Røde Microphones Introduces TF-5 Premium Matched Pair Condenser Cardioid Microphones

June 6 2019, 00:35

Røde Microphones introduced brand new TF-5 Premium Matched Pair Cardioid Microphones, designed in collaboration with legendary, Grammy Award-winning sound engineer Tony Faulkner. The TF-5 package includes the matched pair of microphones, stereo bar and all accessories needed for live sound or recording situations. According to the company, the TF-5 represents a new standard in small diaphragm condenser microphones, imagined and designed in collaboration with Tony Faulkner and manufactured at Røde’s state-of-the-art facility in Sydney.

"The TF-5 is unrivaled in terms of airiness and clarity, with a warmth that makes it uniquely versatile. The precision sonic matching and beautiful tone of the TF-5 makes it perfect for recording detailed and natural-sounding performances when used as a stereo pair, or for capturing the nuances of a soloist when used as a spot mic," Røde Microphones states.

The brand new Røde TF-5 capsule is precision-engineered to sub-micron tolerances to deliver absolute sonic transparency and exceptionally low noise floor of 14dB A-weighted, making it suitable for the most critical recordings. The TF-5 system includes a new high-quality Røde stereo bar for easy rigging as a stereo pair.

According to Røde, the externally biased condenser capsule is complemented with active electronics in the shape of a JFET impedance converter with bipolar output buffer, allowing to capture signals from 30 Hz to 20 kHz at ±3dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz at ±4dB), with a signal to noise ratio of 80 dB. The TF-5 captures SPL levels of 120 dB with 1% THD (1kHz @ 1% THD, 600Ω load) and features a sensitivity of -29 dB re.1 Volt/Pascal or better (35 mV @ 94dB SPL @ 1kHz) with a dynamic range of 112.6 dB (1kHz @ Max SPL).

“The TF-5 is the best small diaphragm condenser in the world, plain and simple,” says Røde Founder and Chairman Peter Freedman. “The degree of obsession that went into the design and development of this mic has set a new benchmark for our craft of high-end microphones. We are proud of what we have achieved alongside Tony Faulkner. He is a true pioneer and innovator, and also a great friend of mine. Working on this microphone together has been a highlight of my career.”

Tony Faulkner is one of the most respected sound engineers in the classical music field. He is incredibly prolific, with thousands of admired classical music recordings under his belt, and he has been nominated for numerous Grammy Awards, winning Best Instrumental Soloist Performance in 2005.

“The TF-5 is designed to be no-compromise,” says Mr. Faulkner, “very very low noise, very broad bandwidth, very clean. Something which can be modified if you choose, but if you leave it, it sounds natural and clean and musical.”

“The new capsule,” he continues, “is so beautifully engineered. I’ve been to the factory and seen how they make them - the precision of engineering is remarkable. These are special microphones, very high quality, and I’m proud to be a part of them. Take two of them out of the box, rig them on a stand with the stereo bar, and enjoy how natural they sound."