Rode NT4 or NT 5

[catsontracks]

I'm planning to buy some overhead mics, the NT4 (stereo with 2 little XY placed mics on it) or the NT5 which are 2 seperate mics. Both are in my budget (about 400/500 dollars). Can someone tell me the (dis)advantages between these mics?

Some advice on a basedrum mic is welcome to, I don't like the AKG D112 though.

 

[lorenzo gerace]

Hi

I recently got a pair of NT5, and I really like them; I think the capsule on them is similar (if not the same) to those on the NT4, so the sound shouldn't be too different. IMO, the NT4 is useful if you plan on doing a lot of stereo recordings, or field recordings, where a single mic to handle is mor practical than two, plus it's already configured with the right XY angle, so no hassle. OTOH, it gets you stuck with XY, and it may not be the best stereo technique for all applications; the stereo matched pair of NT5 are in that case a better solution, on drums OHs you could experiment with placement (as each kit/drummer is a different combination), and still put up an XY (or other stereo technique, I like ORTF) if needed, being them a matched pair (I use mine as spot mics on strings, acoustic guitars and drums OHs as well).
The sound is quite similar to that of the Neumann KM 184, maybe not as bright, but still they are crisp and open mics with a rising peak at about 6KHz and a fair mount of proximity effect when really close to the source. I think for the price they are really good (if you're in Netherlands check the price at Thomann Musikhauss in Germany at [="http://www.netzmarkt.de/thomann/thoiw7_index.html"]Thomann Musikhauss[/] , they've got really good prices for the Erupean countries).

For the Bass drum mic I like the Shure B52, dynamic, as it almost eliminates the need for EQ in mixdown, being already tailored for bass drum response, with the "cardboard" frequencies already scooped, and really takes a lot of SPL, really good for rock kits. On lighter (jazz or blues kicks) I like the Sennheiser E602, a little less boosted on the edges.

Hope this helps

L.G.

 

[Doublehelix]

Lorenzo has it right...the NT5's are a bit more versatile, the NT4 is better for remote work, and yes, they do use the same capsules. I also love my NT5's, and have found great success with them in many situations. For example:

Acoustic guitar, one of them pointed around the neck/body junction, angled to taste, and one on a boom stand over the guitarist's right shoulder, parallel to the body of the guitar.

This has worked very well for me, and is one example of where the NT5's will work where the NT4 cannot.

 

[Squaysh]

Wow Double,

you sure are relentless when it comes to the NT5's. Im in the market for a stero pair. The NT5's are in my price range and look like the best candidate. I was previously considering the Oktava 012's but i think im going to go with the Rodes instead. I have an NT1000 and i really like it a lot. They sure do build a solid mic. Have you ever tried the 012's? If so, how would they compare? Oh and by the way, love your sig. Take care.

 

[Doublehelix]

Wow Double,

you sure are relentless when it comes to the NT5's. Im in the market for a stero pair. The NT5's are in my price range and look like the best candidate. I was previously considering the Oktava 012's but i think im going to go with the Rodes instead. I have an NT1000 and i really like it a lot. They sure do build a solid mic. Have you ever tried the 012's? If so, how would they compare? Oh and by the way, love your sig. Take care.

Hehe...well, I don't know that I am "relentless", but I do like the NT5's for the price! There are other mics in this range, the 012's as you mention, but personally, I like the sound of the NT5's. I have a buddy that had the 012's, but liked the sound of my NT5's so much that he went out and bought a pair. Well...after a few months, he ended up selling the NT5's because he prefered the sound of the 012's!!! Everyone is going to like something different in a mic sound, so it is certainly down to personal preference.

I think he gets a great sound of his 012's, but then again, I can get a great sound of the my NT5's! It is all about knowing your mics, how to position them, and ulitmately, how to EQ them if necessary.

The 012's do have a nice feature in that you can switch the capsules on them, which you cannot do (yet!) on the NT5's...something to think about!

Remember the QC issue with the 012's...be sure to buy them from a reputable dealer.

I have never actually tried the C1000's so I don't have a comment there, sorry.

Good luck...you will do fine with either mic, I'm sure!

 

[bgavin]

I looked over the NT5 closely, then went with the Studio Projects C4 instead.

Nothing against the NT5, but the C4 offer omni capsules (as do the Octava) which increases their usefulness considerably. The C4 also come with shockmounts.

IMO, the NT4 would prove to be a huge disappointment for you, and difficult to unload without losing most of your investment.

Buy used on eBay, and you will do OK if/when you resell or move up. Look to pay about 66% of new-discount price, for used production gear. The Octava have acknowledge QC problems, so either buy them dirt cheap, or get a pair from the Sound Room (very $$$).

 

[krazydog]

I was just going to ask how the Rodes compare to the SP C4's.
Deffinately more bang for the buck with Studio Projects but do they sound as good as the Rodes or better?

Thanks
Sean

 

[Squaysh]

This might be an obvious question but here goes... The studio projects come with two different capsules. Does this mean that each mic has a different capsule, or do they include two for each mic, meaning four capsules total? The picture doesnt show any extra capsules or anything so... im confused :?

 

[krazydog]

hehe Yes they come with 2 of each capsule
:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Sean