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Risk-Free, classic sound from your mic at 1/8th the cost of a U 87
- Re-voiced, very low noise (5 dBa) FET / transformerless circuit
- New, upgraded single-layer headbasket increases openness and reduces coloration
- Improved low diffraction capsule base diffusor improves transient response accuracy
- MJE-K47 capsule provides mid-focused "Neumann-esque" sound with sibilance-free top end
Gold & Platinum-charting vocalist Oren Waters testing OktavaMod NT1a U87 alternative.
Single take, both mics up, recorded by Grammy-winning engineer Bill Pearson at an iconic Hollywood studio. NOTE: You may have to "right click" / "save as" then open in a DAW to play.
Vocal mic test 1 "Amazing Grace" - U87 or Michael Joly Engineering Mod'd Rode NT1a?
Vocal mic test 2 "Amazing Grace" - U87 or Michael Joly Engineering Mod'd Rode NT1a?
Shoot out Score - After nearly 3 years and over 90,000 views, the Michael Joly Engineering mod'd Rode NT1a leads Neumann U 87 - 52% to 48% (more people identify the Michael Joly Engineering NT1a as being the U 87).
Qustions? Michael Joly, Founder - OktavaMod
A full suite of SEVEN capsule, headbasket, acoustic and circuit mods
will transform your Rode NT1a into a U87 alternative vocal mic
The Rode NT1a mod - A Convincing U87 Alternative
Here's the backstory...
...While the RODE NT1a has one of the lowest self-noise figures of any LDC (5 dBA) there are two aspects of this mic (and the earlier NT1) that have always troubled me: the bright capsule voicing and a congested-sounding headbasket - two qualities impeding its use as a go-to vocal mic.
 Stock RODE NT1a Headbasket
Note very small open area at bottom 1/3 of front and back sides
The combination of the capsule with its strong HF peak (not at all like the classic K47 capsule used in the U 47 and M 49 mics) and very closed headbasket creates a top end that is both sibilant and congested while the midrange lacks the power required of a world class vocal mic.
This is Michael Joly writing, founder of OktavaMod. Click "buy now" to have me mod your Rode NT1a or NT1 with my MJE-K47 capsule, headbasket, acoustical mods and circuit upgrades to hear vocal mic results you're looking for. With the cash you'll save with this U87 alternative you can take your significant-other on a vacation get-away! Or click "contact me" below and send me your questions.
OktavaMod'd Rode NT1a Mod - Affordable U87 Alternative Vocal Mic
The headbasket mod, MJE-K47 capsule, acoustical upgrades and circuit mods work together as a system to provide a more balanced and natural frequency response without excessive HF rise or sibilance. Your vocals will sound like you want them to - and not frying bacon ; )
The end result - your RODE NT1 or NT1a will be transformed into a boutique vocal mic featuring the MJE-K47 capsule that oozes classic mic voicing (a "beer budget" U87 alternative?) without excessive high end boost. Your digital recordings will be better as a result.
Click "Add to Cart" to purchase full mod suite for your Rode NT1a. The modifications are performed by me in my lab and tested against my vintage 70's U 87 in my studio on Cape Cod. Once you order you'll get an immediate confirmation email. By the close of the next business day you'll receive a personal email with your scheduled modification and return ship dates. Questions? Just click "Contact Me" - And remember - your purchase is risk-free. best, Michael
* Mods to Other Rode Models Now Available!
I haven't made dedicated product pages for all the Rode mods I do here in my shop. But the parts, labor and most importantly - results - are just about the same as what you've heard here. Just write and let me know what you've got and I'll help you place your order. best, Michael
Hear the new MJE-384K capsule upgrade for the RODE NT5 vs the Schoeps CMC6 and Neumann KM 184
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