A microphone is the first step in your recording process. It will affect your sound quality, so choosing an ideal microphone for your voice and application is essential. The Aston Stealth Vs Rode NT1 are good mics for broadcasting purposes and in-studio for recording vocals and instruments. These microphones are detailed and clean, but they don’t sound identical. If you wonder which to go for, let’s see what else they can offer here.
In this comparison, we are going to talk about:
- How Microphone Work
- What are Aston Stealth and Rode NT1
- How is the Build Quality of Aston Stealth and Rode NT1
- How are the Sound Characters of Aston Stealth and Rode NT1
- What else Aston Stealth and Rode NT1 can offer
- How are the Performances of Aston Stealth and Rode NT1
- Aston Stealth Vs Rode NT1
Microphone for Recording Purposes
To capture a sound like your voice, we will need a microphone. This equipment has been around for so long and is very useful for many different purposes. Your smartphone and AirPods have a microphone to record and capture the voice so other parties can listen to it. It is also available in smart speakers so the digital assistant can recognize what you want them to do. The microphone mechanism is very similar to a loudspeaker but works in reverse.
The microphone is simple to explain. Your voice or instruments create sound waves, an energy that comes toward the microphone. The sound we hear is energy carried by vibrations in the air. When it strikes the microphone, the diaphragm inside moves back and forth. Behind this diaphragm, a coil also moves back and forth. The next element is a permanent magnet that produces a magnetic field cutting the coil, so when the coil moves, an electric current will flow through it.
This electric current flows from the microphone to an amplifier or sound recording device like your computer. This electric current is converted into sound through your speaker or stays in your recording device. In modern days, there are similar condenser and dynamic microphones with a slight difference. The dynamic is a regular microphone, while the condenser also has metal plates moved by the diaphragm to generate the current. But, regardless of the microphone type, they can have various polar patterns.
| Aston Stealth | Rode NT1 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
|
| Product Dimensions | 10 x 5 x 4 inches | 15 x 5 x 11 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 2.16 pounds | 4.82 pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon | click here | click here |
About Aston Stealth and Rode NT1
There are so many good microphones to consider, and this can be confusing because we won’t have the time and access to test every microphone available in the market. The best and most convenient way to get an ideal microphone is to see what other similar users are buying because you may like their choice. We recommend sticking with popular names because they have a reliable reputation and product quality. You can also choose one based on the budget or connectivity.
There is plenty to consider when it comes to a good microphone, and it is normal to have different preferences. If your purpose is to record voice or vocals, the Aston Stealth and Rode NT1 are some of the most exciting options to go for. These microphones are very popular, and it is for good reason because they give a solid sound quality. They are ideal for speech or spoken words, but subjectively they don’t sound identical with our ears liking the Stealth better.
The sound of this Aston mic sounds more high definition, but they are not far different. The spoken words are pleasant, and many people also seem to use these mics for their amps and acoustic guitars, depending on how the setup works. The difference between Aston Stealth and Rode NT1 besides their sound characters is features because Aston offers more for being the more expensive choice. They are perfect for broadcasting purposes, and we think most people will sound good from these microphones.
If you have a concern about the low end or want it to be present but not in a way that it can overpower the rest of the frequency, Stealth is an ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer something with a more natural sound character, the Rode NT1 will be an attractive choice. Read also: Aston Stealth Vs SM7B here.
Aston Stealth and Rode NT1 Build Quality
Let’s look at the unit first before getting to know the speakers better. The NT1 comes in a kit that is great if you don’t plan to buy the small accessories later, and it also packs the XLR cable, unlike the Stealth. Both connect using XLR port, such as from the mic to the interface. The build quality is excellent, and they are made of metal. The capsule of Stealth is a combination of metal and plastic, with the area near the head being plastic.
This microphone is top addressed, while NT1 is a side addressed microphone. Stealth is about $100 more expensive than NT1, but the accessories it comes with are not as well-made. For example, the XLR connector and mount are wobbly, so it can’t keep the mic firm on the boom arm. The NT1 is much better here. The shock mount and the popup filter are all robust and look well-made. The NT1 doesn’t have any feature on the capsule, but you can find the Stealth voice selection at the bottom.
Aston Stealth and Rode NT1 Setup
Both Aston Stealth and Rode NT1 are labeled as condenser microphones, but the Stealth, also known as a dynamic model, makes it confusing. This is to call that this microphone can work with or without the 48V power supply, unlike most condenser microphones. The NT1, on the other hand, needs phantom power, so we will have to plug it into proper equipment. The Stealth can work in passive (without phantom power) and active mode when connecting the phantom power.
This microphone is unique because of a built-in class A preamp inside, which is not always present in many options in the same price range. This allows the mic to increase the input sensitivity to gain more before feedback. This active mode is beneficial for studio or live applications if you don’t have a good preamp to drive typical dynamic microphones.
Aston Stealth and Rode NT1 Sound Characters
Now is for the sound character of Aston Stealth and Rode NT1, which is similar but also different. The most noticeable difference in our ears is the low end which is more prominent from Stealth. Listening to the Stealth alone, we do not realize the details, but it becomes more apparent when you also listen to the NT1. The Rode microphone is more balanced and probably accurate without introducing or elevating the stronger part of your voice, making it neutral and pleasant.
The sound from Aston Stealth seems to have a more robust low end which is also great, especially for a male voice to make it warm, but it is not as warm as the SM7B. The low end is more present on the first or V1 setting because this is made for male voice and our personal favorite among the settings. In addition to V1 for male voice, the Stealth also offers V1 for female voice, G for guitar, and D mode for dark voice.
Aston Stealth and Rode NT1 Features
These settings are significantly different, so you should pick according to preference or application. The voice settings also make Aston Stealth special from many other microphones and remind us of some USB broadcasting speakers. As mentioned above, Aston has a selector at the bottom to select which voice to use. The V1 is warm and perfect for male voice, the V2 has a high gain, and your voice will sound both higher and harsh.
The V2 setting has a good low end, but it is not as pronounced as the V1. The guitar mode is lighter, and this setting seems to filter the low end to show off its bright tone, making it perfect for acoustic guitars. The V2 is good for recording solo guitar or a simple cover since it gives a fuller body to the recording, but if you are in a band, the low frequency is the bass job, so guitar mode will be suitable.
Aston Stealth and Rode NT1 Performance
Lastly, both Aston Stealth and Rode NT1 are good microphones for the overall performance. The NT1 has a popup filter that reduces plosives, and the accessories are very useful as they are made of good quality material. The rejection is impressive, making this microphone ideal for spoken words, vocals, and instruments. The Stealth is also incredibly versatile, but we have complaints about its build quality, and the rejection is also not as good. If someone touches the boom arm while you record, expect to hear it as well.
Aston Stealth Vs Rode NT1
There are many good microphones, and these two are some of the best for the budget. The Aston Stealth and Rode NT1 are different based on the sound character and the features. Stealth is warmer and has more kick on the low end, which you may like or not, but we love this type of sound. It is not overwhelming as the mid and tops are also pleasant to listen to. The mic has four different settings and comes with a built-in preamp.
Conclusion
The decision is all yours because we may have different preferences. We recommend NT1 if you like a more neutral sound, while Stealth is for those who want a warmer and fuller low-end. It also has voice options to match your taste and the application.