Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Microphones & Wireless Systems
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on Microphones & Wireless Systems
I use the Rode NT1-A microphone for voiceover work. It is a cardioid condensor mic made by a venerable Australian manufacturer. Anyone serious about their voiceover craft must at some point put away the low end imitatators (read: USB mic) and invest in a condensor mic. While I could have spent much more money on a condensor mic, I am very satisfied with the performance I get from this sub-$200 analog device. It's sound is bright and responds modestly to sibilance, although I will concede that some find it overly sibilant. While the mids aren't impressive, they aren't bad, and the lower tones sound better than I expected. The Rode NT1-A is well built, and able to take a beating without degrading performance or breaking. Rode provides a 10 year warranty. A major reason why I purchased the Rode NT1-A is its sensitivity; this microphone is very quiet - it only has 5dB SPL of self noise and Rode says it is the world's quietest studio mic. The active electronics inside the Rode NT1-A consists of a JFET impedance converer with bipolar output buffer. It's a side-address mic and the frequency response is 20-20,000Hz and output impedance of 100 ohms. Maximum SPL is 137 dB. It weighs 326 grams and connects to preamps/audio interfaces via 3-pin XLR cabling. These electronics lend well to male and lower pitch female vocals. Higher frequencies can come off as harsh so I wouldn't recommend it for a soprano voice. An additional consideration of mine for buying the NT1-A is Michael Joly of Oktavamod (octavamod dot com) produces a modification of this mic that makes it sound very similar to a Neumann U87 (which costs over $3,000) for only $399. Those who listened to sound samples on Michael's website had a very hard time discerning a difference between the modded NT1-A and the U87 which, in my opinion, is flat out amazing. One drawback of this mic is the rather tight wire distribution on the headbasket that limits its midrange frequency response as well as the effective pickup pattern. However, the only people who can identify this limitation are experienced audio engineers and artists who've spent years in the studio. Since my voiceover audience are primarily corporate citizens listening to e-learning audio and explainer videos, this limitation of the NT1-A is a non-factor.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
My experience with Rode condensers is that they generally tend to be a bit bright, and this mic is no exception. I bought this as an alternative mic to a Shure SM57 on guitars, as it provides a little less low midrange and a lot more high-end sparkle. I wouldn't use this all the time on guitars, but as a different flavor in the spice rack, perhaps for jangly Tom Petty-ish guitar parts.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I'd been in the market for a decent large diaphram condenser for quite awhile, but like most people, there wasn't room in my budget for something like a U87. I was holding out for one I knew would sound great on female vocals, and with budget mics especially, that's hard to come by. I love other Rode mics, and as soon as I'd found out Amy Winehouse used an NT1-A early on, I knew this one fit would fit the bill. I was not disappointed! This mic has a decent output level and a gives my voice a clear, intimate, presence that works great for voice over work, without the grainy high end I've found on similar mics. The mic is solidly built, and the shock mount/pop filter combo is very easy to situate. I would absolutely recommend this mic--it's definitely the best bang for your buck in this arena!Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I gave this 5 stars based on quality vs. price. Obviously there are better mics in existence, but taking the step from cheapo mics to this mid level mic was a solid buy. I've used it for a few songs now and can say that it absolutely performs well. For my home studio needs I don't think I'll ever need anything else. Good sound. Low noise. Great shock mount and pop filter. Very happy with my purchase.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
This product works fine and the sound is a definate improvement compared to the blue snowball! but take note that you will also need to buy a mic stand as well as a possibly phantom power box (audiobox usb is a good choice) as well as some good headphones that will fit the jack on your 48v phantom powerbox (tascam maybe?) which is going to be pertinent to even using this microphone!! despite that a great product!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New