Rode NT1-A Studio Condenser Microphone

zZounds' Take on Rode NT1-A

Originally released in 1991, Rode's now-legendary NT1 microphone was one of the first condenser mics to bring professional performance to an emerging home-studio market. Rode was on to something big: the arrival of computer-based DAWs soon made home-studio recording the new standard. The anniversary edition NT1-A condenser continues the Rode tradition of quality at an affordable price. This Australian-built mic boasts a miniscule 5 dBA of self-noise, making it truly one of the world's quietest microphones -- ideal for vocals, voiceover, and acoustic instruments. With a clearer, more articulate high end than the original NT1, and a hint of subtle warmth that's universally flattering on vocals, there's nothing "budget" about the sound of the Rode NT1-A.

True-Condenser Operation

So you're ready to start tracking serious vocals in your home studio, and you've decided that you need a quality entry-level large-diaphragm condenser mic. So, what makes one condenser better than another? For starters, the vast majority of low-cost condensers use an electret design, where a small electrical bias, or charge, is permanently applied to the condenser element. In contrast, the Rode NT1-A is a true externally-biased condenser microphone, like the most expensive large-diaphragm studio condensers. Meanwhile, state-of-the-art surface-mount electronics and transformerless circuitry make the NT1-A one of the quietest microphones in the world -- at any price range. With a self-noise rating of just 5.5 dBA, the NT1-A is perfect for picking up detailed nuances of instruments like acoustic guitar, quiet violin, or delicate vocals. And yet, maximum SPL of 137 dB makes it a go-to mic for loud vocals or drum overheads. It's this versatility that has made the NT1-A a go-to condenser for home project studios.

Extended Frequency Response

While the originally NT1 had a frequency range that tapered off at the top, the NT1-A boasts an open, detailed high end and well-balanced low-end warmth. This microphone is known to sound true and natural on acoustic sources -- without the high-mid harshness often found in "cheap" condensers. If you're a folk singer-songwriter that's making vocal/guitar tracks with just one or two mics, the NT1-A is a fantastic budget choice. If you're more the kind of producer that likes to crank around on EQ to deliver a specific, rich vocal timbre, the NT1-A's pleasingly neutral sound responds well to EQ. Its classic cardioid pattern is the standard for tracking vocals, and it's ideal for home-studio situations where you must set up a mic in the same room with your computer, since the NT1-A rejects ambient noise from the back and sides of the mic to focus on your intended source.

Stereo Pair: Two Mics Are Better Than One

True, the Rode NT1-A shines as a vocal mic. But with its extremely low self-noise, the NT1-A is also a proven performer on quiet, detailed instrument sources like classical ensembles, distance-mic'd solo strings or woodwinds, and acoustic piano. So if you're planning on recording anything else besides solo vocals with your NT1-A, you'd do well to try the natural, spacious sound provided by a stereo mic setup. Stereo pairs aren't just for acoustic music: studio engineers use matched pairs of condensers to capture a larger-than-life stereo field on rock drums, on background vocal groups, and even to fatten up acoustic guitar. Stereo mic techniques are also the standard for recording live performances when you can't individually mic each instrument. Rode offers the NT1-A as an acoustically matched pair. You'll receive a certificate of testing to ensure proper balance and equal sensitivity on each mic. Check out the bundles offered by zZounds to perfectly accessorize your NT1-A pair.

Features:

- Extremely low 5.5 dBA self-noise -- ideal for recording delicate sources
- A home-studio favorite cardioid large-diaphragm condenser -- widely used on vocals and much more
- Dedicated cardioid pickup pattern
- Free Anniversary Package includes a shock mount, XLR cable, mic dust cover and instructional DVD

Manufacturer's Description for Rode NT1A Studio Condenser Microphone

The Rode NT1-A has become an industry standard; delivering the warmth, extended dynamic range, clarity and high SPL capability usually only featured by some of the most expensive microphones.

Rode NT1A Anniversary Package

The NT1A Anniversary model includes a premium shockmount with integrated pop filter, high quality 6m (20’) XLR cable, microphone dust cover and even a bonus instructional DVD. Presented by RØDE founder and company president, Peter Freedman, the NT1A Studio Secrets DVD features a range of tips and techniques to help NT1A owners get the most from their new microphone.

Rode NT1A Features

- Large 1" (25mm) capsule with gold plated diaphragm
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Self noise of only 5dB (A)
- Ultra-low noise, transformerless surface mount circuitry
- New, state-of-the-art surface mount electronics
- Wide dynamic range
- Gold plated output contacts
- True condenser (externally biased)
- Internal capsule shock mounting

Although the Rode NT1-A is best-known as an exceptional vocal microphone, it's also an extremely capable mic for almost any recording application, including acoustic and electric instruments and percussion.

Also available as a matched pair.

Rode NT1A Certified Matching Pair

Matched pair has been acoustically matched for equal sensitivity from each mic. Includes 2 Rode NT1A microphones, and shockmounts. zZounds is an authorized dealer of RODE products.

- Acoustic Principle: Externally polarized 25mm (1 in.) condenser.
- Active Electronics: JFET impedance converter with bipolar output buffer
- Pickup Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 20Hz ~ 20kHz
- Output Impedance: 100 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 31.9dB re 1volt/pascal (25mV @ 94dB SPL) +/-2dB
- Equivalent noise: 5dBA (SPL (per IEC651, IEC 268-15)
- Maximum Output: + 13.7dBu (@ 1% THD into 1kOhm)
- Dynamic Range: 132dB (per IEC651, IEC 268-15)
- Maximum SPL: 137 dB (@ 1% THD into 1kOhm)
- Signal/Noise: >88dB (1kHz rel 1 Pa; per IEC651, IEC 268-15)

NOTE: Lock ring found on shockmount

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging

with Free Anniversary Package

Shipping Weight: 4 lbs

Shipping Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 4 in

Matched Pair, with SM6 Shockmounts

Shipping Weight: 5 lbs

Shipping Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 5 in

Matched Pair, with Pop Filter

Shipping Weight: 6 lbs

Matched Pair w/ Pop Filter, Mic Bar, Stand, Cables

Shipping Weight: 20 lbs