One of the most difficult tasks that every podcaster has to face at some point is choosing the perfect microphone for their show. It’s not an easy task, and with so many to choose from, the decision-making process becomes even more difficult.
However, one brand that shines out like a beacon of hope amongst the plethora of microphones available is
And, amongst
We decided to take an in-depth look at each of them, breaking down their features and, once and for all, answer these burning questions.
By the time we’re finished, you’ll have a better idea of whether the Rode NT1A is the perfect tool for giving your podcast that professional finish.
Table of Contents
Rode NT1
Let’s start by taking a look at the
It’s not just aesthetically pleasing; however, the all-metal construction ensures that this microphone can withstand the occasional bump without showing any signs of damage. This is ideal if you’re planning on taking your show on the road at any point.
The entire microphone has also been nickel-plated, and this makes it corrosion resistant. This is an important feature in any microphone since our saliva’s salt content can cause rusting over time. But, with the addition of nickel-plating, this isn’t something you’ll need to worry about.
So, we know it’s durable, and a 10-year warranty also backs this up. But what about it’s recording quality? The
The clarity of your recordings is also further enhanced by the microphone’s cardioid pickup pattern. This focuses the microphone’s attention on the sound coming from directly in front of it while simultaneously eliminating any ambient noise.
The result is super-clear vocals and zero background noise.
The
It has a frequency range of 20Hz – 20kHz too, and this helps to transform a variety of voice types into smooth, conversational tones.
An XLR input port is located directly on the bottom of the
It’s also really conveniently placed, too, as the cable will hang directly from the bottom of the microphone, keeping it out of the way and preventing it from being caught and tugged on by a particularly enthusiastic amount of gesticulating!
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Pros:
- The strong, durable construction keeps the capsule well-protected and ensures the microphone can withstand general wear and tear
- Features a 1-inch, gold-sputtered condenser capsule
- Operates with a cardioid pickup pattern, focusing on vocals and eliminating background noise
- Has a low, 4.5dB self-noise level
- Can pick up a variety of vocal tones with a 20Hz – 20kHz frequency range
Cons:
- It is quite expensive, so not the best choice for anybody working with a limited budget
Rode NT1A
One of the world's quietest studio mics.
You might be thinking that the
Before we get into the details of those, however, let’s examine the similarities between the two.
As with the NT1, the
The 1-inch, gold-sputtered condenser capsule is the same as the NT1 too, and it operates with a cardioid pickup pattern. The reason for not changing these features is simply because it wouldn’t make sense to do so!
If you’re looking for crystal clear vocals, then a cardioid microphone with a condenser capsule will give you the best performance possible.
So, what makes the
The
It also has a lower self-noise of just 4dB. While this is only 0.5dB smaller than the NT1, it does make a noticeable difference during those short periods of silence. It also has a higher SPL (sound pressure level) than the NT1 to record louder noises more effectively.
The XLR cable port is conveniently located on the bottom of the microphone for easier positioning. You’ll also be able to suspend the microphone upside down without the cable getting the way, giving you more versatility and allowing you to set it up in the most comfortable way.
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Pros:
- The strong, durable construction is tough enough to handle the studio and life on the road alike.
- Features a gold-sputtered, 1” condenser capsule that produces concise vocals
- It also features a cardioid polar pickup pattern to eliminate ambient noise and concentrate solely on vocals.
- It is lighter in weight than the
Rode NT1 so that it can be suspended from a boom arm or shock mount with a greater level of confidence. - It has a 20Hz-20kHz frequency range that is brighter in the treble regions, so it’s ideal for pairing with low, male vocals.
- The 4dB self-noise level ensures no buzzing or electrical noise in silent periods of recording.
- Features an XLR port conveniently located on the bottom of the microphone for easy setup and unrestricted use
Cons:
- As with the NT1, the
Rode NT1A is an expensive microphone, so it may not be the best choice for anybody new to podcasting or a hobbyist podcaster.
Which is better?
The truth of the matter is that there isn’t much difference between the
Instead, it’s a case of determining which would work best for your podcast format and studio setup.
Both offer a large, gold-sputtered condenser capsule, and both operate with a cardioid pickup pattern. This makes each of them ideal for podcasting since you’ll want the majority of your show to be focused on capturing clear, concise vocals.
However, the frequency range of each is something to consider when deciding between the two. While both have the same frequency range of 20Hz-20kHz, the
This makes it ideal for capturing lower frequencies so, if you’re an all-male show, it could be the better option.
Both are similar in their construction, too, and are backed by a generous 10-year warranty. However, the
This may not seem like an important difference, but it can make a world of difference between your microphone remaining in place or falling when suspended in a boom arm or shock mount. So, think about your studio’s setup when considering the two.
Finally, the
The absolute silence this lower noise level guarantees will keep your listener immersed in the story, rather than being put off by annoying electrical interference.
Conclusion
If you’re still torn between the two, the simplest way to look at it is like this; if you want a warmer sounding microphone that works particularly well for male voices, then the best choice would be the
If you’re looking for a microphone that works well across a range of vocals and doesn’t need to be brighter in the treble regions, then the
Whichever you go for, the one thing you need to remember is that both the
So, if you’re new to podcasting and are still figuring out what works best for you, or if you’re on a smaller budget, a different brand might be more suitable for the time being.
However, if you can stretch to the price tag, you’ll be adding an invaluable piece of recording equipment to your studio that will last for years to come.
