RØDE - NT1 (Original 1991-1997)

This depends on the generation. I'm not a fan of the 5th gen NT1, but the original was a great little mic, and the previous generation NT1 (not NT1a) was solid for the price.

I think you're thinking of the OG Rode NT1, not the NT1-a. The original uses all through-hole components with Wima caps and was designed by Jim Williams for Rode. Great mic, especially for the price, and like you said, a great platform for mods to make it even better. The NT1-a uses all SMD components and although the capsule can be easily swapped on both, circuit mods are very difficult on the -a, and I'm unsure if they made circuit changes or just switched from through-hole to SMD (I'm assuming they did). Just an FYI for people out there on the differences. The NT1's are actually pretty hard to find. Mostly because of how popular the NT1-a's became.

I would not buy a Cloudlifter just so I can use a mediocre mic like the Samson S9U. Seems like a waste of money. I would not buy an SM7B or SM7DB just for work calls and gaming. That’s ballpark $500 just so your coworkers and gaming buddies can hear you. People want the SM7B because we are living in an era of peak SM7B hype… every streamer and podcaster seems to use one. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good mic, but you shouldn’t buy an expensive mic just for the hype. Get a Røde NT1 or AT2035 or similar large-diaphragm condenser under $200. These all have higher sensitivity, which means you can turn the gain down on your audio interface. You’ll sound clear and the mic will work great with your interface. IMO, spending $400 instead of $200 doesn’t get you a much better mic. Most of the really good-sounding mics cost somewhere north of $700, with a few excellent, less-expensive dynamics below that price point (but you need more gain to use them).

Do you know what it means for a microphone to be more sensitive? It means that the microphone puts out a stronger signal for the same sound. Play the same sound for two microphones… if one microphone puts out a stronger signal, you that the microphone is more sensitive. But, isn’t that exactly a solution for your problem? Your problem is that the signal is not strong enough, and it sounds quiet. So if you get a more sensitive microphone, the signal will be stronger, and you can turn the gain down. “Sensitive” does not mean that the microphone picks up more details or anything like that. There is a kind of myth that dynamic microphones somehow don’t sound bad in a poorly-treated room. Maybe it’s time to put that myth to rest. But a lot of people believe that myth, and keep repeating it on YouTube and Reddit. Coincidentally, Dan Worall complained about that myth in a video he posted today: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP74656yTi8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP74656yTi8) “No, condenser mics don’t pick up more background noise. Not really.”

The podmic can take a long walk off a short pier. Rode is great, but the podmic ain't it. NT1 is the best all around low-price XLR. Once you get more to invest, you can take a trip to sweetwater and really do a mic shootout, but the NT1 rarely disappoints.

AFAIK the nt1 and the nr1-a are very different. The latter is brighter and harsher.

That's impressive that you've saved up for a proper setup at 16. For a lower range voice, I'd actually suggest the NT1 over the NT1-A. The NT1-A has a bit of a "brightness" to it that can sometimes make a deep voice sound a little harsh or thin. The NT1 is much more neutral and usually handles lower frequencies better. And yes, the Scarlett Solo (both 3rd and 4th gen) provides 48V phantom power, so you're good to go. For the cable, don't overspend—a basic XLR from a brand like Pro Co or even Hosa will work perfectly. The fact that you're prioritizing sound treatment is the real win here; that'll make a bigger difference than the mic choice anyway!

Shure SM7B is a dynamic mic and not the best technology for the nuance of voice acting. You want to go with an LDC mic, and the NT1 is an absolute workhouse and industry staple for voice talent with home studios

This is like an Apples to Oranges comparison if the Apples were grown in the backyard of Cletus's cabin and the Oranges were plucked from the Garden of Eden. For Streaming you want to go with the NT1. Without question.

Vanilla is a great flavour but it's overrated. I can't believe the concept of something being good, but perhaps overrated, is alien to you. Also, the RE320, LCT 440, C214, AT4040, and NT1 sound better IMO. Considering these are just about in the same price target and have sales that rival the 7B, I think it supports my point. 7B is just a good, solid, condenser-like dynamic mic. Nothing special.

The EQ I have to do to clean up my SA-87T is pretty much nothing. Now to be fair, this is partly due to other gear in my tracking chain, but even with my NT1 in the same chain I was doing more. With this mic change, songs sound almost finished from the recording print.