Stellar X2 Vintage Unboxing and Test VS Rode NT1 - Condenser Microphone Under $300

[@techtechuw597]

If you can hear the Stellar self noise while recording voice or music instruments in a studio, then its either a defective product or you are doing something wrong. You shouldn''t be hearing any noise unless you crank up the gain by an insane amount and try to whisper to it from 10 meters away. I am using my favorite Sontronics STC-2, which has an 18dba by its specs and even that is not audible if used correctly. One of the most famous Condensers - the Sony C800G is 18dba too, and lots of other extremely expensive mics. If you are recording very quiet sounds like the nature, then less than 10dba is suggested, since you'd often need to raise the gain by a lot.

[@reviewersrevival5408]

The TZ Audio Stellar X2 is very nice, but I much prefer the flat, well-balanced Rode NT-1. The NT-1 has a much smoother top end and much less sibilance-enhancing. The NT-1 doesn’t lack upper frequency response, but it’s smooth and controlled.

[@JoshuaKrell]

That’s a great take 🙂 I agree with you. Especially if you are going to buy only one mic the Rode would probably be the way to go. However, if you wanted something with a little more character the stellar might be a nice option. The frequency response would help it pop a little more in the mix and I found it sounded nice on acoustic guitars as usually I want a little more air in my acoustics!

[@reviewersrevival5408]

@@JoshuaKrell I agree that the Stellar X2 has character, and it is a (overall) good sounding mic, but it’s still a bit too “SSSS-y” for my tastes. I suspect that this would be all the more evidenced when using it to record singing, and applying compression and other post processing. It’s not as hyped in the high mids and 8k+ range as the NT-1a, AT-2035, or Aston Origin, but it’s still a little bit ice-picky on the “Esses”, I think.

[@vladeugene1387]

I personally like the Stellar better

[@JoshuaKrell]

It does have some nice character!

[@vladeugene1387]

Yeah. I don't care for exaggerated frequencies in my mic.

[@JoshuaKrell]

@@vladeugene1387 between the two I would say the NT1 is actually a little on the smoother and more flat side if you’re wanting a less exaggerated sound.

[@JaredSchumaier]

Excellent review!

[@JoshuaKrell]

Thanks dude! I appreciate it a ton!