I could go into full detail of the Rode NT1-A mic which I recently purchased, but I’m sure most all of you have already read about it or bought it. But, for those of you who are still looking for an inexpensive quality microphone that picks up highs and lows from vocals and even instruments, this is it.
I purchased the NT1-A for voice-over work and some acoustic guitar recordings. In the follow chart, you can see that the frequency range of the mic (20Hz – 20kHz) covers the full range of the acoustic guitar. This is good, because you’re able to do a good job of post processing.
Image from www.themusicespionage.co.uk
Oh, and don’t forget that you’ll need power/48V phantom to make the mic work. Without it, you’ll get nothing. I use both the Focusrite Saffire Pro24 DSP and Mackie Onyx Satellite as my interface between the mic and my computers.
The mic is sensitive to external sound, but directionally it does well. I personally like the mic being a bit more sensitive like this compared to an AKG that I own. I’m able to speak softly and use the inflection in my voice to add drama to my recordings without having the gain/volume turned up too loud during recordings. Same goes for recording the guitar and it an especially good job of picking up the sounds of my harmonics.
Alright, so as I mentioned earlier this isn’t so much a review of the mic itself since we know what it can do by looking at specs and hearing the quality recordings- that’s all tangible. But, what about what’s not tangible? Often times as consumers we look for the best deal or the best deal on the best product. That’s all good, if things were always going to be perfect and without flaw. Whether it’s user error, manufacture defect or we just need some help.
I bought the Rode mic for the price and other reviews I read on how the recordings sounded. But I never read nor figured I’d care about customer service for a mic. I mean what could go wrong and with a mic? Needless to say, I needed the help of Rode. I took my NT1-A, SM6 shock mount, table stand, and laptop on a business trip to do some voice-over recordings. It was important for me to complete the recordings with good dynamic range and quality, and I wasn’t going to be back in the studio on time to get it done there.
I used some pillows and a foam pad under the mic stand to deaden the sound in the hotel room and the recordings turned out perfect Mind you, this is not treating the room acoustically, but I didn’t need to do that for this recording. And as I said, everything was technically perfect and the mic performed flawlessly. I was very pleased and happy until I unpacked my bag at home.
I usually have the TSA green check-mark to more-or-less skip the check-in process, but not on this trip. As most of us know, we are subject to the airport x-ray and on this occasion my x-ray screen showed a metal disk (base stand), metal tube (pop filter arm) and a funny looking metal device (shock mount) in my carry-on. I was asked to wait while they took things out of my bag and asked me what it was. After clearing the x-ray, I boarded my flight home.
Well, when I was ready assemble my SM6 I noticed a couple of parts missing (TSA forgot to put them back in the bag) it could have been my fault since I was excited to share my experience with the TSA agent on my portable recording setup.
I immediately began looking for the parts online and could not find them. I contacted Rode not thinking I’d get a serious reply from their office in Australia, I mean come on, I’m just a small time talent. What could or should I expect? Much to my surprise, Timothy Tan, Content & Community Manager for Rode in Australia contacted me! After a couple of emails and contacting their support department, my parts were on their way via a USA support center.
Rode had me with their quality and price on one product, but now they have me as a Rode user for their entire line of products due to their superior customer support. I now own the Deadcat (artificial fur wind shield) and looking at another mic and boompole.
Visit their webpage: www.rodemic.com or find them at most photo/video or electronic stores.