Used but very tidy Rode NT1

[Sam Spoons]

I mentioned that I have just bought a Rode NT1 from Cash Converters. This one has a grey painted body so I think it is the very first one but I can't remember what has been said about the different versions in a couple of recent posts, was it the original NT1 or the first incarnation of the NT1A that was the one to have? I ask because there was a very tatty looking NT1A for even less money than I paid for this one and I almost bought both at the price offered.

So those of you who have NT1's please tell me whether I have bought a gem or a pup...

[Wonks]

The grey-bodied NT1 was the first commercial NT1 available.

https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/rode-nt1-0

The NT1A was/is a very different mic. Bright (so not suited for all voices) but very quiet indeed.

I had grey NT1 as my first LDC and I thought it was good. I had nothing to compare it to for a long time, but I liked the recordings I did with it (and this was before I damaged my hearing). I know others were less impressed so I may just have had a good one.

It's not a bad mic, but it's not a great one. For general use I'd prefer it over an NT1A.

I gave it to a friend in need to get him set up with a small recording rig and he's still using it.

In fact, I thought I'd bought a replacement usedNT1 from Tim Rainey (RIP) when selling off equipment from his studio in Crete, but when it arrived it was an NT2.

[Sam Spoons]

That's good to hear, this particular NT1 looks in mint condition and the ticket price was £40 but I got £20 off it and the Auturia MiniLab 2 which had been priced at £55 so if we say it stands me at £30 I doubt I'll be too much out of pocket*. The question is whether to go back and buy the battered NT1A as well for £30.

* Bear in mind I have a 30 day warrantee with it should it turn out to be faulty in any way so if it doesn't work when I check it out I can get a refund or exchange.

[Wonks]

Max reckoned it was the only low-cost mic worth buying because of its low self-noise, despite it's rather bright nature. For £30, it's worth a go.

[tea for two]

Tim Rainey (RIP)

Oh my goodness teared me up didn't know this I been so out of touch.
Wanted to visit Tim's Kymata sound studio around 2010, stay in the hotel villa. Met Tim only once in person.

[Bob Bickerton]

Yes the original NT1 of which I had two had the ‘painted’ body (there’s pictures here: http://recordinghacks.com/microphones/Rode/NT1)

For the price it was a reasonable mic and that pair replaced my AKG3000s.

Bob

[N i g e l]

Yes the original NT1 of which I had two had the ‘painted’ body (there’s pictures here: http://recordinghacks.com/microphones/Rode/NT1)
For the price it was a reasonable mic and that pair replaced my AKG3000s.
Bob

Thats good history thanx.

So those of you who have NT1's please tell me whether I have bought a gem or a pup...

1/1a - In modern terms, they are still both good low noise mics.
and at that price you are on to a winner.

I think the NT1a is electronically hyped [ie not a physical property of the mesh or capsule] like the NT3, which was electronically hyped for reasons of fashion.

Just record, if it doesnt sound right, sort it in your DAW.

[Arpangel]

I ask because there was a very tatty looking NT1A for even less money than I paid for this one and I almost bought both at the price offered.

Sam, go back and get the other one, when it comes to mic's two of everything is essential.

[amanise]

I ask because there was a very tatty looking NT1A for even less money than I paid for this one and I almost bought both at the price offered.

Sam, go back and get the other one, when it comes to mic's two of everything is essential.

Yes, I have an NT1-a and it's great. Put it this way - it's the best I've ever heard my own voice.