Rode Mics

Colin Campbell · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007, 17:40 (GMT) Post subject: Rode Mics

What's the difference between an NT-1 and NT-2? Plus, it looks like they have been replaced by the NT-1000 and NT-2000. Shopping for a friend. Recomendations?

J.S. Gilbert · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007, 19:19 (GMT) Post subject:

I beleive NT-1 was cardioid only and NT-2 was multi pattern, cardioid and and omni. The NT2A also has a figure 8 pattern

I know that Colin knows this but for those of you who don't:

Some of the folks on here might be husband wife teams or in my case, I have a female talent friend who lives nearby and we often do ensemble auditions. If you're cramped for space and budget, a Rhode NT2 A could be used by 2 people each addresses the mic from one side (in figure Cool

. The alternative to this is setting the pattern to omni and having the talent rock in and out of the mic exchanging lines. This could also be done with the cardioid pattern but requires a greater technique.

Here's a name you don't hear much on here, but I personally think that Groove Tubes microphones are pretty incredible.

The GT67 is a multi pattern tube mic (external power) around $650 or so, but the GT 57 is an FET - no tubes and sounds a lot like the 67, especially if you run it through a tube pre.

The specs on the Rhode NT1000 do look similar to those of the NT1. The Rhode 2000 has what they call a continually variable polar pattern, whcih may or may not be of dubious value. If it tightens down to a real hypercardiod position, then being able to tune the microphone between the cardioid and hypercardioid to allow for a nice tight pattern with a little forgiveness that only allows in a slight amount of room - then that might be a really nice thing. This is also an FET microphone (no tube) and I would recommend auditioning it against the GT57 from Groove Tubes.

Also, if anybody wants to check out some Chinese microphones that are getting some rave reviews at very reasonable prices is www.shinybox.com It appears that all they are offering at the moment are ribbon microphones - although very interesting at interesting price points. I hear they are in final development of a really top end mic pre at bargain basement prices.

George Karnes · **Voice Talent** Joined: 26 Dec 2006 Posts: 905

J.S.-
Man you know everything. I always watch for your posts because I can learn so much. Thanks for taking the time.

Keith D. Milby · **Voice Talent** Joined: 01 Feb 2007 Posts: 570

J.S.,

You make my brain hurt when I read your posts, but I am a better person for it. I think? I am not really sure though, until the pain goes away.

J.S. Gilbert · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007, 19:52 (GMT) Post subject: I know a lot of smart people

George,

Thanks George. At times I think I just confuse people.

I guess my problem is that I live this stuff. There are a number of sites that you can find by googling, that will enable you to get free subscriptions to helpful magazines ranging from EQ, Mix, Game Developer, Electrnoic Musician and others. Even springing for a subscription (60% or more off the newstand price) could be well spent money. There are also tons of gear sites and lots of engineers online who will tell you everything you want to know and then some. There are also ome really good books on the market.

Recently, AES had their annual shabang in San Francisco and since I write about gear for some publications, I was able to make contact with a lot of the manufacturers. Some send me advance notice on things and others have given me direct numbers for asking questions.

The truth of the mattter is that there is an icredible amount of great gear at all price points. It really is hard to recommend one thing over another, which is why I suggest people hang out at their local audio stores.

Professional recording studios and musicians with home studios have different criteria for making purchases. Many ofthem need great computing power for applying losts of effects or recording to 128 tracks. voice actors have a small niche problem to fill, so it should be a little easier. Yet rememberthat the professional engineers in studios have apprenticed or gone to school and understand so many aspects of audio that are not readily apparent. I do recommend that v.o. actors spend time on this part oftheir training and not gloss over it or just take mine or somebody else's word that something is right for them.

Since this is a very competitive arena, I do recommend that you not spend the least amount possible. Even if you decide to sell the stuff for whatever reason, you'll get back a fairly decent chunk on eBay or Craig's list. I also don't recommend you buy the most expensive stuff possible. It is a journey of exploration.

Todd Ellis · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007, 20:28 (GMT) Post subject:

J.S. I have read good reviews on the Shiny Box mics - and have actually been checking out AES for my next mic purchase. Ribbon mics are making a resurgence. I already have a couple of ribbon mics including a RCA 77-DX that I LOVE. People should know, however, ribbon mics are not rugged - throw 'em in the gym bag - mics. They are fairly fragile and you've got to take good care of them. If you do - they'll give many, many years of deep, rich service.

J.S. Gilbert · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007, 22:54 (GMT) Post subject: great ribbon resource

Todd and anyboidy else interested,
This is a great site for repairs and restoration

http://www.thuntek.net/

Also they apparently have ways of sticking for real RCA 77 ribbon into new ribbon microphones (maybe even Shiny). I gues they do Royer, but not sure who else.

And yes - a ribbon microphone should be your 2nd or 3rd or 12th microphone and probably not your first choice.

Todd Ellis · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007, 23:14 (GMT) Post subject:

Enak http://enakmic.com/ is going to refurb my 77-DX this spring - I have used them before - Clarence Kane is a super-nice guy and a true master at his craft. Prices aren't bad either. Another great mod site for tube amps, mics & other nifty stuff is www.gearslutz.com most of it is waaaay over my head - there are some truly nutty folks up there - in a good way I'm sure ...