Rode NT1-A Microphone

Jun 6, 2010 by Dan Taylor    25 Comments    Posted under: Music, Technology, Video

Building on the Audio Technica AT2020 and AKG P220 entry level studio condenser microphone reviews, this time up we’re taking a look at the Rode NT1-A. Priced just over $200 ($229 – B&H, Adorama, etc.), the Rode NT1-A delivers a high end sheen that I’ve not yet experienced with the previous two microphones, while at the same time, keeping it’s signal to noise ratio remarkably low. The Rode NT1-A is roughly the same size as the AT2020 and P220, and features a large 1-inch gold plated capsule. And just like the other two, the Rode NT1-A is a condenser with a tight cardioid pattern.

As is standard with most of today’s condenser microphones, frequency range is from 20hz – 20khz. Now here’s where things start to get interesting. According to Rode, the Signal-to-Noise ratio is 88 db. Which is quite odd, as the AKG has an S/N ratio of 78db and the AT2020 74db. However, when viewing the bar graphs inside my recording software, the Rode NT1-A had the closest to ‘flat’ of all three of the mics. In other words, on paper, it may not be the quietest, but when put to the eyes and ears, you can’t hear a thing (which, in this case, is good). The Rode NT1-A features no pad or roll-off switches, but achieves a maximum SPL of 137 db SPL, giving it the lowest range of the three microphones.

And while both the Audio Technica AT2020 and AKG Perception 220 feel like solid, if almost heavy, microphones, the Rode NT1-A goes the completely opposite route. Upon first unboxing of this microphone, I almost dropped it, as I was expecting something much heavier. It has the look and sound of a vintage tube mic, but definitely not the same feel. Likewise, the AKG comes with a solid (if only heavy plastic and foam padding) case, that makes just about anyone feel like a pro. Rode, while they do include a spider mount and pop-filter, there’s no case anywhere to be seen. Not even a decent, padded pouch (i.e. the Shure SM58 bank bag). At the end of the day, Rode gives you a fancy dust cover with a draw string. Fair enough, I don’t expect to be doing any ‘on-location’ work with this microphone, but a case would have gone a long way to making me fall 100% in love with this mic.

Overall conclusion

The Rode NT1-A is an outstanding mic for studio, voiceover and podcast work. It’s high on tone quality and vintage sound, while being light on the wallet, especially for what it is. It is the most expensive of the three microphones I’ve tested thus far, but when put head to head with the AKG Perception 220, you’re really going to have to dig in with a set of closed-ear headphones to really hear the difference. Conversely, if you’re using the Rode NT1-A solely as a spoken word/voiceover/podcast microphone, it’s outstanding. Of the three, the AKG seems most suited to functioning as an amped instrument’s recording microphone, as it has the highest SPL, while at the same time, requiring the most amount of incoming volume. The Rode does stand head and shoulders above the other two in the sensitivity department though. The AT2020 and P220 are very capable of picking up sounds in the desired sonic pattern, but both require the speaker to sometimes ‘swallow’ the mic to get an upfront feel, whereas the Rode presents this feeling naturally.

Rode NT1-A specifications:

• Power – P48 (48V), P24 (24V) phantom supply
• Acoustic Principle – Pressure gradient
• Directional Pattern – Cardioid
• Frequency range – 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Output impedance – 100?
• Signal noise ratio – >88 dB SPL (A – weighted per IEC651)
• Equivalent noise – 5 dB SPL (A – weighted per IEC651)
• Maximum SPL – 137dB SPL (@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1K? load)
• Maximum output voltage – +13.7dBu (@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1K? load)
• Sensitivity – -32 dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (25 mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz
• Weight – 326gm
• Dimensions – 190mmH x 50mmW x 50mmD

Uncompressed .wav files:

Spoken Word:
Rode NT1-A Spoken Word Uncompressed

Singing:
Rode NT1-A Singing Uncompressed

Guitar:
Rode NT1-A Guitar Uncompressed

I make no claims about my singing voice and paltry guitar skills.

Wiener Eistraum 2010

Mar 5, 2010 by Dan Taylor    2 Comments    Posted under: Video

Some of you might remember the time lapse footage video I made a while back featuring the Wiener Eistraum event.  A new camera and a whole lot of experience later…here’s my 2010 take on one of Vienna’s most beautiful winter events.

From the official Wiener Eistraum website:

The Vi­en­na Ice Dream awes its vis­i­tors by trans­form­ing an ice skat­ing rink into an ice land­scape. Since the Vi­en­na Ice Dream 2005, the dream path run­ning through the ro­man­ti­cal­ly lit Rathaus park has con­nect­ed the two large ice sur­faces. Since 1996, the size of the ice sur­faces has in­creased from 1,800 m2 to now over 5,600 m2. And that isn’t all that’s changed: the event pro­gramme, tech­nol­o­gy and the com­fort and ser­vice have been con­stant­ly ex­pand­ed and adapt­ed to newest stan­dards.

Over the years, more space has been al­lowed for ice stock shoot­ing, and there are now six ice stock lanes avail­able for fierce com­pe­ti­tions Mon­day through Fri­day.

This also marks my first entry with a full HD video at 1080p resolution.  Go ahead, full screen it….you know you want to.

AKG Perception 220 Microphone

Mar 4, 2010 by Dan Taylor    10 Comments    Posted under: Music, Technology, Video

As a follow-up to my previous review, let’s take a look at the AKG Perception 220 microphone. Priced around $50 more than the Audio Technica AT2020, the AKG packs a number of features into an agreeable (approximately) $200 microphone that are often found on much pricier microphones. Similar to the Audio Technica, the P220 is a cardioid condenser microphone, featuring AKG’s renowned 1-inch large-diaphragm true condenser transducer.

Both microphones feature a 20 – 20k hz response, with the AKG just edging out the AT2020 in the signal-to-noise ration department. The AKG clocks in at 78db while the Audio Technica scores only 4 db lower at 74 db. When it comes to miking up some amps or percussion, the AT2020 is capable of handling 144 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D. while the AKG P220 will handle 155 dB SPL, at .5% T.H.D. One unique advantage that the AKG has over the Audio Technica is it’s -20db pad. What this means is that users can simply flip a switch on the P220 if they’re going to be miking big amplifier cabinets, and don’t want to run the risk of distortion.

Another one of the AKG’s fancy switches will apply a bass roll-off filter. This is meant to filter out any unwanted low bass tones in your recording. For example, if used in a home studio, as I suspect many owners of the P220 do, in quiet passages, someone walking seemingly silent across the room, can sometimes register with a highly sensitive microphone such as the P220. To combat this, flip the roll-off switch and record low-end-rumble-free.

Overall, as you can see in the video above, I decided to go with the AKG. The Audio Technica AT2020 in it’s own right is a very strong microphone, and I would have no problems using it again. However, if given the choice, I just found the vocals to have a bit more sparkle on the high end, as well as some nice warm tones in the middle and lower end of my voice.  Also noteworthy, the Audio Technica ships as mic only, whereas the AKG included a nice matte-black spider shock mount, as well as an aluminum padded carrying case.  Certainly not deal breakers, but a further sign of AKG’s commitment to quality.

Overall conclusion

If you’ve got the extra $50 or so to spend, have a serious look at the AKG Perception 220 over the Audio Technica AT2020. Again, both good in their own right – but in my humble opinion, the AKG is a better piece of equipment.  And as an added bonus, I also know that I’m supporting my local economy, as AKG has their headquarters not very far away from where I live.

AKG Perception 220 specifications:

• Type 1″ Large Diaphragm True Condenser
• Polar pattern cardioid
• Frequency range 20 to 20,000 Hz
• Sensitivity 18 mV/Pa (-35 dBV)
• Max. SPL 135 dB/155 dB (0/-20 dB) for 0.5% THD
• Equivalent noise level 16 dB-A (IEC 60268-4)
• Signal/noise ratio (A-weighted) 78 dB
• Preattenuation pad 0 dB, -20 dB
• Bass filter 12 dB/octave at 300 Hz
• Impedance <200 ohms Recommended load impedance >=1000 ohms
• Powering <2 mA
• Power requirement 48 V phantom power to DIN/IEC
• Connector 3-pin XLR
• Finish metallic blue/nickel grille
• Dimensions 53 dia. x 165 mm (2.1 dia. x 6.5 in.)
• Net weight 525 g (18.5 oz.)
• Shipping weight 1,970 g (4.3 lb.)

Update! Uncompressed .wav files:

Spoken Word:
AKG P220 Spoken Word Uncompressed

Singing:
AKG P220 Singing Uncompressed

Guitar:
AKG P220 Guitar Uncompressed

I make no claims about my singing voice and paltry guitar skills.

Audio Technica AT2020 Microphone

Feb 17, 2010 by Dan Taylor    2 Comments    Posted under: Technology, Video

The folks at Audio Technica have done an outstanding job at packing a much more expensive sounding microphone into a minuscule $79.99 price tag. A Condenser Cardioid microphone, the AT2020 is perfect for recording voiceovers for your video productions and/or podcasts. An excellent entry level studio quality microphone, I’ve demonstrated in the video below a few of the finer points of the AT2020, including the usage of a pop filter, and not.

I also put the AT2020 to the test over the weekend, and closely mic’d by bass amp, and am proud to report no overdrive at all. Even at a fairly loud (by apartment standards) volume level, the AT2020 didn’t flinch.

While Audio Technica certainly had the bottom line in mind when the AT2020 hit the market, it’s a shame that the normally included accessories, a pop filter and spider mount, are not included. This additional cost will put you in the same price range as some low priced ‘middle range’ similar studio microphones. Overall, for the cost, tone, and overall design, I give the Audio Technica an A-.

Specifications:

• Element: Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz
• Open Circuit Sensitivity: –37 dB (14.1 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
• Impedance: 100 ohms
• Maximum Input Sound Level: 144 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
• Noise: 20 dB SPL
• Dynamic Range (typical): 124 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
• Signal-To-Noise Ratio: 74 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
• Phantom Power Requirements: 48V DC, 2 mA typical
• Weight: 12.1 ounces
• Dimensions: 6.38 inches long, 2.05-inch maximum body diameter
• Output Connector: Integral 3-pin XLRM-type
• Accessories Includes: Stand mount for 5/8″-27 threaded stands; 5/8″-27 to 3/8″-16 threaded adapter; soft protective pouch
• Audio-Technica Case Style: R7

I’m also looking at AKG’s slightly more expensive Perception 220 model, which features a bass roll off as well as a -20db feature that would be beneficial for tightening sound in on the source, as well as maximizing gain (without creating distortion).

The Austrian Roadtrip

Nov 30, 2009 by Dan Taylor    28 Comments    Posted under: Video

While it’s a few months old now – I finally dusted off the footage from this past summers’ roadtrip through Austria, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, and a tiny bit of Germany.  Enjoy!

Videos, coding, and a whole lotta text

Nov 27, 2009 by Dan Taylor    No Comments    Posted under: News, Technology, Video

By the looks of things around here, you’d think that I’d gone a little AWOL – and part of that is true.  I guess when you work on others’ blogs, copy, marketing, and video production – your own personal blog takes a back seat (funny how that making money to pay the bills thing works).  So without further adieu…let me bring ya’ll up to speed on what I’ve been working on.

MindMeister

As I wrote back in the beginning of October, I’ve started working with MindMeister in a variety of capacities.  Truly, this is one of the best gigs I’ve ever had.  Not only is Michael Hollauf (my boss), one of the most supportive people I’ve ever worked with, he’s also very open to any and all marketing ideas.  One of the first projects I did with MindMeister is the 4:37 screencast that went up about a month ago.

I can’t take credit for the video footage in this one, as the intro and most of the screen footage was produced and recorded by Wolfgang Bartelme. However, the vocals were recorded by me.

Shortly thereafter I received a headlong introduction to working with Ruby on Rails.  After installing NetBeans and getting and stunnel connection set up, I now have access to the ‘guts’ of the MindMeister engine.  On any given day, here’s what I’m looking at:

If you’re familiar with coding, then all of this makes sense.  If not, it’s completely Greek to you (and me – partially).  I place myself somewhere in the middle.  My coding experience more or less ended with html, however I’d consider myself a fairly decent php and css modifier, but not creator.  To be fair, when I work with code, I’m only altering text, not actually programming strings.  However, there is a certain level of organization required, as some text has already been created in a string previously, and doesn’t need to be duplicated, rather, a simple expression is needed to call upon this text.

Got all that?  Yeah – me too….but I’m getting there.

The last project I’ve worked on is a screencast video diving into some of the more advanced features of using links within MindMeister mind maps.  Again, the intro and outro were created by Wolfgang, but everything in between is all me – video and vox.

And just in case you’re wondering, here’s what I use to make the magic happen:

• MacBook Pro 2.5 Ghz w/ 4GB DDR2 SDRAM
• Adobe Premiere Pro
• Shure SG 25 microphone
• Allen and Heath Xone XD 53 headphones for monitoring

And if that wasn’t enough – I’ve also authored a blog post or two at the MindMeister Blog

fatfoogoo

Nothing really new in the way of fatfoogoo.  I keep tabs on the daily industry news concerning microtransactions and their applications in the video games industry.  Naturally, in-game advertising also shows up on my radar, as it’s also a monetization method for video and social games.  I did however recently read that one of fatfoogoo’s investors, Christian ‘Toto’ Wolff, recently purchased a minority stake in the Williams F1 racing team.  This buy in signals the first time ever that the teams’ principles, Sir Frank Williams and Patrick Head have allowed outside investment.  So indirectly, fatfoogoo now has a connection to the Formula One racing world?  Awesome.

Naturally, you can always have a read of what I’m reporting for fatfoogoo over in the industry news section.

Talespin

Here’s a teaser that I put together of a much larger project in the works.  At the end of last winter my two filmmaking partners and I had the opportunity to interview Chanda VanderHart and Anna Lea Stefansdotir of Talespin – Musical Tales for Big and Small.  To be honest – we’ve got so much great footage that I’ve simply been overwhelmed as where to start with the editing process (maybe a MindMeister mind map would be in order here?).  Footage was shot by me, while the audio was provided by, unfortunately I never got the guys name – but the dude running the soundboard.  And speaking of audio – let me tell you, aligning a separate audio source with video is much trickier that it looks.  After doing a little research, as well as talking to Ritchie (aka datadirt), it seems as though most DAT recordings run at 48kHz, while most video footage audio is recorded at 44kHz.  Not a major difference, but it’s enough to offset frames.  In other words, I couldn’t simply lay the audio in under the video, as every 60th frame or so, the audio would start to go out of phase.  To correct this, I had to manually splice the audio and line it up with the video.  See if you can hear the cuts – I bet you can’t.

So that’s about it for the month of November.  Sure there’s a whole slew of stuff I’m working on for MindMeister right now, but it’d spoil the surprise if I told you about it pre-launch, eh?  You’ll have to stay tuned.  If you don’t want to miss a beat, you can always follow MindMeister on twitter, become a fan on Facebook, or subscribe to the RSS feed.  Shameless marketing plugs FTW!

Best Office Nerfwar – ever

Sep 8, 2009 by Dan Taylor    10 Comments    Posted under: Video

Perhaps the best office nerf gun war I’ve ever seen.  Enjoy!

Bill Moyers on American Universal Healthcare

Sep 3, 2009 by Dan Taylor    2 Comments    Posted under: News, Video

Kick back and spend approximately 9 minutes with one of the most respected and literally “Been there, done that” journalists in America today.  If last week’s Bill Maher interview with Bill Moyers doesn’t bring up some serious “Hmm…now that’s something to think about,” issues…well, I guess there’s not really much hope for you.  As an example, Moyer’s leads the interview with, “I find it hard [Bill] to understand why this country has not embraced the notion of healthcare as a common, human need, to which everyone should have access regardless of their economic resources.  I just don’t understand that.”