When a microphone has been round for 30 years, it should be doing one thing proper. The Rode NT1 is arguably the corporate’s flagship studio mic and origin story for the model’s title. The mic was initially known as the Rodent1, shortened to Rode NT1 and the remaining is historical past. At the moment, the corporate is unveiling the fifth iteration and it comes with two key updates that ought to curiosity podcasters and vocalists alike. These could be 32-bit float recording and the addition of USB connectivity.
The inclusion of USB may 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 people are searching for a traditional microphone however with out the necessity to use an audio interface. Now, with the NT1 you’ve got each. The USB connection is tucked away proper on the base of the prevailing XLR port. It is a intelligent answer, however you will have 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. Normally that half is offloaded to an interface or mixer, however now there’s an onboard DSP that permits you do apply issues like a noise gate or compressor to the mic immediately (through Rode’s Central or Join apps). To not point out this makes the microphone far more moveable as you will not have to deliver a separate, usually clunky interface together with you.
Rode
Simply the most important advantage of 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 may overlook about clipping (when audio is just too loud and distorts) as there’s sufficient headroom for nearly any sound that might be attainable. Or, put one other manner, you may successfully overlook about setting ranges protected within the data you may 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 may set issues as you need in put up. In fact, good ranges on the level of recording is all the time adviseable if attainable, but it surely a minimum of means any sudden sounds will not destroy your take. It is also at present very uncommon to seek out 32-bit float on a microphone like this – usually you’d have to purchase a pro-level audio recorder for those who wished this function.
At $259 the NT1 sits in an fascinating spot. Shure’s MV7 additionally presents XLR and USB connectivity and retails for $250 with out 32-bit float (it is also a dynamic mic which shall be both a profit or an obstacle relying in your wants). Sennheiser’s unbelievable MK 4 condensor usually runs for round $300 and would not provide USB connectivity. Equally, for those who’re utilizing one thing like a Blue Yeti and searching for an improve, the NT1 makes a compelling possibility.
The NT1 goes up for pre-order in the present day.
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