The RØDE NT1 microphone has long been a mainstay in studios and home recording setups around the world. The 5th generation iteration takes this popular condenser microphone and injects it with some modern features, making it an even more compelling choice for a wider range of users. Here’s a close look at the RØDE NT1 5th Gen to see if it deserves a spot in your recording arsenal.

Pros:

  • Dual-connectivity: The 5th Gen offers both XLR and USB-C connectivity, providing flexibility for various recording scenarios. You can connect it directly to a computer for simple recording or use it with a traditional audio interface for more control.
  • Studio-grade sound: The NT1 captures clear, detailed audio with a slight emphasis on the high-end. It’s well-suited for vocals, acoustic instruments, and even voice-over work.
  • Low self-noise: With an impressively low self-noise level, the NT1 ensures your recordings stay clean and free of unwanted hiss.
  • 32-bit float recording: This high-resolution recording format provides greater headroom and flexibility during editing and mixing, allowing you to capture a wider range of dynamics without clipping.
  • Improved digital features: The RØDE Connect software offers on-the-fly processing like a noise gate, compressor, and high-pass filter, useful for achieving a more polished sound directly from the microphone.

Cons:

  • Limited on-mic controls: While the digital features are handy, the microphone itself lacks physical controls for gain or polar pattern selection. These adjustments require using the RØDE Connect software or your recording interface.
  • Not ideal for high sound pressure levels: The NT1 can handle most vocals and acoustic instruments well, but it might not be the best choice for very loud sources like drums or guitar cabinets due to its lower SPL (Sound Pressure Level) rating.
  • Requires phantom power for XLR use: As a condenser microphone, the NT1 requires 48v phantom power from an audio interface or dedicated power supply to function.
  • USB mode lacks some features: While convenient, the USB mode offers a limited feature set compared to using the microphone with an XLR interface. For instance, you can’t use the Rode Connect software’s full processing capabilities in USB mode.

Overall:

The RØDE NT1 5th Gen builds upon the legacy of its predecessors by offering a versatile microphone with excellent sound quality and some valuable modern features. The dual-connectivity makes it suitable for both traditional studio setups and direct computer recording. The inclusion of 32-bit float recording and the RØDE Connect software with its digital processing options further expand its capabilities. However, the lack of on-mic controls and its lower SPL rating might make it less ideal for specific scenarios.