Studio or Field mic - what are the differences?

Allan Black · July 14th, 2010, 12:14 AM

Just about the biggest feature of the NT1-A for nature work is its very low self noise so you can wind it right up. The negative side .. there's no low cut so the slightest breath on the capsule will be heard. It won't fit the Rode Blimp, and some might find needing 48V a problem.

Some of the best nature sounds I've heard are stereo with a great soundfield at night. The Rode NT4 is stereo will take a 9V battery, no low cut but it will fit in the Blimp. The response is 20-20Khz and for nature work it'll stand some high frequency roll off when in the Blimp. I tape some fresh silicagel sachets inside the Blimp with it.
Cheers.

Alastair Traill · July 14th, 2010, 06:08 AM

Thanks for the continuing interest in this post. I have done some reading on parabolic reflectors. Low frequency problems seem to be related to focal length of the reflector as well as to its diameter. Better low frequency responses are apparently to be had from large diameter short focal length reflectors. I am sure that the directionality of the reflector could be an advantage if you know the exact source of the sound, however as I am interested in nocturnal animals that may call briefly and occasionally and possibly while moving, this directionality may not be such a good thing.

Currently I am exploring the possibilities of the Rode NT1-A. I have experimented with the NT1-A in a Rode blimp but have had trouble with handling noise, padding the blimp handle with sponge rubber proved to be ineffective. However I have found that suspending the Rode shock mount from rubber bands eliminated the handling noise problem. With the extra level of isolation I can now use the full gain of my recorder without being bothered by handling issues. Another problem with the Rode blimp is that it uncomfortable to use with a side address microphone.

Unlike the PCM-D50’s inbuilt mics the NT1-A seems not to be unduly sensitive to wind noise.

July 14th, 2010, 12:14 AM	#16
Allan Black Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sydney. Posts: 2,887	Just about the biggest feature of the NT1-A for nature work is its very low self noise so you can wind it right up. The negative side .. there's no low cut so the slightest breath on the capsule will be heard. It won't fit the Rode Blimp, and some might find needing 48V a problem. Some of the best nature sounds I've heard are stereo with a great soundfield at night. The Rode NT4 is stereo will take a 9V battery, no low cut but it will fit in the Blimp. The response is 20-20Khz and for nature work it'll stand some high frequency roll off when in the Blimp. I tape some fresh silicagel sachets inside the Blimp with it. Cheers. __________________ Drink more tap water. On admission at Sydney hospitals more than 5% of day patients are de-hydrated.

July 14th, 2010, 06:08 AM	#17
Alastair Traill Major Player Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 626	Thanks for the continuing interest in this post. I have done some reading on parabolic reflectors. Low frequency problems seem to be related to focal length of the reflector as well as to its diameter. Better low frequency responses are apparently to be had from large diameter short focal length reflectors. I am sure that the directionality of the reflector could be an advantage if you know the exact source of the sound, however as I am interested in nocturnal animals that may call briefly and occasionally and possibly while moving, this directionality may not be such a good thing. Currently I am exploring the possibilities of the Rode NT1-A. I have experimented with the NT1-A in a Rode blimp but have had trouble with handling noise, padding the blimp handle with sponge rubber proved to be ineffective. However I have found that suspending the Rode shock mount from rubber bands eliminated the handling noise problem. With the extra level of isolation I can now use the full gain of my recorder without being bothered by handling issues. Another problem with the Rode blimp is that it uncomfortable to use with a side address microphone. Unlike the PCM-D50’s inbuilt mics the NT1-A seems not to be unduly sensitive to wind noise.