Rode NT1-A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

This microphone exceeded my expectations. It sounds warm, clear, and crisp. For only $229, you can't possibly beat it. This microphone can compete well with microphones at a much higher price range. Ever since I got this mic, my hip hop vocals have skyrocketed in quality, because now the vocal quality is professional sounding. I don't even have to add EQ to the vocals I record with this bad boy (unless I was trying to make it sound a very specific way, but normally adding EQ to the vocals from this mic would be like selling yourself short...), all I need to do is add compression and a reverb, and it sounds really good. I tried rapping into this mic without the pop filter, and surprisingly, the plosives didn't show up as much as I thought they would. It will happen, no doubt, but I was just surprised at how much harder it is to get them to show up. You can scream into this mic, you can speak very softly, you can make your voice sound any way you wish, and it will pick it up pretty much exactly like you actually sound... except with an added smoothness and warmth (though, I would not say as warm as a good tube mic, like the Rode K2 or Rode NTK). No, it doesn't allow you to utilize multiple polar patterns, it is strictly cardioid. That's why this microphone is best for vocals. I would say that would be one downfall of this mic. But geez, it only costs $229... how could you possibly go wrong? If you're starting up your own home studio, this is a must buy. Don't go with those cheap USB powered microphones... they're not good for vocals or anything except talking on skype and podcasting. The Rode NT1-A is an exceptional mic, and the value cannot be beaten. You can register your microphone at the Rode website to get a 10 year warranty on it... for free. A free 10 year warranty on an awesome microphone, to protect your investment. The pop filter it comes with is good. It has never allowed any plosives through. Before you even hook it up, you can test it by blowing through one side and putting your hand on the other. You will barely feel the air coming through. The shockmount ain't bad, it does the job. Do not drop this mic, as condenser mics are very fragile. Also, they are very prone to moisture and dust. So make sure you have it set up in a relatively dry room. Always remember to put that dust cover over it when it's not in use. If you are thinking about getting this mic... stop thinking about it, and get it! You will NOT be disappointed. You will be impressed. If you're an amateur like me, and you are building a home studio... people will see this mic and KNOW you are getting serious about your music. 5+ out of 5 for value and quality. Peace.

I recently purchased the Rode NT1-A to do a sound test with my Sennheiser MK-416. I am a professional voice actor with a broadcast-quality home studio--unfortunately, I also live 10 minutes from LAX airport, and even with a well-built studio, the air traffic can affect recordings. In an effort to deal with this problem, I wanted to try out the Rode for its 'background noise reduction', and compare the final sound with my Sennheiser. Here's what I learned: - The Sennheiser MK-416 still resulted in the clearest, warmest sound, and quietest background noise when positioned properly (it's a directional / shotgun mic, so position is much more crucial than for a Cardioid like the Rode) - The Rode NT1-A, however, was honestly not far off at all. The sound was a bit sharper at certain tones, but very clear. The background noise, while overall a bit louder than the Sennheiser, was significantly reduced--particularly at the higher frequencies, nearly nonexistent when looking at the spectral imaging. - The Sennheiser is a $1,000 mic by itself...the Rode is $215 with an entire package of add-ons. Bottom line: while the Rode NT1-A isn't quite on par with a top-end mic like the Sennheiser MK-416, it's really darn close--and a fraction of the price. I can honestly say it's the best value and deal I've found as far as microphones go, giving a surprisingly great quality while remaining even more surprisingly affordable. In the end, while I will continue using my Sennheiser, I HIGHLY recommend anyone looking for a fantastic mic to use until you're ready to jump to the pricey, top-tier options, to try the Rode NT1-A. Best "bang-for-your-buck" microphone I've found, by far, and one that is good certainly enough for professional voiceover work. Five stars, hands down.

This mic is awesome! its great for literally anything.. I use it to record rap vocals when im making music & it works great. The sound is crystal clear and crisp & its only $230 mic so yeah not bad for the price.. Although there's always room for improving thats why im upgrading to the Sterling Audio ST59 mic (thats what Hopsin recorded his Raw album with) Take note though that you MUST have studio monitors & you MUST EQ the vocals to match the beat. i learned that the hard way, i would mix on my regular computer speakers & it sounded like something on the radio but then when i put it in my car it sounded horrible!! So please EQ the vocals right & please use studio monitors!! Otherwise you will buy this mic and then try to rap or record music & wonder why it sounds horrible lol

I still use to this day! Very clean, clear and professional sounding! I recorded so many artists with this microphone. Highly recommend

I am not anywhere close to being even a mediocre person when it comes to music, sound etc, I need an idiots guide just to understand the idiots guide. I did however buy a different mic set up a couple months ago, and now I got this one. Big difference even I can tell that this one is way better. The sound quality, and in some cases, the lack of sound is amazing. Dislike the thing that holds the mic, its too heavy, I have one of those extending arms so it can mount in the back of my desk, but the mic and holder is so heavy, I have to really reef on the tightening knobs to hold it in place, and it will still droop some. Also the pop filter holder really needs a little longer extension with adjustment knob, because it will only stay literally just a couple inches away from the mic and therefore, you don't have a lot of adjusting room for it.

First off this mic is very good. This is my first high quality mic. I've always settled for more affordable mics. I immediately knew the difference when I did my first recording. I always thought my home was poorly wired or that my mixer was substandard. The problem was cheap microphones. This mic is quiet and powerful compared to the mxl990 that I was used to using. I can't compare this to any other high end mics because I've never owned any. I will say that you definitely get what you pay for. My only issue is that this mic is a bit heavy on the high ends. I have to be aware of the sss sounds that I make because they can get a bit annoying. I use a deesser to help but for the price I probably should have gotten a shure condenser.. Either way when I recorded my acoustic guitar through it, the tone was astounding! I use this mic for my Podcast so, like I said, it's a bit essy. Some people like rich highs so it's not necessarily a bad thing. Overall I'm very impressed and I still say it was worth every penny.

Sin duda un clásico voces cristalinas ycon ese aire especial. Un poco brillante para muchos pero son más las cosas buenas como si pusinde ruido Ultra bajo. Experiencia insuperable calidad precio

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