Blue Bluebird vs. Rode Nt1a or NT2a

[stevieray2305]

Hello,

I am looking to upgrade my current recording hardware. I currently use a cheap MXL 990 and 991 as my condenser mics. I am thinking of getting either a Blue Bluebird or Rode NT1a or NT2a as my next step up.

Have any of you used either of these? I will be recording into an M-Box 2 mini (i am thinking of purchasing a preamp as discussed in a different post).

Any suggestions? Any of these stand out as a significant upgrade to my MXL 990/991 budget mics?

Thanks...

[EGS]

The Rode NT2A is a fine mic, for many applications. I got one about a year ago and I keep finding new uses for it. My U87's looks sexy, but I usually like the sound of the NT2A better. What's your budget and mic applications?

[stevieray2305]

Thanks for the quick response. I have heard great things about the Rode Nt2a but I am not sure if it is too sophisticated for me or not with all the switches. I am fairly new at recording. I know just the basics of recording the track into the M-Box 2 mini and onto Pro-Tools... and that is about it unfortunately.

I am interested in learning more and just ordered a book as I have so many questions about eqing, compressing, etc...

So as far as mic applications, I am unsure of what you mean due to my lack of experience.

I believe my max budget would be somewhere around the Rode Nt2a range.

Thanks again.

[stevieray2305]

I just figured out what you meant by applications.

The main thing I will be using the new mic for is vocals and acoustic guitar.

I plan to plug the bass guitar directly into the Mbox 2 mini.

I plan to buy a Sure SM57 to mic my Marshall half stack.

I plan to record drums by using Roland pads plugged into a Roland MIDI interface plugged into my computer and triggering sounds from either EZDrummer or Addictive Drums program.

Thanks again for all responses.

[albee1952]

Some other solid budget choices; MXL V89(very solid FET LDC). MXL V69ME(very good tube LDC and it gets better with a good replacement tube like an NOS Mullard). For guitar amps, the Cascade Fathead or Fathead II sounds much better to my ears than a 57(but everyone should have a couple anyway). Any of these can be had new for under $400.

[stevieray2305]

what about the AT4040? Anyone like this mic compared to any others previously listed?

[aus scott]

I think the AT 40 series stuff is great - either the 4040 or the 4033a would be worthy additions.

Scott

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by aus scott

I think the AT 40 series stuff is great - either the 4040 or the 4033a would be worthy additions.

Scott

I agree these are both good mics, but I think the other options have a slight edge overall(just an opinion).

[lockwolf]

I recently got a Rode NT1-A for my studio, excellent budget mic.

Originally Posted by albee1952

Some other solid budget choices; MXL V89(very solid FET LDC). MXL V69ME(very good tube LDC and it gets better with a good replacement tube like an NOS Mullard).

MXL is a hit or miss brand. Even with their higher end products, the quality control isn't the best and you either get a really good one or one that barely works.

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by lockwolf

I recently got a Rode NT1-A for my studio, excellent budget mic.



MXL is a hit or miss brand. Even with their higher end products, the quality control isn't the best and you either get a really good one or one that barely works.

Can't disagree. Maybe I have just been lucky