ReviewFinder Microphones

Rode NT1A

TLDR: The Rode NT1A is a high-quality condenser microphone with a wide frequency response range and cardioid directional pattern, ideal for recording vocals and acoustic instruments in a professional studio setting.
Ranking:  
Consumer sentiment:
In comparison:
Rode NT1A rank #25 out of 101. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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9.4
Amazing

The product receives amazing reviews on average (consumer score 9.4). This is slightly above the median microphone score of 9.1.

About consumer score

Price:
We currently don't have any recent price information for Rode NT1A, so we can't determine how its cost ranks in comparison to other Microphones.
  • Lowest price: $22.99
  • Median price: $99.99
  • Highest price: $3295
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Expert consensus

The Rode NT1A is a high-quality condenser microphone with a wide frequency response range and cardioid directional pattern, ideal for recording vocals and acoustic instruments in a professional studio setting.

The Rode NT1A is a high-quality condenser microphone that produces clear and detailed sound with exceptional audio fidelity. It has a wide frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz, making it an excellent choice for recording vocals, acoustic guitars, and other instruments.

The microphone has a cardioid directional pattern, which is ideal for recording vocals and reducing background noise in a quiet environment. It is not well-suited for recording in a noisy environment, but it has a low self-noise level and is one of the world's quietest studio microphones.

The Rode NT1A microphone is highly compatible with a wide range of devices that feature a standard XLR input, including audio interfaces, mixers, and preamps. It is a reliable and durable microphone that can withstand regular use in a recording studio or home setup. The microphone is ideal for recording vocals, acoustic instruments, and podcasts in a professional studio setting.

It is not suitable for users who require digital connectivity options or USB port. Overall, the Rode NT1A microphone is a great choice for professional musicians, vocalists, and podcasters who require high-quality sound with exceptional audio fidelity.

Sound Quality

The Rode NT1A is a high-quality microphone with a wide frequency response range, high sensitivity, low self-noise, and internal and external shock mounts, making it an excellent choice for recording vocals, acoustic guitars, and other instruments.

The Rode NT1A is a high-quality microphone that produces clear and detailed sound with exceptional audio fidelity. It has a wide frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz, making it an excellent choice for recording vocals, acoustic guitars, and other instruments. The microphone has a high sensitivity, extended dynamic range, and low self-noise, making it perfect for recording vocals.

It captures even the subtlest nuances and the loudest moments with an expansive dynamic range. The NT1A has a characteristic bright sound that has come to be associated with many Rode designs, which can be traced back to a significant boost in the microphone's frequency response between 3-15kHz.

The microphone has an impressively low self-noise level of only 5dBA, making it one of the quietest studio microphones on the market. It also features internal and external shock mounts that help to reject noise and vibration, ensuring clean and transparent recordings. Overall, the Rode NT1A is an excellent choice for vocalists, musicians, and podcasters who require high-quality sound with exceptional audio fidelity.

What is the frequency response range of the Rode NT1A?

The Rode NT1A has a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz, which covers the entire range of human hearing. According to multiple sources in our database, this wide frequency range makes it an excellent choice for recording vocals, acoustic guitars, and other instruments.
Based on 13 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Rode NT1A produce clear and detailed sound?

Yes, according to reviews on shout4music.com, homestudioarchive.com, and soundbreakingproductions.com, the Rode NT1-A has exceptional audio fidelity, capturing even the subtlest nuances and the loudest moments with an expansive dynamic range. It has a more detailed sound than most competing microphones from other manufacturers and captures the small nuances in a performance surprisingly well. Its self-noise levels are impressively low, ensuring clean and transparent recordings.
Based on 11 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

How good is the Rode NT1A microphone at recording vocals?

According to several product reviews in our database, the Rode NT1A microphone is excellent at recording vocals. It has a high sensitivity, extended dynamic range, and low self-noise, which makes it perfect for recording vocals. The microphone also has a new capsule that has been developed with a focus on detailed midrange response, silky smooth high frequencies, and warm, round bass reproduction to make the NT1-A an absolute standout in its class. Additionally, the NT1A has a characteristic bright sound that has come to be associated with many Rode designs, which can be traced back to a significant boost in the microphone’s frequency response between 3-15kHz.
Based on 18 quotes from 9 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the Rode NT1A microphone capture depth and richness of sound?

The Rode NT1A microphone is known for its exceptional audio fidelity, capturing subtle nuances and loud moments with an expansive dynamic range. According to a review on shout4music.com, the NT1-A boasts a detailed midrange response, silky smooth high frequencies, and warm, round bass reproduction, making it an absolute standout in its class. Additionally, the microphone has a characteristic bright sound that has come to be associated with many Rode designs, which can be traced back to a significant boost in the microphone's frequency response between 3-15kHz. All of these factors come together to capture depth and richness of sound.
Based on 7 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the Rode NT1A perform in terms of noise cancellation and background noise reduction?

The Rode NT1-A has an impressively low self-noise level of only 5dBA, making it one of the quietest studio microphones on the market according to reviews on shout4music.com, charlescleyn.com, and homestudioarchive.com. It also features internal and external shock mounts that help to reject noise and vibration according to soundref.com. All of these features help to reduce background noise and ensure clean and transparent recordings, making it a great choice for vocalists, musicians, and podcasters according to shout4music.com.
Based on 8 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Directionality

The Rode NT1A microphone is ideal for studio recording in a quiet environment due to its cardioid directional pattern, low self-noise level, wide frequency range, and high sensitivity.

The Rode NT1A microphone has a cardioid directional pattern, which is ideal for recording vocals and reducing background noise in a quiet environment. It is not well-suited for recording in a noisy environment, but it has a low self-noise level and is one of the world's quietest studio microphones.

The microphone has a wide frequency range, high sensitivity, and is good at picking up low-level sounds, making it ideal for recording vocals, acoustic guitars, and other instruments. It has a great range and dynamic range, making it well-suited for recording from different distances.

Overall, the Rode NT1A microphone is a great choice for studio recording in a quiet environment.

What do experts say about the directional pattern of the Rode NT1A?

According to reviews from SoundRef and SoundGuys, the Rode NT1-A uses a cardioid pickup pattern, which is a heart shape. It picks up sound from the front, but rejects sound from the back and sides, making it great for vocal recordings and reducing background noise in your final recording.
Based on 4 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the Rode NT1A microphone good at picking up sound from different angles?

The Rode NT1A microphone uses a cardioid polar pattern, which means it picks up sound from the front and rejects sound from the back and sides. According to product experts on soundref.com, the cardioid polar pattern of the Rode NT1-A is well suited to vocal recording. It does a good job of rejecting noise from the rear or elsewhere in the room, while still offering enough width for recording guitars and other instruments. However, it is not ideal for picking up sound from all angles.
Based on 2 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the Rode NT1A microphone perform in picking up sound from different distances?

According to a product review on SoundGuys, the Rode NT1-A has a very good sensitivity of -31.9dB, which means it is good at picking up low-level sounds. Additionally, it has a maximum SPL of 137 dB(SPL), which means it can record a pretty great range without needing to do too much in post-production. This microphone has a wide frequency range, an internal shock mount, and high sensitivity which makes it ideal for recording vocals, acoustic guitars, and other instruments. Overall, the Rode NT1A microphone has a great range and dynamic range, making it well-suited for recording from different distances.
Based on 4 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the Rode NT1A microphone well suited for recording in a noisy environment?

The Rode NT1A microphone is not well suited for recording in a noisy environment. According to a product review on SoundGuys, the microphone is designed for studio recording and has a cardioid recording pattern which makes it perfect for recording in a quiet environment. Additionally, the microphone has a low self-noise level of only 5dBA, making it one of the world's quietest studio microphones. Its circuitry is also carefully designed for low noise performance, ensuring that clutter noise is at an absolute minimum. However, if you need a microphone for recording in a noisy environment, you may want to consider a dynamic microphone like the Shure SM58 which is more rugged and versatile.
Based on 8 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Connectivity

The Rode NT1A microphone has only XLR connectivity, requires phantom power, and is ideal for professional studio recording of vocals, acoustic instruments, and podcasts.

The Rode NT1A microphone has only one connectivity option, which is XLR, making it suitable for professional studio equipment. It does not have any digital connectivity options or USB port. The quality of audio transmission is not affected by the connectivity options, but it can be influenced by the quality of the preamp and recording device.

The microphone requires phantom power to operate, and it has gold-plated connectors that ensure top-quality connections and low noise performance. The Rode NT1A microphone is ideal for recording vocals, acoustic instruments, and podcasts in a professional studio setting. It is not suitable for users who require digital connectivity options or USB port.

What are the available connectivity options for the Rode NT1A microphone?

The Rode NT1-A microphone comes with an XLR cable which connects the mic directly to the audio interface or mixer. XLR is the standard connector on all professional studio equipment. It does not have a USB port or any other digital connectivity options.
Based on 3 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

How easy is it to switch between different connectivity options on the Rode NT1A microphone?

The Rode NT1A microphone has only one connectivity option, which is XLR. So, there is no option to switch between different connectivity options.
Based on 5 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the quality of audio transmission vary across different connectivity options on the Rode NT1A microphone?

The Rode NT1A microphone is a condenser microphone that requires phantom power to operate, which means that it needs to be connected to a device that provides 48V phantom power. The quality of audio transmission does not vary across different connectivity options since the microphone only has one output option, which is an XLR connector. However, the quality of audio transmission can be affected by the quality of the preamp and recording device that the microphone is connected to. According to a product review on shout4music.com, the Rode NT1A has gold-plated connectors that ensure top-quality connections and circuitry designed to produce low noise performance and a minimum of clutter noise.
Based on 5 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Features

The Rode NT1A is a condenser microphone that requires an audio interface or mixer with XLR inputs, but comes with a pop shield and shock mount to improve recording quality.

The Rode NT1A is a condenser microphone that does not have a built-in headphone jack, mute button, or volume controls. It requires an audio interface or mixer with XLR inputs to connect to a computer or other recording device. However, it comes with a pop shield and shock mount to improve the quality of recordings.

The microphone is compatible with most preamp devices, which typically have gain or volume controls that can be adjusted to control the microphone's volume. This makes it a great choice for professional recording studios or home recording setups that already have preamp devices. However, for those who require a microphone with built-in controls, the Rode NT1A may not be the best option.

Does the Rode NT1A have a built-in headphone jack?

No, the Rode NT1A does not have a built-in headphone jack. According to the product specifications on Rode's website, the microphone has a standard 3-pin XLR output which requires an audio interface or mixer with XLR inputs to connect to a computer or other recording device.
Based on 2 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Rode NT1A have a mute button, and if so, is it easy to use?

The Rode NT1A does not have a built-in mute button, so you would need to mute the microphone through your recording software or hardware. However, the microphone does come with a pop shield and shock mount, which can help improve the quality of your recordings.

Does the Rode NT1A have volume controls, and if so, are they easy to use?

The Rode NT1A is a condenser microphone that does not have volume controls. However, it is compatible with most preamp devices, which typically have gain or volume controls that can be adjusted to control the microphone's volume. The ease of use of these controls will depend on the specific preamp device being used.

Compatibility

The Rode NT1A microphone is highly compatible with a wide range of devices that feature a standard XLR input, making it a versatile choice for recording vocals, instruments, and other audio sources in a variety of settings.

The Rode NT1A microphone is highly compatible with a wide range of devices that feature a standard XLR input, including audio interfaces, mixers, and preamps. It has been tested and found to work well with popular devices such as the Focusrite Scarlett Recording Audio Interface and the Behringer Xenyx 802 Mixer.

As a standard XLR microphone, it does not require any specific software or operating system to work and should be compatible with any system or software that supports XLR microphones. This makes it a versatile choice for recording vocals, instruments, and other audio sources in a variety of settings.

However, it is important to check the specifications of your specific device to ensure compatibility.

Which devices are compatible with the Rode NT1A microphone?

The Rode NT1A microphone is compatible with a wide range of devices that feature a standard XLR input. This includes audio interfaces, mixers, and preamps. Some popular compatible devices include the Focusrite Scarlett Recording Audio Interface and the Behringer Xenyx 802 Mixer, as mentioned in a product review on ProducerSpot. However, it's always important to check the specifications of your specific device to ensure compatibility.
Based on 3 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is there any operating system or software that the Rode NT1A microphone is not compatible with?

The Rode NT1A microphone is a standard XLR microphone, which means it uses an analog signal and does not require any specific software or operating system to work. Therefore, it should be compatible with any system or software that supports XLR microphones. However, it is important to ensure that your device or mixer has an XLR input to use the microphone.

Durability

The Rode NT1-A microphone is well-built and sturdy, with a stainless steel construction that feels tough and durable, making it a reliable and durable microphone that can withstand regular use in a recording studio or home setup.

The Rode NT1-A microphone is well-built and sturdy, with a stainless steel construction that feels tough and durable. It has a metal grille over the diaphragm and a nickel-plated body with a satin-like finish, making it a good-looking addition to any recording setup. Several reviewers have mentioned that they've dropped their Rode NT1-A microphones multiple times, yet they still work great.

However, it's important to note that the nature of being a condenser microphone makes it easier to break than a stage mic like the Shure SM58, so it's still recommended to handle it with care and avoid drops or moving it around too much. Overall, the Rode NT1-A is a reliable and durable microphone that can withstand regular use in a recording studio or home setup.

What materials are used in the construction of the Rode NT1A microphone?

The Rode NT1-A microphone has a stainless steel construction, with a metal grille over the diaphragm. The body is nickel-plated and has a satin-like finish, making it a durable and good-looking addition to any recording setup. According to a review on SoundGuys, the microphone feels tough, but caution is still advised against drops or moving it around too much as the nature of being a condenser microphone makes it easier to break than a stage mic like the Shure SM58.
Based on 11 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

How resistant is the Rode NT1A microphone to physical damage such as drops or impacts?

According to the reviews in our database, the Rode NT1-A is fairly sturdy and well-built, as it has a stainless steel construction that feels tough. Several reviewers on different websites have mentioned that they've dropped their Rode NT1-A microphones multiple times, yet they still work great. However, it's important to note that the nature of being a condenser microphone makes it easier to break than a stage mic like the Shure SM58, so it's still recommended to handle it with care and avoid drops or moving it around too much.
Based on 5 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the Rode NT1A waterproof?

Sorry, I can only provide information about Rode NT1A. Unfortunately, I don't have any information about the waterproof feature of Rode NT1A.

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 NT1A. Out of the 22 reviews, 4 are video reviews. We value video reviews of products a bit more and rank them a bit higher.

Expert reviews [18]

85
Total expert reviews: 18
  • with a score: 5
  • without a score: 13
Highest score by makebeats101.com
100
Average score based on 18 reviews
85
Lowest score by gearspace.com
74

Score distribution:

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

Best Alternatives

3 best microphones in the same price range as Rode NT1A

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Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set Elgato Wave 3 Sontronics Podcast Pro
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The Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set is a USB microphone with a cardioid polar pattern, frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz, and several useful features, making it a great choice for streamers, podcasters, and content creators. The Elgato Wave 3 is a versatile and reliable USB microphone designed for content creators, podcasters, and live streamers, featuring a cardioid polar pattern, two connectivity options, advanced features, and compatibility with both PC and Mac. The Sontronics Podcast Pro microphone is a reliable and high-quality option for podcasters, streamers, and other content creators who prioritize sound quality, with a super-cardioid pickup pattern that minimizes background noise and compatibility with any device that has an XLR input.
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Microphones above are offered because they are in the same price range as Rode NT1A. To browse more budget and premium microphones go to our microphone ranking .

Position in ranking

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

Rank Change Price Microphone
CNN Underscored
SoundGuys
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PCMag
PianoDreamers
Music Radar
MusicTech
IGN
Tom's Guide
Just Creative
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Shure MV7
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7
4
5
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8
2
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Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti microphone is a versatile and durable device with four directional patterns, a built-in headphone jack, and compatibility with a wide range of devices and software, making it a popular choice among content creators, podcasters, and gamers.
1
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-
11
-
1
5
3
- $97
Shure SM57
The Shure SM57 microphone is highly regarded for its exceptional sound quality, durability, versatility, and compatibility, making it a popular choice among musicians, producers, and recording engineers for capturing instruments and vocals in various live and studio settings.
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1
1
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4
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Elgato Wave 3
The Elgato Wave 3 is a versatile and reliable USB microphone designed for content creators, podcasters, and live streamers, featuring a cardioid polar pattern, two connectivity options, advanced features, and compatibility with both PC and Mac.
3
1
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8
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-
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Rode NT1A did not receive any endorsements this month.

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The Shure MV7 microphone is a versatile and adaptable option for podcasters, streamers, and content creators, offering excellent sound quality, noise-cancelling capabilities, and connectivity options. The Blue Yeti microphone is a versatile and durable device with four directional patterns, a built-in headphone jack, and compatibility with a wide range of devices and software, making it a popular choice among content creators, podcasters, and gamers. The Shure SM57 microphone is highly regarded for its exceptional sound quality, durability, versatility, and compatibility, making it a popular choice among musicians, producers, and recording engineers for capturing instruments and vocals in various live and studio settings. The Elgato Wave 3 is a versatile and reliable USB microphone designed for content creators, podcasters, and live streamers, featuring a cardioid polar pattern, two connectivity options, advanced features, and compatibility with both PC and Mac.
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ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.