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Rode NT1A Studio Condenser Microphone

The Anniversary Model NT1-A is a complete redesign of the now legendary NT1 classic studio microphone. From the new nickel-plated body to the state-of-the-art surface mount electronic circuitry, the NT1-A will leave you asking "how can RODE offer a microphone that sounds this good, for so little money?" It takes advantage of the huge RODE investment in advanced large scale manufacturing allowing premium performance, durability, consistency, and construction at a price that anyone can afford. Learn More...

    • New from $229.95
  • Installment Plan:Call for 4 payments!
    • free ground shipping
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Overall User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10

Individual User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * . . . . 6 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * . . . . 6 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
It came with a shockmount and case for the mic.

Quality:
Product is made strong, I have had it for a few years and no problems with it.

Value:
Id say it is worth about what it costs, which is to say, not too much.

Desirability:
It looks nice, but quality is not as good as you would imagine.

Sound:
I use it for vocals. It is a little better than an SM58 but not too much. I would recommend saving a little more and getting an NTK or something in that price range.

Ease of Use:
Very easy to use, just plug into preamp or mixer and go.

Support:
Havent need support

Overall:
Im replacing mine with a Rode NTK or K2

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
There's not much to say! It comes with a pretty good pop filter and a sturdy shockmount.

Quality:
It doesn't get any better for the price.

Value:
Like I said, for the price it doesn't get any better.

Desirability:
Sexy.

Sound:
I produce and record alot of local artist and let me say that this mic sounds beautiful and very crisp. I have to do very little when it comes to cleaning up the vocals with this mic. The only problem that I have found with this mic is that if you have a bass type voice it doesn't record that well. That's fixable with the right equipment though. I highly recommend this mic to anybody starting off in recording whether it's home studio products or professional recording!

Ease of Use:
Self Explanatory! Run it through your equipment turn it on and your good to go.

Support:
Haven't needed support yet.

Overall:
I plan to have this mic for a very long time!

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10

Feature:
Shock-Mount and Case.

Value:
This is as good as it gets for the price when buying a condenser mic.

Desirability:
Uhh. It's a very good-looking mic with shapely curves and a delightful coat of shiny wet gold.

Sound:
Noise free. What a beautiful microphone! I can't help but first comment on how noise-free it is. I understand condensers pick up a lot more sound than other mics (dynamic mics). This microphone is a condenser - it picks up a lot of sound, but it picks up very little noise! I love it.

Support:
I know nothing of their support services, but I do know this mic appears to be of good working quality and not the type to break in a long while.

Overall:
For as long as I own this mic, I will be most likely happy with it.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
includes a shock mount, and also a pop filter (although that may have been included by the retailer). I have not had any problems with them, although I do not routinely mount and unmount the mic

Quality:
sturdy, well built, professional looking

Value:
There are some cheaper large diaphragm condensers in the $100 range, but like most rock-bottom accessories you buy, you will wind up wanting something better very quickly. Not so with this mic; it will last you until you start wanting something in the $5k+ range.

Sound:
outstanding sound. My vocals cut through the mix much better than with my previous mics, without needing to boost the gain. Subtle nuances are picked up also, which were missed with my other mics - picks up room characteristics (ambience) much more (could be a minus, but i think my other mics just sucked). I have also recorded acoustic guitar with this mic, and the results were incredible.

Ease of Use:
I sing into one end, and my voice comes out the other (sort of). I have trouble with the singing part, but I won't blame that on the mic.

Support:
Never needed support

Overall:
Like somebody else said, if it were stolen I would buy another one. I have no plans to buy another mic of this type for vocals or acoustic instrument recording.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
A case and a shockmount. Nothin special, after months of using it the shockmount had a tendancy to unscrew itself and fall apart, would recommend buying a medal more sturdy shockmount

Quality:
Quality was good, this was my first condensor and i didn't hear anyone locally with better vocal quality than what i was kicken out, i got this quote so many times "Your vocals are so clear, did you do this at a studio?" the preamp and e-mu audio sound card was a major boost, mostly the e-mu audio sound card.

Value:
A solid 8, if your starting out into the music world this would be the first stop to go. Definately.

Sound:
My review is for the people that do hip hop/rap. I've had this mic for a while, and the sound is dope, i had a cheap 70$ preamp and this mic still pulled off some superb vocals especially when i first got it, it's maybe a couple notches down from big time studio vocals, but with the price it's understood. to hear this mic's quality www.myspace.com/jsnizzy

Ease of Use:
It's a bit painful squeezing this thing into it's shockmount. You have to be very careful with this thing. Trust me when i say this, the better you take care of it, the more superb your quality will be with this thing.

Support:
Didn't need any support.

Overall:
Great mic got me through 5 mixtapes, of good vocals. Don't let it fall though, if this thing falls from 2-3 feet at least 2-3 times the quality turns bad, like any condensor it doesn't take much to screw up the sound. www.myspace.com/jsnizzy

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
Apart from the shock mount, extra tension bands and the mic itself... there's nothing else.. which is PERFECT! No fuss, no extraenous variables which can change your sound. It is what it is.

Quality:
Hey... it's not a Neumann, but who cares? With the extremely low noise floor, and the actual cost of the mic; the quality is out-of-this-world.

Value:
I cannot see any other mic in this price range performing nearly as well. Superb value for its price.

Desirability:
It's silver... I suppose that helps.

Sound:
Although it feels like the high mids are slightly accentuated, the capturing a good quality recording with the NT1A is just too easy. Take it out, plug it in, and I've instantly got a good workable sound.

Ease of Use:
Superb. I can whip it out on a moment's notice and it does the job without complaints. It's surprisingly durable as well; has survived a few drops from my clumsy hands :P Very versatile as well... have used it very effectively with various things from vocals, to guitars, to wooden indian flutes :P

Support:
I have not needed to deal with the company for technical support, but through my contacts via music retail, I have found Rode to be a very helpful and professional outfit. Kudos!

Overall:
Whether you are new to the game, or a seasoned pro; you should seriously consider adding this microphone to your arsenal. For the price, you'd be stupid not to. :P

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10

Feature:
comes with a shock mount and leather carrying bag

Quality:
it's a pretty durable mic, i've taken it on trips and it doesn't scratch

Value:
For $200, I don't think you'll find a better sounding mic than this, it competes with more expensive mics in terms of sound quality, although it doesn't have as much as a warm response as more expensive mics

Sound:
This mic has great sound quality for a mic this price, it's very nice for vocals, acoustic guitar and violin, although at times (especially with my voice) the mic can be very bass heavy. It's a fairly warm mic and with the right tweaking during mixdowns you'll be happy with the finished product. The best thing about the sound is the clearness and absense of noise and hiss

Ease of Use:
With the right mixing this mic is great, especialy for those with less bass heavy voices

Overall:
This mic is perfect for home project studios and is very versatile when it comes to recording anything (from vocals to instruments). Although not as warm sounding as more expensive mics, it can surely compete for clearness in sound with absolutley no noise. If you're looking for clear and good quality sounding products on a limited budget, this mic definatly will not disappoint!

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
no db pads nothing just st8 up good sound.

Quality:
sounds really crisp...you might need at pre-amp

Value:
At 200 bucks you aint getting a better vocal mic..

Desirability:
nice sliverish gold finish look good in the booth

Sound:
The sound quality is great. Its one of the best vocal mics i own.

Ease of Use:
plug it up and go.

Support:
never needed so that means its good..

Overall:
i wont be giving up this mic anytime soon...its the best mic i own get for rap vocals...if i was stolen i would buy it again..i wish i would have brought it in 2003...

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
All what it needs for a microphone, it also came with a stand-mount with a pair of extra strings just in case.

Quality:
Its a sensative mic, all you need some distance & the quality is incredible.

Value:
I don't know how Rode does it...I think they put too much work into this microphone, but they are probably getting underpayed for this microphone's value, hahahaha!

Desirability:
Large, Nickel-plated microphone, with a golden dot, that should get all customers wanting this microphone, why not?

Sound:
I can actually hear my own voice without any distortion, My vocals can actually flow with the music...THE MOST QUEITEST MICROPHONE I'VE HEARD AND USED! *getting rid of the old microphone*

Ease of Use:
It was easy to get it working for my USB interface, I didn't need those microphones with the multiple cardoid patterns...THIS WAS THE PERFECT MICROPHONE WITH JUST ONE CARDOID PATTERN.

Support:
Yes, I did have a little problem at the beginning but It was completely solved. GREAT SERVICE!!!

Overall:
My review says it all, this microphone is a gift from God to music. I can't wait till I get a microphone stand with a boom for it!

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Support:
I placed my NT1 in a hard shell road case a year ago along with two silica packets and stored it in a dry basement. The microphone was in working order when stored. Recently I retrieved the microphone from storage and it would not work. I suspected my preamp; however, a multimeter quickly determined +48v were present at the end of the microphone cable. I removed the circuit board from the microphone body to check for broken wires. The multimeter confirmed voltage was reaching the board. At this point I contacted Rode USA about getting a wiring schematic. I was surprised to discover the microphone would be repaired for free if I returned it. Conclusion: Really nice mic, but astounding customer service. No receipt, no original packaging, no questions. I

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10

Feature:
Came with the shock mount and protective case. This mic is perfect as is. I don't give a crap about things like roll-off switches on a mic. That's what a good console and EQ is for. Give me a mic that sounds great without the gadgets! This is the one.

Quality:
What more could anyone want? The NT1-A was rated better than a Neuman as far as low self noise goes. It's rated as one of the quietest mics in the world.

Value:
I've had higher end mics such as AKG that don't sound nearly as good.

Desirability:
It's plain Jane but what else does one need in a mic. Plug it in and just use the damn thing. It reproduces the source material perfectly before EQ and/or effects!!

Sound:
Great sounding mic for the money. Very clean and very quiet.

Support:
I remain neutral. Haven't had to deal with them...

Overall:
No plans on getting rid of it - EVER!! Like all the mics in my locker I'm keeping every one of them. You can never have enough!!

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
There are no features, which is why i rated it highly. Don't like mics with lots of added switches as my pre amp does all that. For reproduction of a given sound find it easier to have all the adjustments made from one place, if it has switches, someone will just play with them. Didn't really need a trim control, as the mic handles high noise levels very well.

Quality:
Only been using it for two months, quality seems fine, shock mount is a bit of a pain as the elastic kept slipping off, but easily rectified with a pair of pliers.

Value:
competes well for vocals against far more expensive mics. I'm going to buy two more to replace my current overhead cymbal mics. I'd happily pay three times what i paid for it having heard the sound quality

Desirability:
Pretty standard looking, wouldn't bother me if it was the ugliest mic on the planet, its the sound that matters. It is however, a lot easier on the eye than most of my more expensive models.

Sound:
Bought this mic to use with overhead cymbals, had a play, and decided that would be a waste. Directly compaired it with my usual u87, and found it actually quieter in use. Prefered the tone for vocals, and now use it as my main vocal mic for rock vocals. It also sounds superb with acustic strings. To compete this well against a mic costing over 10 times the amount is quite remarkable at the price

Support:
marked it high as i haven't had to use customer service. Have an original nt1 as well, and that has served me well for a few years without problems, so hopefully this will be the same

Overall:
Fot the tasks i'm using, i'm more than happy. It won't replace my u87 for all vocals, but for heavier vocals and string instruments i will be using it for quite a time yet. The low self noise is one factor that will guarantee this.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * *