This is What a $25,000 Mic Sounds Like

Worth the hype, or just a status symbol? I compared the iconic, vintage Telefunken U47 to the Rode NT1.

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[danielbentley]

I think the Neve and Distressor played a much bigger role in the pro sound on both mics than the mics themselves. Doing the same test gain matched straight into a Focusrite interface vs. the Neve + Distressor chain and you'd hear a lot more difference.

[samuelsmith]

What would be great would be a comparison that leaves the EQ alone on the U47 and rolls off the highs slightly on the NT1 in order to see just how close an NT1 can sound to the U47 as opposed to the other way around.

[maailmanalku]

Great comparison - I love that you recorded this properly with a great singer. This really helps you see the difference - and the lack of difference. I think the Neumann has that golden sound - it's really difficult to describe what exactly. It has presence but its not bright like the Rode, it's like velvet. The Rode sounds also fantastic, but its more present and bright and more in your face - like a modern pop vocal. So there is nothing with it either. I mean.. with some processing - the difference is not gonna be noticeable - but that Neumann sound is that wonderful smooth vocal sound that pops out without disturbing. I think the difference is more pronounced when you really jack up the volume - the Neumann sound you will enjoy at any volume. Also you should never discount the impact of the vintage mic on your mood and vibe - if it helps you feel better during decording, then it could again make a difference. But it's a difference that only world class musicians should care about.

[Prince.Mykal.Vision]

As someone who owns and uses these status symbol mics on a regular basis (u87, u67, C800G, 251, C12, M49, etc..) I can tell you that the most important thing is how well the room is acoustically treated. The difference between well designed mics, (no matter how cheap or expensive) becomes significantly small. Investing in room treatment often overlooked, but probably the most important factor in getting a professional studio quality recordings. in a properly treated space the differences between mics becomes more obvious, but the differences also become more negligible at the same time.

[JoshFryer]

This is hilarious! People think I'm crazy because I still use those cheap MXL vocal mics for some of my tracks. Rock tracks get the SM7B but ballads get the MXL. I might have to pickup one of these NT1s though! 👀 Great vid! 🤘🤘🤘

[yurita]

Wow... That guy really can sing! Loved his tone ❤

[Fluware]

For those who are confused about the color of NT1. I think this mic is an *NT1 5th gen (silver color)* and not Nt1-A.
NT1-A has a much more sibilant high-end which makes in incomparable to high-grade studio mics. (If you use NT1-A pls don't hate me, It's definitely a good mic for the price)

[siriusfun]

This was great. I must admit to being surprised by how nominal the difference was when A/B dry although there was a very slight difference when played in context of the song where - to my ears - the vocal had a little more weight which allowed it to sit better, and definitely smoother on the upper mids/top.
With that in mind I'd add that I assume the U47 would stack better over multiple overdubs. $24, 750 better? Not a chance!

[dylanjastle]

Thanks for this upload. I meet lots of bedroom artists (that are even less experienced than me) obsessing over microphones. My opinion is you can get any ~$400 microphone and forget about it. Dynamic or condenser. It will be great on vocals with the right processing.

[lukesmith]

I bought a matched pair of Rode NT1's several years ago and have achieved great recordings with them. I've always thought about getting an even "nicer" mic, but this video really hammers down how so much audio gear has diminishing returns as you go for more expensive options. To my ears all it takes is a bit of EQ and perhaps some subtle saturation to get the Rode mic to sound 99.9% the same as the U47.

[DaveSS-xipn]

Without the high end bump being added, the 47 is noticeably less present in the lower passages. Love the Rode❤❤❤❤

[LexBravary]

Regardless of sound, another consideration is reliability and longevity. I don't use certain brands anymore because they're more likely to break over time. Sometimes you're paying for decades of use vs a few years, or less downtime.

Thanks for everything you do sir!

[PrantoKoX]

2 things: the sibilance (soft & manageable on thr U47, signature sharp & more "evil" on the Rode), and the low-mid thick richness.
If he'd been even closer, with even more proximity effect, both would have been even more apparent.
Still, that guy can sing and emote very well, and the mics are in a very good room, hooked up to a great audio chain - so most any mic wouldn't sound too bad!

[brrxdesign]

I used a Rode NT1A for several years and switched to other microphones (TLM103, OC808) because it has a strange, definable character in the high frequency, which also creates a home effect in the final mix. It gives the sound a completely different character with the new microphone, the recording and the processing are also different.
I think that most errors can be corrected in a mix, but not completely.

[GS-wwwk]

Love this guys voice! Obviously, good gear makes a difference, but a great performance trumps good gear every time.

[BeauStephenson]

I love that 47. Sheesh. Especially when you push into it with more force, it's just so smooth and elegant. The NT1A handles like most modern mics in that price range with capsules machined in a factory instead of by hand.

[GeorgeAmodei]

i did a Mic Shoot-Out after NAMM 2019. I went to Vintage King LA and bought 4 Condensor Mics. ( Telefunken's TF29, 51, 41, Neumann U87AI & from online the RODE NTK ( similar to K2 ) after Tracking they all had different Frequency Responses, Neumann was Supper HOT Signal, The Telefunken's were good but one had Low end Boost or too much Top & other Mid. So listing back in DAW ( Studio ) In blind TEST I picked The $565.00 RODE NTK !!! like you show & mention in your Vid ( Eq it anyhow ). Thx for making this for those who think they need THE ICONIC GEAR that we all know of :)

[mikeandersonwa]

Honestly... the NT1 sounded fantastic. Also that singer was fantastic!

[JoeyFTL]

Hey that's Play Oliver! Good to know he's still around!
The U47 sounded somewhat richer but it's insane how little difference there is

[SilentFieldSK]

U47 sounds warmer and smoother especially in low-mid. Rode sounds a bit harsh in high frequencies but all those differences are so small. From practical point of view, NOBODY from regular people/listener will ever notice any difference between those mics. But, this review was super professional and clear not just for pro soundguys but also for normal people. Well done!