Rode S1 Review
Vocal Condenser Microphone
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 6 of 6 Reviews
I love this Rode microphone - Inexpensive as heck for such a great mic
Rode S1 Pro Vocal Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Pole on Guitar Center
Excellent feedback rejection. Clear as a bell. I have never been happy with the coloration that some mics give my voice but this mic actually makes my voice sound very smooth and is perhaps devoid of coloration which is not harmonically pleasing. In other words, It makes my voice sound great, and it takes one hell of a mic to do that. Also excellent for acoustic guitar in a recording setting. I have been using it exclusively for recording when I am not using it live and it sounds amazing. I plan to use it next week on a female voice (I'll try to report back to let you know how that goes), but I expect it will sound great as it does on any source I have tried it with. I would also like to try it with a piano to see how it handles. As one of the other reviewers said, this thing is built like a tank. Just unscrew the outer windscreen when you get this thing and you will see the kind of craftsmanship that goes into making one of the S1. Off the top of my head, I think there are no less than three internal windscreens, of which the quality is superb (it would have to be to not color the source excessively with that much protection). I actually have not been using a pop filter with the S1 when recording vocals and I have not had any problems with plosives or anything else that sounds obtrusive. I'm not positive, but I think this may be the only mic that is actually marketed as a live-use condenser. It definitely has quality construction and excellent feedback rejection that is key for live use. You actually can crank the PA in very tight situations without any noticable feedback. All that being said, it is also amazing for studio use, as it also can pick up a pin drop in the next room. OK, I may be exaggerating there, but it will pick up sounds that will amaze you because they are so unnoticable to the human ear in everyday life (breathing, the playback through the HEADPHONES, stuff like that - I'm suprised it couldn't pick up my heartbeat - needless to say, a gate comes in handy here). Basically a very versatile mic, especially for the price. This mic would actually be a good value at just about any price in my opinion, however. Rode will definitely be getting more of my business. I really am hoping to save up for one of their tube condensers (I can only imagine how great they must sound). I may have a career thanks to this mic. I would give it six stars if I could. ... More
Great Stage Condensor
Rode S1 Pro Vocal Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Steve Bennett on Guitar Center
Almost three years ago, after two decades of solid performance from my SM58, I decided to look for something that might coax a bit more subtlety and texture out of my voice. I did a lot of research and was pleased to discover that there's a lot of good choices out there in the +/-$300 range. Finally, I settled on the Rode S1. The S1 specs are very solid and there for you to review. Feature wise it's straight ahead - no switches, no glitches! As far as I'm concerned a switch is just one more potential source for problems. Avoid when possible. The Mic works best up close and personal. You can go straight in but I find my sweet spot close in but slightly off axis maybe 30-40 degrees. Feedback has never been a problem using only the most basic and standard precautions. I've gigged with it regularly for most of three years now and I am more than pleased with the ruggedness and high-fidelity delivered by the S1. I've been running it through both Mackie and Soundcrafter boards and Mackie and QSC speakers and the S1 seems well matched to these components pulling out the subtleties and textures I'd been missing through the SM58 The bottom line is that I like it, my band mates have always liked it and on two occasions this year singers form other well known bands in town have come up to me at break specifically to check out my mic with one remarking, "That mic sounds great. Really well matched with your voice..." 'Nuff said. ... More
Rode S1 for Live Vocals
Rode S1 Pro Vocal Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by tom hankins on Guitar Center
I had used all sorts of dynamic mics, settling mostly on E/V's hight end (the N/D 700 and 900 series). My first venture into a stage condenser was the E/V RE510. I was impressed with the lack of feedback and great sound and proximity response of the condenser (very different than a dynamic mic). I realized shortly thereafter that there are two types of condenser elements, electret and capsule (inexpensive and expensive is the real kicker). I found out the capsule type gets pricey very fast. I sought to make the upgrade, comparing the Neumann KMS 105, Audix VX10 and Sennheiser E965. I was reading reviews when I saw a reference to the Rode S1. I did the research on the Rode S1 and found it up to par with the other mics, with a fairly lower cost. Just by chance, I found a discounted demo unit, snagged it, tried it out for several gigs and I will never look back. There are no switches to mess with, proximity response is remarkably linear and forgiving, it's built very well, feels quite comfortable inm the hand and most of all the comments from the audience routinely mention how smooth the vocals sound. I do have a fairly smooth vocal delivery and a very with vocal range. This mic is impressive and worth the moderate investment. ... More
Awesome Live Vocal Mic!!!
Rode S1 Pro Vocal Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Jon on Guitar Center
I've been having a female vocalist I do sound for use this mic for 3 months now with great success. An extremely smooth and neutral sound the captures the full range of her voice. No feedback what so ever with minimal attention payed to monitor placement. And it's built like a tank! R0DE will be getting more business from me in the future.
Clean and Durable
Rode S1 Pro Vocal Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by stephen bennett on Guitar Center
I've been using the S1 for over two and a half years, gigging two-three times a month. Based on the overall performance/cost value proposition I'd give it 5 stars. The S1 has outstanding sonic clarity, resists feedback and has proven to be both reliable and durable. You'll read a lot of comments warning you that condenser mics are too fragile for live sound. Well, that was then, this is now. At this point I have no reservations or qualms about this mic in a live stage environmmnent. Just treat it with a modicum of respect and you'll use it with confidence too -- it's gonna be fine. No, make that "excellent." ... More
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S1 from the start had a major porblem
Rode S1 Pro Vocal Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Richard on Guitar Center
The mike to power off voice. I have other condenser mikes on the same audio and none have the problem. You cant finish a song without the mike going dead in mid song. Love to return but doesnt semm I have an option on Guitar Center
