RØDE’s NT1 is quite legendary in the podcasting community. It is Rode’s oldest product namesake and what kickstarted the brand 30 years ago. If you are into recording gear, the Rode NT1 can be likened to the Shure SM58 for podcasters. Unlike the Shure though, the Rode is a condenser.
The latest RØDE NT1 is in its fifth generation now and comes with a few upgrades that makes it a must have for studio works. While some might say that it is a podcasting or radio mic, it can be used for other things like vocal recording too. To some extremes, the condenser can be used to record musical instruments.
You want to use this mic for all sort of recording also because it is the first condenser in the world that offers 32-bit float digital output. That also means that the mic can pick up loud sounds without clipping. For the laymen, that means that you are not going to get any sort of distortion even if you go above the usual threshold that 24-bit recording allows. In production terms, that also means you can capture more nuances in your recordings.
Inside the condenser is RØDE’s precision engineered HF6 1-inch large-diaphragm gold-sputtered capsule to capture everything you can throw at it consistently. Because it is a condenser, it is rather sensitive too. In that case, the internal shock mounting should eliminate any unwanted noise or rattles in recording situations. At 4dBA, the RØDE NT1 is also the quietest studio condenser you can find in the world. That means you do not get too much hissing on the mic as you work with it. Alongside the 32-bit float digital output, the audio is recorded at 192KHz resolution, the highest digital resolution you can currently get for audio.
Within the Rode NT1, you can find the built-in DSP for APHEX audio processing. There is also a built-in compressor and noise gate to set certain a floor and ceiling for your recordings with the RØDE NT1. There is also a built-in two-step high-filter and Aural Exciter for even more fine tuning in your recordings.
For the first time ever for RØDE’s NT1 as well, it features both an XLR output alongside a USB output. They call it the Dual Connect output and both outputs exit from the bottom of the mic. This means that you could work with the regular mixer if you already spent on a digital interface. If it is your first NT1, you can save some money on the digital interface and plug it directly into your PC for your recordings. You can even get the NT1 to record at 32-bit float format when you plug it into your PC directly.
The 5th generation RØDE NT1 will be available in either black or silver colour options. It is available for pre-order in select regions. You can check with your local retailers if you want to get your hands on one. It will set you back US$ 249 (MYR 1,103*). As legendary condensers go, the asking price could be a reasonable one. More information on the RØDE NT1 5th generation can be found on their website.
*Approximately based on exchange rate of US$ 1 = MYR 4.43 as of 21/02/2023 on xe.com