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Post by bluesholyman on May 1, 2024 13:54:41 GMT -6
I have a Rode NT1 (4th Gen - the one with the Rycote-style mount and "Pancake Flipper" pop screen) inbound and should have it sometime today - decent price. I'll be using it for my own demo work in a semi-treated space.
I have read as much as I can about them (have used one a long long time ago) and my general impression is youtube/home producers types love them but "real" studios would typically never have them, largely because they have the good stuff and this one is nowhere as good.
In a time when you see FooFighters recording overheads on drums with LA-220s, a time where TS recorded her first album on an Avantone CV-12 (I could be wrong about the specific model), and way back when Michael Jackson recorded Thriller with the SM7, if it gives you the sound you want, why not use it?
So, from a more technical or aural analytical perspective, when does the NT-1 not work? I'll compare it to other mics I have and see which works best, but until I can afford "the good stuff" and more importantly, can afford to have a properly treated room where "the good stuff" isn't picking up unwanted sounds, its one I think is worth having for my poor mans studio.
I have read that a Warbler by 3U would be better value near the price point, but not much else, at least that I have seen.
So if there is any specific question, what should I be listening for with this mic that makes it less suitable than the better mics relatively close to its price point. I suspect < $500 its pretty good but < $1000 its a dust collector. I just can't afford for it to be a dust collector yet...at least not right now.
Appreciate your thoughts.
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Post by horizoneer on May 1, 2024 14:17:09 GMT -6
They're good mics, it's a long time since I used one in anger but I remember them being fairly bright but not harsh, and the old version sounding better than the 1a version that was a little brash. But this is a 20 year old opinion...
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Post by jeremygillespie on May 1, 2024 15:46:26 GMT -6
I remember buying one as my first condenser mic and thinking my digi002 rack preamps were the reason it sounded awful. Turns out it was both those preamps and the mic. When I stepped up to my first “real” mic (414) it was a game changer and a lesson in when to spend my money and when to save up a bit more.
This was around 2006 or so, I have no clue if it’s the same mic or if they’ve upped their game or not.
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Post by ragan on May 1, 2024 16:00:51 GMT -6
I have a Rode NT1 (4th Gen - the one with the Rycote-style mount and "Pancake Flipper" pop screen) inbound and should have it sometime today - decent price. I'll be using it for my own demo work in a semi-treated space. I have read as much as I can about them (have used one a long long time ago) and my general impression is youtube/home producers types love them but "real" studios would typically never have them, largely because they have the good stuff and this one is nowhere as good. In a time when you see FooFighters recording overheads on drums with LA-220s, a time where TS recorded her first album on an Avantone CV-12 (I could be wrong about the specific model), and way back when Michael Jackson recorded Thriller with the SM7, if it gives you the sound you want, why not use it? So, from a more technical or aural analytical perspective, when does the NT-1 not work? I'll compare it to other mics I have and see which works best, but until I can afford "the good stuff" and more importantly, can afford to have a properly treated room where "the good stuff" isn't picking up unwanted sounds, its one I think is worth having for my poor mans studio. I have read that a Warbler by 3U would be better value near the price point, but not much else, at least that I have seen. So if there is any specific question, what should I be listening for with this mic that makes it less suitable than the better mics relatively close to its price point. I suspect < $500 its pretty good but < $1000 its a dust collector. I just can't afford for it to be a dust collector yet...at least not right now. Appreciate your thoughts. NT1s are just bright. If you want a quite bright mic, they'll do that just fine. For me (I had a couple) they were just too spitty and sibilant. I would take a 3U Warbler over an NT1, enthusiastically. |
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Post by chessparov on May 1, 2024 18:06:16 GMT -6
Semi-Treated? Biggest factor.  |
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Post by bluesholyman on May 1, 2024 18:30:32 GMT -6
I have a Rode NT1 (4th Gen - the one with the Rycote-style mount and "Pancake Flipper" pop screen) inbound and should have it sometime today - decent price. I'll be using it for my own demo work in a semi-treated space. I have read as much as I can about them (have used one a long long time ago) and my general impression is youtube/home producers types love them but "real" studios would typically never have them, largely because they have the good stuff and this one is nowhere as good. In a time when you see FooFighters recording overheads on drums with LA-220s, a time where TS recorded her first album on an Avantone CV-12 (I could be wrong about the specific model), and way back when Michael Jackson recorded Thriller with the SM7, if it gives you the sound you want, why not use it? So, from a more technical or aural analytical perspective, when does the NT-1 not work? I'll compare it to other mics I have and see which works best, but until I can afford "the good stuff" and more importantly, can afford to have a properly treated room where "the good stuff" isn't picking up unwanted sounds, its one I think is worth having for my poor mans studio. I have read that a Warbler by 3U would be better value near the price point, but not much else, at least that I have seen. So if there is any specific question, what should I be listening for with this mic that makes it less suitable than the better mics relatively close to its price point. I suspect < $500 its pretty good but < $1000 its a dust collector. I just can't afford for it to be a dust collector yet...at least not right now. Appreciate your thoughts. NT1s are just bright. If you want a quite bright mic, they'll do that just fine. For me (I had a couple) they were just too spitty and sibilant. I would take a 3U Warbler over an NT1, enthusiastically. I have heard people say that of the NT-1A and the newer NT1s (4th Gen sometime after 2020 and newer.) I suspect the later 4th gens, 5th, and current models got a different capsule that has a more sibilant tone - possibly a switch to a cheaper chinese capsule that previous runs. But I am only speculating. The one I picked up shows a smoother top end in its booklet than the newer ones, so I am hoping for the best. |
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Post by wiz on May 1, 2024 18:52:20 GMT -6
I just finished using mine right now.. on backing vocals... oohs and aah.... it's the 4th gen I think...I think its a great mic
cheers
Wiz
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Post by ragan on May 1, 2024 19:10:40 GMT -6
NT1s are just bright. If you want a quite bright mic, they'll do that just fine. For me (I had a couple) they were just too spitty and sibilant. I would take a 3U Warbler over an NT1, enthusiastically. I have heard people say that of the NT-1A and the newer NT1s (4th Gen sometime after 2020 and newer.) I suspect the later 4th gens, 5th, and current models got a different capsule that has a more sibilant tone - possibly a switch to a cheaper chinese capsule that previous runs. But I am only speculating. The one I picked up shows a smoother top end in its booklet than the newer ones, so I am hoping for the best. The ones I had were many years ago. |
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Post by chessparov on May 1, 2024 20:05:38 GMT -6
They should have FINALLY changed that Model Name. |
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Post by miscreantrecords on May 1, 2024 23:01:09 GMT -6
Semi-Treated? Biggest factor. A lot can be achieved in a reasonable room that simply has furniture, rugs, etc. for sure! Many great tracks and records have been created in non traditional spaces. I have a nearly 20 year old Bluebird that is at a similar price point ( RIP Blue) . It is also bright for sure, but I've loved having it over the years. It's been used on a huge variety of sources and I've definitely got my money's worth and then some. If you don't already have a LDC around that price point, I'm sure you'll get tons of use out of your new NT1. Enjoy. Cheers. |
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Post by antipodesjosh on May 1, 2024 23:33:34 GMT -6
I had the black NT1 for about 18 months - bought it just before the lockdowns, and it was pretty decent for the price. Much nicer top end than the ubiquitous NT1a (which I don’t like at all).
Sold it when I got a good deal on the Austrian Audio OC818.
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Post by rowmat on May 2, 2024 0:14:46 GMT -6
They should have FINALLY changed that Model Name. Wasn’t the Rode NT (rodent) supposed to be inside joke? |
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Post by reddirt on May 2, 2024 1:47:04 GMT -6
Don't worry about it, it's build quality is so much better than most, even those at a higher price point and it will definitely do the job well enough; if (and I mean if) it's too bright sing a little off axis and see where that gets you. Wiz saying it's great is validation from a modern day serious user . Make music.
Cheers, Ross
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Post by vvvooojjj on May 2, 2024 5:30:16 GMT -6
A friend of mine works in an audiobook company and they use NT1A for all their recordings.
They could afford more expensive microphones but seem to like the NT1A the most.
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ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 16,086 
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Post by ericn on May 2, 2024 11:07:47 GMT -6
NT1 is a decent mic, it’s kind of a shame that the biggest limitation is the capsule, upgrade the capsule and your probably going to find it works on just about anything and won’t be the limiting factor.
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Post by bluesholyman on May 2, 2024 11:33:25 GMT -6
NT1 is a decent mic, it’s kind of a shame that the biggest limitation is the capsule, upgrade the capsule and your probably going to find it works on just about anything and won’t be the limiting factor. I have seen/heard this a few times and while probably a separate thread, I'd be curious what the go to recommended capsule is for this. I guess it depends on the sound one is after, but lets just say whatever circuit the NT1 is designed after, thats probably a good start - I think its a 67, but not certain. |
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Post by chessparov on May 2, 2024 12:50:17 GMT -6
IMHO you're usually better off... With a mic designed "right" from the get go. (Or at least "right-er" ) Before I sold my AKG P200 to a "good home"* (Along with my Warm 47jr)... I'd play around with the notion of popping an upgraded cap in it. Chad @ SignalArts used to upgrade the Wsrm Jr. too. Could be a fun experiment to gently self-mod. Learn a little soldering/etc. But wasn't that practical for me time-wise either. Chris * They're getting used on a Drum Kit. Better fit.  |
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ericn
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Balance Engineer
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Post by ericn on May 2, 2024 12:52:50 GMT -6
NT1 is a decent mic, it’s kind of a shame that the biggest limitation is the capsule, upgrade the capsule and your probably going to find it works on just about anything and won’t be the limiting factor. I have seen/heard this a few times and while probably a separate thread, I'd be curious what the go to recommended capsule is for this. I guess it depends on the sound one is after, but lets just say whatever circuit the NT1 is designed after, thats probably a good start - I think its a 67, but not certain. Well the NT1 is a FET so not a 67 circuit and if memory serves me I think the capsule didn’t require EQ for the HF so more of a 47fet or 414 lineage. |
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Post by chessparov on May 2, 2024 12:54:48 GMT -6
Jim Williams helped design the original Rode NT1 Circuit.
Nice/clean Circuit.
I had the Grey one way back.
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Post by christopher on May 2, 2024 13:06:28 GMT -6
To answer the question in the headline, when do they stop being useful?
My answer is: when you feel your instrument sounds better in real life than it does in the recording.
A great mic / chain will make you feel the recording is somehow better than real life. Even if real life is amazing
the NT1 never made me feel much. I have an early Rode Classic that does get me there on certain things. Banjo is one. Guitars too. The brightness is good for those things I guess? Leaves me stumped at times at how good it comes out. It’s dependent on the chain though. Feels like different mic when Tube pre vs Solid state
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Post by hadaja on May 2, 2024 15:03:26 GMT -6
I think a mic stops reaching it usefulness when you dont use it anymore. Then it goes on the chopping bloke.
But without reading all these posts - did you actually have one ?
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Post by bluesholyman on May 2, 2024 15:59:27 GMT -6
I think a mic stops reaching it usefulness when you dont use it anymore. Then it goes on the chopping bloke. But without reading all these posts - did you actually have one ? I had one of the original NTKs way back around 2000. I picked up a 4th Gen NT1 yesterday, but have not had time to really do anything with it yet. |
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Post by chessparov on May 2, 2024 16:04:06 GMT -6
I think a mic stops reaching it usefulness when you dont use it anymore. Then it goes on the chopping bloke. I wouldn't DARE put any mic on my Good Buddy... Chuck Norris. He's one lean mean "chopping bloke" machine! Chris |
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Post by Mister Chase on May 2, 2024 16:32:11 GMT -6
I had an nt1a way back when I was rolling with lower budget gear. AT2020, NT1a - stuff like that. It seemed fine. My friend described it as a bright Shure KSM32. I had several KSM32s at one time and they were a better mic that really opened up with a pre like a Hardy. Otherwise fairly boxy/grainy like KSM series mics can be(love that sometimes, though). Nt1a was kind of plain sounding to me and a bit bright. Definitely useable, though. I've become a snob about mics though once I heard what great ones are like. If you need an extra condenser in the studio for BGVs or rooms or something like that, you could do worse. Just my .02. That's the older one, of course.
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Post by Ward on May 2, 2024 17:12:01 GMT -6
Most people agree it's a microphone.
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