Choosing a microphone is among the most critical steps in starting a podcasting career. The right microphone should produce good sound, provide versatility and allow you to get creative with it.
Two popular choices for voiceover are the
Let’s look at both mics and decide which is better suited for voiceover work.
Table of Contents
Features
Let’s start by comparing the specifications for the NT1 and NT1A.
Rode NT1
- Microphone type: Condenser. Condenser microphones are great for voiceover work because of their smooth, natural sound.
- Cardioid polar pattern. This means it focuses on recording the sound in front of the mic, making it suitable for voiceover.
- Frequency range: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Ultra-low self-noise level. With just 4.5 dBA of self-noise, the NT1 is one of the quietest in its range.
- Versatility: It’s suitable for a variety of applications, including vocals and instruments
- Output: XLR
- Accessories: The NT1 comes with a pop filter, shock mount, and dust cover
- Weight: 440g
Rode NT1A
- Microphone type: Condenser
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Frequency range: 20 Hz-20 kHz
- Output: XLR
- Versatility: The NT1A is ideal for everything from recording music to podcasting and voiceover applications
- Ultra-low self-noise level. Again, one of the quietest mics with a self-noise level of only 5dBA
- Accessories: Also includes a pop filter, shock mount, and dust cover
- Weight: 326g, slightly lighter than the NT1
One of the world's quietest studio mics.
Design
As for the design, we are looking at two very similar products. They both have a sleek, recognizable
The
NT1 and NT1A feature an all-metal body, but the NT1A is larger and heavier. Both microphones come with a shock mount and pop filter, which helps eliminate unwanted background noise.
Audio Quality
The most notable difference between NT1 and NT1A is the sound. Depending on the effect you want to achieve, both microphones are good options for voiceover, but the NT1 is slightly better suited.
Namely, the NT1 is known for having a smoother sound than NT1A. This is especially important when recording speech because it creates an authentic, natural sound.
The
Both microphones have exceptionally low self-noise levels, with NT1A’s being 4.5 dBA and NT1’s being 5 dBA.
For a more in-depth comparison, take a look at this Youtube video.
Ease of Use
And because they have such low self-noise, the
Both
As I mentioned previously, both mics come with some accessories – a shock mount and a pop filter. These additions are highly recommended for voice recording, making the human voice sound much more polished.
User experience
The
One user said the NT1 is a mic that records your voice ”exactly as it is”, making it ideal for voiceover. Another person praised the microphone for its ability to reduce ambient noise.
Namely, the reviewer had been using the
However, some users complained that the pop filter and shock mount appear cheap.
The NT1A has been widely praised by users who left plenty of good reviews online.
One user was pleased with his purchase and stated that the NT1A is an ”awesome mic for amazing value and a must-buy for any home studio”.
He added that this microphone makes your voice sound any way you want. The recording will sound exactly like your own voice, with an added warmth.
Another user commented that the NT1A created a soft sound for him, but it could potentially be too harsh for some voices.
Conclusion
That said, the
However, they slightly differ in terms of audio. If you’re going for a smoother, more natural sound, you might prefer the
They are both affordable, which is great if you’re on a budget.
Ultimately, they both do a great job of capturing voice, and I’m sure you won’t go wrong with either.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of microphone do I need for voiceover?
Depending on your needs, you can use a condenser or dynamic microphone. Condenser microphones are preferred for voiceover because they are more sensitive. A condenser mic can also capture a wide range of frequencies, making it ideal for voiceover recording.
How do I make my Rode NT1 sound good?
Follow a few simple steps to record better vocals with your
Can you do voiceovers at home?
Yes! You can build your own studio and record voiceover at home with the right equipment.
What is the difference between Rode NT1 and Rode NT1 Kit?
The difference is in the accessories included. Specifically, the
