Is there really that big of a difference . . .

Clinton Nobles · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Mar 2008 Posts: 197

I suppose this is for the Geek pages, I don't know. It isn't like I am really going to buy one, but I am very curious. Is there really a difference between say http://www.zzounds.com/item--NEUU87ANNSE This mic and perhaps the http://www.zzounds.com/item--RODNT1A? I am sure there is some subtle differences, and maybe construction, but that is a huge price difference. Anyway, like I said I am just wondering . . . I might need to find better things to do with my "Thousands" hahaha

Lance Blair · Posted: Thu May 08, 2008, 21:13 (GMT) Post subject:

The Rode NT1A was the first vo mic I bought. I liked it, but it has kind of hyped high and low ends. It doesn't sound like a U87 (but hey, marketing guys need to do something between donut breaks)...but it is one of the quietest mics in terms of self noise (internal circuits) - and it's one of the best mics for the price. Your Studio Projects is another one of the best under $300 mics.

A U87 is going to sound pretty darn good on everybody. The NT1a won't...that's why the U87 is so valuable to studios, and why they cost so much. Although there was a recent article about how some studios have switched to the TLM 193 or 149 to save $2000 per mic. My Name is Earl and Family Guy are now done on TLM 193s if I remember correctly.

Once you start paying $1000 for a mic the gap between whatever you get and a U87 (or beyond) becomes smaller and smaller. The gap between $200-$300 mics and a U87 is significant.

Until one becomes a seasoned pro, nobody notices your microphone...they notice the weaknesses in your delivery. Great voices don't even really need great mics, but they deserve them.

Clinton Nobles · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Mar 2008 Posts: 197

Great reply! Thank you very much.

Jacob Ekstroem · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Jul 2007 Posts: 721

What Lance said... spot on.

Erik Sheppard · **Voice Talent** Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2005 Posts: 1317

Mmmmmm.... U87.

Jacob Ekstroem · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Jul 2007 Posts: 721

*SNORT*.... That's not a mike!

Now, THAT'S a mike!

(Brauner VM1 KHE. I'm getting one. Every night.)

Erik Sheppard · **Voice Talent** Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2005 Posts: 1317

Yeah, that is pretty sweet Jacob. I like this one too.

I need a raise.

Greg Houser · **Voice Talent** Joined: 12 Mar 2008 Posts: 174

I'm sorry, you boys were saying?

and Jacob/Erik... the Brauner and Manley (I prefer, and own the gold reference) are quite nice.

Good luck finding a Brauner. Nobody I know who owns one is giving it up... worth every penny too!

Clinton, the NT-1A is a good mic to start with and a good travel mic (if you don't go the USB route). The U87 is a bit nicer overall, and especially in the midrange, which is why it's such a standard in VO (especially the AI), but the thing with it is that it's frighteningly accurate. If you're not ready for it, it'll show, as it will accentuate every mistake you make with your voice.

Still, it's one of my favorite mics in my cabinet, and my standard go-to.

Awwww hell, here... drool some more boys Very Happy

/please note that the rack isn't finished... if you know what's in these racks, you know why.

Jacob Ekstroem · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Jul 2007 Posts: 721

Greg Houser · **Voice Talent** Joined: 12 Mar 2008 Posts: 174

did you not notice the PDU at the bottom?

how about the PDU above that? Wink

Using an APC Symetrix for power.

Adding another Lil' FrEQ and Trakker, Sebatron.

Should be here in 3 weeks or so.

/BTW: there's another side rack and an additional 12U of space up top of the desk... this is just a peek for you Smile

Jacob Ekstroem · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Jul 2007 Posts: 721

Yeah... but you still need power to power those.

KIDDING, GREG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Very Happy

Your rack is awesome.... SLUT!!

(Greg knows what I mean by slut... )

Greg Houser · **Voice Talent** Joined: 12 Mar 2008 Posts: 174

on the low end actually... but way overkill for VO.

Jacob Ekstroem · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Jul 2007 Posts: 721

Greg Houser · **Voice Talent** Joined: 12 Mar 2008 Posts: 174

only because most folks doing this from home don't know how to use outboard gear... if they did, many would.

Personally though, I just like the blinky lights and shiny knobs.

/just kidding, I've spent a long time learning and using this stuff
//still overkill for vo, but very effective & allows powerful production capabilities

Jacob Ekstroem · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Jul 2007 Posts: 721

Outboard rules. But damn hard to find on Limewire ironie

(OK, I need to hold back on the coffee)