Rode NTA-1
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Posted on Jan 03, 2007 09:57 pm
Dj Shaw-t
Member Since: Dec 24, 2006
I currently have a MXL 990 with a Behringer T19853 Tube Ultragain preamp running through an M-Audio delta 1010lt audio card. I will be recording hip hop and RnB vocals. I am thinking about replacing the MXL 990 for a Rode NTA-1 which was recommended to me by a sales person at a local music store. Will this mic improve my quality? and is it really worth the price?
I was also wondering how the Rode NTA-1 compares to the studio projects C-1, and how they both compare to the MXL 990.
If you think this mic isnt the right decision, does anyone else have any suggestions in and around the same price range of the Rode.
Thanks
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meltdown5Faze 2 StudiosMember
Since: Aug 15, 2005
Jan 03, 2007 10:15 pm I have used the Rode Nt1-a and i loved using it. So much that i bought 2 of them, and then sold them both so i could buy there big brother the Rode nt1000. I've never ownd a MXL mic, but ive heard a couple of them. From what ive heard i think you would hear a very good improvment over them if you switched to the Rode.
Ive heard good things about the studio project c-1. people seem to be very happy with it, but ive never seen one so i cant say for myself.
I was very happy with my Nt1-a's for vocals and could tell you that if you went with it, you probably would be very happy with it. Wether its the "best" in its price range, i cant. Say seeing how i havent used every mix in its price range.
-melty
LokiCone PokerMember
Since: Apr 07, 2002
Jan 03, 2007 11:02 pm I haven't used the Rode or C1, but the MXL is my second mic of choice, my AKG gets a little more action, but for the money the MXL isn't a bad mic
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jan 04, 2007 12:32 am My sales guy at sweetwater was very positive about the C1. I had a SP B3 in the past and was pretty happy with it.
When shopping now, I brought up the C1 and he recommended it, saying it's got a little more 'flavor' than the B line of Studio projects. the B line is more accurate, whereas the C line has more character, lending itself better to vocals. I ended up getting another B3, as I liked it that much for a utility LDC.
Also, there's talk on some boards that the C1 reminds some people of the Neumann U87 ( i think that's the one ). not that it sounds just like one, but it leans in the direction of sounding like that mic. Hopefully that made sense.
That said, I've usually heard mostly good reviews of the NT1a, on this board and others. A few people think it's a little brittle on the top end, but I'm sure it's a taste thing, and probably can be dealt with, and tweaked out.
also, there's the AT2020 in that price range. I believe Noize2u has one, and is pretty fond of it. I hear all good press about that one too.
Kaos62Kaos is only a form of insanityMember
Since: Feb 03, 2005
Jan 04, 2007 05:32 am I have the AT2020 and can confirm that it does give good results. As an alround microphone I find it a bargain at the prices they offer. I use it for drum overheads, guitar capture and as a room mic as well as vocal work. Bearing in mind I now have the AT4033 which is just a little better.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jan 04, 2007 04:57 pm Yep, in that price range the AT2020 is a very good all around mic. I do prefer it when I need to catch some of the nuances of the female voice, it works really well there. As for male vocals, it has a well rounded sound not to bright and not too dullish.
It does handle some good SPL's as well and I have used it with a couple of vocalist's that are not well practiced in keeping their sibilance down.
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
Jan 06, 2007 03:41 am I don't think you could go wrong with either the 2020 or the NT. The NT is a bit bright in the upper-mid range, but nothing that a little creative eq can't get rid of.
Having said all that; I still like my old Oktava 319 the best. Although it is less detailed, I find that a blessing as most of the folks I record are not USDA Grade A Choice vocalists. The 319 is a little warmer (has charecter so to speak) and a lot more forgiving.
GeoffSM7b the Chuck Noris of Mic'sContributor
Since: Jun 20, 2002
Jan 06, 2007 12:09 pm one thing i've learned about recording is you can make a bright scorce warm or muddy easier than the makeing a muddy sounf bright. The C-1 and NT1 have a lot of the same pros. They both are good mic's and you can really hear the detail of what you're recording. That being said if you record people that aren't "USDA Grade A" (thanks walt) you will here it. I have a Solaris from M-audio that works wonders and is a great go to mic, but like the NT1 it will pick up everything. I use a MXL VG67 for a lot of vocals as well and it works very well for the singers that have to "groove" or can't stay in one place durring a take.
as far as what you have compaired to the 2020, i don't think you'll notice a huge difference, but i'd put money down that you would hear a difference with the NT1.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jan 06, 2007 04:06 pm Good call on the 319 Walt. I didn't mention it as the real ones are very difficult to find these days. But indeed it is an articulate yet warm and fuzzy mic to use. It is as well my favorite mic here really.
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
Jan 07, 2007 01:06 am Don't forget Mr. Noise that I owe that one to you and the folks here. The purchase was per your suggestion! That is one purchase that I will never regret. I managed to snag one 319 and three 012's before they went into obscurity. One of those hidden jewels that is just so wonderful to discover!
Jan 07, 2007 01:50 am Once I dreamed that I recorded the sounds of J. Edgar Hoover taking off his panty hose, using a Telefunken U47. Then I woke up.
Dammit.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jan 07, 2007 03:46 pm Ya, I remember that. It was back when I discovered as well that there were a lot of fakes out there. I believe several peep's got their hand's on the fake and were not very happy.
I think there are still new ones available but they are costly now and just don't sound like the older one I have.
Herb, that gives me the willies just thinking about you dreaming of J. Edgar and his little fetish.
Jan 07, 2007 06:45 pm Just seeing if you were paying attention. Ha
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
Jan 08, 2007 12:50 am Why that reminds me of when I was a dooin a stick at Geetar Center (best old fogie voice)...(not much of a streach)....(Yup I was pretty desperate) and a fella came in and said every time is wife walked upstairs his Neuman disk bottomed out making a horrible thud. He was a talkin bout how sensitive the mic was. I was a thinkin how big his wife was!
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jan 09, 2007 08:03 pm Funny Walt, bery funny!
