RODE NT1 review (with comparison to the NT1-a)
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- Опубліковано 21 лис 2024
- RODE Sent me the NT1 for this review. The NT1a is mine.
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When I first got my NT1A a few years ago I spent a month or 2 using it backwards. I was wondering why it sounded so dull, and muffled. You can imagine my surprise when a friend told me to turn it around. Great all round mics.
JamesTheHacker 😂
Hahaha you kidding me
James: yeah it is common for some people, especially the genius type to have that happen when you don't belong there..
That's funny. It's a little bit like always driving a car in reverse gear before finding out that there are a few gears that allow to drive forward ;-)
😂😂
The history is that the original gray NT1 came out in the 90s and basically put Rode on the map; there really weren't a lot of good condenser mics back then for home studios, so it was a revelation. The silver NT1A is the revision of the NT1 that came out in the 2000s, and basically was supposed to be a surface-mount version of the NT1, but small changes in capsule seem to have happened, also. The change to surface-mount with its high quality design made it one of the cleanest mics in existence, and thus became very popular. The current NT1 is black and came out in the 2010s, and it has nothing to do with the NT1A or the original gray NT1. The backstory is that most of the popular mics that were around in the late 2000s and early 2010s had K67-style capsules with HF boost, which traditionally were supposed to be used with a circuit that would attenuate HF (like in a Neumann U67), but instead in these project mics were paired with neutral, clean circuits. Hence, they often sounded too bright and sibilant, and the NT1A was a prime example of such a mic. The popular way to modify them was to change the capsule for a more neutral sounding one, and that would make the NT1A an outstanding mic, since the circuit was quite good when used with a neutral capsule. The black NT1 might have been Rode's answer to all the modders, in that they finally made an NT1 with a neutral capsule, and they went ahead and made the outstanding circuitry even cleaner for the new microphone. The result is a really wonderful microphone that sounds good on just about anything and has basically no perceptible noise at all.
Great information, I dont really get to concerned with different frequency responce because I edit the vocal audio anyway so If I want My NT1 A to sound like the NT1 mic, I can just use a equaliser and copy the frequency patern of the NT1 or most other mics.
If you take the space out, it is "RODENT 1" and "RODENT 1a"
nice.
😅😅😅
😂😂 😂 😂
It’s not though. It’s spelled with the scandinavian letter ø. Rød means Red in Danish. Røde is “the red”.
Rødent is nothing. 🤷🏼♂️
@@jonatanboy nazi grammer police reporting for duty. No wonder ur so miserable u take life to seriously but why? Nobody makes it out alive.
I just bought a NT1 last night. One of the best musical decisions I made in my life. I love it and your advice helped me decide. Thanks 💯
It really is so much a matter of taste. Theoretically the NT1 should be "better"...or at lest truer to anyone's natural sound. I tried one and sent it back after a few test files. While some people like that flatter sound (which *does* take EQ very well), I actually like more sparkle on my voice, like what the NT1a provides.
Same here. Have both and prefer the Nt1a.
The NT-1 is definitely more flattering to your voice profile. I just ordered one myself!
Nta1 or nt1?
Thank you! Based on this review, I just purchased the Rode NT1 kit as shown in your video, with the metal pop filter and the upgraded shock mount. Found several on Ebay, both new and used, if anyone is curious! Thanks again1
I know I'm watching these long after you've made them, but i still want to say THANK YOU--because your videos have helped me far more than any other single source--and motivated me to take steps to record my own audio books.
When stressing about whether o do this or not--I had a UA-cam personality reach out to me and asked me why i didn't have audiobooks for my fantasy series. I told him that I didn't have the equipment. He asked if I had a list. I said I did, and it was on Amazon.
He bought me the list--no strings attached and had it sent to my home!!
So cross your fingers--I dont have any room in my home--not even a closet--so the local librarian (a fan of my books) is going to let me into the building after hours to use my portable PVC booth (using moving blankets) and try my hand at an audiobook!!!
Hi
I have a NT1a & Nt2a , both are superb and an impressive value. Once you have locked in on eq ranges for any particular voice, instrument or source, you will realize they've worthy of ANY high-end studio. Also SUPER Quiet shelf noise.
I actually bought the NT1-A because of your comparison to the CAD E100s
I did spend a lot of time looking at the frequency response chart and noticed that the NT1-A pretty much matched the regular EQ I had to do to my Blue Yeti to make it sound bearable
I tried a whole cavalcade of mics with less pronounced presence boosts and they didn't work for me, I guess my voice is naturally muddy
Having basically come into my own using a USB Yeti I learned how to EQ out everything I don't like like
Before I found your videos I was leaning towards the AKG C214 but when I tried it out it sounded like I was pretending to sing which was to weird for me to listen back to while editing, but back then I didn't know enough to make an informed decision without hearing the mic so my options were extremely limited before.
your videos were a life saver
NT1 A singer vocal will sit better in a mix, and the NT1 is better for just pure voice with nothing added. Singers NT1 A, Podcasters NT1.
I just have to say your reviews are the best reviews I've ever watched period. You don't use abstract terms that don't have meaning. You do your homework, you show us data the entire time, you give us your subjective opinions and justifications, and you don't ramble on. You rock.
I got the NT1, I use it for rap and rnb vocals and I have a pretty deep voice. I have no problems with it, its a great mic!!!
Warmer sounding mics like the NT1 are great for rap, beautiful.
is the XLR cable coming with the microphone any good , do you use it ?
Is that the one you used in the videos on your channel? I have a deeper voice too, I'm trying to narrow down which one to buy to start voice over.
coming from nt1A... i'm happy with my new purchased NT1. So crisp
You know what I like the most? You just seem like such a great guy. :D Keep up the awesome videos.
cilayin agreed
wholesome comment
preach
I was so ready for you to say cake farts. The internet has ruined me
Rycote Invision Lyre plastic isolators are the absolute best suspensions you can get on a shockmount. This is why Cinela, maker of the most effective and high end shockmounts, switched from their older wire isolators to the plastic.
3 seconds in and i gave it a like just for his voice. that's a showbiz voice right there
9:55 - The Shure SM57 and 58 both have a similar presence boost as well in the same range as the NT1. Thanks for this vide. Your just nice to listen to.
I meant the NT1A (sorry)
Both dynamiic and condenser microphones have different approach.
I think your voice sounded richer and fuller with the NT1A because there is a slight boost in the low end.
thts great for baritone vocals I guess
NT1A is a great microphone. I bought it yesterday and I'm pleased that it works perfectly. I use it through the Alesis IO2 sound that gives it a power of 48 V.
Is it bassy? Nt1a
for someone who doesn't have as low of a voice, the nt1a was a perfect choice. awesome review
Thank you! I now have a brand spanking new Rode NT1. I'll keep you posted. I have been working in voice over but this is my first foray into a pro home recording option.
Just got my NT1 in the mail! The Audio on my channel was in dire need of decent audio! Thanks Booth Junkie!
Is it bassy?
Actually Nt1 is finer, in my ear. The NT1a is a little crispie. Love your review Mike ❤️. Miss you and your new review again
I know this is an old video, but I just purchased an NT1 because of your content. I haven't received it yet but I can't wait! Love your vids, man!
Is that your first microphone? Or did you upgrade from another microhpone?
@@ertugrul.4894 First mic. I could have gotten an Audio Technica for less but the NT1 was just more interesting to me.
Joshua Clabaugh And what do you think of your mic after 1 month?
@Grace Mitchell I think it's worth the money. It's a great sounding mic with no gimmicks. I don't think you can go wrong with it.
The Rode NT1-A was my first mic. I found running through my Warm WA-2a with the Peak Reduction set at 0 (or just a hair up) "warmed up" the mic. I can't say it sounds as good as my CAD e100s, but it's a world of difference. It almost feels like it is changed to a tube mic.
I love the NT1
Mine is terrible for some reason I am using a scarlet 2i2
Why it's terrible? I'm considering this setup - Rode NT1 and Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.
I have Zoom h5 but I don't know buy NT1 or zoom Shoutgun shh6. Help.
Strange: I use my beloved NT1 with a Scarlett 2i4 (first gen., since you ask) and it sounds wonderful. Totally clean, 'what-you-hear' sound, very very close to a U87 - and without spending the deposit for a house to buy it.
Obviously (?) with the 2i4 - or 2i2 - you do need to press the 48V button, and you do need to use an XLR connector, otherwise the Scarlett won't switch into 'mic.' mode from the 'line/instrument' mode it uses when a jack us plugged in. That little quirk, somewhat buried in the Scarlett manual as it is, once caught me out when I used an XLR-to-jack lead to connect a mic. to the Scarlett and got next to no signal. Much head-scratching later, I did eventually find the answer on the Specifications page of the Scarlett manual [FX: rolls eyes], changed to an XLR-to-XLR lead, and bingo: problem solved.
Hope that helps with your problem? Both the Røde and the Scarlett are great pieces of kit IMHO, though the later-model Scarletts have less latency than mine [FX: shrug].
I bought nt1-a with Scarlett solo and Audio-Technica ATH-M30x headphones. Sound is super clean without any noise. I recommend this set.
Because of your video, Mike, I picked up an NT1 at a killer price. Full kit, mic stand, and an extra XLR cable (Pig Hog XLR Cable) for the same price as the NT1 kit (like $270) through Reverb. I got reaaaaaaalllly lucky because there were only a few left and I snagged one while I was able to. I tested this last night (in my closet after hearing a lot of reverb from my actual room) and it is absolutely phenomenal, especially compared to the Samson G-Track Pro that I was using prior. Super clear, super quiet, no extra attenuation or anything. This will be a very good voiceover mic and mic for general speaking usage for my voice. Thanks much! :)
Thank you so much for the review, especially the explanation regarding frequency response and also taking into consideration “listening comfort”.
The bass is much tighter in the NT1. Sounds much better. The NT1A is still a pretty good mic.
Your voice is fantastic. My take from this video has nothing to do with microphones let alone NT1-A or NT1. It is the analogy of pure water vs impure water. I love a great analogy and this one was great!
I found My NT1-A with the RK-47 mod is magic!
Thank you Booth Junkie, for motivate me; it's help a lot
that was a good comparaison
I just grab a microphone
I'll try to rec for the rest of my voice
just noticed that the video was released two years ago,
ahh internet: ^)))
Thank you so much for this information. I just bought the NT1 Kit. I bought it for voice over work.
the reason behind the naming is: Rode made the extremely popular NT1 many years ago, they updated it after 10 years since it was becoming old and called it the NT1 anniversary edition (NT1 a) and then later they updated the original NT1 and replaced the old NT1 but kept the NT1 a.
I've watched several videos on the nt1 - nt1a comparison and this was the most informative. To those who criticize and say get to the point right away, etc., you shouldn't be watching such videos to make a decision, you should just flip a coin. Grow an attention span.
Very informative video. I copped an NT1 today and I'm going to do my best to make some slaps with it
Yeah I think that's what people usually mean by saying "smooth," a reasonably flat frequency response. I'm surprised how different these microphones sound in your comparison, very interesting video.
I bought the NT1-A as my very first VO mic. And once learned how to properly manage the high end Dave mentions it's been my only mic. Until a friend let me try the WA-87...and while I love Rode...I'm retiring my NT1-A.
The highs are much more noticeable with the NT1A. It sounds more clean when I record acoustic guitar in comparison to the NT1. I use the NT1 for warmer more even vocals. It's good to have both.
Great review! The NT1 seems cool for VO and podcasting, but for modern music, the NT1-A-s airy sparkle is definitely something I want! Also, Bryon Tiller's "Don't" with 400m views was recorded with the NT1-A :D. I definitely slam my reocrdingds with a de-esser though, my go to is Sibilance by Waves.
Yayyy! I just bought an NT1-A and that’s so dope to learn!
Great opinion, very honest and unbiased. One can see your experience in your commentary. Thanks. Thumbs up!
Thanks, getting the NT1a next week.
I use the NT1 for my kid videos....... I have the students going crazy at the moment!!! 🔥🔥🔥
That`s, what I hear is NT-1 have more rich and brought sound, bass is completely enough and no frequency mess others, that maybe allows him to have more clear sound. Between those two I definitely choose NT-1. For NT-1A you must need for exactly those colorizations of sound. Great video, thanks!
Just picked up a USED NEWER MODEL NT1 at a local pawn shop for 100 dollars and I love it.
Note: long post...
I purchased an NT1 earlier this year. While less bright than the NT1a the NT1 is still pretty “crisp”. It’s a very sensitive mic, picking up any little arm brush against clothes, mouth clicks, and even low breaths. I’ve learned to back away more - even further than the typical hand span - to reduce the pickup of the extraneous sounds. I simply just need a bigger booth space. 4’x4’ is not cutting it.
The mic is so sensitive that it will pick up things you won’t even hear while recording. I have 2 set-ups at home, one being a walk-in closet downstairs. My wife works at home and has an office upstairs. She was on a conference call, but I could not hear her at all in my downstairs “booth”. I did some test recording and on playback her entire conversation was clear as day! It was in the -50 dB range, but was there. That is one sensitive mic! As a comparison, the cheapo Focusrite CM25 mic that came with my Scarlett kit did not pick up her conversations. My solution now is to record only when she is not on the phone. Long term is to build a real booth.
Lastly, I found the NT1 needed a bit more gain than my Scarlett 2i2 could handle without getting noisy. The 2i2 needed the gain at about 3 o’clock and some serious noise starts past 2. I like to try to have my noise floor around -65 dB or better while recording and I just could not get better than -58 dB or so with the 2i2 and the NT1. I picked up a used Steinberg UR22 mkII and it was able to boost the signal enough without getting noisy. My philosophy is to get the recording as best as possible up front, so any compression and normalization needed in post will be mild. It is a challenge to obtain that with the NT1 because it is such a sensitive mic. Worth it though.
this was extreme helful mr booth junkie ! your whole channel is amazing period ! surprised you don't have 1M subs
Thanks for the information. I was leaning towards the NT1already, now I am sure I want to buy that one. I do see an advantage however to having both and I may consider that option also. I hope Rode still includes the better quality shock mount now that it is almost 4 years since this video was made. That's a bonus as well if it is still included. Thanks. I gave you a sub.
Phil
NYC Area
Did it come with the mount?
@@7AirCanuck7 I did buy the Rode NT-1 a few weeks ago and it comes with the regular shock mount, not the Rycote unfortunately. But, still a great mic and the standard shock mount works very well...
@@uptownphotography I ended up realizing a dynamic mic is better for me for now for conducting in person interviews
@@7AirCanuck7 Yes, I would agree if you're on location as no phantom power needed for the dynamic mic. In a studio, I guess it would not be a big deal to set up if you have a console w/+48 or power supply handy. Thanks.
Phil
@@uptownphotography part of it is that in interviews condenser mics would pick up both people and have a lot of background noise in a non-studio environment
I liked the water analogy... makes perfectly sense.
It's like if Zach Galifianakis had a really cool sounding deep voice...great review btw :)
Gotta say that the NT1 does sound smoother, and its kit looks awesome.
Great Job Booth Junkie in my opinion and working from a vocal booth. I will lean towards the NT1 due to it's great neutral frequency response. In a vocal booth no matter how much acoustic treatment there is and with a low noise floor, there will be low frequency build up and the NT1a is already giving that boost in the 100hz.
Well i understand your discussion on the NT1A frequency response. But the fact is, that you normally prefer having a mic that has a flat frequency response and you add the frequency correction using an EQ filter. You don't expect to have the mic doing this.
Thanks. I was looking for a mic and after seeing your video, comparing with other brands, I was more sure to choose. Your video is very helpful.
Røde did well sending you one! I just purchased one because of your video :) Thank you for demonstrating the mics! The voice-over sample on the Røde website is awful. Like really terrible!
Talked to a studio owner who had a metal singer pop his NT1A. Yes, it is possible. He had the Mike Joly mod done.
My personal opinion is that the Rode NT1 suits your voice slightly better. Full disclaimer: I own this one. Thank you for showing this comparison because I was curious about the NT1a. It's all about what works for people's individual voices for sure.
Thanks for this video. I purchased the NT1-a as I started out. I’ve used it a couple weeks and I think I am noticing what you dislike about it.
Luckily for me, one of the XLR pins on the mic is coming out and I’m still in my return window for Amazon.
So I went ahead and ordered the NT1 Kit instead. One thing to note for potential buyers: Rode has seriously downgraded the NT1 Kit. The shock mount and pop filter you loved in this video has been replaced with the same version that comes with the NT1-a. I found a lightly used old NT1-kit on eBay that is the same version from this video.
Wouldn’t have known the difference without this video, so thank you!!
I noticed that too! I was wondering. Thanks for your input 👍🏼
I’ve been using an original NT1 for over 20 years, great mic. Wondering how these new one’s compare and if they add any improvements
Str8 cap that black NT1 wasn’t even out 20 years ago clown
PSA: **MassDrop on E100S is currently live** Please do an E100S vs Rode NT1 test. Now, with that out of the way, awesome video, as always. Thanks for all your work.
WOW! I was going for Blue Yeti, but then my dad showed me that we had the Rode NT1-a! DAFUQ!? and I prefer NT1-a
Is this really a fair comparison when you're standing directly in front of the NT1A?
Thank you for this review! 2 years late to the party, but I am sold on the NT1. Unless I find a better alternative for the same price.
TY for doing this, & spending some time explaining frequency graphs. I would love to hear your evaluation of nt1 vs CAD 179 (given your vid on that one). Learning a lot from you
Mike, so appreciative!
Wouldn’t anniversary edition usually mean a reproduction or similar production of an older more famous model?
So that they took the design of the N1 and made it look and sound more like a vintage model. It Definitely looks “more” like an older microphone that would start to rust if you left the window open.
Yes! I was just saying I would like a comparison between Rode NT-1 and . . . . . Electro-Voice RE20 please! I agree with your valuation on the NT-1 - now . . . . Thankyou
I hear a high buzz that comes in and out with your voice on the NT1, but not the NT1-a! I'm having his same problem with my mic so I'm gonna go for the NT1-a. Seems like the chatter that the NT1-a is a super quiet mic is true.
best break down of these two ive ever watched great job
Thanks Mike, I just got lucky when I bought he NT-1 beforehand.
I'm very familiar with the sound of the NT1 as I own several. Not familiar at all with the NT1a
I heard that "sound" I'm familiar with. I wasn't expecting to hear any big difference between these two, but it was reasonably obvious in this VO test.
Glad I invested in the NT1. It also records various instruments well 👍
Fantastic Mike! Would be curious to see the NT1 against the TLM103. Almost certainly the TLM will be richer sounding but curious to see how much different given the price difference. Thanks and keep up the great work.
Steve Strong : I'd also like to hear a comparison between the Rode NT1 and the Neumann TLM103 😊
Same here! Would love to see this comparison!
No match. Neumann is just an another level (especially the tlm 103). It’s just flat out better.
Thanks for sharing mike.
would you be so kind to show us, how can we let our mic input pass through an equilizer and then into the recording interface?
Thanks.
Everything that I could have expected very good
Yes the NT1 does sound better with a smoother presentation and that "unflattering upper frequency" you mention is not present in the NT1 either but the differences are only pretty small but I would think that "unflattering upper frequency" could come across as fatiguing and harsh if used for singing so it would be far wiser to spend that $40 extra price tag to get the NT1 everytime
I have a deep voice that's also harsh in the high end. I suppose the NT1 would be the best choice for me.
Thanks for the comparison, Mike!
NT1a will cover your depth. Don't worry.
Wish I could buy that sick looking pop filter
Thnx for this video. I like NT1. For me it cost little bit to much for me, but i verry want this one. I wish try to made voice acting and being a speaker.
The nt1a is a great mic for the money. It's a little trebly but can be easily fixed with an eq. Great on acoustic guitar.
Just subbed because of this video. Thinking about getting 2 or which ever mic for drum overheads and vocals. Leaning toward the NT-1 for the smoother response. I feel like it would be easier to shape the sound if needed rather than dealing with a mic with a more colored sound.
Is nt1a bassy?
Totally agreed. I do have two NT 1, and two Behringer B2 for a more colored need, and a Carvin for bass drum, sm 57 over snare
Thank you so much for this review and I l0oved the hertz graph. I'm learning so much watching your channel!
I found this video of value. You helped me decide . Thanks ...ps: social platforms need more amazing people like you ... keep up the good work :)
I really want the NT-1, but I'm gonna, for fun, buy a cheap 20-40 dollar microphone that looks silly on eBay. Just to see how it sounds. At least it will looks nice (kinda). The more you were talking and switching, I did notice the difference, even just using my V-Moda Crossfade LP² headphones. It does sound smoother. Nice test, thank you :)
Mike, the NT-1a seemed to amplify the part of your voice that creates the 'fogginess' part of your resonance. The NT-1 was devoid of that and seems to have a better handle on the highs.
Here in germany nobody uses the Nt-1 but it's so good. It sounds a bit like a combination of the Nt-1a and the Procaster it's really nice . Well i think I will be using it. And yeah it looks freaking badass so just because of that i would buy it
Greetings and a good day night whatever xD
Time now for the lightweight championship: CAD e100s vs. Rode NT1 (please, please, please :)
VoxVirtus Agreed!
Yes please!
Good idea
Oh yesshhh “moans”
Hi,
I've found the "new" NT1 darker (not only for his body) compared to the Old aluminium Version
You've already received mics as gifts from CAD and now Rode. I wonder who's gonna be the first company to invite you over to their place to shoot some stuff for your channel. That'd be great!
I love the sound quality of NT-1 but I love the style of NT-1A 🙃
Omg same!!!! What to dooo
@@NikkiDumagedit: I ended up buying the NT-1
Simon Gaywanjala why? Hehe. I really like the color of nt1a huhu
Nikki Dumag Changed my mind, the NT-1 is actually look more serious & professional in person & when I hold it, it really feels like quality. The sound quality is also perfect, I have 2 little noisy brothers downstairs & when it’s recording time boy it doesn’t record nothing but my voice only.
Simon Gaywanjala have you held nt1a? Is it lighter haha
This was super helpful considering how similar these 2 mics are! Both seem to be of really good quality. Glad I stumbled across your video!
I am getting the Rode NT1 soon. (In about a few weeks) I still am on the search for a mic that I both like to say "This is the mic I use for voice overs" and also the one I feel is best for my voice.
I can't find the NT1with the premium shock mount with the rycote lyre suspension or the all metal pop filter!!!!!! Now any available NT1 microphone comes with the exact same shock mount and filter as the NT1a that sucks! That alone had me sold on the NT2!!!!
They both sound excellent!
Thank you for helping me. Not that you know it but thank you. Don't stop putting out videos. Great stuff
as a few others have said, it sounds like the clips are reversed. Not saying they actually are but that's what it sounds like. There's a noticeable "thinning" and slightly hyped top end every time you switch to the NT1
Agreed, did we ever determine if this was the case? I'm trying to decide which of the two mics to get.
£90 for a NT1A ? Good deal ?
Try the NT1000. It is much flatter and less bright. I love it.
What I believe is missing from this video, and the links that aren’t there, is which generation are these.
People are trying to buy the 3rd gens. Dont seem to like the 5th gens much. NT1 4th gen seems for most people. And I don’t see any coming with metal pop filters anywhere around, either…
Cheers man, great video
Good info! It's almost like watching a mic review by Wilson from Home Improvement lol.
Just yesterday I was requiring a new video of yours and look, here it is! It's always a pleasure to hear you talk about microphones. I know CAD is your favourite brand and you review others like Neumann and Shure, but you never mention Audio Technica. Don't you like this manufacturer from Japan? I'd like to see what you have to say about their popular AT2020. Also, the PR40 by Heil. These are microphones that definitely deserve the Booth Junkie treatment.
Got a soft spot for the AT2020. Cheap as chips and sounds great. Surprisingly warm and gives far more expensive mics a run for their money
That was REALLY useful. Great, no-nonsense appraisal - have subscribed!