When a microphone has been round for 30 years, it have to be doing one thing proper. The Rode NT1 is arguably the corporate’s flagship studio mic and origin story for the model’s identify. The mic was initially known as the Rodent1, shortened to Rode NT1 and the remainder is historical past. At the moment, the corporate is unveiling the fifth iteration and it comes with two key updates that ought to interest podcasters and vocalists alike. These could be 32-bit float recording and the addition of USB connectivity.
The inclusion of USB would possibly really feel like one thing that ought to have been there all alongside, however usually “professional” studio microphones are XLR solely, with USB being the reserve of desktop microphones. Instances are altering although and extra of us are searching for a traditional microphone however with out the necessity to use an audio interface. Now, with the NT1 you have got each. The USB connection is tucked away proper on the base of the present XLR port. It is a intelligent answer, however you’ll need a USB cable with pretty slim connections else it will not match.
With the brand new USB connectivity comes the choice for tailoring the sound of the mic. Often that half is offloaded to an interface or mixer, however now there’s an onboard DSP that enables you do apply issues like a noise gate or compressor to the mic instantly (by way of Rode’s Central or Connect apps). To not point out this makes the microphone way more moveable as you will not must deliver a separate, usually clunky interface together with you.
Rode
Simply the most important good thing about the MK5 (and that in-built DSP) is the introduction of 32-bit float recording. In a nutshell, 32-bit permits for an exponentially bigger dynamic vary than 16- and 24-bit (which is what most programs use). This implies you possibly can overlook about clipping (when audio is just too loud and distorts) as there’s sufficient headroom for nearly any sound that will be potential. Or, put one other approach, you possibly can successfully overlook about setting ranges protected within the information you possibly can modify them in put up with none audio loss.
What this implies for podcasters and vocalists is much less time worrying about ranges on the level of recording, understanding you possibly can set issues as you need in put up. In fact, good ranges on the level of recording is at all times adviseable if potential, however it at the very least means any sudden sounds will not spoil your take. It is also at the moment very uncommon to seek out 32-bit float on a microphone like this – usually you’d have to purchase a pro-level audio recorder in the event you wished this function.
At $259 the NT1 sits in an fascinating spot. Shure’s MV7 additionally provides XLR and USB connectivity and retails for $250 with out 32-bit float (it is also a dynamic mic which can be both a profit or a drawback relying in your wants). Sennheiser’s improbable MK 4 condensor usually runs for round $300 and does not supply USB connectivity. Equally, in the event you’re utilizing one thing like a Blue Yeti and on the lookout for an improve, the NT1 makes a compelling possibility.
The NT1 goes up for pre-order immediately.
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