Rode NT1 vs NT1-A. One will go, one will stay!

[@JarnoSuni1]

As for frequency response curves at 3:08, I think I have seen different kind of curve for NT1 4th generation elsewhere.

[@AntonBrowne]

I have heard that too.

[@deondretyreebeats]

I just purchased 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 💯

[@AntonBrowne]

Glad I could help!

[@DrPedroCastroLopes]

​@@AntonBrowne I'm sorry if you have already told us where are those mics attached ( mixer and/or usb audio interface) . I see you change from one mic to another so easily, and the audio quality so great that i would like to know!! Cheers from Portugal. Thank you very very much.

[@AntonBrowne]

Great, I'm glad you're pleased with your decision.

[@kasperzak]

That guy would sound amazing even recorded with a telephone mic

[@AntonBrowne]

Not so sure myself, but thanks.

[@nextjaeger9271]

@@AntonBrowne no no, he is right.

[@KaizaneTV]

Watched probably about 100 videos comparing these. Most telling me that the nt1 is flat out better due to the flatter response. Hearing these mics side by side really gives a good idea of why you might choose one over the other. Personally the slight boost in lower frequencies works magic with my voice but I can agree it isn't quite as impressive when I have others using the microphone. I think too many people go with what works for everyone else when there's possibly a better option specifically for you. Great video, appreciate the transparency throughout :)

[@AntonBrowne]

I'm beginning to think, why bother with this, that and the other 'sound'. Why not get as accurate (and this is complex engineering, I'm sure) a sound as is possible, and manipulate it later if necessary?

[@UpRoaryus]

@@AntonBrowne my thoughts exactly. As someone who wants to use recording to work on the nuances of tone in my own vocals, I wanted equipment that would not ''lie" to me about my sound. The NT1 was consistently consistent across many different voices of various reviewers and comparisons and always one of the cleanest sounds in direct a/b tests. I noticed the difference between those that sound better, but they were always a massive jump in expense range for a diminishing return on dramatic improvement for the money spent. I could justify spending $50- $85 more for the step up from a less expensive mic to the NT1 as an invested value against wanting to upgrade in the near future due to annoyance with the thin or edgier sounding slightly cheaper alternatives. But the jump to get a mic that does the detail clarity better than the NT1 as illustrated here, though, is a whole different level of wallet impact. It goes not just from 3 to 4 digit pricing, but is at LEAST a whole $1000, if not $2000 more costly for the privilege of the detail. Given a home bedroom studio environment rather than a isolated sound booth for the baseline clarity being less than ideal already, I cant justify the next level of cost for the next level of quality. It seems the NT1 is priced at that pivotal point where beyond that the ratio of additional expense/improvement starts to become almost inversely proportional, and also gives excellent value in the additional money spent for it being a mic that can pull its weight in a professional setting so one is less likely to grow out of it immediately. As I prefer to buy things just once rather than stepping up when I find that I should have just spent more the first time for higher quality that lasts longer, the NT1 seems the perfect choice for a real working mic purchase.

[@coldacre]

@@AntonBrowne because nobody wants "accurate" flat sound. we all want what sounds pleasing. everyone adds a plugin to "sweeten" the top end somewhere along the line. the NT1A does it first in the chain. horses for courses

[@CntBckt]

Finally, an example with a voice closer to my own. I've seen quite a few videos on these mics now, but they're all super clear voiced folks with alto voices....bass at most. Thank you so much for the practical approach. :D

[@juanifico]

lmaooooo :D

[@BrianCreatives-w7n]

Great and really funny video with the groove HAHA I love it :) Kind regards

[@tha_real_dza]

If that aint the best unintentional asmr video then ion know

[@MegaChiefster]

Hahahaha 😂 man you made me laugh

[@waelshawkatezzat]

Thank you dear Anton Brown for the wonderful explanation. I own an NT1 and I am a voiceover. Is the NT1 A microphone better than the NT1? Thank you very much again dear Anton Brown😍😍😍

[@AntonBrowne]

I prefer the NT1, to my ears it is more natural and takes eq better. Good luck!

[@Eighty5iveProd]

One of the best vids that shows the difference in these 2 mics. I will be buying one of them today! Thanks my friend

[@AntonBrowne]

Glad I could help!

[@Eighty5iveProd]

@@AntonBrowne I went online to order mic after this video but they were all sold out. I don't know if is should wait 1 month til there back to order or buy a different mic.

[@josephdeery4931]

Hi Anton I am non-sighted just wondered which one it was when you said I have put this one up for sail I guess you pointed to to one of them thank you very much Joe

[@AntonBrowne]

I sold the NT1-A

[@JphreshOfficial]

For singing vocals can’t decide between these two , & the Akg P420 & Warm Audio Jr, have no idea what to go with 😂 Nice review sir!

[@Language_Life]

Thanks for the really useful, well-done comparison, and the nice, very watcheable way you commented on your comparison. And by the way, you have a great voice! 😁👍

[@AntonBrowne]

Thanks for watching!

[@sunwalker4017]

best comparison ever made for NT1 and NT1a, thanks

[@AntonBrowne]

Thank you.

[@ofirico9]

Which one is better for voiceover. podcasts. zoom lectures. recording voice (not singing) and recording digital courses? NT1 OR NT1A? It's hard for me to decide...Thank you for a wonderful comparison.🙂👌👍

[@AntonBrowne]

I would go for the NT1, and eq it if needed.

[@ofirico9]

@@AntonBrowne Thank you very much !👍 It has been a pleasure to get a professional advise...👌

[@thegrimreaper270]

Which one to get for hip hop…people like polo g and juice we’d is what I’ll be singing/rapping like

[@AntonBrowne]

He has quite an edgy sound, so maybe the NT1-A would suit better.

[@zaydeeway1619]

7:30 60 YEARS OLD vibing with just his voice

[@josephdeery4931]

Sorry which one went???????? thank you very much Joe

[@AntonBrowne]

Hi, I sold the NT1a and kept the NT1.

[@DrPedroCastroLopes]

I'm sorry if you have already told us where are those mics attached ( mixer and/or usb audio interface) . I see you change from one mic to another so easily, and the audio quality so great that i would like to know!! Cheers from Portugal. Thank you very very much.

[@AntonBrowne]

I'm going into a Mackie Profx8 mixer - which also has a USB out into the computer - so I switch with the mute buttons.

[@DrPedroCastroLopes]

@@AntonBrowne thank you ! Well I’ve searched that particular model and it was discontinued. Now I will try Prof x10. Have a nice week and stay safe.

[@pedroimaz8761]

Great comparative, Sir. Made from the heart and your own vision. Flee technicalities that are difficult for laymen to understand, but clairvoyant. Thank you very much from Barcelona.

[@frankie_CALB]

I like your vids sir. I’d like to see/hear your take on handheld condenser mics such as - Shure beta 87a, Rode M2, etc...

[@BillBene67]

Excellent video Anton. Your videos always put a smile to my face my friend. Informative and entertaining at same time. Do you think the NT1 would be well served with a capsule swap of an RK-47 (Dachman or other DIY) or would that not make much of a difference?

[@AntonBrowne]

Hi, very difficult to know. I'm sure Rode took much care to match the diaphragm with the circuitry for whatever end result they were looking for. Mix & match at your peril but... if it's not to expensive, have a go and let us know.

[@JoePAcalaughs]

This dude could read ingredients of a TV Dinner and I'd listen.

[@Tamil_Kiwi]

Best Comparison video. Very detailing and precise to the point. 💯

[@djtekofficiel]

Hi, which of these 2 microphones picks up the least surrounding noise (and room reverb) in the case of untreated or moderately treated acoustics?

[@pinetreeconklin]

What is the mic in the stand to your left ?

[@AntonBrowne]

Earthworks SV33.

[@Lewis_Emblack]

I modded my NT1-A with a K47 capsule and has vastly improved the quality (having a clone of the U47 capsule is going to do that) Really tamed that harshness and smoothed the upper mids. I kept the circuitry with it being so quiet. It is definitely recommended.

[@zetamale]

this is the NT haa, this is the Nt TTT, this in the NT hee :)

[@AntonBrowne]

????

[@zetamale]

@@AntonBrowne in reference to your mic check test... 7:38 Got my head bopping

[@BECIELOFFICIAL]

🤣🥺🥺

[@eugenes6370]

The frequency response chart from the recordinghacks website is outdated. It shows the difference between the old! NT-1 and the NT-1a. The new (the black one that you have) NT1 is a "current" version of the NT1 (starting from 2013). It has a different frequency response to it - the one that is remarkably flat through the entire frequency range (with a very slight boost in the "speech region" - from 6kHz to 10 kHz - just two db of amplification there). That type of frequency response is, actually, quite similar to the one that your SV33 has. NT-1 is an extraordinary good mic for the price. NT-1A on the other hand is too bright for my taste - not necessarily a bad thing but I prefer different coloration for VO work. Just compare it's frequency response chart to the ones of the "VO must have" mics like Neumann U87ai; TLM 103; CAD e100s and Sennheiser MKH 416 - they all have this "signature" to their frequency responses - a flat line to 4-5 kHz with a slight round boost in the "voice region". P.S. Nice video and mic comparison by the way.

[@AntonBrowne]

Thanks very much for that information, I didn't realise mine is a newer model.

[@noou]

indeed! here's a comparison of the older and current NT1s: www.gearslutz.com/board/low-end-theory/898187-new-2014-rode-nt1-2.html

[@trapptunezz4512]

Eugene S hi I have the nt1 and I like it just feels there no life too it you said the nt1a is bright I wounder if that’s what I’m looking for between the nt1 and the nt1a what Microphone is closer too the sound of the Neumann u87

[@Coffeeratgaming]

jusr claify for anyone coming across this later the nt1 is flat all the way through with a 2db boost up around 8khz that is also a smooth and wide boost is much flatter so off the bat can seem dark or even muffled sounding due to how flat it is

[@teashea1]

Great style and content.

[@AntonBrowne]

Much appreciated!

[@CJSynesthete]

I was looking at getting either one of these as a first major upgrade for my home studio. I REALLY like how smooth the NT1 sounds on your voice. Vocals are mainly what I'll be using it for Both have their uses (I feel the NT1-A could sound great on acoustic guitar with where it boosts) but I can only afford one, so I'm leaning towards the NT1 as an "all-rounder."

[@AntonBrowne]

I think the NT1 is a good idea and you can always boost frequencies - or it maybe better to cut surrounding frequencies - to taste. It's very nicely made, as are the cradle and pop screen.

[@travsmac]

Per the breath test, I don't think the lack of detail is baloney. If you can't hear detail on DT770 headphones, then it's not there.

[@serrael-182]

It seems like you know what your talking about and you can explain/show it to people with less knowledge or untrained ears. Im impressed!

[@AntonBrowne]

I do my best, I've been at it a long time.

[@teashea1]

I have two NT1's. I think they are wonderful. In fact I sometimes prefer an NT1 to my Neumann U87ai.

[@AntonBrowne]

Good mics at a good price.

[@kunarmodi]

5:36 how did you make that deeper, plz ans

[@lguitare]

Hello thank you for your advice, I am French, in the end which I recommend you buy to make folk guitar and singing recordings thank you friend.

[@AntonBrowne]

I would go for the NT1 and eq if necessary.

[@lguitare]

@@AntonBrowne thank you very much !

[@alvincornistamusic8754]

Hi which mic is the 33?

[@AntonBrowne]

The mic on the boom arm.

[@alvincornistamusic8754]

@@AntonBrowne sorry I meant to ask what brand and exact model is it?

[@dummag4126]

A bike or a car? one is multipattern and other is only cardioid

[@R.C.Bullar]

You have the incorrect response graph for the NT1. Fantastic review. I will have my NT1 soon.

[@AntonBrowne]

Thanks for pointing that out, I believe there was a change during its time.

[@VJFranzK]

Good comparison! and nice monocle

[@AntonBrowne]

Thanks!

[@Coffeeratgaming]

justed wanted point out the nt1 graph shown is the graph for the white or orginal nt1 not the newer black one as the balck is flater and smoother

[@AntonBrowne]

Thank you for pointing out my error. AB

[@Coffeeratgaming]

@@AntonBrowne no worries but u did greate video on the mic

[@roadreg1820]

I also have both, and much pefer to warmness of the NT1. Can I ask why the Earthworks mic you’re using is £2,500? That’s top top money when it comes to microphones. Is it £2,300 pounds better than an NT1? I honestly don’t think so..

[@AntonBrowne]

Diminishing returns is part of the reason I imagine. The more a manufacturer pushes the engineering envelope, the more expensive it is for them. The more expensive a product becomes, the fewer the people who are prepared/can afford to buy it and thus less income for the manufacturer, so the price goes up. If they have something outstanding then there's nowhere else to go! I think this is the case with the SV33 but many people won't require what it offers. The NT1 is a good sounding and well made mic at a very good price IMHO.

[@roadreg1820]

@@AntonBrowne that makes allot of sense. I really love my NT1. I’m using it with a clarett 8 pre! Thanks for getting back to me. Looking forward to future videos. Regards.

[@NKWTI]

I’ve always thought the NT1 was excellent sounding and never liked the NT1A, too much unneeded shimmer...although it may be made for voices like yours because your voice seems to even out the NT1A quite nicely. Still...not much work to roll off the low end of the NT1 if needed and not go with the NT1A imo

[@artur8403]

what mic is on the right, called 33?

[@AntonBrowne]

Earthworks SV33 Studio Vocal Microphone

[@allymacky4039]

Wow. This is an amazing video. Learnt alot! Did you already sell the nt1a?

[@AntonBrowne]

Yup, NT1a is gone.

[@allymacky4039]

@@AntonBrowne Thanks for responding! Stay safe

[@Kalvis1]

Wow youre great at pointing out the differences.

[@AntonBrowne]

I appreciate that!

[@felixwang824]

Really good video. Thanks for sharing. May I ask if you considered the NT1000 before settling on the NT1?

[@AntonBrowne]

I bought the Rodes to use with students They were inexpensive and recommended so I didn't ponder too much at the time.

[@felixwang824]

Anton Browne Thank you.

[@jacobmoir8647]

That was an amazing video thank you

[@AntonBrowne]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@cmd_f5]

I like both, but the NT1-A is just not doing it for me without some kinda processing to even the high end. The NT1 seems more ready to go. Slap it on an XLR and speak the lines, etc etc. I'll spend a little extra. Superb comparison.

[@BADNEMMUSIC]

Which is better for rap vocals

[@AntonBrowne]

NT1-A may give more perceived definition.

[@Zimmerframerate]

Very very good video. From one to the other with minimal fuss. Yeah purists will say you should have had them mounted, but for me it was a gritty hands on demo. Thanks for your time and effort. By the way... you made the right choice. ✅

[@AntonBrowne]

Many thanks.

[@stallionproductions666]

Very nice. Good work as always. :) What do you think about doing your test routine with an C414 XLS ?

[@LucyAmberon]

How do they compare inside the IsoVox?

[@Millennial_Mike]

Brilliant video! Thanks for making it. The 33 sounds great... is it good for singing as well broadcast?

[@AntonBrowne]

Yes, absolutely.

[@Josephsoto221]

What mic is he using in this video?

[@AntonBrowne]

Eathworks SV33.

[@SMFurqan]

Which is better for voiceover?

[@AntonBrowne]

NT1, I reckon. It's more natural to my ears.

[@SMFurqan]

@@AntonBrowne nt1?

[@UpRoaryus]

@@SMFurqan I tend to agree the NT1 is the better choice, and only a tiny bit more costly than the 1-a, which sounds a bit tinnier by comparison. I've been trying to set up a home studio for possible v/o work or doing audiobooks and have watched a crapton of videos and comparisons and researched and read so many reviews it makes me dizzy... But there is a solid following for the NT1 as a keeper, a real workhorse across all the different sources, be they vocalists , musicians, v/o, or podcasters that have used it many years because it does its job very well for all of them. There are more people who are loathe to let go of the NT1 when they get one as a first mic. In my reading, it seems of folks who later can afford the next tier of expensive mics, there are more likely to REPLACE the 1-A with it, while many will pick up a second mic as an ADDITION to the NT1 which they keep.

[@MrBass89]

awesome! I just purchased three Nt1's for background vocal tracking. what mic are you using on the Stand?

[@AntonBrowne]

Earthworks SV33.

[@jasielwilson5794]

What microphone would you suggested for a deep voice?

[@AntonBrowne]

Rode NT1 is good for studio and the Beyer M88 (older version with silver coloured mesh) for stage. Sennheiser e965 stage and maybe studio. Going high-end, Earthworks SR40V or SR314 - stage and studio and Earthworks SV33 for studio (but I sometimes use it on stage for 'controlled' gigs). Depending on the nature of your low end you may need to practice and familiarise yourself or it could get boomy but you can always tame it a bit on the desk.

[@ikaustralia]

Oh, it was cruel to watch those being compared to 2.5k microphone - now I want that one =)

[@serrael-182]

Yes the same happened to me when I was watching a usb mic comparrison with an in between AKG C214. Now I bought a interface and the NT1 today... I have to stop watching these vids now. :D

[@fatcuffy]

Really informative - thank you so much.

[@AntonBrowne]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tomsmith5202]

Why is a guy grooving on a mic comparison so funky!?

[@darrylahill8764]

So glad that the classic tube mic survived the cull, a good investment, possibly reserved for 'Special projects.'

[@Bcwilderness]

yes the nt has more body not to much glitter, more tweakable in music production i feel, thankyou mr anton

[@Bcwilderness]

going to have to listen to tour de france and get poppin after that now :)

[@noou]

great shootout, thanks. I find having such a high-end reference very useful: one can feel the sonic gap between affordable and expensive, however the NT1 may be a very good starting point, especially when taming a bit the exaggerated proximity effect (which feels cheap to me) and perhaps adding a little bit of harmonics (e.g. with an enhancer) to the mid range.

[@andrewvonzuben7471]

Thanks for the great comparison video. The NT-1a is my main mic, but we’ve never had a good relationship. I get what you mean by tiring.

[@MATHEUSss]

HELLO AS YOU ARE, MY QUESTIÓN IS, WHAT YOU RECOMEND THE NT1 OR NT1A. YOUR CHANNEL IS FANTASTIC

[@AntonBrowne]

Hello, thanks for your comment. I find the NT1a a bit bright and harsh. The NT1 is maybe a bit unexciting, but I prefer that, so that was my choice. All the best, Anton

[@MichaelW.1980]

RØDE has cheapened out on the accessories for the NT1 lately. It now has the same Shockmount and popfilter, that come with the NT1A. Sad decision... 😕

[@AntonBrowne]

So it would seem, that's a pity. The other shockmount and filter is available on Thomann for £48

[@monkeyxx]

I came for the NT1 but that Earthworks blew me away

[@MrNicknayme]

The Earthworks is just a marvelous mic.

[@TheVagineWhisperer]

Amazing demo, well done

[@RajeshK231973]

Good video and informative

[@AntonBrowne]

Glad it was helpful!

[@juanperezaure]

Amazing review, thanks!

[@AntonBrowne]

Glad it was helpful!

[@juanperezaure]

@@AntonBrowne It did a lot ! ;)

[@FrenzyKorly]

Mans got dat oswald cobblepot monocle, great video👍🏾

[@thane_snipes]

Bang on. The NT1 is more detailed in the midrange, although I don't dislike the NT1-A on your voice. It's too bright for most voices, but for the price, it worked well on yours. Obviously none of them could quite stack up to the 33, that thing sounds bonkers! The transient response difference on the breath test you did was clear as day to me as well.

[@AntonBrowne]

The NT1 has grown on me, I found the -A a bit rough for me.

[@KontryBoy706]

I’ve watched several videos in the past hour and this was the best one. NT1 for sure for me and my uses. The NT1A sounds good but it is definitely slightly thinner to me. For my first quality in home studio mic the NT1 will do just fine. Maybe one day I could get the Earthworks SV33. Not right now lol.

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

True.

[@lundsweden]

Let's face it, the NT1 sounds better!

[@despinamakredes4219]

You are speaking off axis with the AT4033 which is cutting the highs more and making it sound smoother than the NT1. I agree the NT1A is a lot more treble than the NT1 and AT4033, but you're truly not making a fair comparison when you speak directly into the Rode's and off axis into the AT4033 !!.

[@AntonBrowne]

Thanks for your comment, if you are talking about the Earthworks SV33, then it is specifically designed with a wide polar pattern - check my thorough reviews of this mic with wildly varying placements. It makes subtle differences but I think my video will be accurate enough for most.

[@KimYoungUn69]

7:35 me trying to take a girl out

[@AntonBrowne]

Does it work????

[@edgarskalnins4598]

I click on this video because i thought its Mike Tyson reviewing mics.

[@DuroSamples]

😅 with that voice, any mic will do, man. It's not fair...

[@RenZvers3]

i need your accent !!!

[@AntonBrowne]

Maybe I need yours!

[@RenZvers3]

@@AntonBrowne nah bro.....your voice makes girls drop their panties 🤣😂 not mine haha

[@jdssurf]

I was thinking well shit ill just get the sv33...................................oh its 2400 bucks lol ok then

[@iGhost_Music]

I was about to ask the price 😂😂😂... but like you said "OK then"...

[@skakdosmer]

The NT1 always sounded dull to my ears, and I wouldn't care to own one. The NT1-A has character, I think. The NT-1 doesn't. In fact I might have bought your NT1-A, but I don't need a third one.

[@AntonBrowne]

I understand what you're saying but doesn't your voice, guitar, violin etc. have enough character of its own? If not, maybe some practice is in order. Imposing a set, uniform character on everything doesn't sit well with me.

[@skakdosmer]

@@AntonBrowne practice is of course always in order. You could use some too, I'm sure you'll agree (no offence). But I think we're splitting words. I've never used the NT1, but judging by the online samples I've heard, including yours, it seems to me that it takes some of the character out of what is being recorded. I guess you can EQ in some character in post. But to me the NT1-A adds a little magic touch that I like. You don't have to agree, and I'm not by any means trying to convince you that you made the wrong choice. I'm only fascinated how different we all are, and it doesn't bother me at all if nobody else agrees with me. And I'm no doubt biased because I own one and not the other. I like your way of making sounds to illustrate what you hear. And often I hear it too, but maybe this time I didn't. I can't really judge your age, but my guess is that I'm older, so my ears might have deteriorated more, who knows. Thanks for your videos!

[@pattalkstoparakeets2235]

+1 for monocle-use. I think you should read something goofy for testing. Maybe Dr. Seuss.

[@PaulIsbell]

NT1 > NT1-A

[@JarnoSuni1]

What is the 33 microphone on the stand?

[@AntonBrowne]

Earthworks SV33 - now discontinued.