The Australian microphone manufacturer has done it again. First released in 1991, the NT1 was Røde's very first microphone. Since then, the NT1 has gone through multiple transformations, including the legendary NT1-A, the best-selling fourth generation black NT1, and most recently, the NT1 5th Generation. The NT1 Signature Series carries on the legacy of this iconic microphone, delivering the same quality and affordability that creators have come to expect from an NT1, with improved performance and a fresh aesthetic.
As if the Røde NT1 5th Generation - reviewed here by audioXpress - was not already competitive enough, the product managers at Røde's Sidney headquarters planned from a double whammy with this NT1 Signature Series. Knowing how countless content creators, streamers, gamers, and naturally home studios and projects studios rely already on a good quality microphone preamp, which basically defeats the incentive to use the USB interface (that is the next thing on their list, we are certain), they created an XLR-only model of the latest NT1 iteration. After all, this competitively priced microphone delivers classic studio sound for a wide range of applications, from vocal and instrument recording to voice overs, podcasting, streaming, etc.
The NT1 studio condenser microphone sold over 6 million units sold in its 30-year history, and can now claim to be the world’s most popular studio microphone. As the company explains, when they designed the Røde NT1 5th Generation they also achieved significant improvements in the new HF6 1-inch true condenser capsule and analog circuitry. The capsule is now precision engineered to sub-micron tolerances in Røde's unique facilities, achieving extremely low noise (4dBA), and higher SPL handling capabilities. This makes it a true studio workhorse that is able to handle from the loudest sounds to the most subtle whispers.
"When we designed the NT1 5th Generation, not only did we add revolutionary digital technology, but we also redesigned the analog circuitry to deliver improved performance, while retaining the classic NT1 sound that everyone loves," says Røde CEO Damien Wilson. "With the NT1 Signature Series, we wanted to offer creators this new-and-improved NT1 with the original pure-analog design of previous generations – plus the option to get one in your favorite color to match your own unique aesthetic!"
"The NT1 has been one of the best-selling mics in the world for over 30 years, and for good reason. Whether it’s your first microphone or your go-to studio workhorse, it offers the sound quality, specs and build quality that you would expect from a microphone several times its price. It’s a modern classic that everybody needs in their mic collection," he adds.
The NT1 Signature Series retails for $159 USD and is backed by Røde's industry-leading 10-year warranty. Each microphone also comes with a studio-grade shock mount, pop filter, and a premium XLR cable, making a very attractive package. Like any other condenser microphone, the NT1 requires a preamplifier channel with 48V phantom power.
www.rode.com
