ntk vs. nt1a

[badperson]

I have both of these mics and have used each on the last couple songs I've done.

The ntk seems to cut through the mix more, even at lower volumes. For example, I used it on an acoustic guitar part that sings right through without overwhelming the other parts with volume. The nt1a is a good mic, but doesn't have that quality.

What causes that? How does a tube mic sound different?

thanks.

bp [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]

[doorknocker]

bp,

I guess it depends on what you're trying to achieve. The NTK has a pronunced presence 'spike' around 5k or so, which gives you that 'cutting' sound. Sometimes that's what I'm looking for and sometimes not...but remember, to have a foreground you need a background.... I had the same experience that you describe with an acoustic guitar, a great, mellow sounding Guild. The NTK is perfect on that guitar but it's not about getting the 'true' sound of it (it wouldn't cut through in a mix) but rather about enhancing a part of the sonic spectrum and make it work.
I can only repeat what's been said so often before...every mic is different and there isn't good and bad (talking about the standard mic choices) but rather there are combinations that work better on a certain sound.

Andi