Customer Reviews

Rode NT1A Anniversary Vocal Condenser Microphone Package

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm a musician who is starting to move more into a producer role as well, and I needed a good vocal mic for the studio. Previously I was doing all of my vocals with a Shure SM57, which is a great mic but it is very directional and necessitates a lot of preamping, which tended to make it pretty noisy for picking up softer vocals.

I'd heard a lot of positive hype about the NT1A and claims of it being the "quietest mic in the market". I was very much surprised by the low-cost and comparisons to microphones in a much higher price range, so I picked one up figuring that if it didn't live up to the claims, I'd return it and buy a more expensive mic.

I didn't return it. And I don't ever see myself selling it either.

Quite simply, this mic is amazing. I plugged it in direct to Roland 24-track digital workstation and cranked the gain all the way to 10. Not even a touch of hiss. This never happened with my SM57, and I always attributed the hiss to weak preamps in the Roland. Guess not. The pickup on the NT1A is incredible, to the extent that I had to remove a small clock on the far wall because I could hear the second hand ticking. This wasn't audible to the naked human ear until you literally put your ear on the clock. I even had to add a couple throw rugs in the studio under the mic area because I could hear the carpet pad connecting with the cement floor. Amazing.

The mic sounds nice direct, but I typically run it through a good tube preamp and the sound is warm and pristine, with the only noise coming from the preamp. I've recorded everything from dreampop to industrial screaming and this mic handles it all.

Only complaint--with the exception of the XLR cable that came with it, I've had issues getting other cables to connect to the NT1A. The cables don't lock into the mic like they do on my other mics, and only a couple of occasions I lost connection briefly during a take. I'm guessing this is probably just a freak design flaw with mine, because I haven't heard this complaint from anyone else.

Regardless, incredible mic that that is worth every penny, and probably actually worth many tens of thousands of pennies more.

This microphone exceeded my expectations. It sounds warm, clear, and crisp. For only $229, you can't possibly beat it. This microphone can compete well with microphones at a much higher price range. Ever since I got this mic, my hip hop vocals have skyrocketed in quality, because now the vocal quality is professional sounding. I don't even have to add EQ to the vocals I record with this bad boy (unless I was trying to make it sound a very specific way, but normally adding EQ to the vocals from this mic would be like selling yourself short...), all I need to do is add compression and a reverb, and it sounds really good. I tried rapping into this mic without the pop filter, and surprisingly, the plosives didn't show up as much as I thought they would. It will happen, no doubt, but I was just surprised at how much harder it is to get them to show up. You can scream into this mic, you can speak very softly, you can make your voice sound any way you wish, and it will pick it up pretty much exactly like you actually sound... except with an added smoothness and warmth (though, I would not say as warm as a good tube mic, like the Rode K2 or Rode NTK).

No, it doesn't allow you to utilize multiple polar patterns, it is strictly cardioid. That's why this microphone is best for vocals. I would say that would be one downfall of this mic. But geez, it only costs $229... how could you possibly go wrong? If you're starting up your own home studio, this is a must buy. Don't go with those cheap USB powered microphones... they're not good for vocals or anything except talking on skype and podcasting. The Rode NT1-A is an exceptional mic, and the value cannot be beaten.

You can register your microphone at the Rode website to get a 10 year warranty on it... for free. A free 10 year warranty on an awesome microphone, to protect your investment.

The pop filter it comes with is good. It has never allowed any plosives through. Before you even hook it up, you can test it by blowing through one side and putting your hand on the other. You will barely feel the air coming through. The shockmount ain't bad, it does the job.

Do not drop this mic, as condenser mics are very fragile. Also, they are very prone to moisture and dust. So make sure you have it set up in a relatively dry room. Always remember to put that dust cover over it when it's not in use.

If you are thinking about getting this mic... stop thinking about it, and get it! You will NOT be disappointed. You will be impressed.

If you're an amateur like me, and you are building a home studio... people will see this mic and KNOW you are getting serious about your music.

5+ out of 5 for value and quality.

Peace.

I have been recording on a Tascam 2488 Neo since winter and was feeling frustrated because I still wasn't getting studio quality recording from my acoustic guitars when I mic'd them. Well, this microphone changed that. I now, with the mixing of this condenser mic and an Sm57, an incredible sound by allowing the 57 to pick up the low end tones and the NT1-A to sweep up all the higher ones. I couldn't have asked for better at a more reasonable price!

I had some previous experience with NT1-As so I knew what to expect, and I haven't been disappointed in the least. Mic functions great, excellent for recording acoustic instruments or vocals. Highly recommended.

I fretted for a long time looking for a condensor mic. I am no audio engineer, just a musician who wants to record some music. I checked specs and compared reviews for a ton of different entry level mics. It's nerve-wracking purchasing equipment. As it turns out, I did't need to invest in a Nuemann for my needs.

This mic fits what I do precisely, which is just recording in my small room. My room is by no means sound proof, nor do I care about that, but I keep the mic close to my mouth and guitar sound hole to dampen reverb anyway. It picks it up beautifully to my ear, and that's all I really need.

The plastic shock mount is on the cheap side. The adjustments are beginning to fail me. It is annoying going to record and having the mic droop to the floor, but I can't complain much since this mic is so inexpensive. I'll probably purchase a sturdier mount soon.

If you're just looking for a mic to make some good music, this is not a bad bet. Been using it for close to a year now and I'm very happy with it.

This review is for those people that are just starting out in recording sound. I am a Christian hip hop music producer and I'm new to recording vocals. I recorded some Rhythm & Praise last night and my vocals came out crystal clear. I have a reflexion filter(a must have if your room is not treated for sound) so I'm positive that helps but this mic is awesome. I'm not getting any odd sounds in my recordings and its giving me a very accurate sound. Everything I needed came in the box and I do mean everything. If you're just getting started and you dont have $600-$3000 to spend on a mic then I'd recommend this one. I plan on having this mic for a long time. Granted, this is my first mic and I'm new to this, but it sounds great to me.

This mic is great. It excels in room sound. OH for drums come to mind. I'm really not a fan for vocals. It has a distinct sound - like a snap to it - that sounds great on cymbals and percussion. But not voice. Not piano. I love it on acoustic guitar in a dense mix, that snap really seems to cut through. On a sparse mix, use a mic with more personality. But all in all, this mic is a good find and is capable of a lot of things at a cheap price.

really nothing bad to say, microphone is tremendous. My only small complaint is that the quality control was a little off; there was a little bit of wire mesh poking out from the outer "cage" of the microphone when I received it; the microphone cover always gets snagged on this little piece of metal when im putting it on. But it doesn't affect the recording quality at all, and based on Rode's tremendous customer service, I'm sure they'd replace it if I was that picky.

I did my homework before ordering this mic. Reviews were spot on. Quality is top notch, I'm sure I'll be using this mic forever.

Extremely happy with the product and the output. Just like I thought it would be. My recordings are sounding so professional now!! :)