ReviewFinder Microphones

Rode NT1

TLDR: The Rode NT1 is a high-quality studio condenser microphone with a wide frequency response range, low self-noise, cardioid polar pattern, dual connectivity options, and durable construction, making it a versatile and reliable choice for recording vocals and acoustic guitars.
Ranking:  
Consumer sentiment:
In comparison:
Rode NT1 rank #9 out of 101. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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9.9
Amazing

The product receives amazing reviews on average (consumer score 9.9). This is slightly above the median microphone score of 9.1.

About consumer score

Price:
The lowest price we found for Rode NT1 is $219, available here. This is above the median microphone price of $104.
  • Lowest price: $22.99
  • Median price: $104
  • Highest price: $3295
  • Rode NT1 price: $219
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ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The Rode NT1 is a high-quality studio condenser microphone with a wide frequency response range, low self-noise, cardioid polar pattern, dual connectivity options, and durable construction, making it a versatile and reliable choice for recording vocals and acoustic guitars.

The Rode NT1 is a high-quality studio condenser microphone that is particularly well-suited for recording vocals and acoustic guitars. It produces clear and detailed sound with a wide frequency response range of 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz, and has an incredibly low 4.5 dBA of self-noise, making it one of the quietest studio condenser microphones available.

The microphone has a cardioid polar pattern, making it most sensitive to sound sources in front of it while rejecting sound from the sides and rear. It offers dual connectivity options through XLR and USB-C cables, allowing for both analog and digital interfaces. The Rode NT1 is compatible with a wide range of devices and software, making it a good choice for home and studio recordings.

The microphone is made with high-quality components and housed inside a durable 6061 Aluminum enclosure, and is internally shockmounted with a Rycote cradle to minimize handling noise. However, users should take care to avoid exposing it to water or subjecting it to rough handling.

Sound Quality

The Rode NT1 is a high-quality studio condenser microphone with a wide frequency response range and low self-noise, making it an excellent choice for recording vocals and acoustic guitars in a home studio.

The Rode NT1 is a high-quality studio condenser microphone that produces clear and detailed sound with a wide frequency response range of 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz. It is particularly well-suited for recording vocals, thanks to its mid-range emphasis, crisp highs, and warm lows, which help vocals sit confidently at the front of the mix while avoiding sounding harsh or gritty.

The NT1 also has an incredibly low 4.5 dBA of self-noise, making it one of the quietest studio condenser microphones available. It is effective at reducing background noise, but not quite as thorough as some other microphones aimed at gamers and streamers. Overall, the Rode NT1 is an excellent choice for home studio recording of vocals and acoustic guitars.

What is the frequency response range of the Rode NT1?

The Rode NT1 has a wide frequency response range of 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz, according to a product review on Tom's Hardware.
Based on 3 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Rode NT1 produce clear and detailed sound?

According to various product reviews in our database, the Rode NT1 produces clear and detailed sound. Reviewers have praised its mid-range emphasis, crisp highs, and warm lows, which help vocals sit confidently at the front of the mix while avoiding sounding harsh or gritty. Additionally, the NT1 has a natural-sounding low frequency range and a very neutral response, which is a privilege of expensive professional units. The NT1 also has an incredibly low 4.5 dBA of self-noise, making it one of the quietest studio condenser microphones available.
Based on 12 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

How good is the Rode NT1 microphone at recording vocals?

According to reviews from verified product experts in our database, the Rode NT1 is an excellent microphone for recording studio-quality vocals at home. The brand new capsule has been completely redeveloped to help focus better on the midrange, meaning it captures the important part of the voice like a charm. It features a rich emphasis on the midrange frequency response, while building onto it with crisp highs and warm lows, while staying virtually flat on the frequency chart. It brings clarity to the mid-range, helping vocals sit with confidence at the front of the mix, while the top end exudes a hint of air but stops well short of sounding gritty or harsh. Indeed, Rode's description of a vintage character seems most appropriate, as the mic manages to combine a sense of presence with tonal smoothness.
Based on 14 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the Rode NT1 microphone capture depth and richness of sound?

According to reviews on musiciannerd.com and Sound On Sound, the Rode NT1 microphone captures depth and richness of sound by emphasizing the midrange frequency response, while also providing crisp highs and warm lows. This results in a sound that is virtually flat on the frequency chart, which is what reviewers look for in condenser microphones. Additionally, the NT1 has been described as having a vintage character that combines a sense of presence with tonal smoothness, making it a great choice for vocals and acoustic guitars. Finally, the NT1 has an incredibly low 4.5 dBA of self-noise, which allows it to capture tons of detail.
Based on 7 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the Rode NT1 perform in terms of noise cancellation and background noise reduction?

According to the product experts on ReviewFinder, the Rode NT1 has impressively low self-noise at 4dBA, which means that you will essentially never be hearing noise from this mic, especially in home studios. The transducer is suspended using Rycote’s Lyre System, which drastically minimizes external vibrations, making it very effective at reducing background noise. However, according to a review on TechRadar, the level of sound dampening isn’t quite as thorough as the Rode X XDM-100, which is aimed at gamers and streamers with its noise reduction.
Based on 7 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

Directionality

The Rode NT1 microphone has a cardioid polar pattern, low self-noise, and is versatile for recording vocals, cymbals, and instruments in a controlled environment.

The Rode NT1 microphone has a cardioid polar pattern, making it most sensitive to sound sources in front of it while rejecting sound from the sides and rear. It is versatile and can sound good on vocals, cymbals, and instruments, but off-axis sound sources may result in a change in response.

The microphone is quite sensitive to sound and can pick up sound from different distances quite well, but positioning is important. The Rode NT1 has an extremely low self-noise of 4dBA, making it suitable for recording in a well-treated room, but it may pick up some environmental noise such as whirling fans.

Overall, the Rode NT1 is a high-quality microphone that is well-suited for recording in a controlled environment and capturing sound directly from the source.

What do experts say about the directional pattern of the Rode NT1?

According to a product review on Tom's Hardware, the Rode NT1 5th Generation is a side-address cardioid microphone. The cardioid polar pattern means that the microphone is most sensitive to sound sources in front of it, while rejecting sound from the sides and rear.
Based on 2 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the Rode NT1 microphone good at picking up sound from different angles?

The Rode NT1 is a side-address cardioid microphone, which means it is designed to pick up sound from the front and reduce background noise from the sides and rear. According to a product review on microphonegeeks.com, the microphone is versatile and can sound good on virtually everything, including vocals, cymbals, and instruments. However, it is important to note that as with any large-diaphragm condenser microphone, off-axis sound sources may result in a change in response. So, while the NT1 can pick up sound from different angles, it is best to position it to capture sound directly from the source for optimal results.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the Rode NT1 microphone perform in picking up sound from different distances?

The Rode NT1 microphone is a condenser microphone, and it is quite sensitive to sound. According to a product review on microphonegeeks.com, the general rules when working with any LDCs (large-diaphragm condenser microphones) will apply, and as usual, positioning will play an important role. The review suggests that it is good to have the microphone fixed on the sound source, and it may take some experience to get the positioning right. However, once you have it positioned correctly, the Rode NT1 microphone can pick up sound from different distances quite well, whether it's vocals, instruments or cymbals.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the Rode NT1 microphone well suited for recording in a noisy environment?

According to the product reviews on audiotechnology.com and TechRadar, the Rode NT1 microphone has an extremely low self-noise of 4dBA, which means it is designed to pick up minimal background noise. However, the same TechRadar review also mentions that the microphone can pick up some environmental noise, such as whirling fans. So while it may not be ideal for recording in a noisy environment, it does have very low self-noise and could be suitable for recording in a well-treated room.
Based on 6 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Connectivity

The Rode NT1 5th Generation microphone offers dual connectivity options through XLR and USB-C cables, allowing for both analog and digital interfaces, making it a versatile option for different recording needs.

The Rode NT1 5th Generation microphone offers dual connectivity options through XLR and USB-C cables, allowing for both analog and digital interfaces. Switching between the two options is simple and straightforward, and the microphone is instantly recognized by your device. The quality of audio transmission varies depending on your recording needs and the connectivity option you choose.

The USB connection allows for dialing in effects like filtering, compression, and Aphex’s classic Aural Exciter, making it ideal for digital sound recording. However, if you're looking for a plug-and-play option, a dedicated USB microphone may be a better choice.

What are the available connectivity options for the Rode NT1 microphone?

The Rode NT1 5th Generation microphone has dual connectivity options. It can be connected to your computer or device either through an XLR cable or through a USB-C cable. This means that you can use it as a USB microphone or as a traditional XLR microphone.
Based on 11 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

How easy is it to switch between different connectivity options on the Rode NT1 microphone?

The Rode NT1 5th Generation microphone features a built-in XLR connector with a USB-C port, allowing for dual-connectivity between analog and digital interfaces. According to product reviews on Tom's Hardware and TechRadar, switching between the two connectivity options is simple and straightforward. All you need is a slim USB-C cable to fit next to the XLR prongs. Once connected, the microphone is instantly recognized by your device, and you can access its gain, sample rate, and bit rate settings through your computer's audio settings.
Based on 7 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the quality of audio transmission vary across different connectivity options on the Rode NT1 microphone?

The Rode NT1 microphone has both XLR and USB-C connectivity options. According to TechRadar, the microphone has a 32-bit float optimized for audio interfaces for digital recording, which allows for virtually unclippable audio. With the USB connection, you can dial in effects like filtering, compression, and Aphex’s classic Aural Exciter. However, TechRadar also notes that if you’re considering getting the latest NT1 microphone purely for digital sound recording through USB and into audio interfaces, you may be better going with the dedicated USB microphone instead for the plug-and-play nature. In summary, the quality of audio transmission varies depending on your recording needs and the connectivity option you choose.
Based on 6 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Features

The Rode NT1 microphone lacks a built-in headphone jack, physical gain or volume knobs, and a mute button, but is a high-quality microphone suitable for recording vocals, instruments, and podcasts that may require additional equipment for optimal use.

The Rode NT1 microphone does not have a built-in headphone jack or physical gain or volume knobs. Monitoring has to be done through system audio or an audio interface, and volume adjustments need to be made through recording software or interface. While the microphone does not have a mute button, muting can be easily done through a mixer or audio interface.

Overall, the Rode NT1 is a high-quality microphone suitable for recording vocals, instruments, and podcasts, but may require additional equipment for optimal use.

Does the Rode NT1 have a built-in headphone jack?

No, the Rode NT1 microphone does not have a built-in headphone jack for direct monitoring. According to product reviews on Tom's Hardware and gearnews.com, the monitoring has to be done through system audio or an audio interface.
Based on 4 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Rode NT1 have a mute button, and if so, is it easy to use?

The Rode NT1 microphone doesn't have a mute button. However, you can easily mute the microphone by using the mute function on your mixer or audio interface. Some audio interfaces also come with software that allows you to quickly mute and unmute your microphone.
Based on 1 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Rode NT1 have volume controls, and if so, are they easy to use?

The Rode NT1 does not have physical gain or volume knobs, as noted in PCMag's review. Instead, you would need to adjust the volume through your recording software or interface.

Compatibility

The Rode NT1 microphone is a versatile device that is compatible with a wide range of devices and software, making it a reliable and flexible choice for home and studio recordings.

The Rode NT1 microphone is a versatile device that is compatible with a wide range of devices and software. It can be used with PCs, laptops, and tablets with USB ports, as well as professional audio interfaces and mixers with XLR inputs. The microphone is also compatible with most popular digital audio workstations (DAWs) and recording software.

This makes it a good choice for home and studio recordings. The NT1 is compatible with most operating systems, including Windows and Mac OS, and should work with any software that supports USB audio input. Overall, the Rode NT1 is a reliable and flexible microphone that can be used in a variety of settings.

Which devices are compatible with the Rode NT1 microphone?

The Rode NT1 5th Generation microphone is compatible with a wide range of devices, including PCs, laptops, and tablets with USB ports, as well as professional audio interfaces and mixers with XLR inputs. It is also compatible with most popular digital audio workstations (DAWs) and recording software. According to the PCMag review, the NT1's USB and XLR inputs make it a good match for home and studio recordings.
Based on 9 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is there any operating system or software that the Rode NT1 microphone is not compatible with?

The Rode NT1 microphone is compatible with most operating systems such as Windows, Mac OS, and also with most recording software. So, in general, it should work with any operating system or software that supports USB audio input.
Based on 7 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Durability

The Rode NT1 microphone is well-built and internally shockmounted, but not waterproof and should be handled with care.

The Rode NT1 microphone is made with high-quality components and housed inside a durable 6061 Aluminum enclosure. While it is not specifically designed to withstand drops or impacts, it feels robust and well-built. The microphone is internally shockmounted with a Rycote cradle, which minimizes handling noise.

Additionally, the included Rode NTSM6 Suspension Mount completely protects against any unwanted bumps or vibrations. However, the Rode NT1 is not waterproof and should not be exposed to water or moisture. Overall, the Rode NT1 is a durable microphone that is suitable for use in a variety of settings, but users should take care to avoid exposing it to water or subjecting it to rough handling.

What materials are used in the construction of the Rode NT1 microphone?

The Rode NT1 microphone is made with high-quality components and is housed inside a 6061 Aluminum enclosure, with the details laser-etched. According to Gearank, the microphone is made in Australia.
Based on 5 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

How resistant is the Rode NT1 microphone to physical damage such as drops or impacts?

The Rode NT1 microphone feels robust and well-built, but it is not specifically designed to withstand drops or impacts. However, it is internally shockmounted with a Rycote cradle which minimizes handling noise. According to TechRadar, the included Rode NTSM6 Suspension Mount completely protects against any unwanted bumps or vibrations.
Based on 6 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the Rode NT1 waterproof?

Sorry, I can only provide information about Rode NT1. However, I can confirm that Rode NT1 is not waterproof and should not be exposed to water or moisture.

Expert Reviews

There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

ReviewFinder database has 22 expert reviews of Rode NT1. Out of the 22 reviews, 6 are video reviews. We value video reviews of products a bit more and rank them a bit higher.

Expert reviews [16]

84
Total expert reviews: 16
  • with a score: 5
  • without a score: 11
Highest score by microphonegeeks.com
100
Average score based on 16 reviews
84
Lowest score by Tom's Hardware
70

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20

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Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all microphones.

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ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.