Condensor Mic Comparison

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Member Since: Jun 20, 2003

I've got a question for some you folks that have got a collection or have tried several different condensor mics. Right now, I've got in my arsenal 1 Behringer B2, and 1 Rode NT1A. For a while I was thinking that the Behringer B2 sounded as good as the NT1-A, but then I went and recorded some female vocals and clearly the NT1A is far superior (smoother) on the high end. My goal is to record 2 vocals simultaneously and am looking to pick up an addtional condensor mic that sounds as good or better than the NT1-A, at a comparable price. Anyone compared the NT1-A to Studio Projects C1 or B1? I've heard some good things about Studio Projects. Do they beat the Rode NT1-A? Any opinions appreciated.

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Contributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002


Jan 13, 2004 02:01 pm

Get a Rode NT-2 - trust me.

jues.

Member
Since: Jun 20, 2003


Jan 13, 2004 02:49 pm

Alright, thanks Jues -- The only thing that gives me pause on the NT2 is the price ($400 vs $200 for the NT1-A). Is there a significant step-up in sound quality from the NT1 to the NT2?

Contributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002


Jan 13, 2004 05:15 pm

yes

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jan 13, 2004 08:37 pm

The NT2 seems to have a much cleaner color the the NT1-A without sounding as sterile. And I dont mean sterile in a bad way, it does not have the warrm fuzzy tone I personally prefer. The NT2 seemed to give a much richer texture without sacrificing clarity is probly a better way to put it.

jues may be able to give you a better description then I since I have only used them a couple times.

Contributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002


Jan 14, 2004 06:46 am

We have an NT-2 at the studio I work at, compared to the NT-1, as Loki said, the sound is just "more better" - (it's improssible to describe these things in the english language :D ).

Believe me, it would be money well spent. Failing that, if you don't want to shell out that much, the Oktava MK319 is a staple choice around these parts.

jues.

Freeleance Producer/Engineer/Gtr
Member
Since: Aug 11, 2002


Jan 14, 2004 02:07 pm

i use an nt-2 also... great mic for capturing the vocalist's character. i've never had any other mic sound as full... well any within my budget at least.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jan 14, 2004 08:49 pm

Agreeing with jues on the MK-319. It is a bit differant color though, a bit fuller and warmer. Not as brite but it can be tweaked a bit to attain a bit more brightness via EQ at the input. But indeed, I use it for that nice warm sound, very smooth. And jues is spot on the thing can be had for a very low price most of the time.

Member
Since: Jun 20, 2003


Jan 15, 2004 02:24 pm

Thanks again for the info el musico, jues, Noize,

The NT2 sounds pretty grand -- and since the recording I've been doing recently it's important that I get good warmth & high end, maybe I'll have make the financial stretch to it.

I did see in a reveiew elsewhere that a couple of people claimed the NT2 had a problem with sibilance -- any idea what they're talking about there?

Also I'm still curious about the Studio Projects C1 -- I've seen some rave reviews. Is that all hype or has anyone around here had experience with SP mics?



Contributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002


Jan 15, 2004 06:47 pm

www.soundonsound.com/sos/...da68ce267042100

good reading.

Contributor
Since: Sep 09, 2002


Jan 15, 2004 07:02 pm

sibilance.. there's one for the HRC glossary. that's the SSSS SSSsound of SSScertain conSSSsanant SSShapes. they can peak too high and make a mess of your vocal tracks. might also include the t and p sounds too... not sure on that.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jan 17, 2004 02:14 pm

The problem with sibalance can also be taken care of with a desser or paritally by using a popless. And Jamie has it right on the money for the description.

Brother in Christ
Member
Since: Jun 12, 2002


Jan 19, 2004 02:40 pm

I was just at Guitar Center and they are selling the Rode NT1000 for $199. That's a very good buy. It's like a grown up NT1A. You might also want ot look at the Studio Projects B1 at about $80 everywhere. Great work horse of a mic. I also hear the MXL 67G is a real good performer though I haven't persoally heard one.


Blessings, Terry

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