Rode NT1 5th Generation Hybrid USB Condenser Microphone

Rode revamps their beloved ultra-low-noise microphone with 32-bit float USB + XLR output, plus on-board DSP for compression, Aphex audio processing and more.

$249.00

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Rode NT1-A Studio Condenser Microphone

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Record killer vocals with this time-tested large-diaphragm condenser! Super-low noise and warm, smooth sound make the NT1-A a superb budget-friendly choice.

Start tracking serious vocals in your home studio with the Rode NT1-A -- a time-tested entry-level large-diaphragm condenser mic. The anniversary-edition NT1-A continues Rode's tradition of Australian-built quality at an affordable price. Originally released in 1991, the now-legendary NT1 microphone was one of the first condenser mics to bring professional performance to an emerging home-studio market. The NT1-A edition 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.


See and hear how singer-songwriter Hayzee records with the Rode NT1-A:


NT1-A Studio Secrets: Tips from Rode on how to get the most out of this mic:


True-Condenser Operation

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 read more 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, a 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 first-choice condenser for home project studios.

Detailed Highs, Well-Balanced Lows

While the original 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.

Features:

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

Back when Rode released the original NT1 microphone, computer-based DAWs were just starting to make home-studio recording the new standard. Since then, the NT1 and anniversary-edition NT1-A have carved out a reputation as modern classics. Whether you're hanging a pair over a drum kit, or just miking up your acoustic guitar, the Rode NT1-A remains the essential large-diaphragm condenser mic for budget-minded project studios.
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- 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

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 562-364-7400
Web: https://rode.com/en/support/contact

Rode NT1-A 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 NT1-A Anniversary Package

The NT1-A Anniversary model includes a premium shock mount with integrated pop filter, high quality 6m (20") XLR cable, microphone dust cover and even a bonus instructional DVD. Presented by RODE founder and company president, Peter Freedman, the NT1-A Studio Secrets DVD features a range of tips and techniques to help NT1-A owners get the most from their microphone.

Features:

- Large 1" (25mm) capsule with gold-plated diaphragm
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Self-noise of only 5 dB(A)
- Ultra-low noise, transformerless surface mount circuitry
- 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.

Certified Matching Pair

Matched pair has been acoustically matched for equal sensitivity from each mic. Includes 2 Rode NT1A microphones, and SM6 shock mounts.

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (317 ratings)
Submitted May 27, 2010 by a customer from hotmail.com

"This microphone is made to last, with a very clear sound for a price that won't make you pawn your mom"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
its probably gonna last longer than the 10 years its guaranteed for
Sound
Man, the sound you get from these babies is smooth, nothing too fancy, neither too plain. Very clear. I've used them as overheads, on guitar cabs, bass cabs, various acoustic instruments and vocals. They definitely get the job done.
Features
the shock mount is bullet proof... basically
Ease of Use
They get you a nice equalized sound so you really only have to re-eq. when you don't position them correctly
Quality
I just dropped one (I almost cried) and nothing happened, fell from about 5 ft and still sounds like its brother, nothing got loose or anything, in fact I'm writing a review just because I want the world to know that, they're tough. Always carry them on my mobile studio and they don't even get scratched.
Value
Very nice price for what you get
Manufacturer Support
I have not have the need to contact rode for support, and I own some 7 of their microphones
The Wow Factor
the finish is great, super resistant, the shock mount is great. it looks simple, which i like, and vintage-y

Musical Background:

musician, recording engineer, producer

Musical Style:

rock, industrial, electronic, hip hop
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No longer available at zZounds