The Rode NT1-A was the first serious microphone I bought for my home studio over 10 years ago. My local music shop recommended the mic, and after some half hearted Googling I decided to give it a go. To put it plainly, I fell in love with the microphone. I was mainly recording music at the time, and the microphone was incredible. Regardless of what I threw at it, acoustic guitar, screaming vocals, it just sounded good. It’s versatile, warm and clear. So why buy the Rode NT1-A for voice over?
Note: the Rode NT1 and NT1- A are slightly different microphones but both are awesome. According to Booth Junkie (See video below) he prefers the NT1. It’s got a flatter frequency response, and so I would agree that would be the way to go. However, this review is of my experience with the NT1-A.
Since my humble home studio beginnings I have purchased many other microphones including the Rode K2, the NT1’s big uncle, the Sennheiser MKH416, the beautiful Neumann TLM 103 and the Rode M3, as well as other microphones. I started doing voice over sessions with the K2 and loved it. It’s a valve microphone so it’s lovely and warm. One day the K2 had enough and the valve blew, I was forced to go back to my trusty Rode NT1-A. I was worried as it’s just an inexpensive microphone, but the session was great. Afterwards I was searching online and found out that many voice over actors use this microphone.
Here’s the difference between the Rode NT1 and NT1A
Why is the Rode NT1-A great for voice over ?
#1 Cost
First of all the Rode NT1-A is crazy cheap. Like insane. If you are on a budget please go and buy this microphone. Especially for a home studio it’s more than enough. For a mic this versatile, and professional, I wouldn’t recommend anything else.
#2 Clarity
The Rode NT1-A is a beautifully clear microphone. Some might even call it too bright, but for voice over that clarity is great, especially when you don’t have a lot of other external preamps and compressors, or expensive plugins to help you out. If you would prefer a flatter more balanced sound the NT1 would be the better option.
Rode NT1-A and NT1 Frequency Response
Both versions of the mic add a bit of brightness and clarity in highs.
#3 Solid Build
Rode just make great microphones. They are such a solid company and most their products come with a 10 year warranty. How many companies are offering 10 year warranties? That’s because their products are really well made. Even though they are affordable, they are one of the most trustworthy audio brands out there.
#4 Low self noise
The Rode NT1 is one of the most quiet cardioid microphones on the market. Quieter than the much esteemed Neumann TLM 103 or U87 and much quieter than the Senheiser MKH416. Having a quiet microphone is vital for voice over, especially when working on narration or other voice over work that won’t have SFX in the final product.
Self noise is only 5dB, which is insane.
Neumann TLM103 = 7dB
Sennheiser MKH416 = 13 dB
MICROPHONE SPECS
1) Large 1″ condenser capsule with gold-plated membrane
2) Polar Pattern: Cardioid polar pattern
3) Ultra-low noise, self noise of 4.5dB
4) 10 year extended warranty when you
For more details on Rode’s NT1
Conclusion
I have loved my Rode NT1-A and would recommend it to everyone as a great starting point for voice over. The Rode NT1 would be an even better choice if you can spend the extra few bucks, but you’ll be happy either way.
Go record some voice!