higher priced mics (yes KM184 lovers, I'm talking to YOU!)

They are pretty smooth and quite neutral (typical for AT).  They won't flatter, they will provide a fairly true representation.  Of course they are not as detailed as a lot of mics out there, that's one of the reasons they're a budget mic.  They can produce quite good results though.  I would think 4041's into an R44 would sound quite nice.

Mics also are a LOT more expensive than I was expecting! 

Just remember that *in most cases* you get what you pay for.  There are quite a few overrated mics out there in the upper price brackets, but the general rule of thumb is the more you spend the higher the build quality and the better the sonics.

Good luck, and as many have probably already said, "check your wallet at the door."