This is What a $25,000 Mic Sounds Like

Worth the hype, or just a status symbol? I compared the iconic, vintage Telefunken U47 to the Rode NT1.
☛ Learn the go-to starting points for EQ and compression in heavy mixes with my FREE Mixing Cheatsheet: mixcheatsheet.com
Artist: Mike Riley open.spotify.com/artist/65nZJ...
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Music I’ve Worked On: open.spotify.com/playlist/6I7...
Website: hardcoremusicstudio.com
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MY FAVORITE GEAR:
Computer / Interface:
Mac M1 Studio Max sweetwater.sjv.io/anOMOo
Avid Carbon sweetwater.sjv.io/ZQ6M6g
Apogee Duet 3 sweetwater.sjv.io/y2qXqb
Monitors / Headphones:
Avantone CLA-10a sweetwater.sjv.io/WqyMyZ
Audio Technica ATH-M50 sweetwater.sjv.io/PyOMON
Microphones:
Shure SM57 sweetwater.sjv.io/daOMy7
AKG D112 sweetwater.sjv.io/Kj0MBy
Sennheiser e604 sweetwater.sjv.io/DKyvWa
Shure SM7b sweetwater.sjv.io/5g5vk3
AKG C451b sweetwater.sjv.io/jre9Rv
Shure SM81 sweetwater.sjv.io/eK1LnD
Audio Technica AT4050 sweetwater.sjv.io/JzKMqr
Preamps/Outboard:
API 3124 sweetwater.sjv.io/eK1LRD
EL8 Distressor sweetwater.sjv.io/XYmMd4
Favorite Plugins:
BSA Clipper blacksaltaudio.com/clipper
Escalator blacksaltaudio.com/escalator
Low Control blacksaltaudio.com/low-control
Waves SSL Bundle waves.alzt.net/dMd4q
Waves CLA Compressors waves.alzt.net/0va0P
Waves Platinum waves.alzt.net/jxz2M
Slate Trigger 2 sweetwater.sjv.io/MmAM53
SoundToys Rack sweetwater.sjv.io/xkLgyd
Auto-tune Pro sweetwater.sjv.io/OreMYr
Vocalign Project sweetwater.sjv.io/xkLgyA
Cranesong Phoenix II sweetwater.sjv.io/PyOMrz
Instruments / Amps:
Ludwig Black Beauty Snare sweetwater.sjv.io/1r9vDR
Gibson Les Paul sweetwater.sjv.io/B0nvz1
Evertune Guitars sweetwater.sjv.io/WqyM6P
Fender Jazz Bass sweetwater.sjv.io/nLX5R6
Sansamp Bass Driver DI sweetwater.sjv.io/OreM9Q
EVH 5150 sweetwater.sjv.io/4PGvr9
Mesa 2x12 cab sweetwater.sjv.io/75avGA

[@danielbentley7117]

I think the Neve and Distressor played a much bigger role in the pro sound on both mics than the mics themselves. Doing the same test gain matched straight into a Focusrite interface vs. the Neve + Distressor chain and you'd hear a lot more difference.

[@jonathansnell-callanen2881]

100% agree

[@wilsantanaproductor]

Absolutely 👍🏼

[@beatsbyekwatoriano3556]

You will still end up mixing them and get the same results to our ears.

[@pyrra]

I agree but the goal is the same : its better to put 1k on a good preamp and 1k on a good comp/saturation hardware with a cheap mic than put your entire money on a vintage mic

[@danielbentley7117]

@@pyrra That is true but the point is, a more neutral and realistic test would have been to compare both mics just dry into a normal affordable interface with no external preamps or colouration. 99.9% of the people watching this video don't have the money to buy a Neve or a Distressor and if they did, they wouldn't be buying such a cheap mic like a Røde.

[@samuelsmith4494]

What would be great would be a comparison that leaves the EQ alone on the U47 and rolls off the highs slightly on the NT1 in order to see just how close an NT1 can sound to the U47 as opposed to the other way around.

[@maailmanalku7271]

Great comparison - I love that you recorded this properly with a great singer. This really helps you see the difference - and the lack of difference. I think the Neumann has that golden sound - it's really difficult to describe what exactly. It has presence but its not bright like the Rode, it's like velvet. The Rode sounds also fantastic, but its more present and bright and more in your face - like a modern pop vocal. So there is nothing with it either. I mean.. with some processing - the difference is not gonna be noticeable - but that Neumann sound is that wonderful smooth vocal sound that pops out without disturbing. I think the difference is more pronounced when you really jack up the volume - the Neumann sound you will enjoy at any volume. Also you should never discount the impact of the vintage mic on your mood and vibe - if it helps you feel better during decording, then it could again make a difference. But it's a difference that only world class musicians should care about.

[@kadiummusic]

Blimey, no disrespect but if he's a great singer what the hell was Otis Redding or Marvin Gaye or Steve Perry or...... 🤔

[@hardcoremusicstudio]

Grab your free Mixing Cheatsheet to learn the go-to starting points for EQ and compression in heavy mixes: www.mixcheatsheet.com

[@catloverextreme]

Jordan you and your channel is on fire right now, keep up the good work buddy! Cheers from Alaska, USA.

[@JTPiano2011]

Love that you went back to Revolution to do this test. Couldn’t tell much from my Beyer Headphones so I’ll review tomorrow on my HS80’s. Nice vid.

[@JustinWhittingham-el9bd]

I was the head technician at Abbey Road Institute London and we had a U47 lent to us from the main studios for our collection. The problem was though once the students knew its value they would use it on absolutely anything they recorded. Literally just moving the mic from instrument to instrument when it came time for tracking. It was like a sort of blind trust in the performance of the mic.

[@adammontunnas1775]

Best fixing comment, I'd like to know you and pick your mind...

[@wyrlismike]

great content like always man

[@alekp6822]

cant stop watching this channel !

[@dylanjastle]

Thanks for this upload. I meet lots of bedroom artists (that are even less experienced than me) obsessing over microphones. My opinion is you can get any ~$400 microphone and forget about it. Dynamic or condenser. It will be great on vocals with the right processing.

[@davidhayman9330]

Thanks Jordan, insightful video...

[@yurita1984]

Wow... That guy really can sing! Loved his tone ❤

[@catloverextreme]

No kidding! I want to start a band with that guy jeez that voice is awesome 😮

[@pyrra]

are you deaf bro ? i hear a lot of autotune fake vibrato on each word

[@svtrader]

@@catloverextreme Sounds more like a bad Rascal Flats impersonation.

[@LexBravary]

Regardless of sound, another consideration is reliability and longevity. I don't use certain brands anymore because they're more likely to break over time. Sometimes you're paying for decades of use vs a few years, or less downtime. Thanks for everything you do sir!

[@JoshFryer]

This is hilarious! People think I'm crazy because I still use those cheap MXL vocal mics for some of my tracks. Rock tracks get the SM7B but ballads get the MXL. I might have to pickup one of these NT1s though! 👀 Great vid! 🤘🤘🤘

[@BrantleyAllen]

People went on and on about "transparent" recording until we could do it. Everyone decided they don't really like accurate recording equipment. They like the distortion, saturation and less high end. It's silly.

[@joshuadelaughter7968]

I actually upgraded to to the NT1A from one of those MXL mics. I'd say it was worth the upgrade. Not like it was mind boggling or anything, but the difference was noticeable.

[@BeauStephenson]

I love that 47. Sheesh. Especially when you push into it with more force, it's just so smooth and elegant. The NT1A handles like most modern mics in that price range with capsules machined in a factory instead of by hand.

[@BrantleyAllen]

Yeah, but you love it because you can't have it.

[@siriusfun]

This was great. I must admit to being surprised by how nominal the difference was when A/B dry although there was a very slight difference when played in context of the song where - to my ears - the vocal had a little more weight which allowed it to sit better, and definitely smoother on the upper mids/top. With that in mind I'd add that I assume the U47 would stack better over multiple overdubs. $24,750 better? Not a chance!

[@Joelfrancis]

💯💯

[@JohnPaulGiancarlo]

Nice video, an eye opener for sure!

[@Trilobite]

I have two NT1s. They do what I want them to do. Great for vocals and as drum overheads.

[@frubo_ssg]

Great comparisson! The Rode NT1 was my fist LCM and yes. I still like it a lot… enen I use my Neumann TLM49 more often instead now.

[@lukesmith9059]

I bought a matched pair of Rode NT1's several years ago and have achieved great recordings with them. I've always thought about getting an even "nicer" mic, but this video really hammers down how so much audio gear has diminishing returns as you go for more expensive options. To my ears all it takes is a bit of EQ and perhaps some subtle saturation to get the Rode mic to sound 99.9% the same as the U47.

[@PrantoKoX]

2 things: the sibilance (soft & manageable on thr U47, signature sharp & more "evil" on the Rode), and the low-mid thick richness. If he'd been even closer, with even more proximity effect, both would have been even more apparent. Still, that guy can sing and emote very well, and the mics are in a very good room, hooked up to a great audio chain - so most any mic wouldn't sound too bad!

[@BrantleyAllen]

Yup, expensive, "warm" vintage mic = less high end.

[@elking7875]

Wow! what a good comparison.

[@doodoogtube]

Awesome video...This is how you compare 2 types of gear...you don't just plug 'em in and say "Yep they don't sound the same, test over". You let us hear both raw and in the mix and then see if you could adjust a knob or 2 to see if you can make them sound the same or close so we'll know what the possibilities are. Perfectly done!👍👍

[@brrxdesign]

I used a Rode NT1A for several years and switched to other microphones (TLM103, OC808) because it has a strange, definable character in the high frequency, which also creates a home effect in the final mix. It gives the sound a completely different character with the new microphone, the recording and the processing are also different. I think that most errors can be corrected in a mix, but not completely.

[@brrxdesign]

​@@jasonk125 The video shows a Rode NT1A, if I saw its type correctly on a microphone. :) I have a Rode NT1 and it is much better, flatter, but still has the brand's characteristic character.

[@gypsycat619]

I have an NT1....I have had it for years...Glad to have it even more now!

[@richiebranco]

Fantastic video! Find the right room for the sound u like( doesn’t have to be a studio) .. and there are a tonne of great cheap mics and pres that will give u a colored or clean sound . We live in the best time for making music.

[@AlexanderOspanov]

If I had a choice, I would choose this vocal😄 Thanks for the amazing vocal and great, Very beautiful video!

[@GeorgeAmodei21]

i did a Mic Shoot-Out after NAMM 2019. I went to Vintage King LA and bought 4 Condensor Mics. ( Telefunken's TF29,51,41 , Neumann U87AI & from online the RODE NTK ( similar to K2 ) after Tracking they all had different Frequency Responses, Neumann was Supper HOT Signal, The Telefunken's were good but one had Low end Boost or too much Top & other Mid. So listing back in DAW ( Studio ) In blind TEST I picked The $565.00 RODE NTK !!! like you show & mention in your Vid ( Eq it anyhow ). Thx for making this for those who think they need THE ICONIC GEAR that we all know of :)

[@jonlieberman997]

Excellent comparison. At the end of the day, the talent and message of the artist is 99% responsible for the enjoyment for the listener. We must keep in mind that the whole point of recording and mixing to for present the talent to the listener. Perseverating for many of the details of recording can actually. distract from the creative process. Well done. Excellent point about dynamic mics eliminating room problems.

[@chadfayrobinson7537]

Thanks for the video!! The Rode NT1 has harsh high mid to it. But with some slight EQ you could make them so close I doubt even the best ears would notice.

[@mikeandersonwa]

Honestly... the NT1 sounded fantastic. Also that singer was fantastic!

[@noelgourdin81]

Great vid Bro!

[@timmyblack8588]

Here's proof that these expensive microphone are just a lot of hype. Video well done!

[@MoreMeRecording]

I have an old u87i from 76' and ya, what a lot of people don't seem to get about the 87 is that it has *terrible* backside rejection. So put that in an untreated room (we call it gyprock here in Canada) and get those wonderful reflections in the 250~400hz range. Lovely stuff. I have a treated room but I don't mic up much anymore and when I do, I bust out the 7b for the most part.

[@adammontunnas1775]

Amazing comment. I'd live t9 talk about thus all day....

[@AndyHallHall]

great shoot-out! I'm only on laptop speakers today, but I legit preferred the nt1! Crazy. Only difference I could really hear was that the u47 was duller and less present. Worth noting that the difference between every u47 can also be vast, and potentially this u47 isn't one of the best?? My fav mic ever is a u47 my mate has, and whilst no side by side comparison, I swear his u47 sounds a lot better than this one. It just seems to have a je-ne-sais-quais warm, present, silky, fat (just think of every positive way to describe a mic other than "shiny") quality, however that could easily just be me being biased!

[@elijahgraceart]

With all the gear you have any mic will sound good) Sure it's all about nuances, Neumann feels a bit more soft and balanced to me, but with proper mixing even a cheap mic can rock:)

[@luxuriousfir]

I absolutely love Rode products! Awesome company:]

[@singinwhatimdoin]

I personally think the difference is so subtle, and it comes down to increased midrange detail (responsible for the “fullness” you hear,) and the other major difference is a slightly less hyped top end, which you will honestly notice more on worse singers (or if not worse, just less control of their sibilance.) These differences literally come down to a couple db in both areas, but a couple db in the right spot can make all the difference, just ask a mastering engineer. The stock NT-1 is absolutely an amazing tool on it’s own. For the average home recordist, you can totally dial eq to simulate the U47 sound, even if it’s lacking just a bit on those mids. Most will never find themselves in need of the real deal U47. I ended up getting some other mics I liked better, and modded my NT-1 with a 47 style capsule replacement from micparts, and though it made it much darker, the detailed mids on vocals and acoustic instruments was immediately noticeable. Plus the whole deal was still a fraction of the og U47.

[@BrantleyAllen]

You don't hear the "richness" in the recording. I don't. The guy listening to his own voice guessed because he couldn't really tell. So, 'darker" (less high end) is the signature of an expensive mic? Really?

[@seenbelow]

Just like you said in the beginning, the Neumann recorded more ambiance and sounded better raw - but with some processing you can get very close.

[@Raggo12345]

Fantastic singer!

[@Maedara]

in my experience i found out two important things in these mic comparisons: mainly, it heavily depends on the voice, on one the sm7b won, once the sm57 and once the rode nt1 (we also had a normal u47 that cost around 3.5k, a lewitt tube mic and two other ones i forgot) the other thing is at least imo, getting a nice clear full and crisp low end is more important to get out of the mic than that cripsy high end most advertise for great video tho also love the singers view on it!

[@woodward_alan]

I sometimes pick the more expensive but with this im 100% happy with the cheaper one. I like these types of videos and hoping for more.

[@SilentFieldSK]

U47 sounds warmer and smoother especially in low-mid. Rode sounds a bit harsh in high frequencies but all those differences are so small. From practical point of view, NOBODY from regular people/listener will ever notice any difference between those mics. But, this review was super professional and clear not just for pro soundguys but also for normal people. Well done!

[@adamwasthefirstman]

I wonder if it has more to do with where the raw sound sits initially and how it responds to eq. In your examples, when you brought up the high end on the 47, the top end was indistinguishable from the NT-1a. But if you really hone in on the mids, particularly on softer phrases, there's an imaging of the midrange that's much sweeter in the mix on the 47. Though not $22K+ sweeter that would ever come out of my or any sensible home studio owner's pocket!

[@joa1232]

I have a really interesting idea for such a comparison: record a full song, but record every take like here with two mics, the expensive one going directly into the high-end gear. The cheap mic goes into a cheap interface. Would be so interesting how this high end gear affects a whole mix. And of course mix one with high-end plugins/analog gear and the other one only with stock and free plugins.

[@doctortubes5046]

Right !!!

[@GabrielPierreStudios]

Would love to see this one because most of us don't have the expensive stuff

[@doctortubes5046]

@@GabrielPierreStudios let me give you a gift: buy an Apex460 WITHOUT MODS, install a 12AU7 tube, avoid extra loud sources and strong bass sources. It is like a 87 on steroids.

[@nightplay7443]

​@@doctortubes5046is this legitimate?

[@dicksstudios68]

The Nuemann when you we're recording vocals sounded smooth and the NT-1 sounded a little brighter but that's me thinking out loud at the end i couldn't tell when you we're switching back and fourth thou cool video i have the NT-1 and bought the lava plugin and it has the Nuemann 47 gonna use this video as a reference since i don't think ill ever get the chance to use a real Nuemann

[@GS-ww9wk]

Love this guys voice! Obviously, good gear makes a difference, but a great performance trumps good gear every time.

[@BrantleyAllen]

Winner! Everyone else is going on and how this test would be better blah, blah, blah. A perfectly recorded shitty song with a poor performance will never sound as good as a good song with great performance recorded on an SM57.

[@MyThelema]

I'm getting my EV RE20 in a few days and can't wait to see how it reacts to my signal chain compared to my sm7b. On the surface without any processing they sound fairly similar, at least what i can tell from comparisons, with the RE20 sounding more scooped than the sm7b (which can sound a bit too muddy on my voice at least). I'm kinda hoping that it fits my voice better in the end after mixing - and it it doesn't, I might just suck at mixing vocals.

[@danield00d]

That mic has a super nice low end to it. Super smooth. Hope you enjoy your purchase man!

[@georgecain123]

Good voice! Be great if you did a comparison between the new Aurotone 5C and the avantone mix cubes! Aurotones are as famous as the NS10’s. So be great to get a comparison and your opinion. Will your mix be different using each separately?

[@sgfdancecompany]

For me, the difference is really audible but the sound also is affected by the distressor comp, I record many times in some big studios with the u47 after making the vocal arrangements with a 2.500 mic and the difference in the air, body, and over all the mid-range made the session really make sense

[@BrantleyAllen]

Perhaps. I suppose we could believe you. When was the last time you recorded a vocal and mixed it without processing at all? I bet that's NEVER.

[@sgfdancecompany]

@@BrantleyAllen when i said about the distressor is the amount of compressor dedicated in this video to the vocal line, destructive recording (insert compressor and color to the signal) is part of the recording vocal process; but with care. And finally when was the last time i record without processing? last week actually with a classical tenor singer using the input signal manually. Mixing is another history....

[@erayylmz420]

The difference is so miniscule that it made me want to buy the rode to experience using a neumann

[@Vincefromsin]

Don't forget Neve 1073, EL Distressor and surely a costly AD converter. NT1 in a Focusrite Scarlet will not sound the same for sure.

[@oh5222]

@@Vincefromsin Well, the U47 won`t sound the same either. Would it?

[@Vincefromsin]

@@oh5222 Nope for sure, but a decent sensible mic will accommodate much easier a low cost preamp. We don't know how much 1073 gain is applied to the mic.

[@Evergreen64]

I was listening to Rick Beato interviewing Bill Schnee about Steely Dan's Aja album. He was saying that he had turned a few musicians on to the U47 including Barbara Streisand. They liked that it made them sound more like they did to themselves. Meaning that it was a bit "warmer" than microphones that use an FET preamp. But honestly. Now that I've been listening to a lot of condenser microphones over the last few months I can't say that I notice that much of a difference between them. Maybe it's because my ears are old (60). But I can say that I do hear differences between a large diaphragm condenser and one that is smaller. You do get more of the bass in there. And I do notice a real difference between dynamic and condenser microphones. But many have said that you get a real diminishing return as you go up in price. So for most of us the $25K mic is not really worth it. At that point it is just a status symbol.

[@JoeyFTL]

Hey that's Play Oliver! Good to know he's still around! The U47 sounded somewhat richer but it's insane how little difference there is

[@heymikeriley]

I’m still around!

[@JoeyFTL]

@@heymikeriley that's awesome, are you still releasing new music?

[@mrcoatsworth429]

I recently binge watched the "On the One" series from Cory Wong's YT channel. In one video, he shows the soloed vocal tracks and they are super direct and clear and absolutely awesome sounding. Honestly, one of the coolest recordings I've heard. And I was like, damn, that's got to be one of those $10,000 Sony mics or something. Turns out, it was recorded with an SM7b in an airbnb... And I keep thinking about that.

[@csilt]

I do like the mids and lower mids of the U47 quite a bit more. The NT1 sounds thin in comparison but obviously with a nice tube EQ you could certainly attempt to impart some of the mojo and get closer.

[@Brutuscomedy]

The room matters so much. A lot of amateurs or self-producers ought to use an SM7b, Dynacaster, or even SM57 or Audix i5 as they isolate one's vocal much better than a condenser mic.

[@louieAdams]

The only reason they continue is to make videos like this. The average listener doesn’t care. Just heard a great quote from Nickelback engineer “How do you get a better snare sound? Write a better song.” 😜

[@roberthughes4143]

it always has boiled down to SONG!!!!

[@obiwan5999]

Songwriting has zero to do with a snare sound, what a dumb analogy for an engineer. Want a better snare sound, get a better snare, better tuned and better mics and mic placement like every other record with a great snare sound.

[@BrantleyAllen]

@@obiwan5999 Then record it in a shitty song and no one cares.

[@WheelieMix]

The average listener doesn't care, but as engineers we are not working for the average listener, we are not getting paid by the average listener. That's usually the difference between engineers/producers that do it as a living, and bedroom producers doing everything on their own, IMHO. We are getting hired to care about these tiny details so nobody else has :). Like most engineering and or craftmanship jobs in other fields to be honest :).

[@Allious131]

@@WheelieMix So you are not doing it for the average listener??? so the people who decide and pay for your music you are not doing it for???? without the people listening to the music the rapper/ singer won't get paid by the people which means you don't get paid by the rapper/singer what a really dumb take.

[@Me_Dude]

In the A/B test. A sounded warmer when soloed to me. Which i believe was the NT-1

[@marcobruder5639]

It always depends on the voice, or the source, which mic you really need for it. I have an NT1A (totally different to the NT1) and always wasn't quite happy with my voice, it needed a lot of EQ to sound really halfway like I wanted it. So I bought an Aston Origin and I couldn't be more happy. My voice for instance has some high mid frequency which sounds kind of nasal with the NT1A, but not with the Origin. My wife's voice is great with the NT1A. Great to see you don't really need a U47 to get the sound you want to.

[@rickyanthony]

Female voices sound great on far more mics than males. Getting a good female vocal on cheaper mics is easy. It's just a harsh frequency thing.

[@SilvioGazquez]

Cool video! Idea for another video... record an entire song with amateur bedroom gear and see if its possible to sound pro

[@Frank_Kreepy]

Another great reality check ...again!

[@Chuvakam]

Hey thanks for the comparison! To me U47 sounds richer in the midrange which makes it more pleasant. Bud does it sound a hundred times better? I don't think so

[@_wayneman_]

"You either feel it, or you don't..." right, that sums it up.

[@robertgentry9436]

The high end hype in the Rode was annoying, but the point that a little eq can do so much, is valid. Ultimately, it’s all about the performance and decent mics can be eq’d to fit the track.

[@CarstenGoeke]

Great comparison... so if i cut 3db at 8,5 khz my Rode NT-1 will sound like the U47? I will try this 😊✌🏻

[@gillythekid]

So, a while back, I took my mic that I owned at the time into the studio with me, intending to use it. It was a microtech Gefell m930 that I had just recently purchased, $1,000+ dollar mic, so nothing to scoff at. When I got there, instead of just going with it, we shot it out against 3 other mics, all vintage: a u47, a c12, and an elam 251. I genuinely wanted so badly to pick my own mic, because, of course I wanna use my own gear and I had just spent a good amount of money on it, but, after shooting them out, I couldn’t. Don’t get me wrong, it did hold its own, but the other mics, to my ear, absolutely did beat it out. I ended up going with the 251. My engineer actually preferred the c12, and I absolutely hated the u47, but I insisted on the 251. That being said, they all, to my ear, beat out the Gefell, which itself isn’t a budget mic. Anecdotal, but that’s just my experience. I don’t think they all sounded 19k better, but they did sound at least better enough for me to swallow my pride as a recent purchaser of a relatively pricey mic. After that, I ended up selling the Gefell, and saving up for a Chandler limited Redd mic. Still a multiple thousand dollar mic, but I do think it holds its own against the vintage ones, but I guess there’s something to be said about modern tube mics in the $2-$5k price range. Some other ones like this Soyuz I was looking into, I also really liked compared to the vintage ones.

[@gregcotter6992]

The Neve and Distressor are certainly the important choices if anyones ‘trying this at home’. One can copy e.q curves to match classic microphones in your D.A.W, should you wish. If you want to rent the mic and play pink noise into it, and then whatever mic you own, you will ( almost) perfectly match its character in your room via a null test. Such is the wonder of the digital age. A Rode NTV or NTK ought be closer still. for under $700.

[@billB101]

The origional NT1 is a great sounding mic if you can get hold of one, for me the recent one has that slight 5K boost that makes it a little bright.

[@gregcotter6992]

There are three models.The first is a Jim Williams with v HiFi components. But yes that one ( the second) has the boost that was eq’d into the u47 to match them.

[@fletcher2311]

The biggest difference for me was in the context of the mix. The U47 sounded more 3D and detailed in the upper mids. But yeah, for all the extra bucks - I'd rather dial in some decent eq and call it job done.

[@cristian-marius-albu]

I agree the most of the sound from U47 comes from VF14 tube and M7 capsule. That tube as you mentioned is quite rare and expensive. The M7 type capsule is still produced in Germany by 2 manufacturers: Microtech Gefell and Ing. Siegfried Thiersch. Gefell still claims to use PVC membrane glued to the capsule rings (not using screws) like the original in 1958. There are other manufacturers of M7 capsules other around the world but not sure how much are closed to original. I have listened to Gefell fet microphones using M7 capsule and what I can tell is that the sound is so smooth and even on all frequencies. My dream mic now is a Gefell Tube with M7 capsule. Will be not same as U47 but will satisfy my vocal recording needs. Also an investment on a mic that cost around 3k is something understandable if you need top sound. If you have the opportunity give a try on the Gefell mics!

[@FromTheHipp]

ive recorded on a u47 before. into an LA2A. up until then i had recording on a u87 and i personally had a rode K2. still to this day, the best ive ever sounded, for my voice, was the u47. i had never had as much clarity on my voice before and it was the first time that i fully heard the potential of my own tone. i changed up how i recorded myself directly after that. my rode k2 has served me well but it was simply never the u47. ive since upgraded to a telefunken tf51 and im good until i get own even a telefunken replica of a u47.

[@lisabethlawrence]

I like the nt1 better!! It suited his voice so nicely. Years ago I was in the studio and we swapped out the very expensive mic for a nt1 and it was way better for my voice. You can also mod the nt1 and swap out the capsule.

[@iJinky]

now im not an audio nerd unfortunately but i think more expensive mics capture the air in the voice a bit better, best way i can describe it is like DI input from an Acoustic guitar from a pic up vs having it setup with 2 mics, slightly different sounds not better or worse just depends what you're looking for

[@jordanvoth7625]

And this is how close it is at the extreme ends of the budget. Go put a few $1500 -$2500 mics in there and that difference really evaporates

[@kanjastudio7076]

Yeh. I like what you doing. Thanks.

[@calwells5612]

Like always, it depends. Sometimes that $100 SM57/SM58 works wonders. Other times an SM7. Then all the way up to the uber-expensive stuff. Some voices are a more difficult fit, and it might take some out-of-the-box choice to find the best solution.

[@patrikprommer3762]

I am a mic nerd !!!!!!!! I used to borrow or buy different mics, but Im always ending up using my good old NT1a for the last 6 years in my studio. I dropped it 2 times - thanks to its weight and bad mic stands - and it still works :D Once i recorded a really bad singer with an AKG Solid Tube mic, and it sounded really bad. Then a great singer came to me, dropped an AT2020 there and boom, one take, comp+reverb and everyone was happy.

[@ghana1823]

Man! At the end after he EQs the Rodes it actually sounds better than the Neumann. But I’ve found that the real test is not in 1 vocal register. The difference between my Soundelux U99 which SMOKES Neumann mics, is mostly through the entire range the voice. You can get away with a not so expensive mic if the vocalist stays in the lower range and is a bit breathy. But a great mic will sound great throughout the entire vocal range of a singer voice no matter the volume. Moral, I’m now picking up that Rodes and testing it for myself 👍🏾🤗❤️🙏🏾

[@tonycowin]

The U47 sounded slightly warmer and seemed to hold the vocal decay a tad better (though that could be my ears tricking me). For the price difference it's astounding how similar they compared. I say this as an owner of the Rode mic. For most people, especially bedroom producers, self recording bands and hobbyists its more than good enough. In fact it's good enough for production quality releases. I guess having the best equipment isn't as important as doing the best with what you have.

[@BrantleyAllen]

warmer = less high end. That's all. Instead of boosting 3.5k on the U47, he could have a similar adjustment to the NT1 to make it sound like the U47. The point is, it's not a $22,250 difference. Even the guy who sung it guessed to which was which.

[@Lumerdrums]

I used the both, the NT1 and a much more expensive Neumann mic in TV commercial productions with the same chain. No one could pick a quality difference between the mics at all. Same in music production. I am starting to think, that you pay for the name more than for the "better" sounding product. sure, there are better signal to noise ratios and so on, but I didn't come across any issue with lower priced mics, even in high end productions. Would spend a lot more on preamps tho :D

[@donjenkins1181]

Love the song! Mike Riley right. What is the song called? is it available streaming? stuck in my head. help.

[@PandMmusicmiami]

great video...the u47 was definitely better no question, the low mids were more prominent and in the singers upper range it was way less harsh...

[@paulwalsh6734]

I prefer the n1. Would be cool to hear n1 with a high frequency dip on eq to see if it's close to the u47

[@OperationChicago]

Good video and test, problem is, how do we find an original tube in 2023 for that :( And you did not like tha U87AI ?

[@robgracia509]

when you have it in solo you can defenetly tell the difference the u47 sounds alot warmer and has more mids then the nt1 but like you say with a little eq you can get that sound of the u47

[@JaymeSilverstein]

The sound similar at low volumes but when he starts singer louder you can clearly hear the difference. More expensive mics are much more forgiving of decibel levels. They can stay smooth during a serious beat down.

[@kennethdaniels]

Great work getting them to nearly match! I felt like the 47 was a bit richer too, but for me it felt like the noise floor was way better. There was silence between his words on the 47, not so much on the Rode. Not worth the price difference tho, that’s for sure!

[@easternsouvenirs]

That's odd because Rode Nt1 actually has the lowest self-noise of any mic on the market (except for LEWITT LCT 540 S) and vintage tube mic are notorious for being noisey. Maybe it's just the breath of the singer showing up louder due to more high end?

[@kennethdaniels]

@@easternsouvenirs Could be. They both sounded great in the mix.

[@kennethdaniels]

@@jasonk125 nevertheless to my ears, it sounded like more space between his words on the 47. So perhaps noise floor wasn’t the best way to describe it initially

[@wearashirt]

the neumann should sound better tamed upon compression? the NT1 can easily scrape eardrums when hitting final mix RMS w/o deessing

[@YagiWiraya]

Hell yeah i’m using AT2035 mic and it’s awesome! 😂

[@kevgamble]

Wow. I would describe the difference as utterly meaningless. It reminds me of when I went to the Audio Test Kitchen site a few years back and blind-tested the model of my mic (R0DE NT2A) against all the mics I "knew" were better but couldn't afford. Ended up liking the R0DE most of all, which shocked me but reaffirmed what a terrific value it is.

[@jelleepit]

The great mic con. There's an entire website dedicated to proving this.

[@crm1411]

What’s the site?

[@jacklazo9030]

Good idea. You might want to also try different singers, as results will surely vary with different voices and singing styles. Just a thought.

[@haylspa]

speaking of Mics have you tried Logitech Blue Sona, a lot of people are liking it more then the SM7B , would love to get your take on it

[@capoman1]

I wish you would have added the SM7B to the comparison.

[@sunnyjohnlouis4843]

Dope test I agree most people are brand driven and it’s not worth the price difference to me a more modest price point like Lauten audio Atlantis for 2k or tm103 for like $1,500

[@glyemhouse5590]

I once heard that the Neumann mics were the mics to desire. Now I'm not so convinced. What I took away from this is that one does not necessarily (any longer) have to be a gazillionaire to be able to make great recordings.

[@Malc180s]

As with everything in recording, it's the incremental improvements. You can buy cheap, and it will probably be fine. I got a couple of warm audio 84s not long ago, and they're lovely, until they're not. One started making a noise and was returned, and the first time I used them in a high RF environment they buzzed like buggers. Then they didn't like a long cable run and started behaving weird. The 47 is an old classic. If you want a performer to really excel, give them something they never get to see - it makes a difference. It makes them feel special. It's also fecking lovely. These old mics, they just sit different. They make mixing fun. I'd rather have every signal be 100% of what it could be, not 99% of what it could be (even at 1% of the price).

[@chicken5130]

Personally I don’t like the 25k one as much because I feel like it’s too compressed and not bright enough if I wanted it that compressed I’d rather mix it to that state (also the vocalist killed it)

[@user-eb3hz8mg2y]

The blind test was easy as the nt1 is brighter and not as 3D or thick in its sound. I had the nt1a and it is a great mic but did not suit my voice. The u47 is a stunning-looking mic and I intend to own a Flea one day. It sounds amazing and is a gorgeous piece to have in a collection. It is like a nice piece of jewelry. As much as I love my shure 57, I can't say I feel the same way about it.

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

Definitely not 100x better, but as you said, part of that is the rarity factor. It was cool that you got the U47 that close to the NT1, but would've like to hear it the other way - make the NT1 sound more like the U47. I don't particularly like the top end on the NT1 personally. SM7b is what I use on a lot of vocals as well, and people are always blown away. They think it's a really expensive mic!