- Large 1 inch capsule with gold plated diaphragm
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Self Noise of only 5 dB (A)
- Ultra low noise, transformerless surface mount circuitry
- Wide dynamic range
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Product Description
From the Manufacturer
NT1-A Incredibly Quiet 1" Cardioid Condenser Microphone
NT1-A Key Features:
- Large 1” (25mm) capsule with gold plated diaphragm
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Self noise of only 5dB (A)
- Ultra low noise, transformerless surface mount circuitry
- Wide dynamic range
- Gold plated output contacts
- True condenser (externally biased) Internal capsule shock mounting
- Designed and manufactured in Australia
The RØDE NT1-A 1" cardioid condenser microphone has become an industry standard; delivering the warmth, extended dynamic range, clarity and high SPL capability typically only featured on some of the most expensive microphones.
With a self noise level of only 5dBA it is widely recognised as the world's quietest studio microphone. This low noise makes it ideal for vocal recording as well as voice overs and environmental recording.
Packaged in the 'Complete Vocal Recording Solution', the NT1-A includes everything you need to get a truly professional vocal recording and is ideal for home studio recording.
A studio grade pop shield and shock mount is included, along with a premium 20' microphone cable, dust cover, and an instructional DVD with recording tips.
The RØDE NT1-A large diaphragm 1" cardioid condenser microphone is covered by RØDE Microphones' industry leading 10 year warranty.
Specifications
Acoustic Principle: Pressure gradientFrequency Range: 20 Hz-20 kHz
Output Impedance: 100Ω
Output Connection: 3 pin XLR, balanced output between Pin 2 (+), Pin 3 (-) and Pin 1 (ground)
Net Weight: 326g
Directional Pattern: Cardioid
Sensitivity: -32 dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (25 mV @ 94dBSPL)+/-2dB@1kHz
Dimensions: Length - 190mm (7.480â€)
Diameter: - 50mm (1.968â€)
Shipping Weight: 780gm
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Product Description
The NT1A Anniversary Model is a complete redesign of the now legendary NT1 classic studio microphone. From the new nickel plated body to the state of the art surface mount electronic circuitry, the NT1A will leave you asking "how can RODE offer a microphone that sounds this good, for so little money"? The RØDE NT1A, Winner of the Electronic Musician 2004 Editor's Choice Award and the world's quietest studio condenser microphone. This redesigned version of RØDE's classic NT1 has only 5 dBA of self-noise. The NT1A Anniversary model includes a premium shockmount with integrated pop filter, high quality 6m (20’) XLR cable, microphone dust cover and even a bonus instructional DVD. Presented by RODE founder and company president, Peter Freedman, the NT1A Studio Secrets DVD features a range of tips and techniques to help NT1A owners get the most from their new microphone. The NT1A has become an industry standard providing the warmth, extended dynamic range, clarity and high SPL capability usually only found with some of the most expensive microphones. Finished in durable satin nickel, the NT1A is supplied with a shock mount, pop filter, mic cable and pouch.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
58 of 58 people found the following review helpful
By kinojay33
I'm a musician who is starting to move more into a producer role as well, and I needed a good vocal mic for the studio. Previously I was doing all of my vocals with a Shure SM57, which is a great mic but it is very directional and necessitates a lot of preamping, which tended to make it pretty noisy for picking up softer vocals.
I'd heard a lot of positive hype about the NT1A and claims of it being the "quietest mic in the market". I was very much surprised by the low-cost and comparisons to microphones in a much higher price range, so I picked one up figuring that if it didn't live up to the claims, I'd return it and buy a more expensive mic.
I didn't return it. And I don't ever see myself selling it either.
Quite simply, this mic is amazing. I plugged it in direct to Roland 24-track digital workstation and cranked the gain all the way to 10. Not even a touch of hiss. This never happened with my SM57, and I always attributed the hiss to weak preamps in the Roland. Guess not. The pickup on the NT1A is incredible, to the extent that I had to remove a small clock on the far wall because I could hear the second hand ticking. This wasn't audible to the naked human ear until you literally put your ear on the clock. I even had to add a couple throw rugs in the studio under the mic area because I could hear the carpet pad connecting with the cement floor. Amazing.
The mic sounds nice direct, but I typically run it through a good tube preamp and the sound is warm and pristine, with the only noise coming from the preamp. I've recorded everything from dreampop to industrial screaming and this mic handles it all.
Only complaint--with the exception of the XLR cable that came with it, I've had issues getting other cables to connect to the NT1A. The cables don't lock into the mic like they do on my other mics, and only a couple of occasions I lost connection briefly during a take. I'm guessing this is probably just a freak design flaw with mine, because I haven't heard this complaint from anyone else.
Regardless, incredible mic that that is worth every penny, and probably actually worth many tens of thousands of pennies more.
I'd heard a lot of positive hype about the NT1A and claims of it being the "quietest mic in the market". I was very much surprised by the low-cost and comparisons to microphones in a much higher price range, so I picked one up figuring that if it didn't live up to the claims, I'd return it and buy a more expensive mic.
I didn't return it. And I don't ever see myself selling it either.
Quite simply, this mic is amazing. I plugged it in direct to Roland 24-track digital workstation and cranked the gain all the way to 10. Not even a touch of hiss. This never happened with my SM57, and I always attributed the hiss to weak preamps in the Roland. Guess not. The pickup on the NT1A is incredible, to the extent that I had to remove a small clock on the far wall because I could hear the second hand ticking. This wasn't audible to the naked human ear until you literally put your ear on the clock. I even had to add a couple throw rugs in the studio under the mic area because I could hear the carpet pad connecting with the cement floor. Amazing.
The mic sounds nice direct, but I typically run it through a good tube preamp and the sound is warm and pristine, with the only noise coming from the preamp. I've recorded everything from dreampop to industrial screaming and this mic handles it all.
Only complaint--with the exception of the XLR cable that came with it, I've had issues getting other cables to connect to the NT1A. The cables don't lock into the mic like they do on my other mics, and only a couple of occasions I lost connection briefly during a take. I'm guessing this is probably just a freak design flaw with mine, because I haven't heard this complaint from anyone else.
Regardless, incredible mic that that is worth every penny, and probably actually worth many tens of thousands of pennies more.
41 of 44 people found the following review helpful
By R. Byrnes
Amazon Verified Purchase
This microphone exceeded my expectations. It sounds warm, clear, and crisp. For only $229, you can't possibly beat it. This microphone can compete well with microphones at a much higher price range. Ever since I got this mic, my hip hop vocals have skyrocketed in quality, because now the vocal quality is professional sounding. I don't even have to add EQ to the vocals I record with this bad boy (unless I was trying to make it sound a very specific way, but normally adding EQ to the vocals from this mic would be like selling yourself short...), all I need to do is add compression and a reverb, and it sounds really good. I tried rapping into this mic without the pop filter, and surprisingly, the plosives didn't show up as much as I thought they would. It will happen, no doubt, but I was just surprised at how much harder it is to get them to show up. You can scream into this mic, you can speak very softly, you can make your voice sound any way you wish, and it will pick it up pretty much exactly like you actually sound... except with an added smoothness and warmth (though, I would not say as warm as a good tube mic, like the Rode K2 or Rode NTK).
No, it doesn't allow you to utilize multiple polar patterns, it is strictly cardioid. That's why this microphone is best for vocals. I would say that would be one downfall of this mic. But geez, it only costs $229... how could you possibly go wrong? If you're starting up your own home studio, this is a must buy. Don't go with those cheap USB powered microphones... they're not good for vocals or anything except talking on skype and podcasting. The Rode NT1-A is an exceptional mic, and the value cannot be beaten.
You can register your microphone at the Rode website to get a 10 year warranty on it... for free. A free 10 year warranty on an awesome microphone, to protect your investment.
The pop filter it comes with is good. It has never allowed any plosives through. Before you even hook it up, you can test it by blowing through one side and putting your hand on the other. You will barely feel the air coming through. The shockmount ain't bad, it does the job.
Do not drop this mic, as condenser mics are very fragile. Also, they are very prone to moisture and dust. So make sure you have it set up in a relatively dry room. Always remember to put that dust cover over it when it's not in use.
If you are thinking about getting this mic... stop thinking about it, and get it! You will NOT be disappointed. You will be impressed.
If you're an amateur like me, and you are building a home studio... people will see this mic and KNOW you are getting serious about your music.
5+ out of 5 for value and quality.
Peace.
No, it doesn't allow you to utilize multiple polar patterns, it is strictly cardioid. That's why this microphone is best for vocals. I would say that would be one downfall of this mic. But geez, it only costs $229... how could you possibly go wrong? If you're starting up your own home studio, this is a must buy. Don't go with those cheap USB powered microphones... they're not good for vocals or anything except talking on skype and podcasting. The Rode NT1-A is an exceptional mic, and the value cannot be beaten.
You can register your microphone at the Rode website to get a 10 year warranty on it... for free. A free 10 year warranty on an awesome microphone, to protect your investment.
The pop filter it comes with is good. It has never allowed any plosives through. Before you even hook it up, you can test it by blowing through one side and putting your hand on the other. You will barely feel the air coming through. The shockmount ain't bad, it does the job.
Do not drop this mic, as condenser mics are very fragile. Also, they are very prone to moisture and dust. So make sure you have it set up in a relatively dry room. Always remember to put that dust cover over it when it's not in use.
If you are thinking about getting this mic... stop thinking about it, and get it! You will NOT be disappointed. You will be impressed.
If you're an amateur like me, and you are building a home studio... people will see this mic and KNOW you are getting serious about your music.
5+ out of 5 for value and quality.
Peace.
19 of 20 people found the following review helpful
I have had and used the NT1A for 3-4 years now. It is an extremely hot mic (meaning it picks up EVERYTHING...including the fly farting in the next county!). It is very transparent, which is a good thing for getting a very clean and true signal at your origin point. I find that it does very well for miking acoustic guitars and capturing the highs of the upper register without getting drowned out by the boominess of the lower strings. I have also had good luck miking electric bass cabinets and miked guitar amps. However, when it comes to vocals (which was my original intent for the mic), it is very good for some things, and not very good for others. As I said, the mic is very hot and may pick up much that you don't want, like a lot of room noise. I have found it good for more "in your ear" Roger Waters-type vocals where it is almost a speaking or narrative style of singing. However, it is not a warm mic at all, and can come out sounding rather sterile (but very clear) with some vocals. If you want a warm sound for your vocals, price-wise I would suggest something more in the line of an APEX 460 tube mic. Or, you might try running it through a separate preamp first and bumping the gain while compensating with the preamp level. This may give you unwanted hiss, but if you have a limiter you can maybe control that. Or, there are also engineers out there (you can find them on ebay, craigslist, or in the engineer forums) who will do modifications to bring this mic to its potential and seem to get good reviews (I have not done this myself, so I can't say for sure). I would recommend this mic (you can certainly do worse), even though I have not found it to be particularly deserving of its sterling reputation. Just understand what you want it for, and whether its strengths and limitations fit your needs.
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