Podscast/vo equipment - query

FutureGuy

Hi all,
So I'm investing in some equipment so I can do podcasts and some VO work. I have to admit that the technology side of things is completely foreign to me but I have carried out research for about a week. I won't be using it for anything other than voice work.

Mods, if this is better elsewhere, please move thanks!

A few questions...

1) For the microphone I have settled on Rode but I am unsure whether to opt for the NT-1A kit (comes with shock mount and pop shield) or the newer NT-1 kit (comes with shock mount and pop shield) which is about 70-80 more expensive. From what I understand the NT1 is a better microphone but is it 80 euro better?

2) I'm also going to need a phantom power source and it seems that Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 Usb Computer Audio Interface comes well recommended. Horever, for what I need (recording just vocal and perhaps adding sound effects), surely I can use the 2i2 or the solo?

3) I'm also going to be buying a new PC or Mac. Would you recommend one over the other for podcasting/ease of use/programs available?

Thanks for reading!

mang0

1 - NT1A is perfect for both. Especially if just starting off. Good for podcasts, decent for VO stuff too. As it's a condenser mic though, it will pick up a lot of sound from the room, so as much soundproofing/noise-dampening as you can manage will be important.

2 - You could use the solo but if you ever wanted to add another mic or a guest to the podcast, you're scuppered. Better off with the 2i2. The Focusrite stuff is good quality though.

3 - I can't say, I've always used Mac so would prefer it, but I don't think there's a huge difference between them and available software these days. Comes down to personal preference/price, I guess.

Good luck.

FutureGuy

mang0 wrote: »

1 - NT1A is perfect for both. Especially if just starting off. Good for podcasts, decent for VO stuff too. As it's a condenser mic though, it will pick up a lot of sound from the room, so as much soundproofing/noise-dampening as you can manage will be important.

2 - You could use the solo but if you ever wanted to add another mic or a guest to the podcast, you're scuppered. Better off with the 2i2. The Focusrite stuff is good quality though.

3 - I can't say, I've always used Mac so would prefer it, but I don't think there's a huge difference between them and available software these days. Comes down to personal preference/price, I guess.

Good luck.

Thanks a million for the reply.

1) I had read that NT1 has a better Frequency Resonse than the NT-1A ( example of that) ) and that it was better for VO (which is primarily what I will be using it for). Yes, sound proofing and noise dampening is going to be absolutely crucial. Thanks.

2) Yeah I think I'll opt for the 2i2 as it will futureproof me better.

3) Yeah I spent an hour chatting with a guy in CompuB and it looks like a Mac might be good given I can use bootcamp to get a PC running on it too.

Thanks again!

mang0

I've used NT1A for VO stuff, I'd say the difference between the two in a non-studio environment would be negligible.